The continued health crisis caused by COVID-19 now threatens the entire high school spring sports season.
With schools already closed or scheduled to close by week’s end, Section III officially announced on Sunday that spring sports, which was supposed to start with tryouts on Monday, are instead suspended until April 14.
In a press release, Section III executive director John Rathbun said that the decision was made in consultation with area and state health departments, along with the New York State Education Department.
“We are grateful to our member leagues for their continued support,” said Rathbun. “We ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.”
Concerns over COVID-19 already had caused a postponement of New York State Public High School Athletic Association events last weekend, including the state bowling championships at Strike-N-Spare Lanes, the state ice hockey “Frozen Four” in Buffalo and the 10 regional boys and girls basketball games.
Now the entire spring season, which includes boys and girls lacrosse, baseball, softball, track and field, boys tennis and girls golf, is in question.
If practices can start April 14, said Rathbun, the usual requirements for a number of practices will be needed before games start, with a hope of playing “open” tournaments for the various Section III playoffs due to the shortened season.
The various school closings are expected to last at least three weeks, including the spring break most districts had from April 6 to 10 before Easter.
Complicating all this is the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendation to postpone all gatherings of 50 or more for eight weeks, which would extend it into mid-May, though CDC said exceptions could be made for schools and businesses.
