The last time fall high school sports were in action it wasn't fall, it was spring -- but now the sports calendar is back to normal.
Teams across Long Island held their first days of practice Monday.
The gym in Bay Shore was jumping with volleyball action. COVID-19 safety rules were being followed and participation was up.
Two weeks ago, the state Education Department recommended that high-risk sports not be played this fall in areas that have high COVID-19 rates. However, it was game on with mandatory testing gone.
The athletes say they are supposed to keep their masks around and don't go out to huge parties.
The positivity rate is back up to more than 4%, which is concerning to some.
Vaccines are not mandatory for the players, so precautions are important.
The players are happy to be back on the calendar and playing in the season they are supposed to.