Wimberly Bill to Delay School-Athletes’ Physical Exam Requirement for 2020-21 Now Law

(TRENTON) – 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, was signed into law by the Governor.

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 was simply a precaution we had to take to ensure kids are able to participate in school sports and still have time to get their physical exams.”