It’s unclear when interscholastic athletics will begin in New York state, but the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, students who take part in remote-only learning in the fall will be eligible to play.
Executive Director Robert Zayas announced last week that after discussions with representatives from the New York State Education Dept., the regulation that determines student eligibility to take part in athletics will apply to students enrolled in a district through remote learning.
The regulation states that “a pupil shall be eligible for interschool competition or inclusive athletic activities in a sport provided he is a bona fide student, enrolled for the first 15 school days of such a semester, is registered in the equivalent of three regular courses, is meeting the physical education requirement, and has been in regular attendance 80 percent of the school time, bona fide absence caused by personal illness excepted.”
Zayas said students who opt for a remote only education due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be eligible for interscholastic athletics when they are allowed.

The NYSPHSAA has postponed the start of fall practice until Sept. 21, and if it does not meet that will move to a condensed three-season schedule, beginning in 2021. At this time, interscholastic athletics have not been approved by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo announced on Aug. 7 that schools can open if the regional infection rate is below 5 percent. He said on Aug. 7 that discussions about interscholastic athletics are ongoing.