The New York State Public High School Athletic Association last Wednesday canceled the upcoming spring championships, citing concerns from the 11 sections and member schools.
“Certainly, a difficult situation,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said. “However, at this time, our focus must be on maximum participation of students. Making this announcement now provides schools and sections with flexibility to appropriately plan and schedule the remaining seasons of the 2020-21 school year.”
The COVID-19 pandemic had already caused the cancellation of the fall and winter state championships. When high-risk fall sports football and volleyball were postponed to March and April, the NYSPHSAA postponed the start of the springs season to April 19. The spring season isn’t scheduled to begin until May 1.
The state boys’ and girls’ golf and boys’ tennis championships would have been between June 3 and 7 with baseball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, softball and spring track taking place between June 9 and 12.
As of last Wednesday, the final games of the regular season were scheduled for May 19, leaving two weeks for sectional play.

Section 9 Executive Director Greg Ransom said how far the season could possibly be extended depends on whether the Board of Regents cancels the June Regents Exams.
He said at this point, people want to let the kids play for as long as they can.
“If the Board of Regents cancels the exams, then we’re going to get to play a little later into June since we’re getting such a late start,” Ransom said.
There also were concerns about hotels and spectators and having a lot of athletes in an enclosed space. Middletown High School was scheduled to host the state track and field championships.
“Is Middletown going to let several thousand athletes and spectators come onto the campus for the state championships?” Ransom said. “I’m not sure we’re there yet.”