Murphy announces non-contact sports can restart on June 22
The chances of New Jersey holding summer leagues for baseball and softball just got stronger.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday that noncontact organized sports activities can restart on June 22 if they follow health and safety safeguards.
“At that time activities will be limited to sports activities conducted outdoors, and there can be no contact drills or activities for the time being — again, for the time being,” Murphy said at his press briefing. “Especially for the countless kids who have been looking forward to playing baseball or softball or soccer or other sports, we are proud to take this step. We want you to have an active summer with your friends, playing the sport you love, but at the same time while protecting your health.”
Murphy’s executive order also includes the resumption of youth day camps and municipal summer rec programs on July 6.
“In each of these instances, sports leagues and day camps, the Department of Health will be releasing the health and safety standards that will allow for this order to be properly followed,” Murphy said.
Although the Little League World Series was canceled back on April 30 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s now renewed hope that local tournaments could be held at some point.
Normally, Mercer/Burlington County’s baseball and softball teams would be starting District 12 action at the end of June.
“We are going to do everything possible to have our leagues in NJ District 12 conduct a regular season at some point this season,” District 12 administrator David J. Edwards said after the Little League World Series’ cancellation. “Depending on the timing, and after consulting with our member leagues, we would absolutely run a District Tournament if we’re able. It’s too early to know if a Section or
State tournament would be possible. Again, that would be determined once we have a better understanding of timing.”
This also opens up the possibility of the state’s high school football programs hosting 7-on-7 drills this summer, since those don’t involve contact. Still, it all depends what the specific safety guidelines for distancing will be.
In general, it’s a positive step toward schools hosting fall sports — football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, girls volleyball and girls tennis — after the spring sports season was completely wiped out.
“Over the past weeks we have worked tirelessly with youth sports leaders across the state toward this day,” Murphy said. “I have every confidence in the ability of our leagues to ensure the health and safety of every athlete.”