The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has released guidance on Friday regarding summer workouts as the state continues the reopening process.
First and foremost, school district facilities cannot be opened for student participation until the region hits Phase 4.

The Mid-Hudson was scheduled to reach Phase 3 on Tuesday. It’s scheduled to reach Phase 4 on Tuesday, July 7.

The NYSPHSAA requires offseason programs to be optional and open to the entire student body, and the guidance from the state’s COVID-19 Task Force is planned to assist schools should they allow off-season conditioning workouts and on-campus programs.

According to a letter from Section IX Executive Director Greg Ransom, the Athletic Council encourages coaches to remain in virtual contact with their athletes and giving athletes individual workout plans to get in shape and prepare for the upcoming season is acceptable.

Coaches are not allowed to give workouts or conduct meetings that involve getting athletes together in a group setting.

The Task Force, which met for the first time last Wednesday, heard reports and updates from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, the New York State Education Department and the New York State Health Department pertaining to the COVID-19 crisis and the impact it has had upon education and the reopening of schools.
“Having representatives from these offices provide reports today was extremely beneficial to the work that the Task Force will do over the course of the next few months,” said NYSPHSAA President and Task Force Chair, Paul Harrica.
There can be no workouts unless the school district permits campus facilities be open to students and faculty and as long as the state’s recommended social distancing and safety protocols can be implemented in a safe and appropriate manner.

State, local or school district guidelines for cloth face coverings should be followed, but they may be considered optional during activity.

Sick staff, coaches and students are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick, are showing symptoms for or have tested positive for COVID-19. Anyone who had contact with an infected person should stay home and monitor their health.
Before a workout, schools are encouraged to screen coaches and students for COVID-19 symptoms. Everyone should wash hands properly and bring a full water bottle. They should not share water bottles.

During workouts, students should stay at least 6 feet away from others if possible and not share equipment. They also should avoid physical contact.

After the state recommends students wash hands thoroughly and not use the locker room or changing areas. They should also leave the facility as soon as possible once the workout is completed and shower at home, wearing proper attire to and from practice.

The COVID-19 Task Force will meet again at the end of June.

“Today’s meeting was our first step in addressing concerns and examining readily available information related to the COVID-19 crisis,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said. “We are all focused on providing student-athletes with the opportunity to participate this fall with guidance from the Department of Health and in accordance with Governor Cuomo’s restrictions.”

Ransom said in his letter saying when the region hits Phase 4, Section IX will follow the protocols established by the governor, and the NYSPHSAA.

“We all hope that this situation will end soon so we can get back to what we do best, teaching and coaching the student-athletes of all our districts,” Ransom said.
As of press time, the fall 2020 season is scheduled to begin on Aug. 24. If that changes, the NYSPHSAA will inform its member schools.