The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its annual summer meeting of the Central Committee on July 29 via video teleconference. The primary focus of the meeting is to vote on proposals and introduce discussion items pertaining to interscholastic athletics.

The Central Committee approved the expansion of the NYSPHSAA Coaches and Officials Appreciation Days to three times per year to include all three sport seasons (page 59 of the agenda). The Albany Capital Center was approved to host the Boys Volleyball Championships from 2021-23 and the Cool Insuring Arena to host the Girls Volleyball Championships from 2021-23.

The Committee approved utilizing 13 weight classes in the sport or wrestling as a two-year pilot beginning in the 2020-21 school year. The sport of field hockey had a proposal approved to allow the game clock to run when a five-goal differential is reached. A waiver for the nights rest rule and maximum number of contests for JV football players was approved (page 78-80 of the agenda). New baseball pitch count restrictions were approved for the 2021 season (page 113-14 of the agenda).

The sport of boys ice hockey received approval to adopt 17-minute periods with adjusted penalty times beginning in the 2020-21 season. Boys ice hockey was also granted approval to use a two-referee, one lineman officiating system in all regional and state final four games. In the sport of indoor track and field, only one relay team per school will be allowed at the State Championships.

Section X was awarded the Stay in the Game trophy for having the highest percentage of schools (75%) to not have any disqualifications by a player or coach at any level the 2019-20 school year.

The complete Central Committee agenda can be found here.

The meeting concluded with the passing of the gavel from outgoing NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica (Section X) to incoming President Julie Bergman (Section IV). Harrica now transitions to the role of Past President for two years and Tim Mullins (Section XI) officially joins the NYSPHSAA officers as the second vice president. We would like to thank Past President Jim Osborne (Section IX) for his eight years of service as a NYSPHSAA officer. The 2021 Central Committee meeting will take place July 27-28, 2021 at the World Resort Catskills in Monticello.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the members of the 2020-21 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This year, 11 new members will join the SAAC, teaming with the 11 returning members who served as juniors last year. The SAAC is comprised of two student-athlete representatives from each of the 11 sections in New York State.

This year’s representatives from Section XI are Carlie Cutinella from Shoreham-Wading River and Benjamin Glazebnik from Half Hollow Hills East.

During the 2019-20 school year, the committee continued to promote the NYSPHSAA Mental Health Awareness Week and focused additional efforts on student-athletes mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SAAC also provided input in the expansion of NYSPHSAA Coaches Appreciation Day and Officials Appreciation Day. Members also presented a statement against teen vaping to the NYSPHSAA Safety Committee which will be discussed further this fall.  This year the committee will continue to promote the mental health initiative. In addition, the SAAC will continue to provide feedback on Executive and Central Committee proposals.  A total of 95 student-athletes applied to be members of this year’s SAAC.

“It’s always exciting to welcome the new members and the returning members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee”, said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Hearing from students directly about issues they face and using their input to try and help bridge the gap between students and adults is key to our associations growth. We congratulate the members of the SAAC on their selection to this committee and look forward to their ideas and contributions during the upcoming school year.”

The SAAC will meet four times via videoconference during the school year. The first meeting will take place Sunday, September 20.

The @NYSPHSAA posted student-athlete “takeaways” about this past season, featuring some from Section XI.

Read more!

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2019-20 Scholar-Athlete School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners.

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor.

This year, 56 schools earned the School of Distinction Award and 140 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.  An additional 21 schools received the School of Distinction Award and 13 more received the School of Excellence Award compared to 2018-19 school year. Many schools are from Section XI.

“We are excited once again to see the numbers of schools honored increase and it is a true testament to the kind of student-athletes we were have here in New York State,” said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We continue to be proud of this program which highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics. The fact that so many student-athletes thrived in the face of a pandemic this past winter is truly remarkable.”

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status by having 100% of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award. For the 2019-20 school year the School of Distinction and School of Excellence winners were based on fall 2019 and winter 2020 Scholar-Athlete submissions because the spring 2020 program was cancelled.

Section XI Schools of Excellence

Note: number on right designates the number of teams at school

Section XI Schools of Distinction

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce Center Moriches High School as its winner of the 2019-20 Sportsmanship Promotion program.

The award is presented to schools who have developed proactive approaches in keeping sportsmanship in the forefront with their students, coaches, spectators, and communities. A total of 348 schools submitted the Sportsmanship Promotion Survey to the NYSPHSAA from that, 48 schools were chosen by their Sections as plaque winners.

All the winning schools display Stay in the Game banners in their facilities, a school representative greets visiting teams upon their arrival for home game. In addition, the schools honor visiting seniors on the home teams senior night and thank officials at the end of all games.

For the second time in school history (2011-12), Center Moriches High School has won a Sportsmanship Promotion Banner. Center Moriches preaches proactive education with reactive consequences when needed. The school produces its own public service announcements from the broadcasting classes to highlight concepts, students, and teams. The Athletic Department also gives sportsmanship awards to at least one member of each JV and Varsity team who exemplifies sportsmanship

“Center Moriches is honored to be selected as a NYSPHSAA banner award winner,” said Jeremy Thode, Center Moriches Athletic Director. “We view sportsmanship promotion not only as a priority for competition but also as a vehicle for a much larger initiative. Center Moriches is embracing the acceptance and celebration of all individuals in our district. We are committed to be on the forefront of diversity and inclusivity education as part of our comprehensive plan for our entire school community.”

The Officers of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), voted to delay the official start date of the Fall 2020 sports season, cancel the Fall 2020 Regional and State Championships and prepare to implement a condensed season schedule in January 2021 if high school sports remain prohibited throughout 2020 due to COVID-19.

This decision comes at the recommendation of the NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force when they convened as a working group for the third time this morning.

“As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on August 24th as originally scheduled,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA President. “The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible.”

The NYSPHSAA Officers’ decision includes:

• Delay Fall sports start date until Monday, September 21st (NYSPHSAA PAUSE)
• Cancel Fall Regional and State Championship events
• Waive seven-day practice rule
• Maintain current practice requirements
• Encourage geographic scheduling for games & contests
• Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer off-season conditioning workouts.

“We recognize this is challenging for everyone, but the decisions made at the State level are based upon data and statewide infection rates all in an effort to stop the spread of COVID and reopen responsibly,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “At this time, Department of Health guidance presented on July 13th prohibits interscholastic athletics across the state. The Association will continue to follow state guidance and will work collectively with State officials to ensure high school athletics will start up responsibly in the future. As an association, we must be willing to be flexible and continue to explore all options with students’ safety as our main focus.”

With regional differences, schools and areas will be impacted differently by the COVID-19 crisis. At the discretion of the NYSPHSAA Officers and authorization from state officials, if the Fall sports seasons are interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance, school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports, etc.) then a condensed seasons plan will be implemented. The Condensed Season plan would entail the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.

Season I (Winter Sports) Dates: Jan. 4-Mar. 13 (Week 27-36) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates Sports: basketball (girls & boys), bowling (girls & boys), gymnastics, ice hockey (girls & boys), indoor track & field (girls & boys), skiing (girls & boys), swimming (boys), *wrestling, *competitive cheer.

*Because of high risk nature of wrestling and competitive cheer, sports may have to be moved to Season II or season III.

Season II (Fall Sports) Dates: Mar. 1-May 8 (Week 35-44) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates Sports: football, cross country (girls & boys), field hockey, soccer (girls & boys), swimming (girls), volleyball (girls & boys), Unified bowling.

Note: Weather will have an impact upon outdoor sports in some parts of the state in March and potentially early April. Girls Tennis moved to Season III.

Season III (Spring Sports) Dates: Apr. 5-Jun. 12 (Week 40-49) 10 Weeks *Note: tentative dates Sports: baseball, softball, golf (girls & boys), lacrosse (girls & boys), tennis (girls & boys), outdoor track & field (girls & boys), Unified basketball.

The NYSPHSAA Officers have the ability to adjust seasons with the authority granted within the NYSPHSAA Constitution which states: “Article IV, 2: A committee of officers in consultation with the staff shall have the authority to act on all matters not provided for in this constitution and bylaws, and on such emergency business as may arise between regular meetings of the Executive Committee.”

In an effort to assist schools in complying with recently released NYSDOH guidance, the NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force is supportive of the use of the ezSCRN application. The ezSCRN application provides a unique online tool for schools to utilize if screening is part of their reopening plan as it complies with New York state and national restrictions and guidelines (i.e. Ed 2D Law, etc.). The EzScrn application allows a school or team to easily screen, trace and track students/ staff and immediately notify school administrators and health care officials of anyone exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.

A full report, including meeting minutes, will be released later this week.

Section XI is sad to learn about the passing of longtime Bay Shore coach John Pfeffer. He died last week at 72.

Pfeffer coached multiple sports in Bay Shore for 44 years. The boys gymnastics teams were 203-60 and won two state titles over 23 years. He also coached middle school wrestling for 25 years. Those teams were 145-44. Along with his wife Allison, he coached girls lacrosse for 23 years and had a record of 310-104-7.

Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

A special moment later in the school year.

Brentwood soccer received their state title rings while social distancing.