Long Beach HS Starting Workout Program For Fall Sports Teams

LONG BEACH, NY — In lieu of a fall sports season, Long Beach schools announced that its athletics department would be holding workout programs for fall sports teams that all students can participate in.

Last week, Nassau County Section VIII — the governing body of high school sports in the county — upheld its decision to postpone fall sports to 2021. Though that decision is being brought to court, it currently still stands.

To help make sure student athletes can keep in shape in the new down time, the Long Beach athletic department designed the exercise program, which is in compliance with the state's coronavirus guidelines.

"We understand the importance athletics has in the life of our students and are determined to do the best we can to provide positive athletic opportunities," wrote Arnold Epstein, the district director of health, physical education and athletics, in a letter to families. "The athletic department designed a program that allows any Long Beach High School student to join one of the fall teams to participate."

The new exercise programs will run after school for about four weeks starting Sept. 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The workouts will be broken down by different sports, but any student can sign up. If they join, it doesn't mean that they're committing to be on the team when sports resume, nor does it mean they'll automatically be drafted on the team. Likewise, not participating in the program does not bar a student from making the team later on.

The programs will run five days a week, but students can only participate in the days they're in school for physical learning. Students who have opted for entirely virtual learning can participate on the days the blue cohort does.

There are requirements for participating in the program:

• Students must have an up-to-date physical on file with the school.
• Students must follow all social distancing guidelines, including wearing masks at all times. Coaches will give the students frequent mask breaks.
• Students may use the locker rooms to change right after school, but there will be a limit to how many students will be admitted at one time, and it will be monitored by coaches.
• Portable bathrooms will be available outside for students.

After-school buses will be available for students, but seating capacity is limited due to social distancing. Epstein encouraged students who can get home without a bus to do so, so that more students can participate in the program.

"As the district's athletic director, I have felt sadness looking at our fields and gyms and seeing none of our kids on them these past few months," Epstein wrote. "On a personal note, it will give me great joy to see our facilities full of student athletes once again!"