Dear Parents and Guardians: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a heightened responsibility on youth sports organizations, coaches, families, and athletes to reduce transmission and to foster a safe environment for children to participate in youth sports. On Friday, January 22, 2021, Governor Cuomo announced he would allow higher risk sports to commence in New York schools effective February 1, 2021 subject to local health department approval. It is important that schools, student athletes, and their parents/guardians carefully consider a variety of factors before making an individual decision.