For low-risk winter sports at Newfield, the season began on January 4th, 2021. At the moment, this only includes three sports; bowling, winter track, and fencing, all of which can be done while socially distant. As far as other COVID-19 guidelines are concerned, the Middle Country Central School District, and therefore Newfield’s sporting events, follow the guidelines of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, or NYSPHSAA for short. NYSPHSAA has been working closely with the New York Department of Health since the pandemic began and established a task force regarding the Coronavirus during the summer. At the start of the winter season, NYSPHSAA updated its resource document to include several guidelines for players, parents, coaches, and school administrators. Here’s what the season is going to look like.

Players will be required to wear face coverings if six-foot distancing is not possible unless wearing a face-covering interferes with an athlete’s ability to play. Coaches, referees, and others who are not involved with play will be required to wear masks for the duration of a sporting event. The people permitted at a competition or practice will be limited to essential personnel, other than two spectators per athlete. The two spectators per athlete will be distanced by individuals or family units. Health screenings will be required before a person or group of people can enter the vicinity. Sport-specific guidelines will vary, but it has already been confirmed that state and regional championships will not be taking place this year. For inquiries more specific to student-athletes and others involved with Newfield’s athletics, a more comprehensive guide can be found at the NYSPHSAA website.