Saratoga Springs, NY—The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its spring Executive Committee meeting at the Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs. The committee voted on numerous items, including sport rules and Championship Advisory Committee (CAC) proposals, and introduced new proposals for consideration.
Section VI brought forward a motion to table the 3-Region Concept for Regional Rotations for Fall 2025, which was scheduled to be voted on today. The tabled motion was approved 14-8 to be moved to July for a vote, effectively delaying implementation until Fall 2026.
Adam Stoltman, NYSPHSAA Vice President and Chair of the Budget/Audit Committee, introduced several proposals from that committee, including ticket increases for all state championship events. The proposals include an increase from $12 to $14 for Girls & Boys Wrestling and Football State Championships. Additionally, a $10.50 to $12 increase for all other sports. Both proposals will be voted on during the Central Committee meeting in July. Stoltman, also Chair of the Schools Without Boundaries Committee, reported on three separate concepts and determined that a proposal will be discussed further during the Central Committee Meeting.
Dr. Carlos Cotto, Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, provided a report on the committee’s most recent meeting. He also proposed to amend the Constitution to address representation on the Executive Committee, Central Committee, Sport Committees, Standing Committees, and Ad Hoc Committees. While no motion was made to adopt the proposed constitutional changes, a motion was passed directing the DEI Committee to explore alternative strategies for enhancing participation and representation across the aforementioned committees.
Greg Ransom, Chair of the CAC, presented a proposal on behalf of the committee for a three-night rest rule for all regional competitions for all team sports. The proposal and an amendment for a two-night rest rule were defeated. Sections can continue to use current practices for regional scheduling.
Numerous sports coordinators presented proposals for discussion or vote on behalf of their committees. Among the action items, the outdoor track was approved to reduce the number of relays from 8 to 6 starting at the 2025 state tournament. Eight-man football was agreed to hold its Regional Championship at the site of the NYSPHSAA 11-Man West State Semifinals.
In the spring, a baseball proposal to allow for scrimmages within 7-10 days of practices (with a specific pitch count) was approved. Additionally, the Executive Committee approved a waiver for the seven-day rule for spring 2025 only, allowing teams to play seven consecutive days. This was a weather-related action for this spring. Another action made in regard to weather-related issues, during sectional concerns, Section V requested a waiver to the Seven-Day Rule. A motion was made and carried by the Executive Committee.
General action items approved by the Executive Committee included all Fall sports to start two weeks before Labor Day and Football to begin on the Monday of Week #7. It is also set in motion for the Spring Sports season to start on the second Monday of March.
The Executive Committee unanimously approved Valley Gymnastics in Utica (Section III) as the host of the 2026 Gymnastics State Championships and Cold Spring Harbor High School of Section VIII as the host of the 2027 and 2029 championships.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
