Testa Bill Supporting Fall Sports Athletes Advances

Measure would extend deadline for sports physicals into the season

The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Testa Jr. that would allow additional time for high school and middle school athletes to pass sports physicals for the fall seasons.

Students from 6th to 12th grade who wish to participate in school-sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletics are required to pass a doctor’s examination within one calendar year of the first day of official sports practice. Testa’s bill (S-2518) allows student athletes to participate in the fall season provided they have a physical before the end of the season.

“The coronavirus impacted every aspect of life for New Jersey residents and students,” said Testa (R-1). “Understandably, the health crisis made it difficult, if not impossible, for families to make appointments for sports physicals at doctor’s offices coping with COVID concerns and limited hours. The last three months of this school year were disrupted for students, and this bill would help ease a return to normalcy when kids return to schools in September. We can responsibly ensure students will not be blocked from playing the sport they love for something that was out of their control.”

The Senate endorsed the legislation with a vote of 36-0.

“The cancellation of high school sports in the Spring of 2020 left many students, parents and faculty disappointed and dismayed,” Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-1) said.  “By extending the deadline for sports physicals as we enter the new school year, we can help to ensure that all student-athletes can return to the playing fields and fully participate in a well-rounded educational experience.”