In another setback for many high school athletes, the state's public high school sports association pushed back football, volleyball and cheerleading until the spring season.

The executive director of Suffolk's athletic directors had a meeting Thursday morning, but made no decision on the fate of low-risk fall sports, which include soccer, swimming, golf and more. They also didn't decide whether spectators would be allowed should the sports be played.

But what is known is that statewide, football will not be played until March 2021. State officials say the move gives student-athletes the best chance at a quality season.

Parents who have been asking decision-makers to let their kids play sports were not happy about the setback, and say senior athletes need a fall season for college recruitment, especially when club sports aren't an option for all.

Athletic directors in Suffolk County will hold a follow-up meeting Friday. As of now, low-risk sports can begin Sept. 21 in Suffolk. Nassau schools said they will not start any sports this fall, but have since said they may reconsider.

The actual spring season, including sports like softball and baseball, has been pushed to mid-April as a result of the fall sports decision.