New Jersey Winter Sports Suspended by Governor

Earlier this week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the Garden State will take a “full pause” on indoor sports at both the youth and high school levels amid a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The “pause” is set to begin on Saturday, December 5 and run through January 2, 2021, according to a report from MyCentralJersey.com.

“We’re seeing outbreaks related to indoor sports, and this will help slow the spread,” said Murphy during a press conference, noting the suspension does not apply to college and professional teams.

The month-long suspension only affects the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) ice hockey season, which was scheduled to begin on December 14 and with games starting on January 4. The NJSIAA has yet to announce whether it will extend the season beyond its original end date of February 17, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

“We’re hopeful that, with schedule modifications, the ice hockey season will be viable when the state’s pause is lifted,” the NJSIAA said in a statement shared with MyCentralJersey.com.

“The governor has made it clear that he wants high school winter sports to be played, based on the significant mental and physical health benefits they provide and in recognition of the seniors who desire one more season of the sports they love.”

If Gov. Murphy decides to extend the suspension past January 2, it will impact the start for all other indoor high school winter sports in the state, the story reported.

Additionally, Gov. Murphy joined governors from Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts in mandating a youth hockey interstate travel ban, which is in effect through at least December 31, according to the report.

To read the full report from MyCentralJersey.com on Gov. Murphy’s “pause” on youth and high school indoor sports in New Jersey, click here.