New Jersey Passes Athlete Safety Policy

In a move we should be hearing more about, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey passed a Heat Participation Policy to protect athletes in Grades 6 through 12 from heat stroke and other injuries.

“Heat stroke from practicing or playing in hot weather can bring on sudden cardiac arrest, causing otherwise healthy student athletes to suffer,” said Assemblywoman Pinkin. “By enacting this legislation, we are arming schools with the appropriate tools and guidelines for safe and responsible action.”

Governor Phil Murphy should be commended for his timely response to a growing nationwide concern. The State of Florida records more incidents of fatal heat stroke on high school fields than any other state in the nation.  We look forward to similar announcements coming from the South and Midwest, where record-breaking heat waves are on the rise in recent years. 

 

“Too often we hear of tragedies occurring on sports fields that could have been avoided if the adults were properly trained to quickly address the situation,” said Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Commissioner of Education. “The steps that we’re taking today will help provide greater levels of preparedness and protection, which will create a safer environment for student athletes throughout the state.”