New York and Pennsylvania have adjusted their winter schedules to combat the spread of COVID-19, each state high school sports governing body announced Friday.
For the second straight year, the New York Public High School Athletic Association canceled its winter state championship events. In March, the NYPHSAA was forced to cancel championships in boys and girls basketball, indoor track and ice hockey in the middle of competition.
According to
lohud.com, the start of the 2020-21 winter regular season has been delayed to Jan. 4 at the earliest. Friday's decision only affects the postseason.
"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 Dr. Robert Zayas said in a statement. "At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events."
The postseason cancellation affects nine sports, including basketball. However, basketball, competitive cheerleading, ice hockey and wrestling have been deemed high risk sports by the New York State Department of Health and not eligible to compete in the regular season as of now. Other high risk sports football and volleyball are scheduled to start in March.
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that high school sports will be paused from Saturday, Dec. 12 to Jan. 4, 2021 in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
On Friday, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association released a statement that in part read: "Hopefully, this temporary suspension will assist in flattening the curve and reducing the number of cases statewide. We all collectively must be diligent in following mitigation efforts in order for a successful return to the season."
