NJSIAA moving forward with winter sports

The NJSIAA said it is moving forward with its Season 2 for high school sports after Gov. Phil Murphy announced that indoor sports can resume on Jan. 2.

Ice hockey will be the first sport to get started, with teams able to open practice on Jan. 3 and the first date for competition scheduled for Jan. 15.

Murphy issued Executive Order 204 on Nov. 30, which paused all indoor sports until January 2021. He tweeted on Wednesday that those sports can begin again on Jan. 2 so long as safety protocols remain in place. The prohibition of interstate competition also remains in effect.

“NJSIAA welcomes the governor’s announcement and continued support, and looks forward to the beginning of the indoor, winter, scholastic sports season — specifically, NJSIAA season 2,” the governing body for high school sports said in a statement.

The NJSIAA announced its new seasons format for winter sports on Nov. 19. The plan calls for basketball, ice hockey, fencing and bowling to take place in Season 2 (Jan. 11-March 6); swimming and indoor track & field in Season 2A (Feb. 1-March 27); and wrestling, gymnastics and girls volleyball in Season 3 (March 1-April 24)

“Occupancy restrictions will remain in effect as established by the governor’s Executive Orders,” the NJSIAA said. “And, of course, public health data still may impact our upcoming seasons, so it’s essential that we all continue supporting the 3 Ws — wear your mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands.”