The Governor just announced that schools will remained closed until April 15. Therefore spring sports will remain suspended until that time.

Once again no practice of any kind is permitted during this time. If we do go back to school we are committed to having an abbreviated spring season for our student athletes. Thank you for your continued cooperation. Stay safe!

“Section XI student-athletes, you are leaders in every category,” said Section XI Executive Director, Tom Combs. “This should be no exception. Find a place to workout hard in a safe manner, following the rules set to keep everyone safe. We are very proud of all of you!”

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association announces the cancellation of the remaining winter state championship events.  The impacted championship events include the boys and girls basketball regionals and state championships, as well as the ice hockey and bowling championships.  Plans are being developed to honor and formally recognize the students and teams who qualified to participate in these championship events.

“It is with great disappointment that we make the decision to cancel the remaining winter championship events,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “Our association’s focus is to benefit students through participation in interscholastic athletics and unfortunately this rapidly developing situation has prevented our association from providing a quality championship experience.  We certainly sympathize for the students who are being impacted by this crisis but at this time they deserve honesty from the leadership of our association.”

Factors that played a role in this decision include but are not limited to: the evolving COVID-19 public threat, CDC mass gathering recommendations, Governor Cuomo’s declaration of a state emergency, President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency, input from the 11 Sections and extended school closures.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions the Officers of the NYSPHSAA have ever had to make,” said Paul Harrica, President of NYSPHSAA.  “It has been determined it is not feasible for the Winter State Championships to be hosted in a safe and beneficial manner for the participating student-athletes and their teams in the near future.  The health and safety of the students we serve will always be our top priority.”

With school districts closed for an extended period of time, Sections and schools are individually determining the Spring sport start dates and practice parameters that best meet the needs of the students they represent.

The status of the NYSPHSAA Spring State Championships will be determined on or prior to Monday, April 27.

FYI: The SECTION XI staff is mostly working remotely with sporadic office visits for the time being.

We are always available via office phone, cell phone and email to answer questions or help in any way.

In following with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s directive, putting the safety and well being of all, Section XI schools will not conduct practice for the next two weeks.

This will be evaluated on an ongoing basis.

Please be diligent in practicing all safety measures. Stay safe.

As the coronavirus progresses, in an effort to be prudent, Section XI will suspend all games and scrimmages until April 3.  As that date approaches ,we will reassess the situation utilizing updated information.

Each individual district can still make their own decision if they wish to conduct practices, however,  Section will not be allowing any games, scrimmages or combined practices to take place until after April 3.

The NYSPHSAA winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.  It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing, however the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment.

The impacted events include the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball Regional and State Championships.

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said “It was my goal to complete the winter championships on schedule.  It has become increasingly more difficult to host these championship events with the number of challenges that have been presented.  I also have concerns as the Executive Director of NYSPHSAA and a parent, that students will be participating in an event under circumstances that are not conducive to a quality and beneficial participation experience.”

As information becomes available NYSPHSAA will provide updates.