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Some good news for those awaiting the return to Cross Country. At the August 24th Governor's Press Conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Youth Sports that are deemed "Low Risk" could return to play on September 21st (below). He later clarified that by tying that directly to schools reopening, indicating that youth sports would now include HS Sports. The sports he listed as "Low Risk" include Cross Country, Tennis, Soccer, Field Hockey, and Swimming.
The return to sports was further clarified in the following slide. It was noted that the return is precipitated on the adherence to all Department of Health Guidance, and limited to "Regional or Contiguous Regional Play." When asked to clarify what "Regions" were specifically, Cuomo said that the regions he was referring to were the Coronavirus Regions outlined in the outbreak containment (find that map below), and not specifically tied to the NYSPHSAA-outlined Sectional Map. However, that guidance could be later amended by the guidance due out by NYSPHSAA later this week.
Late last week, NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas gave his outline of the timetable that will be utilized to solidify NYSPHSAA's plan to return. The plan was detailed as such: within 24 hrs, Section Directors & Officers will meet. Within 48 hrs, COVID Task Force will meet. Within 72 hrs, Officers will make a decision "IF" needed. The news comes as a welcome clarity for many in the Sport, who were unaware of what may befall a Season that has seen varying degrees of cancellation across the Nation.
This story will be continually updated as more information becomes available.