Youth sports leagues throughout New Jersey are reacting after Gov. Phil Murphy provided updated guidance at Monday’s daily coronavirus briefing on when they can forward.

 

The Department of Health determined that low-risk sports, such as golf and tennis, can resume competitions starting June 22.

Also on that date, sports such as soccer, baseball and football can resume non-contact drills and practices.

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The governor says competition for medium-risk sports are expected to resume July 6, and high-risk sports July 20.

"Sports is an ingrained part of so many of our communities, and our lives, our families,” says Gov. Murphy. "We want everyone to be healthy and to be able to get out and play, but even more we want everyone to be safe."

In Mercer County, American Legion Baseball has been played every summer since 1930. Although playing under the legion umbrella is not going to happen this year, it's hoped a tournament can still take place.

"Practices can start on July 1 and you can have guys who aren't involved in high school work out and practice with the team, so there's hope,” says Mercer County American Legion Chairman Rick Freeman.

Freeman is itching for baseball. While American Legion has already cancelled the season this summer, he hopes to still get some time on the diamond.

"Basically what we want to do is if we can have players who didn't have a high school tournament or the experience play in maybe 15 to 18 games and we are returning games to have the experience for next year and seniors and lets them go out and finish their high school career,” says Freeman.

Freeman admits they are not out of the woods yet but as he said, there is hope.