Massachusetts Hockey has received an inquiry from the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards, relative to New Jersey-based hockey players/teams participating in youth hockey activities within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a result of this inquiry as well as other individual inquires, Massachusetts Hockey would like to clarify its position on players who reside in New Jersey participating with or against Massachusetts-based programs and teams.

Massachusetts Hockey is not restricting its member organizations from competition with players/teams who reside in New Jersey. However, as of October 3, 2020, New Jersey was added to the restricted travel list as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' COVID-19 Travel Order. Accordingly, it is fully expected that any New Jersey residents traveling into Massachusetts to participate in a USA Hockey-sanctioned event (game, practice or training) will comply with the state-issued guidance, which currently requires either proof of a 14-day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to arrival in Massachusetts. To be clear, there is NO EXCEPTION at this time for youth or recreational sports. 

We have been advised that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the local boards of health intend to continue to actively monitor this situation. As such, any Massachusetts Hockey program that travels to New Jersey shall keep a record of each player’s documentation each time they return home from an event, so they are capable of responding appropriately should there be any inquiries relating to a player’s status and their compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order (https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form).   

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Massachusetts-based programs, rinks and the New Jersey families/programs to ensure compliance with the state guidance.