Athletics COVID-19 Response

The Township of Union Public Schools believes that it is essential to the physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being of Union students to safely re-engage in extracurricular experiences, physical activity, and athletic competition. Returning to play does not mean a return to "normal."While re-socializing to an activity we are still responsible for doing our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Any consideration of returning to physical activity and athletic competition must adhere to all requirements set forth under the executive orders of NJ Governor Phil Murphy, account for the health and safety of all participants, and abide by the recommendations made by the NJSIAA.

Within the contents of this webpage users will find:

Union Athletics COVID Response Document
Phase 1- Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Phase 2- Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Student-Athlete Information sheet
The Farmer Pledge

As well as links to:

Union Athletics Dialy COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire
NJSIAA COVID Response page
NJ Department of Health
National Federation of High School Sports
CDC COVID Recommendations

Our goal is to keep the community as informed as possible regarding the Athletics approach to the reintegration of sports and socialization of our student-athletes.

NJSIAA Resocialization Guidelines- Phase 1-3
Phase 1 Outline (July13th- July 27th)

Outdoor Practices ONLY
NO Indoor practices, weight room, locker room or athletic training room access
No Equipment will be used
Social Distancing must still be maintained at all times
"Pods" of 10 people ONLY
Practice times are 90mins with a 10min warm-up and 10min cool-down (110mins total)
No more than 6 practices per week; no less than 2 practices per week
Daily COVID questionnaire and temperature checks must be completed by staff and student-athletes
All staff must wear a facemask at all times
Student-athletes must wear a facemask whenever they are not actively working out
Student-athletes must have a facemask and water bottle in order to have entry into the facility
Check-in will be at the Field House Baseball Field side
Teams will have staggered starts
COVID 7-day form must be completed 7-days prior to the first practice day

Phase 2 Outline (July 27th-August 10th)

Indoor practices will be allowed
The weight room is allowed to resume (see guidance in Athletic COVID Response)
Equipment will be allowed to be shared within "pods"
Social Distancing must still be maintained at all times
"Pods" are allowed to increase to 25-30 people per pod
Practice times are allowed to increase to 120mins with a 10min warm-up and 10min cool-down (140mins total)
No more than 6 practices per week; no less than 2 practices per week
Daily COVID questionnaire and temperature checks must be completed
All staff must wear a facemask at all times
Student-athletes must wear a facemask whenever they are not actively working out
Student-athletes must have a facemask and water bottle in order to have entry into the facility
Check-in will be at the Field House Baseball Field side
Teams will have staggered starts

Phase 3 Outline (August 10th -August 28th)

Allows for modified practice (no contact) with increased team activities
Permits use of indoor facilities
Workouts will be no more than 150 mins
Pod size will increase to 50 student-athletes
Balls may be used throughout Phase 3 as part of the workouts
Equipment can be used but not shared
Football helmets may be worn but mouthguards are prohibited
Field Hockey Goalie equipment may be worn

Important Documents

Useful Links:

NJSIAA

NJDOH

NFHS

CDC COVID Recommendations for Schools

Student-Athlete Daily COVID Questionnaire:

There is a zero-tolerance policy in regards to compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Union Athletics COVID Response.

This questionnaire is ONLY for those student-athletes participating in the Union High School Athletics.
This form must be filled out every day BEFORE you get in line for your temperature check.
Any athlete who has not completed the form and attempts to get their temperature checked will be asked to leave immediately and return the following day.