The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced that all 2021 Winter State Championships are canceled and all high-risk sports are postponed until authorization is granted by state officials.
“When examining the feasibility of Winter State Championships, it became apparent that travel and overnight accommodations would create a unique challenge for our member schools,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.”
The association’s decision to postpone all high-risk sports until authorization is granted was reinforced by the increase in infection and hospitalization rates across the state, according to a NYSPHSAA press release.
The New York State Department of Health has determined the following sports to be high-risk and therefore postponed:
- Basketball
- Boys lacrosse
- Competitive cheerleading
- Football
- Ice hockey
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
At this time, low- and moderate-risk regular season sports continue to be permitted, and the 2021 NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships remain scheduled.
The following start dates are planned for the following sports at this time:
Dec. 14, 2020
- Bowling
- Boys Swimming and Diving
March 1, 2021
- Girls Swimming and Diving
April 19, 2021
- Baseball
- Girls Golf
- Boys Tennis
- Girls Lacrosse
- Softball
- Track & Field