PSAL Fall Sports Season To Be Delayed Indefinitely


Announced yesterday, the PSAL released their guidelines for the 2020-21 school year, effectively putting all Fall Sports on an indefinite hold. The decision, which does not release a firm date for reconsideration, is the second such announcement by one of the State's four Athletic Associations. Earlier, NYSPHSAA made the decision to delay all sports until Sept. 21, as well as cancel all Fall Championships.

Further restrictions may rest on the decision of Governer Andrew Cuomo on the return to schools, a decision due out today. The decision is based on feedback and reopning plans submitted by the nealry 700 schools State-wide.  Larger schools have been opting for a hybrid model, while smaller schools may be coming back wholesale.

New York has one of the lowest COVID-19 new infection counts in the country in recent weeks, but sustained one of the largest peaks earlier in the year.

Full PSAL Release Below

PSAL for the 2020-21 School Year

Due to current guidance from the New York State Department of Health, which states that interscholastic sports are currently not permitted and additional information on athletic activities will be forthcoming, the PSAL Fall season which historically begins in mid-August must be delayed/postponed. When it is determined that they are safe to resume, all afterschool activities, including PSAL, must adhere to any applicable guidelines and recommendations, including all health and safety guidelines.

Per CDC guidelines, the associated risk of any sport activity is increased when athletes engage in competitive play across different geographic areas. Therefore, when PSAL activities are permitted to resume, they will be restricted to practice and conditioning until further notice. This will allow scholar-athletes to re-engage in and receive the benefits of participating in team sports while continuing to prioritize safety. As we re-introduce activities and prepare for the return of interscholastic sports, PSAL will use a leveling system aligned with state guidance and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) regarding the risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with each sport.

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