NJSIAA forms second task force for return-to-play

The NJSIAA announced Thursday that it has established COVID-19 Sports Advisory Task Force — athletic directors from across New Jersey who will consider a wide range of sports-specific proposals and recommendations with a focus on implementing, executing and enforcing potential modifications.

The sports advisory task force will work independently but communicate regularly with the medical advisory task force, which the NJSIAA detailed in a letter to the community last Friday.

Upon the two forces making recommendations to the NJSIAA, the NJSIAA will operate within governmental and NFHS (National Federation of High School Sport) guidelines to manage the safe return of high school sports in New Jersey.

Rutherford High School Athletic Director and former NJSIAA President Dave Frazier will chair the new task force.

“More than anyone else, athletic directors want to see a safe return to high school sports,” Frazier said in a statement. “But, we also clearly understand the significant challenges ahead. I’m confident we’ll make tremendous progress, and optimistic that we’ll see kids playing again before too long. But, it’s essential to manage expectations and prepare our students-athletes — as well as those who cheer them on — for the shortterm changes that may be necessary.”

The sports task force also includes River Dell High School athletic director Denis Nelson, Washington Township High School athletic director Kevin Murphy, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School athletic director Ryan Miller, Christian Brothers Academy athletic director Vito Chiaravalloti, Northern Burlington Regional High School athletic director Dan Uszaki and Parsippany Hills High School athletic director Todd Ricker.

Clifton High School athletic director Tom Mullahey will serve as the NJSIAA Executive Committee liaison. Colleen Maguire, NJSIAA Director of Finance and Administration, will serve as the NJSIAA liaison.

“Input from our peers will be essential as we try to navigate the various guidelines, the needs of our members schools and the concerns of our student athletes,” Mullahey said.

Fall sports include football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, girls volleyball and girls tennis. Coaches are permitted to interact virtually with athletes through June 14.