The New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced last week that it will be subject to the State Department of Health guidance for large-scale indoor events for two of its state tournaments, the Wrestling Individual Championships and the Boys Basketball Championships.
All attendees ages 5 and older will be required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative test upon entry into the venue. In accordance with the Department of Health, the guidance is “in effect for large-scale indoor events of 5,000 attendees or greater.”
Annually, the association sees over 5,000 spectators, coaches, athletes, volunteers, committee members and staff attend the Wrestling Individual Championships and the Boys Basketball Championships each day they are held. The association anticipates easily exceeding 5,000 attendees each day of each event again this year and therefore will be subject to the guidance.
Per Department of Health guidance, all attendees age 5 and older, including coaches and athletes, at the Wrestling Championships, held on February 25 and 26 at MVP Arena in Albany, and the Boys Basketball Championships, held on March 18 to 20 at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, will be required to show proof of full vaccination at the turnstiles of each venue, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event.
NYSPHSAA is working with both venues in an effort to offer on-site testing, and additional details will be made available when finalized.
According to state guidelines, full vaccination is defined as having received the second mRNA vaccine shot (or single Johnson & Johnson dose) at least 14 days prior to the start of each tournament.
Proof must be provided in paper form, digitally or by presenting the state’s Excelsior Pass. Masks are required to be worn at all times when inside either venue.
“As the governing body for interscholastic athletics in New York State, it is important that we adhere to [Department of Health] guidelines that are in place for the health and safety of participants and fans,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director. “A year ago, hosting state championship events was not possible. Thankfully, we now have the ability to provide participation opportunities for students under the direction of public health officials.”
On December 7, NYSPHSAA notified its membership it would adhere to vaccination requirements set forth by the Rochester Institute of Technology, which is hosting the NYSPHSAA Competitive Cheerleading Championships on March 5. All attendees of this event, age 5 and older, will be required to show proof of full vaccination upon entry into the venue. The university policy was set forth for events with 400 or more attendees and does not allow for proof of negative test.
Additionally, New York City Parks and Recreation is requiring spectators, age 5 and older, to show proof of full vaccination if they plan to attend the NYSPHSAA Indoor Track State Championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on March 5.
On September 9, NYSPHSAA adopted a Championship Protocol policy stating that it will “honor and abide by all terms, conditions and restrictions imposed by the scheduled and contracted venue for matters impacting and protecting public health.”
State Department of Health guidelines are subject to change. The most up-to-date guidance can be found on each championship landing page at nysphsaa.org.
Staff Writer on Jan 26, 2022