Senator Bucco to Gov. Murphy: ‘Let Parents Watch the Game’
Says Precautions Can Keep Indoor High School and Youth Sports Safe
NEW JERSEY – Noting the heightened importance of family bonds during the stressful pandemic, Senator Anthony M. Bucco called on the Governor to allow the parents of high school and youth athletes to be spectators at indoor events.
“We should be encouraging parents to support their student athletes and cheer them on from a distance,” Bucco (R-25) said. “By following common-sense precautions, social distancing, and wearing masks, a limited number of family members would be able to enjoy games without risk of spreading the virus.
“Parents find it difficult to believe that they are permitted to watch their kids skate at the rink, but the rules are different for school sports. Like so many other examples, the Governor’s policies don’t make any sense when it comes to allowing parents to be present at indoor high school and youth sports games. With a few common-sense precautions, this can be accomplished quickly and safely for the benefit of our student athletes and families,” Bucco said.
Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan on Dec. 31, 2020 announced Administrative Order 2020-25, which clarifies that indoor sports practices and competitions are subject to current indoor gathering limits, which was most recently set at 10 persons.
However, a practice or competition can proceed with more than 10 persons if individuals who are not necessary for the activity, such as spectators, are not present. The total number of individuals still may not exceed 25 percent of the capacity of the room in which the practice or competitions takes place, and such limit may not exceed 150 persons.
The order further clarifies that the restrictions on interstate youth sports competitions in Executive Order No. 194 (2020) also apply to youth sports competitions conducted outdoors.
The order took effect on Saturday, January 2, when the prohibition on indoor sports practices and competitions in Executive Order No. 204 (2020) sunsets.
