Low and Moderate Risk Winter Sports Postponed, High Risk Sports in Question
Winter sports dates are changing left and right. When are sports allowed to start up again?
As we all know, a lot has been changing in WNY as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise. As these numbers go up, decisions on our section VI sports change.
Following the November 20th decision by the Sweet Home Athletic Department to postpone all sports to January 4th, roughly a week later Section Vl postponed the start date for low and moderate risk sports to January 4th of 2021 for all districts in WNY. These low and moderate winter sports include boys and girls bowling, rifle, indoor track, boys swim, and skiing. Section Vl president Brett Banker stated in a press release “It’s clear to all of us on the committee that pausing at this time is the most responsible act we can take.”
As for high risk sports, the New York State Public High School Athletics Association (NYSPHAA) has announced that all high risk sports will be postponed until authorization is granted by state officials. NYSPHAA stated that “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.” These high-risk sports being postponed include basketball, boys lacrosse, competitive cheerleading, football, ice hockey, volleyball, and wrestling.
NYSPHAA also made the decision to cancel all 2021 Winter State Championships. “The cancellation of the Winter State Championships addresses membership concerns associated with increased travel, hotel accommodations, transportation logistics, and the planning for meals.”
As more information becomes available we will continue to update this story.
Lauren is a senior this year at Sweet Home High School and enjoys writing about many different genres! Outside of the school she enjoys hanging with friends and playing volleyball. This is her third year of the Panther Eye and she’s very excited to be apart of the team!