Athletic Association Forms Task Force
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has selected three Suffolk County members to serve on a COVID-19 Task Force.
Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs, incoming second Vice President Tim Mullins, and New York State Athletic Administrators Association Executive Director Jim Wright will help examine potential impacts of the novel coronavirus on the fall 2020 season. Mullins and Wright are also athletic directors — Mullins for the Bayport-Blue Point School District, and Wright for the South Huntington School District.
Task force members were selected by NYSPHSAA President Paul Harrica with input and consultation from Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas.
“The goal of this task force is to bring together a group of experienced administrators and professionals to examine potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the upcoming school year,” Harrica said. “And to provide guidance and recommendations to the 11 sections of NYSPHSAA.”
It’s comprised of NYSPHSAA-member executive directors, superintendents, principals, and athletic directors, in addition to representatives from the NYSAAA and state Education Department. It is anticipated the committee will meet for the first time June 10.
“The task force will examine guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while also focusing attention on engaging students, promoting safety, and maximizing participation opportunities during the 2020-21 school year,” Dr. Zayas said. “At this time, we are planning to start fall sports on August 24. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, I want to make sure we are prepared to focus attention on keeping student-athletes engaged in their school communities and active, while also abiding by Department of Health and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines. We must have innovative and creative thoughts to provide beneficial participation playing experiences for students.”
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