State Warns Coaches, Athletes About The Danger Of Solar Eclipse

Officials are warning athletes and coaches to be careful when practicing sports or playing scrimmages when the solar eclipse passes over New Jersey Monday.

Dr. Jack Kripsak, chairman of the NJSIAA's Medical Advisory Committee, warns that while the eclipse will not interfere with daily activities, looking directly into the corona visible around the edge of the moon can result in irreversible severe eye damage. The NJSIAA is the state's governing body of high school sports.

The association asked athletic directors and coaches to educate students and plan scrimmages and practice times accordingly, since unusual darkness will occur during the eclipse.

The eclipse will take place from 1:20 and 4:10 p.m.

Solar eclipses are rare. They occur when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and block either all or part of the sun.

Special solar eclipse sunglasses that are ISO 12312-2-compliant are needed in order to safely view the eclipse. A list of reputable retailers selling the glasses is available on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's website.

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