NYSPHSAA OKs 3-region concept, 14th wrestling class, ticket hikes

SCHENECTADY | The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its annual Central Committee meeting at Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady. The committee voted to approve numerous sport proposals, general action items and requests made by sport coordinators. The 3-region concept (for postseason regional competition), which was voted to be tabled during the May Executive Committee meeting, returned to the floor for consideration and was ultimately approved, 25–22, for implementation in fall 2025. To keep up with growing expenses and balance a budget, the Central Committee voted to approve an increase in state championship ticket prices. Football, along with the girls and boys wrestling championships, will change to $14 starting this fall. The remaining championship ticket prices will increase to $12 this fall. The sport of volleyball saw multiple rule revisions approved by the Central Committee. In boys volleyball, the current two-libero rule will now fall in line with NCAA rules. In girls volleyball, the NCAA penalty for having a non-compliant uniform was approved to be waived. Additionally, it was approved to amend the tiebreaker procedure during the girls volleyball state championship semifinals. It was noted during the meeting that the host venue of the girls volleyball state championship in Glens Falls has had its name changed from Cool Insuring Arena to Harding Mazzotti Arena. Numerous girls wrestling proposals were presented, including a proposed revision to the NYSPHSAA representation rule allowing girls wrestlers to compete in both boys and girls events in the regular season, then choose which state championship they prefer to compete in. A decision was made to discuss this topic at the October Executive Committee meeting. Additionally, girls wrestling introduced a seven-match maximum per day proposal, as well as adding language to the NYSPHSAA Handbook addressing multi-school meets and expanding the appeal procedure by coaches to include all rounds during the girls wrestling championships. Boys wrestling made numerous proposals, which can be found on pages 119–123 of the meeting agenda. Revisions were also proposed to "officials only" availability to view any replays during the state championship, appeals to the blood and placement rounds during the state championship, and revising the maximum number of tournaments competed in during a season. These topics will be voted on at the October Executive Committee meeting. During the Central Committee meeting, the addition of a 14th weight class was approved. The implementation of 103, 110, 118, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215 and 285 weight classes will begin in the winter 2025-26 season. The Indoor Track and Field Committee brought multiple action items to the floor. In order to increase the competitive value of the championship, the Central Committee voted to reduce the number of athletes per relay team from eight to six. The committee also approved a revision to the Division II relay qualifying standards. Finally, beginning with the 2026 indoor track and field championships, the event will become a two-day meet to ease scheduling volume. After a bid process resulted in no bids to host the 2026 Outdoor Track and Field Championships, NYSPHSAA announced its plan to work with Webster Schroeder High School (Section V) to host the event. In working together to provide an all-around championship experience for student-athletes, the upcoming Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, June 14. This is a change from the traditional Friday-Saturday schedule. The voting items and meeting minutes can be found on the NYSPHSAA website under the "Central/Executive" portion of the "About" tab. The 2025 Central Committee meeting was called to order by NYSPHSAA President Tim Mullins on Tuesday at 12:59 p.m. and concluded at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday. The NYSPHSAA Executive Committee will meet for its fall 2025 meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Albany Capital Center.

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NYSPHSAA OKs 3-region concept, 14th wrestling class, ticket hikes

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