New York State Department of Health provided this response to NYSPHSAA question about student-athletes and masks during competition.
Can a student-athlete who is engaged in physical activity (indoors) have the ability to remove their face covering if they are not able to “tolerate” the face covering?
State Officials provided the following response:
“DOH’s guidance does make some accommodation for indoor sports where masking is not possible, but with the caveat that individuals must be distanced 6 feet apart, but otherwise participants must wear masks. Masking is not required for outdoor sports. Unlike some prior guidance, CDC’s most recent masking guidance does not make an exception for school sports/activities where masking may not be “tolerable” to a participant, unless the participant has an ADA recognized disability. In fact, the CDC guidance recommends masking for activities in the same manner as for regular classroom/in school.
Therefore, if individuals are participating in indoor sports and it is not possible for them to wear masks, they must maintain at least 6 feet physical distancing at all times when unmasked. If it is not possible for them to wear masks and not possible to maintain 6 foot distancing at all times, then that individual should not participate in the event. Obviously keep in mind that the CDC currently recommends that high risk-sports in areas with high community spread should not occur unless all participants are fully vaccinated. That is not currently a state requirement, but since CDC recommends canceling these events, taking an abundance of caution so that they can occur is preferred.”
NYSPHSAA Memo on Mask Toleration (9/22/2021)
New York State Department of Health provided this response to NYSPHSAA question about interscholastic sports officials, judges, umpires, etc. who work as independent contractors in P-12 school districts.
“Teachers and Staff. This determination applies to all P-12 (public or non-public) school district faculty or staff, including all teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, school administrators, paraprofessional staff, and support staff, including bus drivers. This determination also applies to contractors working in a P-12 school (public or non- public) or school district setting, including contracted bus drivers.”…
“Testing Requirement for teachers and staff: P-12 schools are required to ensure teachers and staff, as outlined above, have testing performed for COVID-19 at least once per week when a school is in a geographic area identified by the CDC as having low, moderate, substantial, or high transmission rates. Teachers and staff may be permitted to opt-out of mandatory weekly screening testing if they provide documentation of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as set forth in 10 NYCRR 2.62. Teachers and staff who work at multiple schools do not need to receive multiple tests; they may use one weekly test result to demonstrate to any number of schools where they work that they have fulfilled this requirement.”
NYSPHSAA Memo on Testing for Contractors (9/22/2021)
2021-2022 NYSPHSAA Championship Protocol
Originally September 8, 2021
Revised January 20, 2022
At this time, NYSPHSAA plans to host all State Championship events as scheduled. The following protocol will be published in all Championship Operation Packets and utilized for 2021-2022 NYSPHSAA Regional and State Championship events if a participating member school is notified of a confirmed positive COVID-19 case impacting a member of their team (i.e., players, coaches, managers, etc.) during post season play. Championship Operation Packets are released approximately one month prior to the State Championship.
To see the complete protocol document please use the link below
2021-22 Championship Protocol PDF
Questions about a NYSPHSAA Championship? Visit our FAQ page for all the important info you will need before attending.
-On June 15th state officials lifted COVID-19 restrictions impacting youth & recreation sports, which includes interscholastic athletics. Please reference local Department of Health guidelines or CDC guidance for specific questions.