Assemblyman Colin Schmitt Talks HS Sports Amid Covid

Assemblyman Colin Schmitt joined Gary and Dave Monday to discuss the ongoing confusion surrounding the upcoming interscholastic sports season.

The confusion resurfaced just after noon on August 12, when The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) released the following  21-page document, rekindling many of the questions faced by student athletes, parents, school’s and others involved with high school sports around the region.

The important section begins on page 11, where the department recommends, but importantly does NOT mandate high risk fall sports, which includes football go virtual or cancel.

Schmitt, for his part, is a known ally of those who believe high school sports must be played as normally as possible. Last year, the assemblyman sponsored legislation that led to the eventual delayed playing of most interscholastic sports.

A few highlights Schmitt’s conversation with Gary & Dave were: 

• How parents and others can make a difference and get involved in the battle to protect high school sports this season
• What impact the incoming governor may have
• Who to talk to within your local and state governments and education departments (more on that below)

Hear Colin with Gary

• To listen to the full unedited discussion click here bit.ly/colinschmitt. 

Who to Contact to Voice your Views

The following are the people you want to contact, repeatedly if necessary to get your voice heard on the matter.

• State assembly members like Mr. Schmitt
• Other state legislators – find out who your assembly member and or other state legislator here – https://openstates.org/ny/legislators/
• County Legislators – Here is the link to the Orange County legislator directory. Don’t know your district? Here’s where you can find that out: https://bit.ly/ocdistrictlookup
• Local school board – for information simply do a quick google search like: (My school name, school board members) Ex: “Middletown NY school board members” then email or call them. You can also attend meetings most boards meet on set days a month, find out when that is in your district and go.

Check back regularly as we get more updates on the upcoming school sports season, and be sure to listen daily to the Gary Ayd Show M-F 10-12 on the Cave, Orange County’s Conversation Station.