TRENTON, NJ — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Assembly would require mandatory water breaks during sports events on artificial turf fields based on rising outdoor temperatures, with games suspended entirely at 100 degrees or higher.
Key Points
- Bill A5519 mandates scheduled water breaks at outdoor turf sports events based on temperature thresholds
- Games must pause every 10 to 30 minutes depending on heat, and must be suspended at 100°F or more
- Applies to youth, school, college, and recreational sports—not professional teams
Assembly Bill 5519, sponsored by Assemblywomen Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-27) and Linda S. Carter (D-22), targets heat safety on synthetic turf fields, which are known to retain higher temperatures than natural grass. The measure would apply to schools, municipalities, colleges, and recreational organizations, but not to semi-professional or professional teams.
If enacted, the law would require water breaks every 30 minutes starting at 80°F, increasing in frequency to every 10 minutes at 95°F or higher. At 100°F, the event must be suspended unless it is moved indoors to a climate-controlled facility.
Enforcement and penalties for noncompliance
The bill directs local health departments to issue a written warning for a first violation. Repeat offenses could result in a $100 civil fine, enforced under New Jersey’s Penalty Enforcement Law. The Department of Health would be responsible for overseeing implementation.
The legislation was introduced April 10 and would take effect on the first day of the next spring season. The Commissioner of Health is also empowered to create administrative rules to support enforcement and implementation.
Supporters say the law is intended to protect young athletes from heat-related illnesses, which can escalate rapidly under extreme field temperatures.
