Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 2/24/2021 - 5:00 PM
Category: SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS
Type: Action
Subject: 11.2 Resolution to approve Higher Risk Sports
District Goals:
Enclosure
File Attachment:
Rationale: Resolution to approve Higher Risk Sports
Funding:
Resolution: WHEREAS, Section I of the New York State Public High School Athletics Association (NYSPHSAA) has determined to commence the sport seasons of certain sports that are considered high risk for exposure to COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Section I and the NYSPHSAA have made this determination based upon orders of Governor Cuomo and guidance from the New York State Department of Health; and

WHEREAS, the New York State and local County Departments of Health have provided information regarding health and safety for student-athletes and coaches participating in these sports; and

WHEREAS, there is an expressed interest from student-athletes in fielding teams in certain of these sports;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Yonkers City School District hereby approves the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and the Athletic Director to offer the following high risk sports:

■ Boys Basketball
■ Boys Lacrosse
■ Competitive Cheer
■ Football
■ Girls Basketball
■ Volleyball
■ Wrestling

for all eligible Yonkers Public School students subject to adherence to any and all guidance issued by the New York State and County Departments of Health and Section I and/or NYSPHSAA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools and the Athletic Director are directed to ensure that each student-athlete has express permission to participate in these sports from their parent and/or guardian and that such notification contain the inherent risk factors associated with participating in these
sports and transmission of COVID-19; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any sports offered by the District shall be conducted in compliance with New York State’s “Master Guidance for Sports and Recreation” and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance relative to the wearing of face coverings, unless more stringent protocols are put in place by the District or County. Players and coaches will adhere to the District’s procedures for monitoring and tracking, including the required daily attestation requirements regarding COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board delegates to and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to take any additional actions he deems necessary and appropriate to ensure that such sports are implemented in a safe manner consistent with all guidelines (NYS, County, and Section 1), including, but not limited to, arranging for COVID-19 testing of student-athletes and coaches as a condition of participation in the above-referenced sports if he deems such testing is needed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the physical obtained and submitted by the student-athlete in accordance with NYS shall suffice unless said athlete has had COVID-19 subsequent to that physical. In said instance, the student-athlete must have an in-person medical evaluation and clearance by a doctor prior to participation in scholastic athletics; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any sports offered by the District shall be suspended should the Yonkers City School District move from its hybrid learning model to an all remote model due to COVID-19 concerns.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Edwin M. Quezada - Superintendent of Schools
Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Abdool H. Jamal Moved, Member Lakisha Collins-Bellamy seconded to approve the Original motion 'WHEREAS, Section I of the New York State Public High School Athletics Association (NYSPHSAA) has determined to commence the sport seasons of certain sports that are considered high risk for exposure to COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, Section I and the NYSPHSAA have made this determination based upon orders of Governor Cuomo and guidance from the New York State Department of Health; and

WHEREAS, the New York State and local County Departments of Health have provided information regarding health and safety for student-athletes and coaches participating in these sports; and

WHEREAS, there is an expressed interest from student-athletes in fielding teams in certain of these sports;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Yonkers City School District hereby approves the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and the Athletic Director to offer the following high risk sports:

¦ Boys Basketball
¦ Boys Lacrosse
¦ Competitive Cheer
¦ Football
¦ Girls Basketball
¦ Volleyball
¦ Wrestling

for all eligible Yonkers Public School students subject to adherence to any and all guidance issued by the New York State and County Departments of Health and Section I and/or NYSPHSAA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools and the Athletic Director are directed to ensure that each student-athlete has express permission to participate in these sports from their parent and/or guardian and that such notification contain the inherent risk factors associated with participating in these
sports and transmission of COVID-19; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any sports offered by the District shall be conducted in compliance with New York State’s “Master Guidance for Sports and Recreation” and American Academy of Pediatrics guidance relative to the wearing of face coverings, unless more stringent protocols are put in place by the District or County. Players and coaches will adhere to the District’s procedures for monitoring and tracking, including the required daily attestation requirements regarding COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board delegates to and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to take any additional actions he deems necessary and appropriate to ensure that such sports are implemented in a safe manner consistent with all guidelines (NYS, County, and Section 1), including, but not limited to, arranging for COVID-19 testing of student-athletes and coaches as a condition of participation in the above-referenced sports if he deems such testing is needed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the physical obtained and submitted by the student-athlete in accordance with NYS shall suffice unless said athlete has had COVID-19 subsequent to that physical. In said instance, the student-athlete must have an in-person medical evaluation and clearance by a doctor prior to participation in scholastic athletics; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any sports offered by the District shall be suspended should the Yonkers City School District move from its hybrid learning model to an all remote model due to COVID-19 concerns.'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 9 Nay: 0.
The motion Carried 9 - 0
   
Abdool H. Jamal     Yes
Kevin Cacace     Yes
Rev. Steve Lopez     Yes
Andrea Brown     Yes
Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio     Yes
Lakisha Collins-Bellamy     Yes
Dr. John Castanaro     Yes
Sheila Greenwald     Yes
Gail Burns     Yes