Legislation that would delay the physical examination requirement for certain student-athletes who participate in school-sponsored athletic activities during the fall athletic season of the 2020-2021 school year, sponsored by Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, cleared the full Assembly on Thursday, 72-0-2.
Under the bill’s provisions, a student-athlete who has not completed a physical examination within 365 days prior to the first day of official practice in the fall athletic season of the 2020-2021 school year would be permitted to participate in a school-sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletic team or squad during that season, provided that the student-athlete completes the physical examination before the end of the athletic season, and provided that the student-athlete’s parent or guardian provides proof, before the first day of official practice of the athletic season, that the physical examination is scheduled.
Assemblyman Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) issued the following statement:
“It has been a rough year given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Student-athletes and families need more time to complete their physicals for fall sports. With the uncertainty of the school year ahead, this is simply a precaution we must take to ensure kids are able to participate in school sports and still have time to get their physical exams.”
The bill now goes to the Governor for further consideration.