We are asking for your support by signing a petition to allow parents to watch their children compete in high school sports this winter. At this time, the section IX New York State Public High School Athletic Association Inc. (NYSPHSAA) and ORANGE COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (OCIAA) is considering that two or less spectators per athlete will be allowed at 2021 NYSPHSAA section IX events, but is leaving the final decision to each individual school district.  Join with us in telling NYSPHSAA, OCIAA, our local school districts, and local and state health organizations that we want to see our children compete and that we can act responsibly and safely if given this opportunity.

This petition is also used specifically for Roscoe Central School District. Since Section IX has given the decision making powers to each school district, we are asking each school district and their board members for the allowance of spectators at the sporting events, especially those held outdoors where there is very little risk involved.

We believe that our area school districts can create a safe plan for a limited number of spectators to attend competitions this winter.  We further believe that in most facilities, a limited number of parents can safely be allowed to watch their children compete.  If you take football as an example, it is an outdoor sport with vast amounts of space for social distancing. We do not believe it is unreasonable to think that local schools, athletic directors, NYSPHSAA and government health agencies could create a safe plan that would allow parents and family to support their student athletes.

The accommodation we are requesting is similar to the rule that surrounding states already have in place. Many states are successfully navigating the COVID pandemic with limited spectators allowed at indoor athletic and extracurricular activities, and even fewer, if any limitations at outdoor events. Section IX should follow suit and set up rules similar to those created in other states and even other areas of our own state.

Because the state of NY has been doing a good job managing the COVID response, our state is seeing a decline in COVID outbreaks and overall cases.  We believe that if schools and parents act responsibly, and follow accepted safety protocols, we can have a season, with limited spectators, without seeing significant outbreaks.  We can give NY section IX  high school athletes and their families the opportunity for true competition and memories of a lifetime while also staying safe. This was proven by the recent completion of the football season in many other states which resulted in no significant outbreaks, no spreader events, and no deaths. 

Sign Our Petition Today to let NYSPHSAA, section IX, OCIAA, The State of New York, state school districts, and local and state health agencies know we can work together to responsibly support our children.  Further, your support of this petition shows officials how important supporting our children and watching them compete is to us as parents.