The return of low-risk fall sports will happen Sept. 21, with the first official practices for cross country, field hockey, soccer, girls swimming, and golf.
Pioneer athletic director William Weidner said a schedule of competitions will be forthcoming. The start of the fall season was given the green light following a vote among the 29 schools of the Erie County Interscholastic Conference (ECIC) on Sept. 15.
Both varsity and junior varsity sports are affected. Additionally, modified cross country, soccer, and field hockey are approved to start.
Mr. Weidner said no spectators are allowed to attend swim meets. In addition, only credentialed spectators will be allowed to attend any ECIC soccer, field hockey, and cross country events. Each students will be provided two credentials per event.
All spectators must adhere to state Department of Health guidelines, wear masks, and practice social distancing. There will also be no building entry for any spectator or visitor at any ECIC school.
The league also announced it will not conduct an ECIC championship for cross country and swimming for the Fall 2020 season.
Field hockey and soccer sectionals will still be held, but teams will need to have a .500 record to be eligible.
Earlier, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announced it will postpone the football, volleyball and cheerleading seasons until Spring 2021.