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Chester UFSD spring sports advance; district reiterates thunder and heat‑index safety rules
Summary
Athletic director Mr. Doucette reported multiple OCIA qualifiers, playoff seedings and eligibility monitoring; he reiterated New York State thunder/lightning rules and the district's 96‑degree heat‑index limit that force cancellations or relocations of practices and games.
“We have had a very successful spring so far,” Mr. Doucette told the board, listing district teams that qualified for sectional and state competition and noting several individual student athletes who earned scholar‑athlete recognition.
He gave dates and logistics for upcoming postseason play (section championships May 27, state qualifying rounds June 3–4) and said the district will distribute brackets and seeding information to families once determined. Mr. Doucette said the district monitors academic eligibility lists and that flags typically change as students attend study sessions.
On safety policy, Mr. Doucette described application of New York State rules for thunder and lightning — play may not resume until 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning event — and explained the district’s heat‑index threshold: “If the real feel is above 96 degrees, we cannot participate outside,” he said. He noted that some indoor spaces (for example the Maple Avenue gym) are not air‑conditioned, so practices were moved to air‑conditioned facilities when needed.
He also summarized registration timelines and communications: fall sports registration will open July 17 (30 days before a season start currently projected for Aug. 17), and the district will share details via ParentSquare and the Chester UFSD athletics website. The varsity awards and college signing ceremony are scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
Why it matters: The report outlines athletes’ postseason opportunities and clarifies safety rules that affect practice and game scheduling, including how heat and lightning are handled to protect students.
The Chair thanked Mr. Doucette and wished advancing teams well.
