GCSD Winter High-Risk Sports Update

Please see a message from GCSD Athletics Director David Austin:

Dear GCSD Parents/Guardians of Students-Athletes in Grades 7-12,

I’m writing to provide updates about winter high-risk sports at Guilderland. An email was sent to student-athletes last night, Feb. 9.

Yesterday’s seven-day COVID-19 infection rate in Albany County was 3.8%. Since that rate is below 4%, the Albany County Department of Health is permitting schools in Albany County to begin winter high-risk sports (basketball, ice hockey, wrestling and competitive cheer). School districts must also have their Return to Winter High-Risk Sports Plan approved by their School Medical Director and the Board of Education (BOE). I am happy to report that our School Medical Director and our BOE have reviewed and approved our plan. This paves the way for the start of winter high-risk sports at Guilderland, and some will start as early as today, Wednesday, Feb. 10, and will run to March 13, 2021.

Please visit the Athletics page on the district website for more information, including sports levels and day one information, coaches’ contact information, required participation forms, and the GCSD Return to Winter High-Risk Sports Plan.

I want to reiterate that the health and safety of our students and staff are of the utmost importance, which is why our approval plans are extensive and include precautions such as:

  • Require mask-wearing at all times with mask breaks allowed.
  • Discourage carpooling to practices or contests.
  • We are not permitting spectators. At this time, all Suburban Council athletic contests held indoors will not allow spectators. We hope to review this policy later in the season. Guilderland, and other schools in the Suburban Council, plans to live stream our winter high-risk sports contests. More information will be shared.

    Each varsity high-risk team will be allowed to conduct one senior recognition ceremony with all COVID-19 safety protocols strictly enforced. Senior parents/guardians will be able to attend these ceremonies. More information will be shared.

After the winter high-risk sports season is Fall 2 (boys & girls volleyball, football and game day cheer), which will run from March 7 to May 1, 2021, more information is forthcoming.

We have a great opportunity in front of us, but I can’t emphasize enough how vital it is that we all do everything we can to stay safe — our seasons depend on it. Please continue to follow all COVID-19 safety precautions inside and outside of school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Thank you, and Go Dutchmen!

Sincerely,

David Austin
Athletics Director
Guilderland Central School District

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