January 27, 2021
From The Hornell School District:
High-risk winter sports to begin 2/1
Yesterday, Steuben County Public Health announced that, in accordance with NYS Department of Health Guidelines, it would authorize high-risk winter sports to begin on February 1.
In Hornell, this would include wrestling and basketball. Swimming and skiing are already underway.
As responsible parties, school districts must strictly adhere to the INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY guidelines as amended by NYS DOH on January 22, 2021. In addition, and with the unanimous agreement of school district administration in Steuben County, the
following guidelines also apply:
• Athletes must wear an acceptable face covering (as detailed in NYS DOH guidance unless a medical exemption is obtained from medical provider and approved by the school’s physician; and
• Spectators will not be permitted to attend indoor sporting events.
“We are pleased that we will be able to offer our students this opportunity,” said Superintendent Jeremy Palotti. “Some struggle with the idea of allowing these sports to occur when our school is still not operating at maximum capacity. I understand that thought process completely. As these activities are allowed, we hope that this is one more step closer to operating a more “typical” school and creating a more traditional school experience for our kids. We will continue to seek out ways to support all of our kids and work toward the eventual return of all students. Until then, we will take this as a win for our kids. ”
Athletic Director John Cardamone said, “The Hornell High School Athletic Department is so excited for our student athletes to have this opportunity. We will be providing the game schedules as well as streaming links to most of our home and away games at the following site, https://www.sectionvny.org/public/genie/783/school/3529/
“We will do everything we can to provide the best experience for our student athletes while following all the Steuben County DOH guidelines. “
