COVID-19 updates for fall sports teams

  • Posted July 26, 2022
Two members of the Albany High boys' soccer team compete against an opponent from another high school in a 2021 game

With sign-ups for Albany High School fall sports underway and beginning for modified student-athletes this Friday, the City School District of Albany is updating COVID-19 guidelines for all fall sports teams.

COVID-19 vaccinations

The district is strongly encouraging all student-athletes in grades 7-12 to be fully vaccinated, including any COVID-19 booster shots for which they are eligible. 

EKGs

If your student has had COVID-19 in the past and has not had an EKG to provide cardiac clearance, your student may need an EKG before being cleared to participate in fall sports. 

For example, students who had a more severe COVID-19 infection, or students who were not treated by a physician during their COVID-19 illness, are required to provide proof of a normal EKG to be able to participate in sports. Please have your healthcare provider complete this form.

Students who were treated by a physician during a COVID-19 illness and experienced mild infections (fever of less than three days, and no symptoms referable to their cardiovascular system such as chest pain or rapid heartbeat), are not required to have proof of a normal EKG to be able to participate. 

Please talk with your healthcare provider to determine if your child will require an EKG to be eligible for the fall season. 

Fall sports registration

We are continuing to use electronic registration through Final Forms for all sports teams. You can find information on how to register and required physicals, as well as competition schedules for the fall high school seasons, on our Fall Sports Information page. 

You can get required physicals through your family’s healthcare provider or Whitney Young's school-based health center at Albany High.

Here are a few more important upcoming dates for student-athletes in grades 7-12:

  • Sign-ups for modified sports (grades 7-8) begin this Friday, July 29.
  • Tryouts and preseason practices for Albany High student-athletes (including mod-9 soccer), begin Monday, August 22, with the exception of football. The start of practice for the Albany High football team will be Saturday, August 20.
  • Tryouts and preseason practices for our modified student-athletes begin Friday, Aug. 29.
  • The Athletics Department also will host a Meet the Coaches Night for fall sports on Aug. 29 beginning at 6 p.m. Please stay tuned for more information.

Have questions?

If you have any additional questions, please contact Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Ashley Chapple at achapple@albany.k12.ny.us.

The information above regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and EKG requirements is subject to change pending updated health and safety guidance from the state and county health departments.