NJ Decision Awaits On Resuming School Sports: Here's Why

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Monday news conference, said a final decision hasn't been made whether there will be a fall school sports season or not. Murphy did say sports could resume if health and safety protocols are met, and if New Jersey schools switch to all-remote learning.

Murphy made the announcement as he revealed an additional 316 coronavirus cases and four more deaths (you can watch it here, below).

The update comes as the number of cases rose to 187,767 in New Jersey, and 14,077 confirmed deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, School Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The decision to move forward on fall sports will be left up to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, Murphy said. The NJSIAA has not made a final decision.

Murphy said the NJSIAA will only pursue a sports schedule "if the proper health requirements can be met."

The fact that major colleges have canceled their sports seasons should not impact what the NJSIAA does, he said. The governor noted that college teams travel to other states – including areas in the United States where the coronavirus outbreak is out-of-control.

Murphy said it helps that nearly all fall sports are played outdoors, where the risk of the virus's transmission is much lower than it is inside.

Last week, the NJSIAA issued a statement on fall sports, suggesting the organization plans to move forward with playing so long as New Jersey's numbers stay low:

“We are aware of the governor’s announcement (to offer a remote option for school districts) and are continuing on our current path. Schools – including those offering only virtual instruction – will have the option of participating in interscholastic athletics, although we certainly respect the decision of any school or athlete choosing not to participate. We remain in regular communication with state leaders and stand ready to modify as necessary.”

During the news conference, however, the NJSIAA clarified that it has not yet made a final decision.

“NJSIAA appreciates the continued support of Governor Murphy, Senator Sarlo, and Assemblyman Wimberly. With their input, as well as continued guidance from our roster of experts, we look forward to announcing updates to our plans later this week.”

The sports announcement came as a little bit of a surprise since New York announced on Monday that gyms can reopen. Many expected New Jersey to follow suit.

Murphy signaled on Monday that he's looking to reopen gyms and indoor dining in New Jersey, but the state isn't ready yet. He also addressed movie theaters during a Friday news conference. Read more: Gov. Murphy Looks To Reopen Gyms, Indoor Dining In NJ

As for student participation in fall sports, Murphy said he wanted to make sure that the school experience for the student athlete "will not be altered in any way whether they're sitting in a socially distant classroom or a kitchen table."

"We don't want any student shut out" if a school decides to go with remote instruction, he said.

A number of school districts have switched to starting the year with all-remote learning, saying they're not able to meet the state Department of Health's guidelines for in-person education before school term starts.

Indeed, just a few cases of the coronavirus can close a school, according to the Department of Health guidelines. Read more: Here's How The Coronavirus Could Close Any NJ School

The following New Jersey school districts have chosen to begin the 2020-2021 school year with remote learning::

• Bayonne
• Elizabeth
• Freehold Township
• Jersey City
• Montclair
• New Brunswick
• Newark
• Plainfield
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood
• Toms River
• Willingboro

Watch Murphy live here:

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