The New York State Education Department has recently provided guidance related to student-athletes and testing for the COVID-19 virus, stating, “The Department hereby clarifies that parent/guardian consent for COVID-19 testing of students may not be a condition of in person learning or other school activities.”
We believe this new guidance prohibits the District from requiring that student-athletes be tested for COVID-19 as a condition of participation in high-risk winter sports. Currently, families of all student-athletes who are participating in high-risk winter sports have given permission for their son/daughter to be tested for COVID-19. In an effort to follow the new guidance from SED, students will no longer be required to consent to testing in order to participate.
Through the first few weeks of the winter sports season, our COVID-19 testing program has been run very efficiently and we encourage our student-athletes to continue to participate. Please be aware that opposing schools will likely be offering their student-athletes an option to decline participation, as well. We will continue to follow all health and safety protocols during games, including the wearing of face coverings at all times.
If you, at any time, wish to revoke consent to the testing program, please notify our Athletic Director of your choice. Thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding.
