The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) wrapped up its annual Central Committee meeting at Rivers Casino & Resort with a series of key decisions affecting student-athletes statewide. Among the most significant were the approval of increased ticket prices for state championships, the adoption of the 3-Region Concept for postseason play, and changes to volleyball and wrestling formats.
By a narrow 25-22 vote, the committee approved the 3-Region Concept, which will be implemented for fall 2025 postseason regional competitions. The idea, previously tabled in May, is expected to streamline regional playoff formats.
To address budget pressures, the committee also voted to raise ticket prices across state championships. Starting this fall, admission to football and both boys and girls wrestling championships will cost $14, while tickets to all other championships will rise to $12.
Volleyball saw several changes approved. Boys Volleyball will now align with NCAA rules allowing for two liberos, and the NCAA uniform penalty for Girls Volleyball was waived. A tiebreaker amendment for Girls Volleyball semifinals was passed as well, with officials noting the host venue in Glens Falls has been renamed Harding Mazzotti Arena.
Girls Wrestling had a strong presence during the meeting, with several proposals discussed. A proposed revision that would let girls compete in both boys and girls regular season events before choosing a state championship path was tabled until October. Other proposals included a match limit of seven per day, expanded appeal procedures, and new language for multi-school meets.
In Boys Wrestling, the committee approved the addition of a 14th weight class for the 2025–26 season. New weight divisions will include 103, 110, 118, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215, and 285 pounds. Additional proposals—ranging from replay access for officials to seasonal tournament caps—will be taken up at the October Executive Committee meeting.
Indoor Track & Field updates included reducing relay team sizes from eight to six and revising Division 2 qualifying standards. Starting in 2026, the state meet will expand to a two-day format to ease scheduling and crowding.
With no bids submitted to host the 2026 Outdoor Track & Field Championships, NYSPHSAA will partner with Webster Schroeder High School in Section V. That championship will now run Saturday to Sunday, a shift from the traditional Friday–Saturday schedule.
The 2025 Central Committee meeting was called to order Tuesday at 12:59 p.m. by NYSPHSAA President Tim Mullins and adjourned Wednesday at 10:35 a.m. The next Executive Committee meeting is set for October 21 at the Albany Capital Center.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].