February 17, 2021
Dear Salem Washington Academy Parents/Guardians and Student-Athletes,
We have received further guidance related to the start of the high-risk winter sports (boys' and
girls' basketball and wrestling) from the Washington County Department of Health. Under the
guidance, the district is required to create and submit a preparedness plan for each sport to be
approved by the district's medical director. On Monday, February 15, 2021, the Board of
Education approved winter 2021 sports seasons for both basketball and wrestling under the
conditions of the Washington County guidance and the district medical director. We have
received the necessary approvals from the medical director for the basketball and wrestling
preparedness plans.
At this time, sign-up for boys' and girls' varsity basketball and varsity wrestling is open on
Family ID to students in grades 9-12. Full basketball and wrestling practices are scheduled to
begin once the necessary information, consent, and medical clearance approval have been met by
the majority of team participants. Until then, off-season conditioning workouts will continue for
these teams.
If a student-athlete is interested in participating, please sign-up as soon as possible in Family ID
and contact your healthcare provider to arrange for medical clearance. A physical is not
required to be performed as part of the medical clearance, but can be done if indicated by the
healthcare provider or school medical director. A medical clearance form is included or can be
obtained by emailing Mr. Zarzycki, Athletic Director, at dzarzycki@salemcsd.org. A student
may not officially practice or play until this form is received. We are anticipating that practices
and/or tryouts will begin no later than Monday, February 22, 2021. More information on
practice and game schedules can be found on the athletic calendar or from the respective
coaches.
The 7-day rolling average percent positivity in the Capital Region, as calculated by NYSDOH,
must be at or below 4.0% for full practices and games to continue. If the 7-day rolling average
Additionally, preparedness plans for each winter sport are available in the links at the bottom of this page.
Please review the preparedness plan for your respective sport for important information on
safety protocols. Our focus at this time is to provide a safe athletic opportunity for our student-athletes.
Please note that spectators are not permitted at practices or contests (home or away).
We are exploring the possibility of live streaming home contests and will share information
when available.
Coaches will contact student-athletes and families who have registered with details regarding
practice times, locations and protocols specific to each sport.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact either one of us by phone or by email.
Sincerely,
Mr. Donald Zarzycki
Athletic Director
Ms. Julie Adams
7-12 Principal
