COVID-19 RESOURCES & RETURN TO SPORTS

IMPORTANT: Return to Play for COVID-19 Positive Individuals

Due to the increased risk of myocarditis, any student-athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 must be cleared by either a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Final clearance must come from the school’s district physician for those schools that have one. Clearance must be sent in writing to the school nurse.

DATES TO KNOW

On November 19th, the NJSIAA updated their Return-to-Play plan for all NJSIAA Winter Sports. The NJSIAA’s most recent guidelines dictate that all NJSIAA winter sports will delay their start dates. On November 30th, Governor Murphy announced that all organized indoor sports will be suspended until January 2nd. Please see below for the most up-to-date information concerning tryout dates, start of season, and end of season dates.

Sport	Practice Start  (1st Day of Tryouts)	Competition Start	Competition End
Ice Hockey	TBA	TBA	2/17
Basketball, Fencing and Bowling	1/11	1/26	3/6
Swimming and Winter Track & Field	2/1	2/16	3/27
Wrestling	3/1	3/16	4/24

The NJSIAA Sports Advisory Task Force has also identified the following eight guiding principles that will drive the decision-making process.

1. Ensure the health and safety of all student-athletes.
2. Re-engage all student-athletes as soon as possible for their social, emotional and mental well-being.
3. Maximize participation across all sports and all student-athletes.
4. Keep competition as local as possible for as long as possible.
5. Develop multiple return to play models to minimize the risk of a cancelled season.
6. Maintain the ability to pivot to back-up plans when deemed necessary.
7. Minimize potential impact on the spring season.
8. Minimize the importance of postseason, statewide championships.