Feb. 3 Update
The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Board of Education approved girls and boys varsity basketball during a Feb. 1 special meeting. The district’s health and safety plan for basketball has been approved by district medical director Dr. Glenn, and has been submitted to the Montgomery County Public Health Department.
The board’s decision follows announcements by state and Montgomery County officials that “higher risk” sports could begin this month. Montgomery County has approved inter-county basketball scrimmages and games.
In addition to athletics, FFCS has also submitted health and safety plans to the county public health department for the performing arts. More information about the performing arts will be announced as it becomes available.
Jan. 29 update
Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort, in conjunction with Public Health Director Sara Boerenko, today released information on the winter athletic season pertaining to high-risk sports. The county has approved the Feb. 1 start date for girls and boys basketball and competitive cheerleading, pending individual school district approval.
The county’s decision follows Gov. Cuomo’s Jan. 22 announcement that “higher risk” sports can resume Feb. 1 if allowed by local health departments.
The Board of Education will be reviewing the district health and safety plans and procedures for these sports and will meet at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, to make a decision on the district’s participation. To access the live stream, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/FFCSDBraves/featured.
According to Ossenfort, the sport of wrestling will be reevaluated for a possible start date when the rolling 7-day average is at 4% or below in Montgomery County. (View the state’s 7-day rolling average positivity rate dashboard.)
Any sport and team that does participate in the winter season must follow all district, county, and state regulations and guidelines. Each district will submit those guidelines to coaches, players and parents/guardians.
In addition, the county and both the Foothills and Western Athletic Conferences have determined that spectators will not be allowed at games and scrimmages, but the district is exploring options to live stream competitions.
Today’s decision by Montgomery County applies to scrimmages and games within the county only. Upon the rolling 7-day average COVID positivity rate falling below 4% or less, Montgomery County teams will be able to play games with other county schools that have approved play.
The county executive will discuss high-risk winter sports in further detail and answer public questions during Montgomery County’s Facebook Live briefing at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1.
Jan. 27 original post
The governor’s office has announced that “higher risk” sports can resume Feb. 1. Guidance from the governor’s office says “individual or distanced group training and organized no/low-contact group training” can start next month, along with games and/or tournaments if local health authorities like county health departments allow.
Although this is exciting news for our athletes, there are still many hurdles to clear before our local Departments of Health, New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Section 2, Western Athletic Conference and school superintendents give the final all clear for our athletes to play. Decision making is already underway. As soon as we have an official decision, we will let everyone know.
The WAC released the following statement on Jan. 27 about high risk winter sports:
“The Western Athletic Conference is developing a plan for the implementation of high risk winter sports (basketball, wrestling and cheerleading) with an anticipated start date of Feb. 1,” the statement says. “Our goal is to provide a safe, positive and meaningful interscholastic athletic experience for our students. We are working in consultation with our local county health departments to ensure the health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, officials and school communities. We appreciate the time our health departments are directing towards interscholastic athletics during these trying circumstances.
“As has become the norm with this pandemic, this situation is very fluid and ever changing,” the statement continues. “We will share an update on an official start date as more information becomes available and necessary approvals have been granted. Please continue to be patient, but ready to begin the season quickly if approval has been given. Thank you for your continued support during this most challenging time.”
High school winter sports deemed “high-risk” have been on hold since a December announcement from the NYSPHSAA. They had said high-risk sports would be on hold until authorized by the state. The state’s guidance opens the door for the sports to resume.
Winter state championships have already been canceled by the NYSPHSAA.