The NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force will meet for the first time on Wednesday, June 10.

“We need to continue to examine information and be patient,” said NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas. “With so much that is still unknown and nearly three months before the start of school, there are a lot of possibilities and scenarios to explore. Stay safe and stay positive.”

Dr. Zayas also posted a survey to Twitter that the NYSPHSAA conducted, polling nearly 6,000 superintendents, principals, athletic directors and coaches about COVID-19 and their expectations to resume scholastic sports this fall.

“Great data to help guide the COVID-19 Task Force,” he tweeted. “Gathering a statewide perspective is important.”

All survey data is available here.

Section XI’s leadership team will be meeting in the next week to discuss the formation of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“We must listen and take action,” said Tom Combs, Executive Director of Section XI. “Our children deserve better. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Section XI will be part of the solution as we constructively combat racism and hate.”

Section XI will share more information about the new committee and constructive plans moving forward.

Section XI has three coaches who are being recognized by the National Federation of High School Sports as Coaches of the Year in their respective sports.

The three are:

• Ron Eden, Brentwood soccer
• Mike Bowler, Rocky Point lacrosse
• Scott Wallace, Harborfields soccer

So many teams and programs have missed their winter and spring sports award ceremonies due to the pandemic, but that did not stop some from giving out hardware on front lawns.

This is Central Islip girls basketball celebrating their season, including Coach Venturi with his 100-win plaque.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association held its quarterly meeting of its Executive Committee via video teleconference for the first time in the history of the Association. The Committee voted on several key proposals important to the Association’s 788-member schools.

The Executive Committee unanimously approved a football proposal effective fall 2020.  With section approval, a contestant or team, may participate in no more than ten interschool football contests, exclusive of sectional championships.  The committee also approved advancing the regional rotations from 2020 to 2021 for the sports of boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, and girls lacrosse. for the winter of 2021 and spring of 2021.

Championship sites were approved for the sports of boys soccer (Middletown High School, 2021-23), gymnastics (Kenmore High School, 2022-24), boys and girls bowling (AMF Strike ‘N Spare Lanes-Syracuse, 2012-23).  As a result of the cancellation of numerous state championships due to COVID-19, a one-year extension was approved to grant the Cool Insuring Arena (boys basketball) and Hudson Valley Community College (girls basketball) to host NYSPHSAA winter state championships through 2023.  A one-year extension was approved to additionally grant Binghamton (baseball through 2022), Mark Twain Golf Course (boys golf through 2023), SUNY Cortland (girls lacrosse through 2023), Hofstra University (boys lacrosse through 2023), Moriches Athletic Complex (softball through 2023) and Cicero North Syracuse High School (outdoor track & field moved to 2024) to host NYSPHSAA spring state championships.

Bayport-Blue Point Athletic Director Tim Mullins was also approved as an incoming NYSPHSAA officer. He will begin serving his term as second Vice President of NYSPHSAA on September 1, 2020.

To those who made the ultimate sacrifice we will always remember. To those who continue to protect our freedom we are grateful. We remember and honor. #USA

The first NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force meeting will be held on June 10, according to Dr. Robert Zayas, Executive Director of the NYSPHSAA.

We will keep you updated with news information that comes from the task force meetings.

The first mtg of the @NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force will be held on June 10th. The Task Force will examine guidance from @NFHS_Org & @CDCgov, while also focusing attention on engaging students, promoting safety & maximizing participation opportunities during the 2020-21 school yr.

— Dr. Robert Zayas (@RobertZayasNY) May 21, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic presents state high school associations with a myriad of challenges. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) offers this document as guidance on how state associations can consider approaching the many components of “opening up” high school athletics and activities across the United States.

The NFHS SMAC believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of high school students across the nation to return to physical activity and athletic competition. The NFHS SMAC recognizes that it is likely that ALL students will not be able to return to – and sustain – athletic activity at the same time in all schools, regions and states. There will also likely be variation in what sports and activities are allowed to be played and held. While we would typically have reservations regarding such inequities, the NFHS SMAC endorses the idea of returning students to school-based athletics and activities in any and all situations where it can be done safely.

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