Second season in a row with no state tournament
The association that governs high school sports in New York announced on Friday (Dec. 11) that there will be no regional or state tournament for winter sports for the second year in a row because of the pandemic, although sectional competition may take place.
The spring tournaments were canceled for boys’ and girls’ basketball, which affects both Haldane and Beacon high schools, as well as ice hockey at Haldane (where students play on the Hendrick Hudson team), indoor track at Haldane and Beacon, and bowling, boys’ swimming and wrestling at Beacon.
“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,” said Robert Zayas, executive director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, in a statement. “At this time, we must prioritize maximizing student participation without a focus on championship events.”
The NYSPHSAA said its decision was guided by the recent surge in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the state.
The association is waiting for guidance from the state about whether contact sports such as basketball and wrestling can begin on Jan. 4, as scheduled. The fall season for football, boys’ lacrosse and volleyball, also considered by the state health department to be high-risk, was delayed until at least March.
If winter sports take place, there may be sectional competitions such as those held last month for soccer and cross country.
