Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort, in conjunction with Public Health Director Sara Boerenko, today released information on the winter athletic season pertaining to high-risk sports. The county has approved the Feb. 1 start date for girls and boys basketball and competitive cheerleading, pending individual school district approval.
The county’s decision follows Gov. Cuomo’s Jan. 22 announcement that “higher risk” sports can resume Feb. 1 if allowed by local health departments.
According to Ossenfort, the sport of wrestling will be reevaluated for a possible start date when the rolling 7-day average is at 4% or below in Montgomery County. (View the state’s 7-day rolling average positivity rate dashboard.)
The Canajoharie Central School District Board of Education has approved girls and boys basketball, competitive cheerleading and wrestling teams to begin the season once all requirements have been met. Boys and girls basketball and cheerleading will begin on Tuesday, February 2nd. Students participating in those sports must have their parent/guardian complete the following before they are allowed to participate:
- Register for the desired sport at https://canajoharieschools-ar.rschooltoday.com
- Read, sign and return the COVID-19 Athletic Participation Waiver (PDF)
Any sport and team that does participate in the winter season must follow all district, county, and state regulations and guidelines. Each district will submit those guidelines to coaches, players and parents/guardians.
In addition, the county and both the Foothills and Western Athletic Conferences have determined that spectators will not be allowed at games and scrimmages, but the district is exploring options to live stream competitions.
The decision by Montgomery County applies to scrimmages and games within the county only. Upon the rolling 7-day average COVID positivity rate falling below 4% or less, Montgomery County teams will be able to play games with other county schools that have approved play.
The county executive will discuss high-risk winter sports in further detail and answer public questions during Montgomery County’s Facebook Live briefing at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1.