ROBBINSVILLE, NJ — It’s game on! On Aug. 20, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Sports Advisory Task Force released its Return-to-Sports Plan, which provides detailed schedules for fall and winter sports. The dates for the spring sports season will be announced at a later date; the task force recognizes the need to maximize the spring season due to the loss of the season last school year.
The outdoor fall sports — football, cross country, field hockey, girls tennis and soccer — will begin practice on Sept. 14. Girls tennis will begin competition on Sept. 28. Cross country, field hockey and soccer will begin competition on Oct. 1, and opening day for the football season will be Friday, Oct. 2.
The indoor fall sports — gymnastics and girls volleyball — will be moved to a new, special season that will begin with practices on Feb. 16 and competition on March 3. If circumstances change, and NJSIAA is unable to have a fall season, the outdoor fall sports will also be played at this time.
Winter sports teams may begin practicing on Dec. 3. Winter sport competition will begin on Dec. 21.
All of these dates are subject to change based on guidance from the governor and Department of Health.
“The Sports Advisory Task Force was guided by a set of principles that take into account the unique circumstances that we all are living through,” the NJSIAA announcement read. “Their goals were to ensure health and safety; promote participation, not championships; limit travel; and stay flexible in the face of changing circumstances.”
With these principles in mind, schedules will be condensed, competition will be local, out-of-state competition will be prohibited unless a waiver is granted for exceptional circumstances, and post-season play will be limited and local, with no statewide championships.
“We’re extremely appreciative of the support and guidance from Gov. Phil Murphy, Sen. Paul Sarlo and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly,” NJSIAA COO Colleen Maguire said. “Our kids need structured activity, and we believe that education-based high school sports is the best way to provide it. Giving teenagers extra motivation to stay COVID-free promotes healthy outcomes for everyone.”
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