Nassau Title VIII To 'Reassess' Decision To Cancel Fall Sports

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Last Wednesday, Nassau County's Title VIII committee voted to cancel all school sports for the fall. The backlash was nearly instantaneous. A day later, the group said it would reconsider its decision.

The Title VIII committee said the decision was made to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Many parents and students were angered by the decision, and even protested the plan. A day later, the committee reversed course and said it will "reassess" its position before the delayed start of sports on Sept. 21.

"However, we remain open to continual guidance from the Governor’s office, Department of Health, New York State Public High School Athletic Association, and the New York State Council of School Superintendents, including input from the field," the Section VIII Superintendent's Board said in a statement. "In addition, we fully recognize that the opening of our schools will provide us with valuable data regarding the effectiveness of the strategies employed to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus."

The plan proposed last week was to cancel sports for the fall, and to play all three sports seasons in 2021. But that plan was met with criticism not only from parents, but politicians as well.

"I supported Gov. Cuomo’s science-based guidance allowing the resumption of high school sports, and I believe it’s vital that our independent school districts implement plans to safely get student athletes back on the field this fall," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. "Since we've reopened I’ve strongly advocated for the resumption of organized sports because of its importance to the health and well-being of our youth. I’ll continue to communicate with all stakeholders to work towards a sensible solution that puts safety first."

With the start of school just days away, there's still no word on when the final decision on fall sports will be made. But Section VIII said the announcement would come before Sept. 21.

"As always, we will act, in what we believe to be, in the best interest of the health and safety of all those in our charge," the committee said.