In a series of tweets this week, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said he was preparing for guidance from Gov. Cuomo regarding fall sports.

On Wednesday he said, “Governor Cuomo just stated guidance on high school sports to come out next week. Looking forward to continuing our discussions to ensure student athlete safety is paramount.”

On Thursday he added, “Preparing for guidance from @NYGovCuomo, @NYSPHSAA will utilize the following timeline once guidance is released: 1) within 24 hrs, Section Directors & Officers will meet, 2) within 48 hrs, COVID Task Force will meet, 3) within 72 hrs, Officers will make a decision “IF” needed.”

In an email to Section directors he also wrote, “As soon as the guidance is released, there will be a desire for immediate answers; utilizing a defined plan in advance, will help us to make decisions and provide recommendations that are beneficial for all student-athletes, schools and Sections.”

Section XI  will post more info once it becomes available.

Kings Park announced its Athletic Hall of Fame class last week for 2020.

The induction ceremony date is still not settled, but may take place in the winter or next spring.

• President – Scott Schuster, Longwood
• Past President – John Valente, Harborfields
• 1st Vice President – Kathy Masterson, Westhampton
• 2nd Vice President – Ryan Cox, Pat Med
• NYSPHSAA male representative – Todd Gulluscio, Shelter Island
• NYSPHSAA female representative – Deb Ferry, HHH
• Superintendent Representative – Jim Polansky, Huntington
• Superintendent Representative – Tim Eagen, Kings Park
• Superintendent Representative – Mike Radday, Westhampton
• Asst. Superintendent Representative – Patti Trombetta, Sachem
• NYSPHSAA Executive Board – Tim Mullins, Bayport/ Blue Point
• At large Representative – Ed Thompson
• At large Representatives – Erin Blaney
• Consultant – Nick DeCiles
• Counsel – Kevin Seamen
• Treasurer – Larry Light

The NFHS SMAC would like to provide you with the following updates as each state association continues to face new challenges on a daily basis.

Recognizing that uncertainty has been the only constant over the past five months, the information provided below is subject to change.

Please read the following note from NYSPHSAA Executive Director, Dr. Robert Zayas:

Southampton coach Brian Tenety has made a commitment to Special Olympics student-athletes.

His impact has been felt in his school community and beyond and was highlighted by SpecialOlympics.org.

CLICK to read full story!

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its annual summer meeting of the Central Committee on July 29 via video teleconference. The primary focus of the meeting is to vote on proposals and introduce discussion items pertaining to interscholastic athletics.

The Central Committee approved the expansion of the NYSPHSAA Coaches and Officials Appreciation Days to three times per year to include all three sport seasons (page 59 of the agenda). The Albany Capital Center was approved to host the Boys Volleyball Championships from 2021-23 and the Cool Insuring Arena to host the Girls Volleyball Championships from 2021-23.

The Committee approved utilizing 13 weight classes in the sport or wrestling as a two-year pilot beginning in the 2020-21 school year. The sport of field hockey had a proposal approved to allow the game clock to run when a five-goal differential is reached. A waiver for the nights rest rule and maximum number of contests for JV football players was approved (page 78-80 of the agenda). New baseball pitch count restrictions were approved for the 2021 season (page 113-14 of the agenda).

The sport of boys ice hockey received approval to adopt 17-minute periods with adjusted penalty times beginning in the 2020-21 season. Boys ice hockey was also granted approval to use a two-referee, one lineman officiating system in all regional and state final four games. In the sport of indoor track and field, only one relay team per school will be allowed at the State Championships.

Section X was awarded the Stay in the Game trophy for having the highest percentage of schools (75%) to not have any disqualifications by a player or coach at any level the 2019-20 school year.

The complete Central Committee agenda can be found here.

The meeting concluded with the passing of the gavel from outgoing NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica (Section X) to incoming President Julie Bergman (Section IV). Harrica now transitions to the role of Past President for two years and Tim Mullins (Section XI) officially joins the NYSPHSAA officers as the second vice president. We would like to thank Past President Jim Osborne (Section IX) for his eight years of service as a NYSPHSAA officer. The 2021 Central Committee meeting will take place July 27-28, 2021 at the World Resort Catskills in Monticello.