New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)

Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 Pennsauken, NJ 08109 Mendham, NJ 07945 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2025 (Warren County) (NJSIAA A t -Large) (NJSIAA A t -Large) Judy Finch-Johnson Jason Corley, Athletic Directo r Alaa “Al” Abdelaziz, Asst, Princi p al Acting Asst. Superintenden t Long Branch HS PCTI Elizabeth BOE 404 Indiana Ave. 45 Reinhardt Roa d 500 North Broad St. Long Branch, NJ 07740 Wayne, NJ 07470 Elizabeth, NJ 07208 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2026 Term Expires: June 2024 (NJSIAA A t -Large) (NJSIAA A t -Large) (NJSIAA A t -Large) Dr. Carol Birnboh m , Superintenden t Michael Baldwin, S r , Athletic Directo r Leon Owen, Athletic Directo r Lenape Regional HS Distric t East Orange Campus HS Willingboro HS 93 Willow Grove Roa d 344 Prospect Stree t 20 J.F. Kennedy Way Shamong, NJ 08088 East Orange , NJ 07017 Willingboro, NJ 08046 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2024 (NJSIAA A t -Large) (NJSIAA A t -Large) (NJSIAA A t -Large) 4 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (continued) Tammy Wagner Barry Walker Howard Kriege r Stafford TWSP BOE – Ocean County Bridgewater Raritan School Boar d Allentown BOE Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2026 Term Expires: June 2024 (NJSBA A t -Large) (NJSBA A t -Large) (NJSBA A t -Large) Steve Shohfi Denise Crudup Maria Crowley Point Pleasant Beach BOE Term Expire s: June 2024 Red Bank Regional HS Term Expires: June 2026 (Ex-Officio - Officials) 101 Ridge Roa d (NJSBA A t -Large) Little Silver, NJ 07739 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ex-Officio - N JSCA) Michael G. Gallo, Principal Barry Fitzgerald Tripp Welborne, AD Seton Hall Prep School Lenape Regi onal BOE The Lawrenceville School 120 Northfield Ave. Term Expires: June 2024 2500 Main St. West Orange, NJ 07052 (Ex-Officio – N JSBA) Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ex-Officio - N on-Public) (Ex-Officio - N JISA) Christopher Hube r Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly Senator Paul A. Sarlo N J Depa r tment of Education 191 Market St. 496 Columbia Blvd. / 1st Floo r PO Box 500 Paterson, NJ 07505 Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075 Trenton, NJ 08625 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ex-Officio) (Ex-Officio) (Ex-Officio – N JDOE) Dave Ryden, Athletic Directo r Michael Vinella Paul Vizzuso Marlboro HS East Brunswick HS Clark Public Schools 95 N orth Main Stree t 380 Cranbury Roa d 365 Westfield Ave Marlboro, NJ 07746 East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Clark, NJ 07066 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ex-Officio - DAANJ) (Ex-Officio - N JPSA) (Ex-Officio - N JASBO) , Dr. Michael Kuchar Superintenden t Jeff Baldino Joseph Bollendorf, Past President South Bergen Jointure Commi ssion Special Ol ympics of N J Term Expires: June 2024

Delran, NJ 08075 Pine Hill, NJ 08021 Cape May Court House NJ 08210 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2024 (Burlington County) (Camden County) (Cape Ma y Count y ) Cynthia Wilks, Athletic Directo r Steven Jenkins, Athletic Directo r Jeff Pierro, Principal Bridgeton High School Bloomfield HS Gateway Regional HS 111 North West Avenue 160 Broad Stree t 775 Tanyard Roa d Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Bloomfield, NJ 07003 Woodbury Heights, NJ 08096 Term Expires: June 2026 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2026 (Cumberland County) (Essex County) (Gloucester County) 3 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (continued) John Fraraccio, Athletic Director Jason Miller, Athletic Director Ed Chmiel, Principal Memorial HS South Hunterdon HS Ewing HS 5501 Park Avenue 301 Mt. Airy-Harbourton Road 900 Parkway Ave. West New York, NJ 07093 Lambertville, NJ 08530 Ewing, NJ 08618 Term Expires: June 2026 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2026 (Hudson Count y ) (Hunterdon Count y ) (Mercer County) Jorge Diaz, Superintenden t Jeremy Braverman, Principal Dr. Dan Johnson, Superintenden t Middlesex County Voc & Technical School Distric t Howell HS Butler Public Schools

Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Stanhope, NJ 07874 Scotch Plains, N J 07076 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2024 (Somerset County) (Sussex Count y ) (Union County) Gregory Troxell, Superintenden t Al Dyer, Senior Director of Athletic Pro g rammin g Mohammed Abdelaziz, Asst Principal Phillipsburg Public Schools Camden City School Distric t West Morris Mendham HS

Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 Clifton, NJ 07013 Woodstown, NJ 08098 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2026 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ocean County) (Passaic County) (Salem County) Jeffrey Steele, Athletic Directo r Dr. Michael Rossi, Superintendent Dr. Dave Heisey, Principal Bound Broo k HS Lenape Valley Regional School Distric t Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS 111 Union Ave .

Oradell, NJ 07649 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 (Ex-Officio - N JASA) (Ex-Officio – Special Olympics) 5 NJSIAA ADMINISTRATION Colleen Maguire, Executive Director Paul Popadiuk, Chief Compliance Officer Tony Maselli, Chief Operating Officer Derryk Sellers , Assistant Director Al Stumpf, Assistant Director Steven P. Goodell, Association Attorney NJSIAA STAFF Richard Baez Tawanda Bennett Jennifer Fischer Dena Maggio Elizabeth Nodeland Michele Perez Anne Marie Walters Address Communications to: NJSIAA

East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Farmingdale, NJ 07727 Butler, NJ 07405 Term Expires: June 2025 Term Expires: June 2024 Term Expires: June 2024 (Middlesex County) (Monmouth County) (Morris County) Kurt Karcich, Principal Dr. Danny Robertozzi, Su p erintenden t Joseph Ursino, Athletic Directo r Point Pleasant Boro HS Clifton Public Schools Woodstown HS

Robbinsville, NJ 08691 Phone: (609) 259-2776 www.njsiaa.org ABOUT THE NJSIAA The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Associa tion grew out of a meeting on September 27, 1918, in the Council Chambers of City Hall in Newark, Ne w Jersey, at which time the 50 representatives from 21 secondary and private schools of the State appointed a temporary committee comprised of Walter E. Short, then director of athletics in the Newark schools, then sportswriter G.A. Falzer of The Newark Sunday Call and E.C. MacArthur of Peddie School. On November 8, 1918, with 32 schools represented, a constitution was adopted, and the organization to be known as th e New Jersey Football Asso ciation elected E.C. MacArthur as its first president. The success of this gr oup, although confining all of its efforts to football, encouraged the administrators and coaches of other in terscholastic sports to call for a reorganizational meeting on March 28, 1919, at which time the name was changed to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. State champions were declared in football in 1918; basketball, baseball, and track were added to the championship group in 1919; and in the fall of that ye ar cross-country was also included. The championship picture has been enlarged. Presently, the NJSIAA conduc ts State Championships in thirty-three sports, including sixteen for girls. 6 From 21 member schools in 1918, the NJSIAA has grown to over 435 member schools. The Executive Committee, originally comprised of 5 members, now numbers; 21 representing the public high schools, 4 representing the non-public schools, 14 serving as ex-offi cio members and 12 at-large representatives. In 1965, Jr. High Schools were admitted to membership, a nd in 1967 the activities of the girl’s interscholastic athletics program were approved for guidance by the State Association. Walter E. Short served the organization as Secretary on a part-time basis from 1918 to 1947, and upon his retirement from the Trenton school syst em in that year, was appointed to serve in that capacity on a full- time basis until his retirement in 1958. He was succeeded by Norman Mansfield, former Athletic Director at Montclair High School, who served as an interim administrator until 1960 when James G. Growney resigned his position as director of athletics, health and physical education for the West New York schools to become Executive Secretary-Treasu rer of the NJSIAA and under his guidance the organization has been acclaimed as a leader in many activities on the nati onal scene. Mr. Growney retired on July 1, 1981. Succeeded by Robert F. Kanaby, who served as Executive Secretary-Treasurer during the 1980-81 year while Mr. Growney was on leave; continuing as Executive Director until 1993. James C. Riccobono succeeded Robert F. Kanaby as Executive Director, April 1993. In September of 1993, Boyd A. Sands became the sixth Executive Director. Upon Mr. Sands’ retirement on January 10, 2006, Steven J. Timko became the seventh Executive Director of the NJSIAA. Larry L. White succeeded Steven J. Timko as Executive Director, upon Mr. Timko’s retirement, on January 1, 2018, and became the eighth Executive Director. Upon Mr. White’s retirement on December 31, 2020, Colleen E. Maguire became the ninth Executive Director of the NJSIAA. In 1979, the Legislature adopted Chapter 172 (N.J .S.A. 18A:11-3 et seq.) which provided formal authorization for public school members to join th e NJSIAA and authorized the Commissioner of Education to consider appeals from action of the Associ ation. That statute is set forth as follows: N.J.S.A. 18A:11-3 Voluntary associations regulating conduct of student activities; membership; rules and regulations; appeals. A board of education may join one or more voluntar y associations which regulate the conduct of student activities between and among their members, whose memb ership may include private and public schools. Any such membership shall be by reso lution of the board of education, adopted annually. No such voluntary association shall be operative without approval of its charter, constitution, bylaws, and rules and regulations by the Commissioner of Education. Upon the adoption of said resolution the board, its faculty, and students shall be governed by the rules and regulations of that association. The said rules and regulations shall be deemed to be the policy of the board of education and enforced first by the internal procedures of the association. In matters involving only public school di stricts and students, facu lty, administrators and boards thereof, appeals shall be to the commissioner an d thereafter the Superior Court. In all other matters, appeals shall be made directly to the Superior Court. The commissioner shall have authority to direct the association to conduct an inquiry by hearing or otherwise on a particular matter or alternatively, direct that particular matter be heard directly by him. The associ ation shall be a party to any proceeding before the commissioner or in any court. 7 N.J.S.A. 18A: 11-3.1 Definitions relative to public school distri ct participation in certain voluntary associations which oversee sports activities. 1. As used in this section: a. "CPI" means the average annual increase, expressed as a decimal, in the consumer price index for the New York City and Philadelphia areas dur ing the fiscal year preceding the prebudget year as reported by the United States Department of Labor. b. A public school district shall not join pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1979, c.172 (C.18A:11-3), any voluntary association which oversees activities associat ed with Statewide interscholastic sports programs if: i. the association charges a cable television co mpany an increased licensing fee, rate, assessment or other consideration for the br oadcast of playoff games over local access or local originating channels, or both, compared to the licensing fee, rate, assessment or other consideration charged by the district for the broadcast of regular season games over local access or local originating channels, or both; ii. the association requires increased ticket prices for attendance at playoff games compared to regular season games, unless the playoff game is held at a location other than a public school and the increased ticket prices are deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Education. In the event that the playoff game is held at a location other than a public school and the commissioner deems an increase in pl ayoff ticket prices is necessary, a public school district shall not join an association that increases adult ticket prices by more than 200% of the cost of the highest adult ticket prices for the regular season games charged by any of the member teams of the athletic confer ence that is located in closest proximity to the playoff game location, regardless of whether or not any of the playoff teams are members of that athletic conference; and in th e event that two or more athletic conferences are equal in distance to the playoff game location, by not more than 200% of the cost of the highest adult ticket prices for regular season games charged by any of the member teams of those athletic conferences. Notwith standing the provisions of this paragraph to the contrary, the commissioner may allow a public school district to join an association that charges in excess of the amount herein provid ed if the association demonstrates to the commissioner that the increased ticket prices are re quired to offset rental, staffing, security, or insurance costs specific to the location site. In no event shall the commissioner deem an in crease in ticket prices for senior citizens or children to be necessary; iii. the association charges a me mbership fee for the 2009-2010 school year which exceeds the membership fee for the 2008-2009 school year multiplied by 1 plus the CPI, and in any subsequent school year charges a membership fee that exceeds the prior school year fee multiplied by 1 plus the CPI, unless the Co mmissioner of Education deems a greater increase in the membership fee is necessary; 8 iv. the association charges members an entry f ee for teams or individuals competing in playoff games for the 2009-2010 school year which exceeds the entry fee for the 2008- 2009 school year multiplied by 1 plus the CPI, and in any subsequent school year charges members an entry fee that ex ceeds the prior school year fee multiplied by 1 plus the CPI, unless the Commissioner of Education deems a greater increase in the entry fee is necessary; or v. the association charges member s any assessment in addition to the membership fee, unless the Commissioner of Education deem s an additional assessm ent is necessary. c. If any provision of this section is determined by the Commissioner of Education to jeopardize the amateur status of the student-athlete , that provision shall be null and void. N.J.S.A. 18A:11-4 Minutes of meetings of associations ove rseeing interscholastic sports programs The minutes of every meeting of any association func tioning under this act which shall oversee activities associated with statewide interscholastic sports pr ograms in this State shall be transmitted by and under certification thereof to the commissioner or his design ee who shall acknowledge the receipt of the minutes by his signature. The commissioner or his designee sha ll prepare a report detailing all programs and fiscal activities of the State wide associations and such othe r associations functioning under this act as he feels may be necessary. This report shall be based upon annual reports submitted to him by the associations operating under this act and shall deta il any developments contrary to th e public interest and shall indicate whether or not the intent of the Legislature in its gran t of statutory authority to boards of education to join such associations is faithfully being executed. N.J.S.A. 18A:11-5 Effective date of amendments to charter, constitution, bylaws, rules or regulations of association; disapproval of amendments Any amendment to the charter, constitu tion, bylaws, rules or regulations of the association shall be effective not less than 20 days after its submission to the commi ssioner. No such amendment shall take effect if the commissioner in said 20-day period returns to the Exec utive Director his disapproval of the amendment. THE BASIS FOR GOOD ATHLETIC PROGRAMS should be through the development of sound objectives such as: 1. A statement of aims and objectives for all types of school athletic programs. 2. A clear understanding of the functions of the athletic program in the school curriculum. 3. The scope of the physical education and athl etic program in the total school program. 4. Provision of equal opportunities for all students to participate in physical education and athletic programs. 5. Availability of adequate funds for proper mini mum physical education and athletic programs. 6. Proper administrative control, adequate fac ilities and supplies, and competent personnel for worthwhile programs in physical education and athletics. 7. Standards for selection, duties and responsibiliti es for personnel for coaching and administration of athletic programs. 8. Establishment of sound objectives for championships , tournaments, and other large group athletic events. 9. Establishment of sound policies and practices for community participation in athletic programs. 9 COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE To achieve the proper goals of athletics, the school a nd the public must be informed concerning the role of athletic education. School athletics are a potential edu cative force that is not always properly used and that is too often misused. We, in New Jersey, are in a pos ition to utilize athletics as part of the educational program by continuing to develop the responsibilities which belong to th e state, the school, the community and this association. There is every reason to belie ve that if this done, communities will recognize those contributions school athletics can make, and be willing to aid in all efforts to stimulate and motivate the establishment of sound policies and wholesome pr actices for the secondary schools of New Jersey. REALIGNMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY COUNTY Current Term Subsequent Term County Section Position 1 st Term Expires 2 nd Term Expires Position 1 st Term Expires 2 nd Term Expires Atlantic South S 2023 2026 P 2029 2032 Bergen N orth I P 2022 2025 AD 2028 2031 Burlington South P 2024 2027 AD 2030 2033 Camden South AD 2022 2025 S 2028 2031 Cape May South S 2024 2027 P 2030 2033 Cumberlan d South AD 2023 2026 S 2029 2032 Essex N orth II AD 2024 2027 S 2030 2033 Glouceste r South P 2023 2026 AD 2029 2032 Hudson N orth II AD 2023 2026 S 2029 2032 Hunterdon Central AD 2024 2027 S 2030 2033 Merce r Central P 2023 2026 AD 2029 2032 Middlesex Central S 2022 2025 P 2028 2031 Monmouth Central P 2024 2027 AD 2030 2033 Morris N orth II S 2024 2027 P 2030 2033 Ocean South P 2022 2025 AD 2028 2031 Passaic N orth I S 2023 2026 P 2029 2032 Salem South AD 2024 2027 S 2030 2033 Somerse t Central AD 2022 2025 S 2028 2031 Sussex N orth I S 2022 2025 P 2028 2031 Union N orth II P 2024 2027 AD 2030 2033 Warren N orth II S 2024 2027 P 2030 2033 This plan provides for equal representation among th e titled positions as provided under Article V – Administration, Section 2a of the NJSIAA Constitution. The term of office is determined on a July 1 st through June 30 th basis for the years indicated. Each term of o ffice is for three years and is limited to only one three-year succession. 10 REALIGNMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (continued) NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY SECTION Effective Date September 1, 2003 Current Term Subsequent Term Section Position 1 st Term Expires 2 nd Term Expires Position 1 st Term Expires 2 nd Term Expires N orth Non-Public A AD 2024 2027 P 2030 2033 N orth Non-Public B P 2024 2027 AD 2030 2033 South Non-Public A P 2024 2027 AD 2030 2033 South Non-Public B AD 2024 2027 P 2030 2033 This plan will provide for equal representation am ong the titled positions as provided for under Article 5 – Administration, Section 2b of the NJSIAA Constitutio n. Term of office is determined on a July 1 st through June 30 th basis of year indicated. Each term of office is for three years and is limited to only one three-year succession. Notes 1. A person elected by Group A/B will serve out the remai nder of the three-year term in the event of a change in group classification. 2. Voting Procedure: a. Nomination forms sent by the NJSIAA to be s ubmitted with three endorsements to the NJSIAA by May 1. The endorsements must come from sc hools other than the nom inee by like position from the non-public schools. Example: Athletic Di rector must have three Athletic Director endorsements. b. Casting Ballot – Ballots to be prepared and sen t to the respective group, section and title by the NJSIAA for return by June 1. Ballots will be counted by the standing non-public representatives on the Executive Committee. c. In the event of the tie, the candidate from the sc hool with the higher enrollment will be elected. 11 STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULES AND REGULATIONS These excerpts from the New Jersey Administrative Code are set forth as a convenience to the member schools. All clarifications or interpretations of these regulations should be referred to the County Superintendent or to counsel for the local board of education of the school district. SUBCHAPTER 9. ATHLETICS PROCEDURES N.J.A.C. 6A:32-9.1 General requirements a. A district board of education may adopt a program of activities of sports that complies with N.J.S.A. 18A:36-37. b. In cases in which the athletic facilities are not ow ned by the municipality or the district board of education, the district board of education shall re quire the owner to provide adequate safeguards for players and spectators. The field, room, court, track , stands, and surrounding premises shall be kept in good condition and free from hazards. c. Upon the recommendation of the chief school administrato r, the district board of education shall adopt and, thereafter, annually review a policy of emerge ncy medical procedures for all practice sessions and competitive contests, games, events, or exhibitions with individual students or teams of one or more schools of the same or other school districts, whet her conducted on public or private facilities. Said policy shall be disseminated to appropriate personnel. d. A student representing his or her school in intersc holastic athletic competition shall sign a form furnished by the district board of education, the wo rding of which shall embody a request to be enrolled as a candidate for a place on a school team in a specified sport. The parent or adult student shall execute an acknowledgement that physical hazards may be encountered. e. Each candidate for a place on the school athletic s quad or team shall submit a form furnished by the district board of education conveying the consent of hi s or her parent or the adult student to participate. N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-5.15 Persons employed to coach, or serving as coach, for interscholastic swimming and/or diving programs a. Persons employed to coach or serving as coach for interscholastic swimming and/or diving programs shall: 1. Hold a New Jersey certification pursuant to the rules for hiring athletics personnel at N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-5.16(b); and 2. Meet the requirements for water safety training pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-11.10(a) 2 through 4. b. The chief school administrator of the employing district board of education shall: 1. Annually notify the executive county superintende nt of all persons employed to coach or serving as coach for interscholastic swimming and/or diving programs; and 2. Annually forward to the executive county superi ntendent copies of each valid American Red Cross or YMCA certificate required in (a) 2 above for every person employed to coach or serving as coach for interscholastic swimming and/or diving programs. 12 N.J.A.C 6A:9B-5.16 Athletics Personnel a. Any teaching staff member employed by a district bo ard of education shall be permitted to organize students for purposes of coaching or for conducting game s, events, or contests in physical education or athletics. b. School districts may employ any holder of either a New Jersey teaching certificate or a substitute credential pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-7 to work in the interscholastic athletic program provided the position has been advertised. The 20-day limitation note d in N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-7.4(a) shall not apply to such coaching situations. c. Not applicable. NJ.A.C. 6A:7-1.7 Equality in School and Classroom Practices a. The district board of education shall ensure that the district’s physical education program and its athletic programs are equitable, coeducational and do not discr iminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability or socioeconomic status, as follows: 1. The district board of education shall provide separate rest room, locker room and shower facilities on the basis of gender, but such facilities provided for students of each gender shall be comparable; 2. A school may choose to operate separate teams for the two sexes in one or more sports or single teams open competitively to members of both sexes, so long as the athletic program as a whole provides equal opportunities for students of both sexes to participate in sports at comparable levels of difficulty and competency; and 3. The activities comprising such athletic programs shall receive equitable treatment, including, but not limited to, staff salaries, purchase a nd maintenance of equipment, quality and availability of facilities, scheduling of practi ce and game time, length of season and all other related areas or matters. N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-11.10 Swimming and water safety a. To be eligible for the swimming and water safety endorsement, candidates shall hold: 1. A standard New Jersey instructional certificate; 2. A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Pr ofessional Rescuer Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the YMCA; 3. A valid Lifeguard Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the YMCA; and 102 4. A valid Water Safety Instructor Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the YMCA N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-14.17 School Athletic Trainer a. The athletic trainer endorsement is required for ser vice as a school athletic trainer in grades preschool through 12 pursuant to N.J.5.A. 18A:28- 4(b). b. To be eligible for the school athletic trainer endorsement, a candidate shall: 1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regiona lly accredited college or university; and 2. Satisfactorily complete the requirements establis hed by the State Board of Medical Examiners for registration as an athletic trainer pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:35-10. c. An emergency certificate is not available for this endorsement. 13 N.J.A.C 6A:16-2.2 Required Health Services a. Each school district shall ensure immunization r ecords are reviewed and updated annually pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.1 through 4.24. b. Each school district shall ensure a principal or his or her designee does not knowingly admit or retain in the school building a student whose parent has not submitted acceptable ev idence of the child's immunization, according to the schedul e specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57-4, Immunization of Pupils in School. c. Each school district shall perform tuberculosis t ests on students using methods required by and when specifically directed to do so by the New Jersey Department of Hea lth based upon the incidence of tuberculosis or reactor rates in specific communiti es or population groups pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40- 16. d. Each school district shall immediately report by tele phone to the health officer of the jurisdiction in which the school is located any communicable di seases identified as reportable pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:57-1, whether confirmed or presumed. e. Each public and nonpublic school in the State shall ha ve and maintain for the care of students at least one nebulizer in the office of the school nurse or a similar accessible location, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.7. f. Each student medical examination shall be conducte d at the medical home of the student. If a student does not have a medical home, the school district sha ll provide the examination at the school physician's office or other comparably equipped facility, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-4. g. The findings of required examinations under (h)2 through 5 below shall include the following components: 1. Immunizations pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.1 through 4.24; 2. Medical history, including allergies, past serious illnesses, injuries, operations, medications, and current health problems; 3. Health screenings including height, weight , hearing, blood pressure and vision; and 4. Physical examinations. h. Each school district shall ensure that students re ceive medical examinations in accordance with (f) above and: 1. Prior to participation on a school-sponsored intersc holastic or intramural athletic team or squad for students enrolled in any grades six to 12: i. The examination shall be conducted within 365 days prior to the first day of official practice in an athletic season and shall be conducted by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse (APN), or physician assistant (PA). ii. The physical examination shall be documen ted using the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) form developed jointly by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Me dicine, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopath ic Academy of Sports Medicine in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.7. http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/saf ety/health/records/athleticphysicalsform.pdf iii. Prior to performing a preparticipation physical examination, the licensed physician, APN, or PA who performs the student-athle te's physical examination shall complete the Student-Athlete Cardiac Screening professional development module and shall 14 sign the certification statement on the PPE fo rm attesting to the completion, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41d. iv. If the PPE form is submitted without the signed certification statement and the school district has confirmed that the licensed phys ician, APN, or PA from the medical home did not complete the module, the student-athlete's parent may obtain a physical examination from a physician who can certify completion of the module or request that the school physician provides the examination. v. The medical report shall indicate if a student is allowed or not allowed to participate in the required sports categories and shall be completed and signed by the original examining physician, APN, or PA. vi. An incomplete form shall be returned to the student's medical home for completion unless the school nurse can provide documen tation to the school physician that the missing information is available from screenings completed by the school nurse or physician within the prior 365 days. 2. Each student whose medical examination was comp leted more than 90 days prior to the first day of official practice in an athletic season shall provide a health history update questionnaire completed and signed by the student's parent or guardian. The completed health history update questionnaire shall include information as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.7.b. 3. Each school district shall provide to the pa rent written notification signed by the school physician stating approval of the student's par ticipation in athletics based upon the medical report or the reasons for the school physician' s disapproval of the student's participation. 4. A district board of education, or a governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school, shall not permit a student enrolled in grades six to 12 to participate on a school- sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletic team or squad unless the student submits a PPE form signed by the licensed physician, APN, or PA who performed the physical examination and, if applicable, a complete d health history update questionnaire, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.7.c. 5. Each school district and nonpublic school shall distribute to a student-athlete and his or her parent or guardian the sudden cardiac arrest pamphlet developed by the Commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health , the American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41. i. A student-athlete and his or her pare nt or guardian annually shall sign the Commissioner-developed form that they recei ved and reviewed the pamphlet, and shall return it, to the student's school pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.d. ii. The Commissioner shall update the pamphlet , as necessary, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.b. iii. The Commissioner shall distribute the pamphlet, at no charge, to all school districts and nonpublic schools, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41.b. 6. Upon enrollment in school: i. Each school district shall require parents to provide within 30 days of enrollment entry- examination documentation for each student. ii. When a student transfers to another school, the sending school district shall ensure the entry-examination documentation is forwarde d to the receiving school district pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.4(d). iii. Students transferring into a New Jersey school from out-of-State or out-of-country may be allowed a 30-day period to obtai n entry-examination documentation. 15 iv. Each school district shall notify parents th rough its website or other means about the importance of obtaining subsequent medical examinations of the student at least once during each developmental stage: at early childhood (preschool through grade three), pre-adolescence (grade four through six), and adolescence (grade seven through 12). 7. When applying for working papers: i. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.7 and 21.8(3), the school district may provide for the administration of a medical examination for a student pursuing a certificate of employment. ii. The school district shall not be held respons ible for the costs for examinations at the student's medical home or other medical providers. 8. For the purposes of the comprehensive child study team evaluation pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:14- 3.4; and 9. When a student is suspected of being under th e influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3. i. If a student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances is repor ted to the certified school nur se, the certified school nurse shall monitor the student's vital signs and gene ral health status for emergent issues and take appropriate action pending the medical examination pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16- 4.3. ii. No school staff shall interfere with a st udent receiving a medical examination for suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3. 10. Each public and nonpublic school shall have ava ilable and maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED), pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41a.a(1) and (3), that is: i. In an unlocked location on school property, with an appropriate identifying sign; ii. Accessible during the school day and any other time when a school-sponsored athletic event or team practice is taking place in wh ich pupils of the school district or nonpublic school are participating; and iii. Within a reasonable proximity of the school athletic field or gymnasium, as applicable. 11. The district board of education shall make acces sible information regarding the NJ FamilyCare Program to students who are knowingly without medical coverage pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-34. 12. Information concerning a student's HIV/AIDS status shall not be required as part of the medical examination or health history pursu ant to N.J.S.A. 26:5C-1 et seq. 13. Each district board of education shall ensu re that students receive health screenings. i. Screening for height, weight and blood pressu re shall be conducted annually for each student in kindergarten through grade 12. ii. Screening for visual acuity shall be conduc ted biennially for students in kindergarten through grade 10. iii. Screening for auditory acuity shall be conduc ted annually for students in kindergarten through grade three and in grades seven and 11 pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-4. 16 iv. Screening for scoliosis shall be conducted bi ennially for students between the ages of 10 and 18 pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-4.3. v. Screenings shall be conducted by a school physician, school nurse, or other school personnel properly trained. 14. The school district shall notify the parent of any student suspected of deviation from the recommended standard. AN ACT concerning the health of student-athletes and supplementing P.L.1984, c.203 (C.45:9-37.35 et seq.) and chapter 40 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST PREVENTION ACT The Commissioners of Education and Health, in consultation with the Ne w Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New Jersey Academy of Fa mily Physicians, the American Heart Association, and the New Jersey Chapter of the Am erican College of Cardiology, shall develop, by the 2013-2014 school year, a Student-Athlete Cardiac Screening professi onal development module to increase the assessment skills of those health care practitioners who perform student-athlete physical ex aminations and screenings. The module shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: 1. How to complete and review a detailed medical history with an emphasis on cardiovascular family history and personal reports of symptoms; 2. Identifying symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest that may require follow up with a cardiologist; 3. Recognizing normal structural changes of the athletic heart; 4. Recognizing prodromal symptoms that precede sudden cardiac arrest; 5. Performing the cardiovascular physical examination; 6. Reviewing the major etiologies of sudden unexplain ed cardiac death with an emphasis on structural abnormalities and acquired conditions; and 7. When to refer a student to a cardiologist for further assessment. The module developed pursuant to su bsection a. of this section and the pamphlet developed pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2007, c.125 (C.18A:40-41) shall be post ed on the websites of the Department of Education, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, th e Athletic Trainers' Society of New Jersey, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey State Boar d of Nursing, and the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants. A physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant who performs a student-athlete's annual physical examination prior to the student's participati on in a school-sponsored interscholastic or intramural athletic team or squad as required pursuant to subsect ion a. of section 2 of P.L. 2013, c.71 (C.1 8A:40-41.7) shall complete the Student-Athlete Cardiac Sc reening professional develo pment module developed pursuant to subsection a. of this section. Upon pe rforming a physical examination required by subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.2013, c.71 (C.18A:40-41.7), th e physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant shall sign the certification statement on the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation form required pursuant to subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.2013, c.71 (C.18A:40-41.7) attesting to the completion of the module. The board of education of a public school district and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school shall retain the orig inal signed statement to attest to the qualification 17 of the health care practitioner to perform the physical examination required by subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.2013, c.71 (C.18A:40-41.7). L.2013, c.71, s.3. 18A:40-41e Short title. Sections 2 through 5 of P.L.2013, c.209 (C.18A: 40-41f through C.18A:40-41i) and P.L.2007, c.125 (C.18A:40-41) shall be known and may be cited as the "Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act." L.2013, c.209, s.1. 18A:40-41f Definition. As used in sections 3 through 5 of P.L.2013, c. 209 (C.18A:40-41g through C.18A:40- 41i), "athletic activity" means: interscholastic athletics; an athletic contest or competition, other than interscholastic athletics, that is sponsored by or associated w ith a school district or nonpublic school, including cheerleading and club-sponsored sports activities; and any practice or interschool practice or scrimmage for those activities. L.2013, c.209, s.2. 18A:40-41g Informational meeting. A school district or nonpublic school may hold an inform ational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for students-athletes, their parents or guardians , coaches, athletic trainers, the school physician, school nurses, and other school officials on the nature, risk, symptoms and early warning signs, prevention, and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. L.2013, c.209, s.3. 18A:40-41h Removal of athlete showing warning signs from activity; violations, penalties. A student who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by an athletic trainer if one is on site, or if an athletic trainer is not on site, then a game official, team coach, licensed physician, or other official designated by the student's school, while participating in an athletic activity, shall be immediately removed from the athle tic activity by the coach. The student shall not be eligible to return to athletic activity until he is evaluated and receives writte n clearance from a licensed physician. A student who exhibits symptoms or early warning si gns of sudden cardiac arrest at any time prior to or following an athletic activity shall be prohibited from participating in an athletic activity. The student shall not be eligible to return to athletic activity un til he is evaluated and receives written clearance from a licensed physician. The board of education of a school district or the governing body or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school, as appropriate, shall ensure that a person who coaches a school district or nonpublic school athletic activity who knowingly violates the provisi ons of subsection a. or b. of this section shall be: 1. suspended from coaching any athletic activity for th e remainder of the season for a first violation; 2. suspended from coaching any athletic activity for the remainder of the season and the entire next season for a second violation; and 3. permanently suspended from coaching any at hletic activity for a third violation. L.2013, c.209, s.4. 18A:40-41i Certification required for coaches. A person who coaches a school district or nonpublic school athletic activity shall hold a current certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation from the American Re d Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health. L.2013, c.209, s.5. 18A:40-41j Nonprofit youth-serving organizations are encour aged to promulgate information protocol. Including, but not limited to, Little L eagues, Babe Ruth Leagues, Pop Warner Leagues, Police Athletic Leagues, and youth soccer leagues, which organize, spons or, or are otherwise affiliated with youth athletic events, are encouraged to direct the parent or guardian of each child participating in a youth athletic event 18 to the sudden cardiac arrest information posted on th e Department of Education's website pursuant to section. All nonprofit youth-serving organizations as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.432 (C.15A:3A-1 of P.L.2007, c.125 (C.18A:40-41); and follow the prot ocol concerning removal-from-play established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.209 (C.18A:40-41h) of a child who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest during a youth athletic event, or who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest at any time prior to or fo llowing a youth athletic even t. Injuries, and that all measures are taken to prevent a student-athle te from experiencing second-impact syndrome. SYNOPSIS “Janet’s Law” requires public schools to have automate d external defibrillators for youth athletic events and to establish certain plans relating to sudden car diac events. An Act concerning automated external defibrillators for youth athletics, designated “Janet’s Law,” and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or re gulation to the contrary, beginning on September 1, 2014, the board of education of a public school district that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall ensure that: 1. an automated external defibrillator, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-24), identified with appropriate signage , is placed and made available in an unlocked location on school property, which is accessible during the school da y and any other time in which a school-sponsored athletic event or team practice, in which pupils of the district are participating, is taking place and is within reasonable proximity of the school athletic field or gymnasium, as applicable; 2. a team coach or other designated staff member if there is no coach, who is present during the athletic event or team practice, is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-25). A school district shall be deemed to be in comp liance with this requirement if a State-certified emergency services provider or other certified first responder is on site at the event or practice; and, 3. each defibrillator is tested and maintained accord ing to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad or other appropriate emergency medical servi ces provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-25). A school district and its employees shall be immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of defibrillators pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-27). Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or re gulation to the contrary, beginning on September 1, 2014, the board of education of a public school district that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for r esponding to sudden cardiac events, including, but not limited to, those events in which th e use of an automated external defibrillator may be necessary. 19 The emergency action plan required pursuant to subsec tion a. of this section, and in keeping with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.c.(C.) (pending before th e Legislature as this bill) shall also, at minimum, provide the following: 1. a requirement that no less than five school f aculty members successfully complete and hold a current certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other training program recognized by the Department of Hea lth and Senior Services in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and use of a defibrillator; 2. a list of those school faculty members who hold current certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of a defibrillator, such list is to be made current at least once in each calendar year of each school year; 3. written detailed procedures on responding to sudden cardiac events, including, but not limited to, who shall be responsible for responding to the individual in cardiac distress, calling emergency responders, starting cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, obtaining and using the automated external defibrillator, and assisting emerge ncy responders in getting to the individual in cardiac distress; and, 4. any other requirement deemed relevant to responding to sudden cardiac events. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, and in accordance with the “Administra tive Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act. This act shall take effect immediately. STATEMENT This bill, which is designated “Janet’s Law,” is in memory of Janet Zilin ski, an 11- year old who died of sudden cardiac arrest following a cheerleading squad practi ce. The provisions of this bill apply to athletic events and activities that take place through public schools. Specifically, the bill requires public school districts th at include any of the grades kindergarten through 12 to ensure that, beginning on September 1, 2014, an automated external defibrillator (AED), identified with appropriate signage, is placed and made available in an unlocked lo cation on school property, which is accessible during the school day and any other time in which a school-sponsored athletic event or team practice, in which pupils of the district are participa ting, is taking place and is within reasonable proximity of the school athletic field or gymnasium. The bill requires that a team coach, or other designated staff member if there is no coach, who is present during the athletic event or team practice, be traine d in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED in accordance with the provisions of State law. A school district is deemed to be in compliance with this requirement if a State certified emergency se rvices provider or other certified first responder is on site at the event or practice. A public school district is also required to test and maintain each AED according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines and to pr ovide notification to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad or other appropriate em ergency medical services provider regarding the AED, the type acquired, and its location in accordance with current State law. The bill also requires that a public school district establish and implement an emergency action plan for responding to sudden cardiac events, including, but not limited to, those events in which the use of an AED as may be necessary. The emergency action plan, in keep ing with the provisions of section 1 of the bill shall also, at minimum, provide that: no less than five school faculty member s successfully complete and hold a current certification from training programs recogni zed by the Department of Health and Senior 20 Services in CPR and use of an AED; a list of tho se school faculty members who hold current certifications, such list is to be made current at least once in each calendar year of each school year; written detailed procedures on responding to sudden cardiac events; a nd any other requirement deemed relevant by the school district to responding to sudden cardiac events. The bill directs the State Board of Education, in c onsultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, to adopt rules and regula tions necessary for its implementation and provides that a school district and its employees shall be immune fro m civil liability in the acquisition and use of an AED pursuant to current law. C.18A:40-41.2 Interscholastic Athletic he ad injury safety training program. The Department of Education shall work to devel op and implement, by the 2011-2012 school year, an interscholastic athletic head injury safety training program. The program shall be completed by a school physician, a person who coaches a public school district or nonpublic school interscholastic sport, and an athletic trainer involved in a public or nonpublic sc hool interscholastic sports program. The safety training program shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: 1. The recognition of the symptoms of head and neck injuries, concussions, and injuries related to second-impact syndrome; and 2. The appropriate amount of time to delay the return to sports competition or practice of a student- athlete who has sustained a concussion or other head injury. The department shall update the safety training progra m as necessary to ensure that it reflects the most current information available on the nature, risk, and treatment of sports -related concussions and other head injuries. The department shall develop an educational fact sheet that provides information about sports-related concussions and other head injuries. A school distri ct or a nonpublic school that participates in an interscholastic sports program shall distribute the educa tional fact sheet annually to the parents or guardians of student-athletes and shall obtain a signed acknowledgment of the receipt of the fact sheet by the student- athlete and his parent or guardian. C.18A:40-41.3 Written policy for school district concerning prevention and treatment of sports- related head injuries. Each school district shall develop a written policy con cerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-ath letes. The policy shall include, but need not be limited to, the procedure to be followed when it is suspected that a student-athlete has sustained a concussion or other head injury. When developing the district policy, a school distri ct shall review the model policy established by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the policies established by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, th e National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the recommendations made by the Brain Injury Associ ation of New Jersey Concussion in Sports Steering Committee, the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey, and other organizations w ith expertise in the area of preventing or treating sports-rela ted concussions and other head inju ries among student-athletes. Each school district shall implement the policy by the 2011-2012 School Year. 21 The policy shall be reviewed annually, and updated as necessary, by the district to ensure that it reflects the most current information available on the prevention, risk, and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries. To assist school districts in developing policies con cerning the prevention and tr eatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athl etes, the Commissioner of Education shall develop a model policy applicable to grades kindergarten through 12. This model policy shall be issued no later than March 31, 2011. C.18A:40-41.4 Removal of student athlete from competition/practice; return. A student who participates in an inte rscholastic sports program and who sustains or is suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head injury while e ngaged in a sports competition or practice shall be immediately removed from the sports competition or practice. A student-athle te who is removed from competition or practice shall not participate in further sports activity until he is evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider trained in the eval uation and management of concussions, and receives written clearance from a physician trained in the evaluati on and management of conc ussions to return to competition or practice. C.18A:40-41.5 Immuni ty from liability. A school district and nonpublic school shall not be liable for the injury or death of a person due to the action or A person who coaches a school district or nonpub lic school athletic activity shall hold a current certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health. 22 CONSTITUTION Article I NAME The organization shall be known as the New Jersey St ate Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Article II OBJECTIVES Section 1 To foster and develop amateur athleti cs among the secondary schools of the State Section 2 To equalize athletic opportunities by standardizing rules of eligibility for individuals, and classifying for competitive purposes the institutions whic h are members of the Association Section 3 To supplement the physical education program of the secondary schools of New Jersey by making a practical application of the theories of physical activity Section 4 To promote uniformity in the a rrangement and control of contests Section 5 To protect the mutual interests of the members of th e Association through the cultivation of ideals of clean sports in their relation to the devel opment of character and good citizenship Article III MEMBERSHIP Section 1 Schools eligible for membership in this Associati on must be accredited secondary institutions. A school that is organizing one year at a time shall be permitte d to join the Association on a probationary membership when the 11th grade is organized within its school, pending final accreditation. Section 2 All approved high schools public/private and non-public high schools in New Jersey shall be eligible for membership in the Association. Section 3 No member school shall be a member of any league or conference not recognized, sanctioned or approved by the Association. 23 Section 4 The private secondary schools are elig ible for a federated membership in this Association through the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, membership of which is made up of the private secondary schools in New Jersey. The Ne w Jersey Association of Independent Schools shall supervise the athletic activities of its own division without any financial ai d from the State Associati on. They will come under the jurisdiction of and have representation on the Ex ecutive Committee of the State Association and will pay an annual fee as an organization, not as individual schools. Article IV FINANCES Section 1 Each member school shall be asse ssed as provided in the Bylaws. Section 2 Administration of the finances of the Associa tion shall be the duty of the Executive Committee. Section 3 There shall be a distribution on an equitable basis among the member schools of the NJSIAA of the moneys above the amount set by the Executive Committee to be held in reserve plus the amount necessary for the running expenses of the Association. Section 4 Any member school of the NJSIAA incorporated for pec uniary profit shall not participate in the distribution of the funds mentioned in Section 3 of this Article. Article V ADMINISTRATION The Executive Committee shall consist of su ch members and be selected as follows: Section 1 There shall be a governing body to be known as the Executive Committee, compo sed of representatives as follows: a. 21 public high school representatives; b. 4 non-public high school representatives; c. 14 ex officio representatives; and, d. 12 at large representatives. Section 2a The public high school representation as provided for in Section 1a. shall be comprised of one representative from each county and shall be elected by the respective or ganization, i.e., Superint endents, Principals, or Athletic Directors of that county at a meeting calle d by the present representative from that county for that purpose. This meeting is to take place and the electi on held prior to May 28th of the year in which the Executive Committee member’s term expires. Only the official voting representative (one from each school) shall vote. Official voting forms will be furn ished by the Central Office; these forms must be returned to the Central Office after the election and ke pt on file. The new member shall enter into his office on July 1. 24 The term of office of a public high school representativ e shall be for a period of three (3) years; such representative of the Executive Committee may succeed him self/herself for a second term of three (3) years so long as the designated rotation of position or title is followed. If a vacancy should occur during the term of office, the county shall elect a representative to co mplete the term while main taining the proper rotation perspective. The public high school representation shall be rotated in such a manner each successi ve six years so as to maintain the proper balance of representation from th e three positions or titled administrative areas, i.e., Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors. A representative’s change of position or title within a county shall be construed as affecti ng the balance of representation. The Central Office shall be responsible for maintaining the proper balance of representa tion and shall indicate the position or title of the representative to be elected from said county. A system of rotation should be so constructed as to strive to maintain seven representatives from each of th e three positions or titled administrative areas. The constituent body of the county will have recall pow er to vacate a representativ e’s membership on the Executive Committee for just cause, said vacancy to be filled accordi ng to the procedure outlined in this Section. Section 2b The non-public high school representatives as provided for in Section 1b. shall be comprised of one representative each, selected from the Northern A and B and Southern A and B Sections. The non-public high school representatives shall be elec ted by the same procedure as the public high school representatives and be in an administrative positio n, i.e., Principals and Athletic Directors. Provisions of membership and rotation in titled administ rative areas shall be the same as that of a public high school representative. To the purposes of this Section, the Northern Section sh all comprise: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren c ounties; and the Southern Section shall comprise: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumber land, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem counties. Section 2c The ex officio representation, as provided for in Sec tion 1c, shall be elected by and from the Executive Committee or Board of Directors or President of thei r respective organizations annually, and shall include one representative from: State Department of Education NJ Council of Catholic Diocesan Superintendents NJ School Boards Association NJ Scholastic Coaches Association Education Committees of NJ State Legislature NJ Registered Officials NJ Association of School Administrators Directors of Athletics Association of NJ NJ Association of School Business Officials NJ Association of Independent Schools NJ Principals and Supervisors Association Immediate Past President, NJSIAA Special Olympics New Jersey 25 Section 2d The at large representative, as provided for in Section 1.d., shall be elected as follows: a. Four (4) representatives who are school board memb ers of school districts with secondary schools to be elected by the Board of Directors of the New Jersey School Boards Association; and b. Eight (8) representatives elected by the Executive Committee of the NJ SIAA, the majority of whom shall be women or ethnic minorities. The term of office of an at large representative shall be for a period of three (3) years; such representative of the Executive Committee shall be lim ited to only one three-year succession . Section 3 An Executive Director shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to hold office until his successor has been appointed. The Executive Director shall be empl oyed on a full-time basis, his salary and duties to be fixed by the Executive Committee and by the Constituti on and Bylaws. The term of his employment shall be confirmed by a written contract. Section 4 The duties of the officers, and the Executive Committee, shall be as pr ovided in the Bylaws. All votes on the Financial Affairs, Bylaws, or Rules and Regula tions by the Executive Committee shall be by roll call. Any member of the Executive Committee may call for a roll call on any vote, as a matter of right. Section 5 The Executive Committee shall enact By laws and Rules and Regulations for the Association. Rules and Regulations may be enacted by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Bylaws may only be enacted by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee. The membership at its Annual Meeting may amend, a dd or abolish Bylaws and Rules and Regulations by a majority vote based on the total number of ballots cast at the Annual Meeting. Section 6 The Executive Committee shall, when exercising its authority under Section 5 herein, send written notice of the proposed change to all member schools ten (10) days prior to the meeting of the Committee at which the matter is to be voted on. Six (6) months after the effective date of an y change by the Executive Committee, the membership shall be polled by postal/electronic mail. Afte r such poll, if a majority cast ballots, the Ballot shall be official and a majority of the votes cast shall decide the issue; if less than a majority of member schools respond, the position of th e Executive Committee is sustained. At the next meeting of the Executive Committee, the results of the balloting shall be reported and the action of the vote shall be implemented. 26 Article VI CLASSIFICATION Section 1 New Jersey 18A:1-1. Definitions: "Public school" mean s a school, under college grade, which derives its support entirely or in part from public funds; these schoo ls shall constitute the Public High School Division. All other schools of secondary grade, not so supp orted shall constitute the Non-Public Division. Section 2 The two general divisions may be further classified as prescribed in the Bylaws. Section 3 The Private Secondary Schools, members of the New Jer sey Association of Indepe ndent Schools, will be known as federated members (non-members) and will not be eligible for NJSIAA tournament competition. CL: Federated schools are not members of NJSIAA, but are members of th e New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS). If the Federated Schools provide an affidavit that a specific sports program complies with all eligibility standards of the equivalent NJSIAA sports program, then the NJSIAA will approve that program for out-of-state competition. Article VII ELIGIBILITY Section 1 Regulations governing the eligibility of individual players shall be established and enforced by the Association. Section 2 Member schools shall comply with the eligibility regu lations of the Association, and the acceptance of membership shall be construed as an agreement to that effect. Section 3 Infractions of the eligibility regulations shall be judged and penalties therefore pronounced by the Executive Committee in such a manne r as the Bylaws provide. 27 Article VIII ANNUAL MEETING The Association shall hold an annual meeting at a time and in a manner prescribed in the Bylaws. Article IX CHAMPIONSHIPS The Association may award trophies and prizes in such sports as deemed advisable, and determine State or District championships, when, in the judgement of the Executive Committee, it is deemed feasible and possible. Article X SANCTIONS Interstate athletic meets, games, and tournaments in which member schools participate or any All-Star games played during the out-of-season period (not incl uding the Summer Recess) in which Student-Athletes participate, must have the sanction of the Associa tion in order that individuals or teams representing member schools may participate. This provision appli es to interstate meets, games, or tournaments involving four or more schools regardless of the connot ation or number of periods or quarters played in round robins, festivals, classics, or events by any other name. The requests for sanction for interstate meets, game s, or tournaments must be received by the Executive Director at least thirty (30) days prior to the event. The request for sanction for any All-Star game must be received by the Executive Director at least ninety (90) days prior to the event. CL 1: The NJSIAA does not restrict an individual’ s choice to participate in non-sanctioned events; however, schools, school organizations, or school-rel ated groups such as Booster Clubs may not assist the Student-Athlete’s participation in non- sanctioned events. This would include providing uniforms, equipment, and coaching. The Student-A thlete may not represent his/her school in non- sanctioned events. The NJSIAA does not permit the fundi ng, in whole or in par t, of participation in invitational non-NJSIAA sanctioned events by a Board of Education. CL 2: a. An NJSIAA member school must be designated as the host school for all group events which are not sponsored by an established county or ganization, a conference or league of member schools or by a member school (e.g. a regional tournament, etc.). The host school will be responsible to the NJSIAA in assuring adh erence to Association rules and regulations. b. When only New Jersey schools are involved, the host school has the sanctioning jurisdiction and it is not necessary to contact the Central O ffice. When a non-member high school site is involved, the host school must contact the NJSI AA Central Office for appropriate forms to be submitted for approval. 28 c. When out-of-state or foreign high schools are involved, the host member school must follow this procedure: a. interested individuals who want to host an event will go online at the NFHS website (www.NFHS.org), register as an event m anager, create an event and fill out the online application (identical to the paper version); b. the NFHS will then send an e-mail to the host school’s principal and host state association; c. the state association reviews the applicati on online and determines if they will approve or deny the application; d. once approved the event sponsor is notified by the NFHS association that payment is required. Credit card payment and electroni c check are the only forms of payment accepted; and, e. once the payment is received by the NFHS, th e invited states/schools are notified that they have been invited and it is listed on the NFHS . d. When only schools from states which bord er the State of New Jersey (Delaware, Pennsylvania, and/or New York) are invited, host school must contact NJSIAA Central Office for the necessary application. CL 3: Before any NJSIAA member school enters gam es, meets or tournaments involving four or more schools, they must inquire as to the sanctioning status (1) by a member school or (2) by the National Federation (3) as a Bordering States sancti on or (4) International Competition. In (1) a member school must have written evidence of the sanctioning school before entering the tournament; in (2), (3) and (4) before entering th e tournament, inquiry must be made through the Central Office when that tournament has not been listed as approved in the NJSIAA Executive Committee Minutes and posted on the NJSIAA website. CL 4: Member schools must sign an affidavit which states they will play out-of-state contests under NJSIAA rules. CL 5: The NJSIAA will not act on Sanctioning Requests for Non-Member Schools. Article XI PROHIBITIONS Section 1 Interscholastic boxing among me mber schools is prohibited. Section 2 There shall be no post-season games unless under the auspices or sanction of the NJSIAA. 29 Article XII AMENDMENTS Section 1 Any member school of the Association, or the Executiv e Director, may initiate an addition, deletion or any other change in the Constitution, Bylaws or Rules and Regulations by submitting such proposal in writing prior to December 1. All such proposals shall be c onsidered by the Advisory Co mmittee before January 15, and those proposals which have been endorsed shall be forwarded immediately to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall endorse or reject each proposal submitted by the membership, and any proposals made by the Advisory or Executive Committ ee prior to February 1. All such proposals endorsed by the Executive Committee shall be distribut ed to the membership prior to May 1. When a proposal by a member school has been rejected by the Advisory or Executive Committee, the school which submitted the proposal shall be notified on or before February 1. If the proposal is resubmitted with the endorsement of tw enty (20) member schools prior to April 1, it shall be included among those proposals sent to the membership prior to May 1. Prior to April 1, at least two (2) sectional meetings of the Association shall be held for the purpose of explaining the legislation pending before the me mbership. After thorough discussion, the Executive Committee shall recommend the form and substance of the legislation to be placed on the ballot at the Annual Meeting. Proposals which have been resubm itted with the endorsement of twenty (20) member schools shall be presented as written by the proposing school to the membership for a vote. Section 2 The Executive Director shall be responsible for distri bution of the proposed legislation to the membership at least ten (10) days before the Annual Meeting. Each proposal shall include a note to show the origin of the proposal, i.e., member school, Advisory or Executive Committee. Section 3 The Constitution of the Association may be amended by a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote at the Annual Meeting based on the total number of ballots cast at the Annual Meeting. Section 4 All amendments will become effective on July 1, following the Annual Meeting unless by a separate two- thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote of the ballots cast an earlier date is set. Section 5 The minutes of the Annual Meeting must show the full and exact vote by members of the Association on each proposed amendment. Amendments once voted upon may neither be resubmitted, if defeated; nor repealed, if approved, for a period of two years fro m the effective date. However, the Executive Committee may, if it deems necessary, reintroduce legislation at any time. Article XIII EFFECTIVE DATE This Constitution shall take effect on September 1 (of each calendar year) unless otherwise stipulated. NOTE: CL indicates clarifications which are italicized. 30 BYLAWS Article I DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1 The President shall have the power to call, a nd preside over, meetings of this Association. Section 2 The First Vice President shall exercise these power s in the absence of the President. The Second Vice President shall exercise these powers in the absen ce of the President and the First Vice President. Section 3 The Executive Director shall have the following duties and powers: A. To administer the financial affairs of this A ssociation, under the direction of the Executive Committee, and shall render a financ ial statement at the Annual Meeting. B. To prepare the annual budget. C. To handle all the correspondence of the Association. D. To prepare and present agenda for, and attend al l the meetings of this Association or its committees. E. To make all arrangements for th e Annual Meeting. To notify the member schools in advance of the legislation, nominations, and other business to be discussed at the meeting. F. To represent NJSIAA on the DAANJ Board of Directors, and oversee all athletic leagues and conferences. G. To manage or arrange for the management of all state championship meets and tournaments. H. To arrange for such playoffs as may be directed by the Executive Committee. I. To arrange for an athletic insurance progr am to be offered to the member schools. J. To manage the Central Office of this Associ ation, engaging office space, hiring the necessary office personnel and procuring office supplies, a nd designate the Attorneys for the Association K. To arrange for the publication of the an nual handbook in an electronic format. L. To handle the public and press relations of this A ssociation or make arrangements to handle press relations of the Association. M. To keep the program up-to-date and sponsor ne w activities under the direction of the Executive Committee. N. To be empowered to rule on the interpretations of the Constitution and Bylaws, and rules of the Association, subject to confirmation by th e Executive Committee at its next meeting. O. To perform such other duties as the Executive Committee directs. P. To designate one or more pers ons to attend one or more meetings of the Executive Committee to assure all views on a given subject are represen ted, such persons will not be permitted to vote. 31 Article II DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Section 1 The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the President, and shall conduct such business as may be necessary or useful for furthering the interests of this Association and shall adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of sports contests as they deem pr oper. The Executive Committee is empowered to act upon any areas not specifically covered by the Cons titution, Bylaws, and Ru les and Regulations. Section 2 The Executive Committee shall direct the financial affair s of this Association, and shall appropriate such monies as may be necessary or useful for its operation. Section 3 The Executive Committee shall appoint an Advisory Co mmittee to be composed of one member from each county of the State and two members from the non-pub lic schools division. The term of each member of the Advisory Committee shall be for one year. The appointments should be made on an equal distribution from Athletic Directors, secondary Principals and superintendents. The Executive Committee may, at its discretion, appoint other committees to which it may delegate specific functions. These committees may be formed from its ow n members, from the personnel of member schools, or from both, provided that no more than one member be appointed from any one school. Section 4 Duties of the Executive Committee Me mbers with relation to District or Regional organizations: A. Help plan, control and assist in the management of all interscholastic athletics of the district or region as organized by the Executive Committee, in cooperation with other counties within their district or region. B. Assist member schools in proposing legislation to the Advisory Committee for action, if any is required. C. Report the proceedings of all district or regiona l meetings to the Central Office of the NJSIAA. D. Foster a Code of Ethics. E. Conduct district or regional meetings for the orie ntation of new Principals, Athletic Directors and coaches; also, for the election of new memb ers to the Executive Committee when needed. F. Attend meetings of the NJSIAA when called by the President of the Association. G. Assist in the clarification of eligibility rules to member schools within a given district, but will not rule on cases of eligibility. H. Conduct such hearings as he is direct ed to hold by the Executive Committee. Section 5 The Executive Committee shall hold hearings in such a manner as they shall by rule provide. 32 Article III CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBER SCHOOLS Section 1 Public and non-public member schools shall be divide d into a “Public Schools Division” and a “Non-public Schools Division,” respectively. Section 2 The affairs of the non-public secondary schools of the State shall be regulated in accordance with the Constitution. Section 3 Classification of Public Schools for Purposes of State Championship Tournaments: A. Groups 1. Every two years, the public schools shall be divided by enrollment into Groups, on a sports specific basis, as determined by the Executive Committee. 2. Enrollment shall be defined as the sum of a school’s student population for grades 9, 10 and 11. Enrollment figures shall be those reported to and certified by the Department of Education for the purpose of obtaining state school aid. CL: The central office will determine enrollment for each school based on the figures submitted by the school to the department of Education for st ate school aid. The enrollment figures shall include classified students. This determination of enrollm ent shall be deemed final, and not subject to appeal, unless it can be documented that there wa s an error in the Department of Education report. 3. To determine the number of schools in each Grou p for a particular sport, the number of public schools participating in that sport shall be divided by the number of Groups, and an equal number of schools shall be assigned to each of the Groups. If the total number of public schools cannot be divided evenly by the number of Groups, then the number of schools in the smallest shall be increased by the remainder. B. Sections 1. Every two years the public schools in each of the Groups shall be divided by geography Sections, on a sports specific basis, as determined by the Executive Committee. 2. To determine the number of schools in each Sec tion for a particular sport, the number of public schools participating in that sport shall be divided by the number of Sections, and an equal number of schools shall be assigned to each of the Sections. If the total number of public schools cannot be divided by evenly by the numbe r of Sections, then one remainder will be added to each Section from the northernmost to the southernmost Section until there are no more remainders. 33 3. The geographic boundary of each Section shall run along the east-west parallel associated with the southernmost school of that Section. Section 4 Classification of Non-Public Schools for Purposes of State Championship Tournaments: A. Groups 1. Every two years, the non-public schools shall be divided by enrollment into Groups, on a sport- specific basis, as determin ed by the Executive Committee. 2. Enrollment shall be defined as the sum of a school’s student population for grades 9, 10 and 11, dated November 1. The Non-Public cl assifications will be based on gender specific enrollments for every sport. 3. To determine the number of non-public schools in each Group for a particular sport, the number of non-public schools participating in th at sport shall be divided by the number of Groups, and an equal number of schools shall be assigned to each of the Groups. If the total number of non-public schools cannot be divide d evenly by the number of Groups, then the number of schools in the smallest shall be increased by the remainder. B. Sections 1. Every two years, the non-public schools in each of the Groups shall be divided by geography into Sections, on a sport specific basis, as determined by the Executive Committee. 2. To determine the number of schools in each S ection for a particular sport, the number of non- public schools participating in that sport shall be divided by the number of Sections, and an equal number of schools shall be assigned to each of the Sections. If the total number of non- public schools cannot be divided by evenly by the number of Sections, then one remainder will be added to each Section from the northernmo st to the southernmost Section until there are no more remainders. 3. The geographic boundary of each Section shall run along the east-west parallel associated with the southernmost school of that Section. Section 5 Classification of non-member schools, non-public school s and out-of-state schools, for awarding power- points and determining tournament tie-breakers, shall be as follows: A. The enrollment of a non-member or out-of-state school must be verified, in writing, to the NJSIAA, by the principal or headmaster of the school. B. Non-member, non-public, and out-of-state schools shall be classified as though they were public schools in New Jersey with the same enrollment. C. If the enrollment of a non-member, non-public, or out-of-state school does not fall within the enrollment range of any then-existing Group, th e non-member, non-public, or out-of-state school shall be classified with the Group that will, w ith the addition of that school, have the least disparity from largest to smallest school. CL: A non-member school has an enrollment of 704. The Group III range that year includes New Jersey public schools with enrollments between 708 and 992. The Group II range includes schools 34 with enrollments between 452 and 698. The non-memb er school would be considered to be a Group II school, since the enrollment disparity in Grou p III, with the addition of the non-member school, would be 288 (992 minus 704), whereas the dispar ity in Group II would be just 252 (704 minus 452). Section 6 A. State championship competition will be conducte d as approved by the Executive Committee and delineated in the regulations of each sport. Section 7 Cooperative Sports Programs A. The Executive Committee shall approve all Cooperative Spor ts Programs (CSP) upon the recommendation of the Cooperative Sports Comm ittee (CSC) or the Cooperative Sports Appeals Committee (CSAC). Such Cooperative Sports Progra ms will be based upon an agreement between the cooperating schools whereby one of the two sc hools shall have the complete responsibility as the Local Education Agency (LEA) for the conduct of the specific sport(s), which will be available to the students at both schools. CL 1: Cooperative Sports Program applications should be signed by an officer of the Participating League or Conference, and indicate whether the League or Conference endorses or not endorses the application. The Participating League or Conf erence is defined as the entity that schedules the regular season games for that particular sport. CL 2: This section establishes a process by wh ich Cooperative Sports Program applications are processed, reviewed, and appealed. A CSP is an excep tion to the general requirement that students play sports at the school at which they are enrolled. A CSP is not to be used to place students in another school’s program simply because the student (s)’ school does not offer the particular sport. Both schools must demonstrate a need for and commitment to the CSP. B. The purpose of a Cooperative Sports Program is to provide opportunities for participation when none would otherwise exist, as for instance when a school lacks a particular program or when a school has declining enrollment in a particular program. Under no circumstances is a CSP to be used for purposes of creating a stronger or more competitive team, or as an excuse for eliminating an otherwise viable athletic program. Cooperative Sports Programs should be comprised of schools from the same Participating League or Conference or General League or Conference. Crossover to other Leagues or Conferences is only permitted after efforts have b een exhausted to partner with a school within the same League or Conference. If a CSP is comprised of schools from different Leagues and Conferences, then approval must be received from all Leagues and Conferences involved. C. Schools may enter into a Cooperative Sports Pr ogram for any sport and for any Group size. However, the following conditions must be me t in order for a Cooperative Sports Program application to be considered by the CSC: 1. A public high school can only enter into Coopera tive Sports Programs with another public high school while non-public high schools can only en ter into such programs with another non- public high school. 2. A member school may enter into Cooperative Spor ts Programs with more than one other school for more than one sport; however, a member school may only enter into one Cooperative Sports Program for a particular sport. 3. In Cooperative Sports Programs involving ice hockey, three public schools or three non-public schools may combine to form a tri-school Coopera tive Sports Program with a maximum thirty 35 (30) student athlete roster, if their respectiv e leagues approve. Public schools may not combine with non-public schools. 4. A Cooperative Sports Program is for a two year period with an automatic two year renewal. Written notification of automatic renewal must be submitted by the sports specific deadlines indicated below. Completed applications and re quired written documentation must be submitted to the NJSIAA office by the following sports specific deadlines: Fall sports – January 15 th ; Winter sports – April 15 th ; Spring sports – September 15 th D. The total enrollment used for classification purpo ses of the Cooperative Sports Program will be determined based upon the most current year join t pupil enrollment of grades 9, 10, and 11. One hundred percent (100%) of the partner school’s enro llment shall be added to the LEA’s enrollment for the purpose of postseason playoff classification. In addition, the Cooperative Sports Committee may place a CSP in a more competitive classificatio n if necessary for comp etitive balance. Such classification of the CSP will not affect either school’s classification in any other sport. E. Cooperative Sports Committee (CSC): The President of the Executive Committee shall nominate a Cooperative Sports Committee of no less than five members and a chairperson, no ne of whom shall be members of the NJSIAA Executive Committee. The CSC will approve or disapprove each Cooperative Sports Program application. Approved applicati ons will be presented at the ne xt Executive Committee for final approval. The CSC will also make classification determinati ons at the time of approval of the Cooperative Sports Program. The CSC will take into consider ation the combined enrollments as well as other factors determined by the Committee. The LEA, Partner school or Participating League or Conference may appeal any such decision by the CSC. Such appeal will be heard by the Coope rative Sports Appeal Committee per Article III, Section 10.E. CL 3: The CSC will meet three times per yea r and their decisions will be based on written documentation submitted to the committee. Such m eetings will occur within 45 days after each deadline prescribed in Article III, Section 7.C(4). Decisions of the CSC will be communicated to the applying schools within 10 business days of the meeting date. CL 4: The CSC may change the classification de termination previously made. Such change in classification will coincide with the automatic renewal period. F. Cooperative Sports Appeals Committee (CSAC): The President of the Executive Committee shall nominate a Coope rative Sports Appeals Committee of no less than five members and a chairperson, all of whom shall be members of the NJSIAA Executive Committee. All appeals from initial decisions of the CSC shall be determined by the Cooperative Sports Appeals Committee. The CSAC will not hear appeals of the classification determination made by the CSC. The CSAC shall consider Cooperative Sports Pr ogram matters, in accordance with the following procedures: i. The CSAC shall decide an appeal on either written submission or at a hearing. ii. The CSAC shall meet to determine a ny pending appeals on days corresponding with the regularly scheduled mee tings of the Executive Committee. 36 iii. Four members of the CSAC shall constitu te a quorum. The Chairperson shall be a non-voting member of the Committee except where there is a tie to vote on any appeal. A member shall not vote on any a ppeal, the outcome of which would affect the schedule of that member’s school. If the CSAC approves a Cooperative Sports Progr am application, then they will make the classification determination at the time of approva l. The CSAC will take into consideration the combined enrollments as well as other factors determined by the Committee. G. The LEA, Partner school or Participating League or Conference may appeal any such decision of the CSAC. Such appeal will be heard by the Executive Committee and such decision will be considered final. H. Cooperating schools may include all school names on their uniforms; however, the LEA name will be used by the NJSIAA for classifications and seeding brackets. I. Either the LEA or Partner school may exit a Coop erative Sports Program at any time during the time period covered by the approved application. Written notice must be submitted to the NJSIAA and the other participating school(s). Upon early termination, the participating schools will be reclassified to their natura l classification as a single school. J. A Cooperative Sports Program for a particular sport will cover all levels of competition (i.e. freshman, J.V. and varsity). However, either sc hool may establish a stand-alone sub-varsity team while continuing in the cooperativ e program in that same sport. K. The Executive Committee shall be auth orized to adopt appropriate guid elines, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Section, so as to implement the Cooperative Sports Programs. L. No Cooperative Sports Program shall be allo wed unless approved by the Executive Committee after prior approval by the Boards of Education of the cooperating schools. Article IV ANNUAL DUES Section 1 Member schools shall pay an Annual Due of $2,500.00. Section 2 Annual dues become payable at the beginning of each school year, and must be remitted to the Executive Director no later than September 1st. 37 Article V ELIGIBILITY OF ATHLETES* Section 1 A student, to be eligible for participation in the inte rscholastic athletic program of a member school, must be enrolled in that school and must meet all the e ligibility requirements of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations, of the NJSIAA. CL 1: Students being home-schooled (by parents or other parties) may be eligible if the local Board of Education has approved their participation and the requirements of the Homeschool Guidelines have been satisfied. Properly enrolled students on Home Instruction provided by the Board of Education are eligible if the student satisfies S ection 4E. (Refer to NJSIAA Guidelines, Policies and Procedures). Section 2 Amateur-Athlete – An amateur-athlete is one who participates in athletics solely for the physical, mental, social and educational benefits derived from such participation. The following is a list of principles student-athletes must abid e by to retain their amateur status, and thus, their NJSIAA eligibility: A. A student-athlete may not participate in a ny athletic activity under an assumed name. B. Professional Athletics. A student-athlete may par ticipate as an individual, or as a member of a team against professional athletes, or as a member of a team on which there are some professionals who are not currently under contract with a professiona l team and are not receiving money for their participation. However, a student -athlete may not (1) sign a contract to play professional athletics (whether for a money consideration or not); or (2 ) receive a salary or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization. C. Outside Work. Student-athletes are permitted to receive payments fo r coaching and providing athletic instruction, however student-athletes may not play on the teams that they coach. The student- athlete’s compensation must be comm ensurate with the work performed. D. Name, Image and Likeness. A student-athlete ma y profit off of the use of their own name, image and likeness (NIL). Such permissible activiti es include commercial endorsements, promotional activities, social media presence, product or service a dvertisements, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). No one employed by a member school, including coac hes and administrators, may be involved with a student-athlete’s use of their NIL. Student-athletes are prohibited from making any re ference to a member school or the NJSIAA when engaging in any NIL activity. Student-athletes ma y not endorse or promote any third-party entities, goods or services during team activities. Student-athlet es may not wear the apparel or display the logo, insignia, or identifying mark of an NIL partner during any team activities. Student-athletes are prohibited from engaging in any NIL activities involving the following categories of products and services: (1) Adult entertainment products and services; 38 (2) Alcohol products; (3) Tobacco and nicotine-related products; (4) Cannabis products; (5) Controlled dangerous substances; (6) Prescription pharmaceuticals; (7) Casinos and gambling, including sports betting, the lottery, and betting in connection with video games, on-line games and mobile devices; and (8) Weapons, firearms and ammunition. E. Awards. A student-athlete may only accept indivi dual interscholastic awards and similar mementos if the award is approved by the local Board of Education or school governing body, in keeping with traditional high school requirements which are basically symbolic in nature, i.e., letters, sweaters, jackets, pins, trophies, rings and watches. No othe r award of monetary valu e may be granted to any student-athlete without prior approval by the lo cal Board of Education or school governing body and the NJSIAA. Also, a student-athlete may accept a monetary award under the United States Olympic Committee’s “Operation Gold” program without compromising his/her eligibility for NJSIAA competition. Operation Gold awards athletes fo r top-place finishes in a sport’s most competitive international competition of the year. F. Participation in Non-NJSIAA Events. A student -athlete who participates in non-NJSIAA events may receive reasonable travel, meal and lodging expenses. Beyond reasonable, travel, meal and lodging expenses, a student-athlete may accept sports-r elated paraphernalia with a monetary value not to exceed $500.00. Note – Compliance with this provision does not ensure ma intenance of eligibility under the eligibility standards of other athletic organizations, such as, but not limite d to, the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc. Student-athletes are encouraged to communicate with those organizations to ensure any activity comp lies with those eligibility standards. Section 3 Reinstatement of Amateur Eligibility – The Executive Committee of th e NJSIAA is the only body that may reinstate a Student-Athlete of a member school to eligibility status under the provisions of the organization’s Constitution, Bylaws , and Rules and Regulations. In cases where the Executive Committee has determined that a Student-Athlete inadvertently par ticipated in an activity th at has caused his/her loss of eligibility, the Executive Committee may reinstate sai d athlete after a period of not less than one year. An application for reinstatement must be made in writing by the high school Principal to the Executive Committee and shall include a ll data pertinent to the case. Section 4 Eligibility Requirements – Eligibility rules herewith stated shall apply to all freshman, sophomore, junior varsity, and varsity teams involved in interscholastic athletic competition. Ineligibility Lists – Member schools must submit an affidavit of ineligible students to the Executive Director of the NJSIAA annually for each of the three seasons prior to the beginning of those seasons. This form, signed by the Principal, will certify that any and all students listed do not meet the eligibility requirements of the NJSIAA. This affidavit should be based on carefully compiled lists of ineligible student/athletes for all sports in that season which are on file in each member school and in the event of any questions, are available upon request by other member schools and/or appropriate NJSIAA officials. Schools may use their own form as long as all th e information is provided on that form. CL: This record must be compiled prior to the student’s participation in the first interschool scrimmage or game in that sport and kept on file in the Principal ’s office. Schools are reminded 39 that determining eligibility or ineligibility must be based on the following : (a) name of the student/athletes, (b) date of birth, (c) docum entary proof of age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, insurance policy or school record), (d) date of first enrollment in 9th grade, and (e) school from which student transferred, if such trans fer was effected during the current or just past school year, (f) credits passed previous year (first semester eligibility) or p revious semester (second semester eligibility), and (g) participatio n prior to entry into the 9th grade. A. Eligibility Certification – Upon the request of the Executive Director, schools must furnish him/her with lists of ineligible student/athletes for their various teams, containing such information as he may deem necessary. B. Eligibility Responsibility – The Principal of a school is responsib le for the observance of the eligibility rules contained in this Article and for th e entire program of his/her member school. CL: It is local option for schools to permit in eligible students to practice or compete in interscholastic scrimmages while ineligible for re gular or post-season games. [Scrimmages refer to pre-season scrimmages only and not scrimmages during the regular season or post-season for those sports that allow such. ] Such practices will count to satisfy the six (6) days practice rule. The above is applicable provided the school meets the medical examination and parental permission as required by the State Board of Education. C. Age – An athlete becomes ineligible for high school athle tics if he/she attains the age of nineteen prior to September 1. However, any athlete attaining age nineteen (19) on or after September 1 shall be eligible for the ensuing school year. A birth certificate, issued at the time of birth, is the normal proof of age; in the absence of this, other proofs may be used. The records used will be baptismal records or the earliest school records. CL 1 : The following evidence of proof of age can be used when the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state of birth reports no records exist: a. Birth certificate. b. Affidavit of attending physician. c. Documentary evidence, such as family record of birth in Bible, certificate of arrival in the United States, or a passport. d. Public school records, school, st ate or national census records. e. Baptismal certificate. CL 2 : This requirement will not be waived for the sole reason that a student was born day(s), week(s), or month(s) just prior to September 1. CL 3: In order to assure the opportunity for eight consecutive semesters of interscholastic eligibility, member schools may request waivers to permit stud ents who are enrolled in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades and who are otherwise academically eligible, to participate on the juni or varsity or varsity teams where such students will be sixteen (16) years of age or older upon entrance into the 9th grade prior to September 1st. Guidance Departm ents/School Administrators of elementary schools should provide the Athletic Director with ages of all students so they can be assured of four (4) years of eligibility prior to becomi ng ineligible at age nineteen. 40 D. Athletic Recruitment – This subsection prohibits the recruiting of high school students. For the purposes of this subsection, a student becomes a “high school student” on the first day the student attends ninth grade, or the first day the student attends fall spor ts practice prior to the student’s ninth grade year, whichever is earlier . 1. Athletic recruitment is contrary to the purpo ses and objectives of high school sports. Prohibiting athletic recruitment helps to keep athletics in its proper place and subordinate to academics; protects student-athletes from those having interests that mi ght not be consistent with the interests of the student-athletes; and maintains competitive equ ity on a level playing field among member schools. 2. Athletic recruitment is defined as any effort to, pr oselytize, pressure, urge or entice a student to transfer to a school for athletic purposes. It is a vi olation for a member school to engage in athletic recruitment or for a student-athlete to transfer to a school as a result of athletic recruitment. Athletic recruitment includes, but is not limited to: a. Using mail, letters, brochures, or news me dia to compare high schools and to solely point out the athletic assets of the sender; b. Engaging in proselytizing interviews or communications, initiated by school personnel or associates; c. Offering athletic scholarships, free tuition or other monetary assistance, either from the school directly or indirectly through some affiliated body or individual, to induce a student to attend the school for athletic reasons. 3. A member school shall be responsible for athletic recruitment by anyone associated with the school or acting at the direction of the school, including bu t not limited to administration, staff, coaches, students, parents, booster clubs, or any orga nization having a connection with the school. 4. Any evidence of recruiting by a member school sha ll subject the school to a hearing before the Controversies Committee. A school that is found to ha ve violated the athletic recruitment rule shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Article X. 5. Any evidence that a student has moved to a r esidence associated with, leased, or provided by anyone associated with the school or acting at the direction of the school, including but not limited to administration, staff, coaches, students, pare nts, booster clubs, or any organization having a connection with the school, shall be consider ed prima facie evidence of recruiting. E. Credits 1. To be eligible for athletic competition during the first semester (September 1 to January 31) a pupil must have passed 25% of the credits (30) require d by the State of New Jersey for graduation (120), during the immediately preceding academic year. 2. To be eligible for athletic competition during the second semester (Feb. 1 to June 30), a pupil must have passed the equivalent of 12 1 / 2 % of the credits (15) required by New Jersey for graduation (120) at the close of the preceding semester (Jan . 31). Full-year courses shall be equated as one- half of the total credits to be gained for th e full year to determine credits passed during the immediately preceding semester. CL 1: The NJSIAA does not establish grading polic ies or standards for granting credits. The local school’s Board of Education has the exclusive authority to address such matters within the 41 parameters of the State Board of E ducation guidelines. Therefore, the NJSIAA will not waive, either the standards set by a member school or the minimum standards set forth in Article V, Section 4.E except as provided in Section 4.F (1). CL 2: The credit status of a transferred student, determined by the previous school, may not be changed by the present school. CL 3: There is no provision for make-up work for credits for second semester. CL 4: Waivers will not be considered for a senior who does not attain 15 credits and who fails a subject in his/her first semester, unless that senior is passing all subjects in the subsequent marking period. The student must be on track for gradua tion and passing all classes during the third marking period. CL 5 : An athlete who is ineligible under Article V, Section 4.E(2) may become eligible for the remainder of the spring sports season on May 1, if he/she meets the requirements of Article V, Section 4E(2) as of that date. Note: In order for a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader to beco me eligible per CL 5, the student must be passing all courses taken during the 3rd marking period and accumula ted 22.50 credits when grades are averaged for marking periods 1, 2, and 3. 22.50 credits after thr ee (3) marking periods puts the student-athlete on track to obtain the required 30 credits at the end of the school year. 3. The above paragraph 1shall not apply to incomi ng students from grammar school (8th grade). 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 1 and 2 above, a pupil who is eligible at the beginning of a sports season shall be allowed to finish that season. CL 1: According to regulations of the New Jersey State Board of Education, credit must be assigned equally to all secondary school courses. Thus, cou rses which at one time were considered “minor,” e.g. Physical education, art, music, industrial arts, etc., must be included in the determination of academic requirements. CL 2: Graduation Requirements – The provisions of Ar ticle V, Section 4.E (1) and (2) of the Bylaws will not be waived even though a school allows a student to carry only t hose courses necessary to meet minimal graduation diploma credit requirements. a. If a student has received a diploma, he/she is ineligible. However, he/she may continue to represent his/her school until the official end of that semester–either January 31 or June 30. b. If a student has left school, but re-enrolls, he/she will be eligible th irty (30) calendar days from the date of re-enrollment. c. If a student has continued enrollment while ab sent from school, he/she will be eligible provided he/she is enrolled in and attends at least one course. CL 3: It is recognized that students may acceler ate their academic programs during their first three years of secondary schooling. Consequently, such st udents may be eligible in the second semester of their senior year even wh en they carry less than 12 1 / 2 % of the State minimum (15 credits) during the first semester provided they are meeting their school district’s graduation requirements and are passing all courses in which they are enrolled at the st art of the first semester. Seniors who withdraw from courses with a passing grade (WP) will be eligible provided they are carrying sufficient credits for graduation purposes. 42 CL 4: When a student does not fail a course and/or withdraws passing and is unable to pass the required credits for reasons not under the control of the student, or the school, a waiver shall be granted. A student who enters from an out-of-state school or a foreign country that has passed all courses in which the student is enrolled, meets the requirements of this Section. CL 5: Students receiving credits for courses at thei r previous school may use t hose credits to satisfy the credit requirements for athletic eligibility even though the present school does not grant credit for same. Such a situation is acceptable only on an immediate basis at the time of the transfer. The student subsequently becomes subject to the requirements of the present school. CL 6: An athlete, whose education is interrupted after his/her entrance into the 9th grade (4 or 6 yr. high school) or 10th grade (3 yr. high sc hool) and who does not pass the required courses as provided for in Article V, Section 4.E (1) and (2 ) of the Bylaws at the end of the semester, upon being readmitted at the beginning of the next sem ester, is ineligible fo r failure to meet the requirements of this section. Exceptions to this rule are returned servicemen/s ervicewomen who have been honorably discharged and cases of unavoidable absence due to illness. Subst ance abuse is not considered as unavoidable absence due to illness; when illegal substance is the reason for not passing the required credits, a waiver will not be granted. CL 7: An athlete who is ineligible under Article V, Section 4.E (1), may become eligible for the remainder of the winter sports season on February 1 if he/she meets the requirements of Article V, Section 4.E (2). CL 8: Any summer work for makeup purposes for failed courses, completed and approved by the school before the sixth school day, in the Fall semester, may be used for eligibility purposes. CL 9: A student eligible to represent his/her school in Winter Sports may continue to do so until the end of that season. CL 10: A passing grade for a semester can only be used once for eligibility purposes. A student who has a semester’s passing grade in a subject may not repeat that subject during a later semester and use it for eligibility purposes. F. Handicapped/Classified Students 1. Course Waiver – All handicapped/classified students, as defined by the New Jersey State Department of Education, defined as Individu als with Disabilities Education Act-(IDEA), shall comply with the athletic eligibility rules and re gulations of the NJSIAA (with the exception of Section 4.E of this Article V re: Credits), and in addition the student must have evidence of the following: a. Parents, or guardians, must give consent for such competitive experience. b. The Child Study Team must certify that the st udent successfully completed the I.E.P. in the previous year/semester co mmensurate with the student’s ability. Final approval for participation must be given by the Principal. CL 1: A student who is initially classified after fa iling to have satisfied the provisions of Section 4.E Credits (30 or 15) cannot regain eligibility until th e Child Study Team has monitored that classified student for a semester / 90 school days. 43 CL 2: Courses cannot be waived for ADA or 504 students. c. The medical inspector of the school district mu st certify that the youth has physical ability to compete equally with other participants. 2. Definition – Since handicapped or “disabled” childre n (as defined in this section) are not subject to Section 4.E of this Article V, the academic credit rule, it is important that schools understand what children may be eligible. a. Any handicapped child must be in a program approved by the State Department of Education for handicapped children. b. Any handicapped child must be classified as such by an examiner approved by the State Department of Education. c. Any handicapped child must be approved by the local Child Study Team to attend regular high school classes, home instruction, or he/s he must be a member of a class in which he/she spends the greater part of each sc hool day with other children under a teacher holding a certificate to teach. d. All handicapped students, assigned to another sc hool by the Board of Education, Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the c ourts and classified by the Child Study Team, will be eligible to compete on the interscholas tic athletic teams of the school district in which the student resides, providing such receiving school does not sponsor an interscholastic athletic program in that spor t, and so long as such students meet all other applicable NJSIAA eligibility requirements. CL 1 : Exception: In County Special Services School Distri cts, e.g., Bergen County where the district is not an adjunct school of the local public sc hool district and where all schools are under the authority of the same Superintendent of Schools, al l students are eligible to participate in the interscholastic athletic programs of that Co unty’s vocational high school(s) unless they are approved to participate at the public high school where they reside and are processed as provided for in Section 4.F (2)e. and 4.G–CL 3. e. A handicapped student is permitte d to participate in the interscholastic program of the school where the student is enrolled or the school where the student resides, when extenuating circumstances are present. A waiv er shall be granted, upon review by the NJSIAA Executive Director or d esignee when agreed to by the principals of the involved schools. G. Enrollment 1. Late Enrollment – A student who enters school after th e first Monday in October shall not be eligible to represent that school until after the lapse of thir ty (30) calendar days from date of his/her first entrance. Note: The term “entrance” as used in this section and elsewhere in these Bylaws, means registration plus actual attendance at a school. CL 1: Late enrollment refers to a student who do es not enroll at any school at the beginning of the school year. CL 2: A short period enrollment at any school will not be treated as entrance to that school and/or subsequent transfer will be recognized as uninterr upted enrollment at the original school absent any appeal from the previous school. 44 2. Initial Enrollment – At the beginning of his/her sec ondary school career a student is free to choose any secondary school he/she may lega lly attend, (9th grade in a 4- or 6-year high school or 10th grade in a 3-year high school). Note: After this initial enrollment a student is subj ect to the transfer provision as provided for in Section 4.K (2) of this Article. CL 1: A high school student is a regularly enro lled student as defined by the Department of Education. CL 2: Vo-Tech/Public Academy Shared Time – When a student is carried on the Official Register and attends some classes at a school, but also a ttends additional classes at another school, he/she is eligible for interscholastic athletics at the sc hool where he/she is carried on the Official Register. If a student is carried on both Official Registers, the student may choose the school at which he/she wishes to participate in all sports on a full school-year basis. CL 3: Vo-Tech/Public Academy Full Time – If a Vocational/Technical High School/Public Academy does not offer the particular sport in which one of its full-time students desires to participate, that student may participate in that sport at his/h er sending school upon agreement of both Principals, regardless of the number of sports program s offered at the Vo cational/Technical High School/Public Academy. CL 4: Vo-Tech/Public Academy – When a student-athlete transfers to or from a Vocational/Technical High School to or from th e district school where the student resides the student is eligible immediately provided such assignm ent is by the Board of Education of the district where the student resides and the student satis fies all other eligibility regulations. CL 5: Charter School – If a secondary Charter Scho ol does not offer the particular sport in which one of its full-time students wishes to participate, that student may participate in that sport at his/her school of residence upon agreement of both principal s, regardless of the number of sports programs offered at the Charter School. CL 6: Choice School – A choice student who attends a Choice School, pursuant to regulations adopted by the New Jersey Department of Education, shall be subject to the transfer restrictions contained in Article V, Section 4.K (1) and (2). CL 7: Disabled Students: A pupil who is disabled and who is placed by the parents or guardians at their own expense in a non-public school for treatment of the disability shall be eligible to participate in the interscholastic athl etic program of the student’s resident school district, provided the student otherwise meets the eligibility re quirements of the program and the student’s participation has written approval of the board of education of the school district where the program is located. CL 8: Vo-Tech/Academy/Public Sending District- When a student enrolls in an academy program through a Vo-Tech school (School A) which is housed at another District’s High School (School B) which is different from the student’s home sending distri ct’s high school (School C), he/she is eligible for interscholastic athletics where he or she is carried on the Official Register from School A or School B. If a student is carried on both School A and School B’s registers, the student may choose the school at which he/she wishes to participate in all sports on a full school-year basis . The student is not eligible for interscholastic sports from his/ her home sending district (School C) regardless of what sports are offered at School A and School B. 45 H. Post-Graduates – No post-graduate student shall be elig ible for high school competition. When a student graduates from a school (days or weeks) before the official end of the semester that student may continue to represent his/her school until the official end of that semester – either January 31 or June 30. A student becomes ineligible for high school at hletics when the class in which he/she originally enrolled is graduated. CL: A League/Conference or County may grant a waiver (as provided for in the Rules & Regulations, Rule 2, Specific Sport Regulations, No te 3) to permit teams or individuals from the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools to pa rticipate if such Student-Athletes are in the first year of post-high school matriculation. I. Pre-High School Students – Students in any 9th grade are eligible for teams in the Senior High School in that district at the discretion of the administrato rs and the Board of Education in that district. Students in any 6th, 7th, or 8th grades of any school (Jr. Hi gh or Sr. High) who play on 9th grade or so-called freshman or sophomore, junior varsity and varsity teams will be inelig ible at the conclusion of eight consecutive semesters of such participation. Junior High School 9th grade teams may play against 9th grade teams from 4-year or 6-year high schools. CL 1: Article V, Section 4.I is applicable to all 9th grades including those which are under the supervision and control of an administrative he ad (Principal) separate and apart from the administrative head (Principal) of the Senior High School. All 9th grade students in an 8-4, 6-6 or 6-3-3, or other administrative plan may participat e on a junior varsity or varsity team without jeopardizing their eligibility to participate on a 9t h grade team in that sport; however, when 9th grade students are under a separate administrative head than that of the Senior High School such agreement must be affirmed, in writing, to th e NJSIAA over the signature of both administrative heads. Any 9th grade Student-Athlete who participates on a j unior varsity or varsity team or any team at the high school level will be subject to the eligibility provisions of the Bylaws, Article V, 4.G (2). This means that such 9th grade students will be su bject to the transfer provisions of Article V, Section 4.K. CL 2: Students below the 9th grade are not permitte d to practice with students of grade nine (9) through twelve (12), neither may they “suit up” w ith those teams for games or scrimmages involving grades nine (9) through twelve (12) unless a wa iver has been granted (to ensure eight (8) consecutive semesters of participation). Student will be considered to have begun his/her eight semesters of eligibility on a sport specific basis pursuant to Article V, Section 4.I. CL 3: All games in which 6th, 7th and 8th grade students participate will cause forfeiture of said games under this Section unless a waiver has been granted. CL 4: Students in 6th, 7th or 8th grades who will reach age sixteen (16) prior to September 1 while properly enrolled in a member school may request a waiver of the Bylaws, Article V, Section 4.I, Pre-High School Student, to have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics for four (4) years prior to becoming ineligible. J. Semester of Eligibility: 1. No student shall be eligible for high school at hletics after the expiration of eight consecutive semesters following his/her entrance into the 9th grade. A student becomes ineligible for high school athletics when the class in which he/s he was originally enrolled has graduated. 46 2. This rule shall not apply to classified stude nts who are ungraded. Classified students who are ungraded will have eight consecutive semesters of e ligibility beginning with the first semester of participation in interscholastic athletics at the freshman, junior varsity, or varsity level. 3. This rule shall not apply to an honorably discharged serviceman /servicewoman, in which case the Executive Committee may make any adjustments of this rule as it may deem equitable. 4. Students below the 9th grade who participate on a high school team will be ineligible at the conclusion of eight consecutive semesters, begi nning with the student’s initial pre-9th grade participation. If a student’s pre-high school particip ation in high school sports occurred in a state other than New Jersey, the student’s eight consecu tive semesters of eligibility shall begin when the student enters high school, provided that (a) the st udent has transferred into New Jersey via a change of residence; (b) a Transfer Form has been completed; and (c) the student meets all other eligibility requirements, including academic requirements. CL 1: In order to assure the opportunity for eight consecutive semesters of interscholastic eligibility, member schools may request waivers to permit stud ents who are enrolled in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades and who are otherwise academically eligible, to participate on the junior varsity or varsity teams where such students will be sixteen (16) years of age or older upon entrance into the 9th grade prior to September 1st. Guidance Departm ents/School Administrators of elementary schools should provide the Athletic Director with ages of all students that qualify under this Clarification so they can be assured of four (4) years of eligib ility prior to becoming ineligible at age nineteen. CL 2: Guidance Departments should provide the At hletic Director with ages of all classified students so they can be assured of four (4) years of eligibility prior to becoming ineligible at age nineteen. K. Transfers 1. Purpose: NJSIAA’s mission is to administer education- based interscholastic athletics, which support academic achievement, good citizenship, and fair and equitable opportunities. Transfers for athletic reasons undermine the stability of sports programs, elevate athletics over academics, lead to disparities in competitiveness, and erode the level playing field that the NJSIAA seeks to foster. Multiple transfers within a high school career disrupt a student’s education. Transfers after a sports season has started not only disrupts the team, but also the competitive balance among schools. This rule is designed to discourage transfers for athletic reasons, multiple transfers, and transfers after a sports season has begun, by imposing short but predictable periods of ineligibility for those transfers while providing one penalty-free transfer under certain conditions. Because the periods of ineligibility set forth in th is rule are among the shortest in the nation, and the purpose of the rule is designed to deter inappr opriate transfers, there shall be no waivers of this rule. 2. Definitions: Transfer: A “transfer” occurs when a student w ho has previously enrolled in a secondary school leaves that school and enrolls in a new one. The date of transfer shall be the earlier of the first day of class or the first day of sports participation at the new school Senior Transfer: A “Senior Transfer” is a student -athlete whose first transfer occurs during or after their third season of eligibility in a particular sport in which they participated in during the 12 months preceding the transfer. 47 Start of Practice Date: “The Start of Practice Date” is the first day of practice for each sport as set forth annually in the Program Regulations, Section 6. Competition Start Date: The “Competition Start Da te” is the first day of competition for each sport as set forth annually in the Program Regul ations, Section 8. For football, the Week 1 Competition Start Date will be used. HIB Transfer: Under the Anti ‐ Bullying Bill of Rights Act, a state law that public schools are required to follow and non ‐ public schools are encouraged to fo llow, harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) are matters that are investigat ed and addressed by the school. The NJSIAA does not hold hearings to determine whether a student was bullied. A “HIB transfer” will exist when a school, after investigating a HIB complaint, dete rmines that the proper action to remediate the complaint is an alternative placement or a school transfer. Maximum Number of Contests: The “Maximum Number of Contests” for each sport are as set forth in the Program Regulations, Section 15. For football, the Maximum Number of Contests is nine. For wrestling and other sports without a ma ximum number of contests listed in the Program Regulations, the period of ineligibility shall be the number of days specified in each section Below. 3. A student’s first transfer: Students are entitled to one penalty-free transfer dur ing the first six semesters after their initial high school enrollment, provided that the transfer oc curs on or before the Start of Practice Date of the sports season in which the transfer occurs. 4. Transfers occurring after the Start of Practice: Students who transfer after the Start of Practi ce Date will be subject to a 30-day period of ineligibility (or ½ the Maximum Number of Cont ests in that sport, whichever is less). 5. Transfers occurring after the Competition Start Date: In addition to the period of ineligibility set fort h in Section 4 above, any student who transfers after the Competition Start Date will not be elig ible for NJSIAA postseason competition in that sport. 6. A student’s second or subsequent transfer: Students who transfer a second or subsequent time will be subject to a 30-day period of ineligibility (or ½ the Maximum Number of C ontests, whichever is less) for all NJSIAA sanctioned sports in which the student participat ed during the 12 months preceding the transfer. 7. Senior transfers: Senior transfers, as defined above, are subject to a 22-day period of ineligibility (or 1/3 the Maximum Number of Contests, whichever is less) in each sport in which they participated during or after their third season of eligibility, du ring the 12 months preceding the transfer. 8. General application: a. This Transfer Rule applies to all athletes at all levels of participation (not just varsity athletes) and is applicable to all NJSIAA -sanctioned sports in which the student participated during the 12 months precedi ng the transfer. Transferring students may participate in a new sport without penalty. b. The period of ineligibility will begin on the Competition Start Date of each sport. For students who transfer after the Competition Start Date, the period of ineligibility will begin on the date of enrollment. 48 c. When calculating the period of ineligibility using the Maximum Number of Contests, NJSIAA will round down to the nearest whole number if the number of contests is not divided evenly. For example, if the Maximu m Number of Contests were 14, then the calculation for a Senior Transfer (14 divided by 3) would be 5.67 and rounded down to a 5 contest sit. 9. Exceptions: Immediate eligibility, without penalty, will be granted for transfers resulting from DCP&P placement, court placement, HIB transfers, and military transfers. 10. Enforcement: The NJSIAA monitors transfers with the cooperati on of the member schools. To that end, the NJSIAA maintains an online Transfer Portal. For each transferring student, the sending school and the receiving school must enter the require d information into the Transfer Portal. All Bylaws, rules and regulations in conflict wi th this new section shall be declared void. L. Administrative Responsibility – The Association must rely up on the voluntary compliance by its member schools in enforcing the eligibility standards set forth in this article. Toward that end, the Principal in each member school has the affirmative obligation to report to the NJSIAA any violations of these standards. The fact that a school has disclosed that there has been an eligibility violation will not relieve the affected school of sanctions that ma y be imposed against it, pursuant to Article X of these By-Laws, including the forfeiture of games or events. However, the failure to disclose an eligibility violation may be grounds for imposi ng additional sanctions upon the offending school. CL 1: Although the penalty of forfeiture for the use of an ineligible player is mandatory and not appealable to the Executive Committee, the school may appeal the determination of eligibility provided such request for waiver occurs prio r to the participation by the Student-Athlete. CL 2: Participation by an ineligible player in any game during the re gular season results in forfeiture of said game. If such forfeit(s) woul d have caused the school’s failure to qualify for the tournament or if an ineligible player participat es in a tournament game, said SCHOOL will be disqualified from the tournament immediately, unl ess the championship has been concluded, and their last opponent will advance in their place. Schools eliminated prior to the last opponent will not re-enter tournament competition. Article VI CONTRACTS Section 1 The Principal of the school is responsible to the State Association for all matters pertaining to the athletic relation of his/her school, and all cont racts must be signed by the Principal. Section 2 All athletic contests between schools shall be regulated by written contract, setting forth the details of time, place, finances, officials, or other agreed upon provisions. CL 1: “Principal” refers to high school principal, su perintendent of schools, or headmaster in this and all sections of the NJSIAA Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations. 49 CL 2: Schedules approved by Leagues or Conferen ces will constitute contractual obligations for the purposes of this article. CL 3: All athletic contests between schools must be approved by the District Board of Education. CL 4: It is recommended that written contracts be executed for all scrimmages. CL 5: Absence of a written contract, or as provid ed here, declares nonexistence of an obligation by either party. Article VII PROTESTS Section 1 Protests against alleged violations of contracts, violations of the accepte d standards of good sportsmanship, or the Constitution and Bylaws of this Associati on, should be reported in writing and posted by the Principals of the participating schools or the game officials to the Executiv e Committee, through the Executive Director, within one hundred twenty (120) hours of the time of such violation, with a copy to the alleged violator. Protests based upon an official’s judgement or misinterpretation ( misapplication ) of the playing rules will not be honored. CL 1: The one hundred twenty (120) hour provisio n will be satisfied, if the school’s Principal notifies the League or Conference expected to repor t a violation of good sportsmanship or any violation within 120 hours as required by Article IX, Section 4, and other Articles and Sections contained in the Constitution or By laws, cannot use the failure of such disclosure as an excuse to prevent the NJSIAA Executive Committee or Contro versies Committee from taking jurisdiction of such a matter as provided by Section 4 of Article VII. CL 2: “Protests based upon an official’s judgement or misinterpretation (misapplication) of the playing rules will not be honored” does not p reclude a League or Conference from addressing same; however, the NJSIAA will not honor such protests for non-conference games/meets, neither will the NJSIAA hear appeals to a League or Conference decision based upon an official’s judgement or misinterpretation (misapplication) of the playing rules. Section 2 There shall be a committee consisting of the Executiv e Director, the President, and a member of the Executive Committee who shall meet at the call of the Executive Director to hear any disputes and grant interim relief pending a decision on the matter by the Eligibility Committee, Controversies Committee or Executive Committee. Any relief granted will expire at the end of th e next Executive Committee meeting unless extended by resolution of the Executive Committee. The President and Executive Committee member, if they act in such capacity, shall be disqualified from discussi on and voting on such matter before the Executive Committee. Section 3 No protests against alleged violations of contracts sh all be entertained in the absence of a duly executed contract made in accordance with Sections 1 and 2 of Article VI of the Bylaws. Section 4 The Executive Committee may initiate proceedings on its own motion or may in its discretion refer the matter to the Controversies Committee. 50 Article VIII CONTEST RULES – CHAMPIONSHIPS – OFFICIALS Section 1 In all tournaments and meets conducte d by this Association each member school must compete in its own group and section classification, unless fewer than eight (8) schools qualify. In that case, the Executive Committee may combine one or more groups. When the Committee eliminates sectional championships because of an insufficient number of schools qua lifying, the State Group Championships will be conducted on a statewide quartile basis or Stat e Championships may be conducted without regard to Groups or Division. Federated members shall not be eligib le for NJSIAA tournament competition. CL 1: When submitting records for tournament qua lification, schools listing forfeit wins/losses must attach an explanation for same. CL 2: When fewer than eight (8) schools qualify in a group and section, the Executive Committee may combine one or more groups/divisions becau se of insufficient competition without regard to Public/Non-public classification. Section 2 All contests involving member schools must be played according to the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations. This applies to all sports for which rules are formulated by that Association. CL 1: The NJSIAA does not permit “exhibition” (non- scoring) participation in any sport. Therefore, any reference to “exhibition” events, bouts and the like (e.g., in the National Federation Swimming Rules) are not permitted. CL 2: In dual swim meets in pools with six (6) or more lanes, an independent swimmer representing a member school that does not have a swim team, may swim in up to four (4) events in an open lane, provided both teams competing agree, the pool site ad ministration agrees, and the officials agree. Section 3 All baseball, basketball, field hockey, fencing, footba ll, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling officials working in any NJSIAA interscholastic baseball, basketball, field hockey, fencing, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, or volleyball game, gymnastics or swimming meet, or wrestling match, must be registered with the Association. Section 4 The Executive Committee may approve the certification of o fficials and/or officials’ chapters in all sports; and the minimum requirements for testing, training and evaluating all officials. (See Requirements for Registration of Officials for NJSIAA minimum require ments for approval of officials’ chapters and minimum requirements for registration of officials.) 51 Article IX SPORTSMANSHIP Section 1 Statement of Administrative Responsibility: Member schools are expected to conduct their relations with each other at all levels of competition in a spirit of good sportsmanship in keeping with the objec tives we have set for ourselves. Everyone involved has the obligation to clearly see his/her influence and act accordingly. The Association acknowledges that the school admini stration is responsible for the athletic program, including the making of broad and specific policies re lating to sportsmanship and the conduct of activities in the schools. The school Principal, for example, as the administrative head of his/her school, has the responsibility for establishing the principles of good sports manship in the minds of the entire school family. He/she realizes that the kind of sportsmanship that is practiced or displayed by the representatives of his/her school will reflect to its credit or otherwise. The Principal, therefore, is the final authority resp onsible for all athletic activity of his/her school at whatever level of competition in which that school is engaged. In recognition of this authority and responsibility, the following general recommendations ar e suggested by the Association as a guide to school administrators with respect to sportsmanship policy. Section 2 General Guideline Recommendations: A. Each school administration shall establish broad and specific policies and procedures relating to sportsmanship and to identify responsibilities of administrators, coaches and students to ensure their observance. B. Each school administration shall insist that personnel set good examples of deportment and sportsmanship and to correct those individuals at fault at a time convenient and in a manner adequate for the situation. Reporting of the action taken, in writing, to the NJSIAA by the Principal is mandatory. C. Each school administration shall utilize all approp riate occasions and means to emphasize desirable deportment and sportsmanship of all coaches, students and other personnel. D. The supervision of trips and “away” contests shall be such as to assure that the conduct of school representatives brings credit to themselves, their schoo l and their sport. To this end, the Association advocates the full promotion of cooperative “hos t-guest” relationships between and among schools entering into athletic competition. E. Hazing – Continuing the focus on sportsmanship, citizenship and leadership, the NJSIAA encourages member schools to establish local policies, procedures and regulations pertaining to incidents of “Hazing.” F. Coaches must be cautioned not to refuse to play or to complete a game/meet. Such decisions are within the jurisdiction of the game/meet official s once game/meet has started, or rest with home management and/or tournament director if the game/meet has not started. Penalty – Any school whose coach violates Section 2. F shall be placed on probation by the Association for not less than one year from the date of violation, and shall not receive championship recognition from this Association in that sport, or enter any championship games, matches, meets or tournament sponsored by the Association in that sport unless the NJSIAA d eems sufficient administrative action has been taken against the coach. Conditions of probation are outlined in the Bylaws, Article X, Section 2.A. Probation. In addition, the coach will be fined a minimum of $300.00. 52 Section 3 Association Responsibility: The Association recognizes and appreciates that the influence and responsibility of the school administration with regard to good sportsmanship extends to all levels of competition. However, it must also be seen that the NJSIAA has b een vested with the responsibility to ensure that all contests under its jurisdiction are conducted satisfactorily. In exercising its responsibility as it applies to the principles of good sportsmanship, the Association will be gui ded by the Sportsmanship Rule/Policy below. SPORTSMANSHIP RULE/POLICY High standards of courtesy, fair play and sportsma nship must be featured at association competitions. While this rule is a general statement and one which may be difficult to reduce to objective standards in terms of enforcement, it is the h eart of the entire Association program. Good sportsmanship, respect for rules, respect for others, and fair play, are basically the motives through which an interscholastic athletic program is justif ied and defended. It shall be the responsibility of each member school to ensure that all individuals employed by or directly associated with the athletic program, including its St udent-Athletes, comport themselves in a sportsmanlike manner when representing their school, esp ecially at interscholastic events. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual to disciplinary action. The member school with which the individual is associated may also be subject to disciplinary action if it is found that the member school’s policies, actions, or failure to act, substan tially contributed to the individual’s conduct. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall include but not be limited to the following: A. Any person (athletic department, st aff member, Student-Athlete or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who strikes or physically abuses an official, opposing coach, player, or spectator. B. Any person (athletic department, st aff member, Student-Athlete or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who intentionally incites pa rticipants or spectators to violent or abusive action. C. Any person (athletic department, st aff member, Student-Athlete or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who uses obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or action towards officials, opponents, or spectators. D. Any person (athletic department, staff member, St udent Athlete, or a fan or spectator associated with a member school) who engages in harassing verb al or physical conduct re lated to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion at an interscholastic event. E. Any school or athletic staff member who is public ly critical of a game official, opponents and/or opposing coaches/players. F. The administration of a member school will be r esponsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct of that school’s fans or spectators. CL 1: Schools are not permitted to conduct pre-m eet/game activities of an intimidating nature, e.g., the use of fog machines, the blaring of sirens or loud music/unusual sound effects, strobe/unusual lighting effects, or similar type activities. Section 4 General Prohibition against Performance Enhancing Drugs: It shall be considered a violation of the Sportsmans hip Rule for any student-athlete to possess, ingest or otherwise use any of the substances on the list of bann ed substances, without written prescription by a fully- 53 licensed physician, as recognized by the American Medi cal Association, to treat a medical condition. Violations found as a result of NJSIAA testing shall be penalized in accordance with this policy. Violations found as a result of a member school’s testing shall be penalized in accordance with the school’s policy. The NJSIAA policy shall consist of this general prohi bition, the NJSIAA Steroid Testing Procedures, the NJSIAA Steroid Testing Protocol, and the NJSIAA Banned Drug Classes. Section 5 Executive Authority: A. The Investigation of Complaints. The Associati on vests authority in its President and Executive Director to investigate and take appropriate action on any reported flagrant violation of the sportsmanship rule occurring during the regular season or NJSIAA tournament competitions. The President or Executive Director may request the sch ool or the league or conference to investigate the violation and report any action taken. The Presi dent or Executive Director may also refer the violation to the Controversies Committee for investigation. B. Bias incidents. In addition to any other investig ation undertaken by a school, league conference or the NJSIAA, the Executive Director shall forward to the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights any report of a violation of the sportsmanship rule resulting from harassing verbal or physical conduct related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion at an interscholastic event. C. Reported violations shall be reso lved in a manner sufficient to correct the problem, and may range from a written statement of the findings by the Execu tive Director to the school administration, to appropriate disciplinary action. D. Any report of a violation of good sportsmanshi p occurring during an NJSIAA sanctioned event, must be submitted in writing and includ e the violator and/or his/her school. Article X PENALTIES PENALTIES SHALL BE ASSESSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OR THE CONTROVERSIES COMMITTEE FOR INFRACTIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS OR RULES AND SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: Section 1 To ensure that member schools make certain that all Student-Athletes comply with eligibility standards or that they obtain appropriate waiv ers where necessary prior to competition, the following forfeiture penalties will be imposed. If the ineligible student participated in a TEAM SPORT, then that team will forfeit any games that it has won, irrespective of how long the ineligible st udent participated in th at contest. This is so because it is impossible to calculate the impact made on a team contest by one or more individual players. In cases where the ineligible player participated in an INDIVIDUAL SPORT , then the team will only forfeit the events in which that player pa rticipated, since the impact of indi vidual players can be calculated with some certainty. This penalty is mandatory and will no t be subject to any appeal to the Executive Committee. CL 1: Although the penalty of forfeiture for the use of an ineligible player is mandatory and not appealable to the Executive Committee, the school may appeal the determination of eligibility. Section 2 After conducting a hearing and subject to an appeal to the Executive Committee, as set forth in Article XIII of the Bylaws, the Controversies Committee may impose the penalties set forth in this Section. A. Probation – A probationary period not to exceed two years may be imposed, which may include a requirement that a member school submit appropriate reports to the Association, certifying that the violations are not continuing. The Controvers ies Committee may determin e that an offending school may not participate in championship contest s in the sport in which the violation occurred. 54 B. Forfeit of Games – Under such terms and conditio ns as the Controversies Committee shall provide. C. Forfeit of Championship Rights – A school may be required to forfeit championship rights as determined by the Controversies Committee. D. Suspension of Coaches and Players – In addi tion to any disqualifications imposed for unsportsmanlike and flagrant verbal or physical misconduct during an interscholastic contest a coach or player may be suspended for a violation of the Constitution and Bylaws or Rules of this Association, or for violations of the rules of goo d sportsmanship or the rules of a particular game. E. Fines – Member schools, Principals, Athletic Di rectors, and/or coaches may be fined by the Controversies Committee in an amount not to ex ceed $5,000.00 per party. Member schools may also be required to pay any property damag es caused by their improper behavior and for the transcript and court stenographer costs of the C ontroversies Committee hearing, which would be payable within sixty (60) days. * This amendment approved by letter from Commi ssioner of Education dated July 6, 1987 and published in the September, 1987 NJSIAA Bulletin. Section 3 Major Fines and Expulsion: The Controversies Committee may recommend for a pproval by the Executive Committee, the imposition of major fines against member schools, principals, athletic directors and coaches exceeding $5,000.00 per party for serious violations of the Bylaws or Rul es of the Association and/or the expulsion of member schools and/or coaches for serious violations of the C onstitution, Bylaws and Rules of the Association after a hearing or review on appeal by the Executive Co mmittee, pursuant to Article XIII of the Bylaws. Article XI ANNUAL MEETING Section 1 The Annual Meeting of the Association sh all be held on the first Monday in May. Section 2 The Executive Director shall draw up the agenda to include all legislative proposals which have been properly presented and such other busin ess which the Executive Committee has approved. Section 3 Each school holding membership shall have one vote on subjects before the meeting. Only one accredited delegate shall vote for each school. Section 4 A quorum shall be defined as a majority of the member schools which must be present at the beginning of the meeting. Section 5 The Executive Committee shall engage the services of a competent parliamentarian whose rulings shall be binding upon the chairperson and all member schools. The meeting shall be cond ucted in accordance with recognized rules of parliamentary law. Section 6 The minutes of the Annual Meeting shall show the full and exact vote of the membership on each proposal. 55 Article XII GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1 For the purposes of these Bylaws the term “boy” or “h e” refers to all students, both male and female. Section 2 All Constitutions of Conferences will be submitted to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Committee for review. Section 3 All Constitutions shall maintain a provision to th e effect “only member schools of New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association may be voting members of the Conference providing, however, that affiliated (non-voting) membership may be afforded to any school which is not a member of the said Association.” Article XIII HEARING PROCEDURE Section 1 The President of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association shall nominate an Eligibility Committee and a Controversies Committee of no less th an four members each and a chairman of each committee, none of whom shall be members of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Executive Committee. The Eligibilit y Committee will make initial determinations of controversies involving eligibility except unsigned Transfer Forms ar ising under the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Controversies Committee shall make determinations of all other controversies arising under the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. CL 1: The Eligibility Committee meets six times per year at the beginning of each of the three sports seasons and at the end of the year. This Committee makes determinations based on written documentation. CL 2: The Eligibility Committee shall only rule on waiver requests submitted by member schools. All initial eligibility waiver requests must be file d by member schools on behalf of the student athlete. Those persons nominated to the Controversies Commi ttee shall be members of the Advisory Committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Associ ation. Those persons nomin ated to both Committees by the President, shall be confirmed by the Executive Co mmittee by a majority vote prior to beginning their service on the respective Committee. Th ey shall serve for one year, to expire on the last day of June, following their appointment. The Chairman of the re spective Committees shall not vote except in the case of ties. The Committees shall be as representative as possible of all groups represented on the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Inte rscholastic Athletic Association. Section 2 All appeals from initial decisions of the Eligibility Committee, as well as initial decisions when the Eligibility Committee cannot consider an eligibility request in a timely fashion, shall be determined by an 56 Eligibility Appeals Committee, consisting of a Chairp erson and the following members of the Executive Committee: 4 representatives of public high schools, one from each section of the State; 1 representative from the non-public high schools; 1 representative from either the ex-officio members or the at-large members of the Executive Committee, as they are defined in Article V of the Constitution of the NJSIAA; and 4 alternates, all of whom can vote, and one of whom shall be a representative from the non-public high schools and one of whom shall be the S econd Vice President of the Association. The First Vice President of the Association shall serve as Chairperson of this Committee and in his or her absence, the Second Vice President shall serve as Chairp erson. The President of the NJSIAA shall nominate the remaining members of the Elig ibility Appeals Committee, who shall be confirmed by majority vote, and who shall serve for one year to expire on the last day of June following their appointment. The Eligibility Appeals Committee shall be delegated with the final authority to render determinations concerning eligibility. The Eligibility Appeals Committee shall consider e ligibility matters, in acco rdance with the following procedures: 1. The Eligibility Appeals Committee shall decide an appeal on either written submissions or at a hearing. 2. Any party seeking an eligibility determination must f ile a request with the NJSIAA at least ten days prior to the next scheduled Eligibility Appeals Comm ittee meeting, together with ten copies of any initial determination, and ten copies of any a nd all documents it wishes to have the Committee consider in determining its appeal. The request shall indicate whether the Appellant wishes to proceed on the basis of the written submissions or at a hearing. 3. The Eligibility Appeals Committee shall meet to determine any pending appeals on days corresponding with the regular scheduled meetings of the Executive Committee. 4. If a hearing cannot be scheduled in a timely fash ion, the Eligibility Appeals Committee may decide any appeal on the basis of the written submissions. 5. If an eligibility appeal proceeds to a hearing, any party shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, all witnesses will be sworn and the right of cross-examination shall be provided. 6. Four members of the Eligibility Appeals Committ ee shall constitute a quorum. The Chairman shall be a non-voting member of the Committee except wh ere there is a tie vote on any appeal. A member shall not vote on any appeal involving a school or Conference to which such member is affiliated; or an appeal that would impact upon a member’s school. 7. The Eligibility Appeals Committee may designate th e Attorney for the Association as a hearing officer for any formal hearings. The hearing o fficer shall conduct the hearing and make all appropriate rulings concerning evidence and th e manner of proceeding, but shall not cast a vote concerning the appeal. 8. Except for private deliberations concerning a disp osition of an appeal, a ll proceedings of the Eligibility Appeals Committee shall be transcribed by a certified court stenographer and transcripts shall be available to any requesting party, at cost. 9. All determinations of the Eligibility Appeals Comm ittee shall be set forth in a written decision to be sent to the parties no later than ten (10) days after the conclusion of a hearing. 10. As a voluntary association of member schools, the NJSIAA must rely upon those schools in providing notice and all other relevant inform ation concerning eligibility rules and appeal procedures to affected students and parents. Section 3 Any Conference may make determinations of controve rsies arising out of the Conference’s Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations, as well as those of the NJSIAA, where such controversies involve only member schools of the Conference, but do not deal with issues of eligibility and conform with the Conference’s written hearing procedures, which shall ha ve been approved by the Executive Director of the NJSIAA. 57 Section 4 All complaints, protests or disputes referred to the A ssociation by a Conference or others, shall be reviewed by the Executive Director and referred to the Controve rsies Committee where appli cable. The Controversies Committee shall hear controversies directly or on a ppeal from a Conference determination. This Committee shall conduct formal hearings, on notice to all involved parties, who shall be afforded the right of counsel, the presentation of testimony under oath, cross-examin ation and a written decision. The Committee shall conduct hearings against any party charged with a violation of Association Bylaws or Rules, notwithstanding the failure of the char ged party to attend such hearings. A ll parties will be allowed to submit any relevant documents or written presentations to the Controversies Committee for its consideration, provided ten copies of such submissi ons are provided to the NJSIAA, with a copy to each involved party, and if on appeal from a Conference determination to the affected Conference, at least ten days before the scheduled hearing. Section 5 In the event any party is aggrieved by any decision of the Controversies Committee, it may appeal to the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association which shall determine the matter in accordance with the provisions of th e Bylaws and Constitution of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. In consideri ng such appeals, the Executiv e Committee shall serve as an appellate body, and the appeal shall be confined to the record developed before the Controversies Committee. It is recommended that at least one memb er of the Controversies Committee be present at all appeal hearings relating to any Controversies Comm ittee decision. All appeals to the Executive Committee must be accompanied by a check in the amount of $500.00 to serve as a deposit for transcript and court stenographer costs of the Executive Committee proceeding. CL 1: It shall be the obligation of the appeali ng party to reproduce fifty (50) copies of any portion of the record that party will rely upon in its appe al to the Executive Committee which shall be furnished to the NJSIAA and any other parties at least ten (10) days before the scheduled Executive Committee meeting. CL 2: The $500.00 deposit is an estimate of tr anscript and reporter appearance costs for an appeal to the Executive Committee. If the appeal is successful, then the deposit will be returned to the appealing party. If the appeal is unsuccessful, then the appealing party will either (a) receive a rebate to the extent that such costs are less t han the deposit; or (b) pay an additional amount to the extent that such costs are more than the deposit Section 6 In emergent circumstances where time will not permit a controversy to be heard by the Controversies Committee. The Executive Committee ma y hear such a controversy and render a decision thereon in an informal manner after all involved parties are provide d with notice and an opportunity to present their positions before the Executive Committee. Section 7 The President of the Association may refer any matter to the Attorney for the Association to conduct a hearing. In the event such referral is made, the Attorney shall conduct a hearing and preside as the hearing officer. The Attorney shall make findings of fact and make recommendations to the Executive Committee in writing. Objections to the Attorney’s report shall be heard by the Executive Committee. Section 8 Any member school which institutes an unsuccessful a ppeal before the Commissioner of Education and/or the courts challenging a rule or a decision of the A ssociation, not involving the eligibility of Student- Athletes, either prior to or after having first exhauste d the internal appeal procedures of the Association, 58 will assume the full cost of such litigation, including co sts and counsel fees incurred by the Association and member school(s). CL 1: By way of illustration without limitations the type of actions for which litigation costs will be imposed. The full costs of litigation, including co unsel fees, will be imposed upon a member school which does not prevail in challenging a decision of the NJSIAA. The following circumstances are provided by way of illustration and without limitation: 1. Any litigation which challenges, in whole or part, the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules or Regulations adopted by the general membership of the NJSIAA, or which was enacted by the Executive Committee by a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote, and subject to amendment, addition or rescission by the general membership, pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the NJSIAA Constitution. 2. Since participation in a particular sport, or in post-season tournam ent play conducted by the NJSIAA, is completely voluntary, any member school which unsuccessfully challenges either the rules and regulations for a particular sport, or the tournament rules, and/or the interpretation or implementation of such rules or regulations by responsible NJSIAA Committees, will be assessed the full costs of litigation. 3. All challenges brought before the Commissioner or any Court, prior to exhaustion of internal processes provided by the NJSI AA, except where time does not permit the convening of appropriate NJSIAA Committees to determine the controversy, which is the subject of the appeal. CL 2: The payment of any litigation costs or coun sel fees shall be rendered in accordance with the following procedures: 1. At the conclusion of any unsuccessful litigatio n brought by a member school, as defined by CL 1 above, Counsel for the NJSIAA shall transmit to the NJSIAA Executive Director a Statement of Costs and Counsel Fees incurred in this litigation. Costs shall include all filing fees, reproduction and transcript costs, appearance fees and expenses of any witnesses at any hearing or other proceeding, as well as all postage and telephone costs incurred in this litigation, after a final decision is rendered by the NJSIAA Executive Committee. 2. The Executive Director shall thereafter transmit the Statemen t of Costs and Counsel Fees to the unsuccessful litigating member school, for payment to be rendered within sixty (60) days, payable to the Association. 3. In the event that a member school joins another member school or an athletic conference as an adverse party, in any unsuccessful litigatio n, as defined by Section A, then the unsuccessful litigating school will be liable to th e other school or conference in the same manner and to the same extent as it is liable to the NJSIAA. 4. Any member school which does not make full pay ment of the costs and fees within sixty days of the rendering of the Statement of Co sts and Counsel Fees to that school, shall be deprived of all rights to participate in any post-season interscholastic championship contests conducted by the NJSIAA. The prohibiti on shall continue until and unless the full amount of Costs and Counsel Fees is paid to th e NJSIAA, with interest at prevailing rates, assessed beginning sixty days a fter the rendering of such Costs and Counsel Fees. This prohibition will also extend to a member sc hool which joined another member school or an athletic conference as an adverse party in such unsuccessful litigation. Section 9 Except as provided in Section 4 herein, no initial waiver requests or proceeding dealing with a specific school(s), staff or student(s) shall be conducted by any committee of the Association unless the Principal 59 of the involved school(s) or his or her authorized re presentative is in attendance. A school shall be bound by any statements made by such representa tives at committee proceedings. Requests for an appeal of an NJSIAA ruling by any party other than the school will be hear d and interpreted as not having the support of the school when the Principal or his or her authorized representative is not present. Section 10 In cases involving recruitment, jurisdiction over the member school shall lie with the Controversies Committee, and jurisdiction over the student-athlet e shall lie with the Eligibility Appeals Committee. Article XIV AMENDMENTS Section 1 These Bylaws and Rules and Regulations may be ame nded by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting based upon the total number of ballots cast at the Annual Meeting. Such amendment will become effective on July 1 following the Annual Meeting unless, by a separate two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote based upon the total number of ballots cast at the Annual Meeting, an earlier date is set. Section 2 Any member school may initiate an amendment to th e Bylaws, Rules or Regulations by following the procedures set forth in Article XII, Sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution. Section 3 Bylaws, Rules and Regulations may also be amende d by the Executive Committee as provided in Art. V, Section 5 of the Constitution. NJSIAA RULES AND REGULATIONS STUDENT-ATHLETE GUIDELINES Section 1 Team Status Student-Athlete is a properly enrolled student at a member school who has attained team status in a particular sport; i.e., sophomore, junior varsity, a nd varsity. Incoming freshmen are subject to all out-of- season regulations in all sports in spite of not having attained team status. Students who have completed the eighth grade are regarded as freshmen the day afte r their respective last day of school or June 30, whichever comes first. All team me mbers must be listed on the eligibility report filed in a member school’s office. CL 1: The NJSIAA Constitution, Bylaws, and Ru les and Regulations apply to all freshman, sophomore, J.V. and varsity participants compe ting in interscholastic games and/or scrimmages; unless otherwise provided for in Junior High 9th gr ade Regulations. To further clarify the Junior High School Regulations intent it is recommended that 9th grade follow all references to the Junior High in the regulations. CL 2: Team status will be defined as having been on the current/immediat e preceding roster of a team. 60 Section 2 Out-of-Season Period The out-of-season period shall be from the end of th e season as defined in Prog ram Regulations, Section 10 until the next official starting practice date for that sport, excluding the summer recess period. The summer recess period is from the Monday after th e last scheduled Spring NJSIAA event until August 31 st . Penalty: Any school proved guilty of violating the out of seas on coaching restrictions included within Student- Athlete Guidelines and Program Regulations shall be s ubject to the Penalties provided by Article X of the Bylaws, after a hearing by the Controversies Committee. Out-of-Season practice is not permitted under the direction of an instructor or coach, or student leaders (i.e. captain’s practices). This eliminates the use of any ki nd of equipment under any form of instruction. The object of this explanation is to make clear the point th at there shall be absolutely no practice during the out- of-season period for a particular sport. Any subterfuge or “sharp practice” shall be construed as a violation of this rule. If a coach leaves his/her position and subsequently h as contact with a team-status Student-Athlete during the out-of-season period that coach cannot be rehired by the school until one year has elapsed from the date of the coach’s last contact with the Student-Athlete. CL 1 : a. Non-School Activities: During the out-of-season period, the NJSIAA does not restrict an individual’s choice to participate in a non-school activity or in an open-gym program in which the athlete has attained Student-Athlete status, i.e., all freshmen and those s ophomores, juniors or seniors who have been on the roster of the J.V. or varsity teams during the current season. b. School-Related Organizations: During the out-of-season period, the sc hool organizations such as Booster Clubs, Fathers’ Club, Varsity Club and the like may not assist the Student-Athlete during the out-of-season period or provide individ ually issued equipment, uniforms, transportation or funds related to camp or clinic attend ance when same is of a participatory nature. CL 2: a. Coaches/Student-Athletes: Coaches may not instruct their Student-Athletes during the out-of- season period, including Open-Gym Programs. For seniors, all rules apply through the last date of the NJSIAA Spring Championships, except for th ose seniors who have exhausted their eligibility and will not compete interscholastically in any fu ture season/sport. When the same sport for Boys and Girls is conducted in different sports seasons, a Student-Athlete in that sport may not serve as manager of the team of the opposite sex and will be considered a violation of the out-of-season rule. Coaches may not exchange s upervisory and/or coaching dutie s in their sport to circumvent the out-of-season rule. b. Coaches Meetings: Coaches may hold non-inst ructional meetings for the purpose of distributing try-out schedules, medical forms, parent permission slips, etc. to returning lettermen and prospective team candidates. St rategy or techniques may not be discussed and neither may any physical activity take place. c. Coaches may instruct and coach their sons and daughters during the out-of-season period CL 3: Fund-Raising – A school may conduct any school approved fund-raising campaign at any time of the year so long as the fund-raising activity is not designed to keep Student-Athletes active in their particular sport during the out-o f-season period (exclusive of seniors who have exhausted their 61 eligibility). Exception: One day fund-raising activ ities such as foul-shooting contests involving basketball players; marathons involving cross-count ry runners; swim-a-thons involving swimmers, and the like will not be considered violations when conducted after their respective seasons have been completed. CL 4: Hiring Scenarios Scenario A: Coach A has been coaching basketball at school A for 10 years Coach A decides to take some time off at the end of the season for personal reasons Coach A would like to return to coach basketball at school A. Ruling: Coach A must not have worked with kids in the basketball program for a calendar year, not including the summer recess period before Coach A can be rehired. Scenario B: Coach A is hired by school A to coach basketball Coach A is hired to coach basketball at another school the following season Ruling: Coach A will be considered a “NEW” hire at the new school and not subject to the out of season contact rule before the hire. Scenario C: Coach A is coaching basketball at school A Coach A decides to coach soccer at school A (same school) Ruling: Coach A will be considered a “NEW” hire and not subject to the out of season contact rule, assuming Coach A has never coached soccer at school A (same school) previously. Section 3 Intramurals Although the NJSIAA philosophy relative to intramur als is that these programs should provide an opportunity for students not on interscholastic team s, nevertheless Student-Athletes are permitted to participate in all intramural activities during the ou t-of-season period, except those in which they have attained team status. CL 1: Coaches may supervise or serve as di rectors, including officiating of intramurals, recreational, club, camp, or open-gym programs when the school district’s Student-Athletes are not involved in their specific phase of the program during the out-of-season period. Section 4 Open-Gym Programs All open gym programs, including sports specific ope n gyms, are permitted as long as no members of the coaching staff are present. Interscholastic competition of any ki nd is not permitted during open gyms. Coaches may supervise open gym programs during the out -of-season period only when their student-athletes are not involved. CL 1: The soccer coach may supervise a “basketball open gym” during the soccer out-of-season period, as long as there are no members of the soccer coach’s team participating. CL 2: Coaches may not exchange supervisory and/or coac hing duties in their sport to circumvent the out- of-season rule. 62 Section 5 Recreation and Club Programs The NJSIAA does not have any jurisdiction over th ese programs conducted by outside organizations even though school facilities are used; howev er, school uniforms and other individually issued equipment may not be used by Student-Athletes. Coaches may not be involved when the school district’s Student-Athletes are involved in that specific phase of the prog ram during the out-of-season period. Coaches may be spectators. CL 1: Schools, school organizations, or school-related groups such as Booster Clubs may not assist the Student-Athlete’s participation or influen ce the sponsoring agency in non-school Recreation and Club Programs during the out-of-season period. Section 6 Camps or Clinics The NJSIAA does not restrict an individual’s choice to attend any participatory cam ps or clinics; however, schools, school organizations, or school-related group s such as Booster Clubs may not assist the Student- Athletes’ attendance at any camp or clinic during the out-of-season period; this includes providing uniforms, equipment, and funds re lated to the camp or clinic, including transportation; and coaches may not instruct their Student-Athletes. Coaches may be spectators. CL 1: There are no limitations or restrictions on member schools or their Student-Athletes at any time when attendance at non-school camps or clinics is of a non-participatory nature, i.e., as an observer rather than a participant. CL 2: During the out-of-season period, the NJSIAA does not restrict an indivi dual’s choice to attend a participatory camp or clinic; however, schools, school organizations, or school-related groups such as Booster Clubs may not assist the Student-Athletes’ attendance at any participatory camp or clinic, this includes providing uniforms, equipm ent, and funds related to the camp or clinic, including transportation. Coaches may not be invo lved in any way with their Student-Athletes. Coaches may attend a par ticipatory camp, clinic or competition merely as spectators however they may not be involved in any way with their school’s athletes, including being a clinician, when their school’s Student-Athletes attend that camp or clinic regardless of the format or the separation of stations at a clinic. CL 3: During the Summer Recess, a coach or Student-Athlete may not be sponsored or supported by a school or school-related group (example: Booster Club) when team-interscholastic or individual competition takes place as part of the activity in camps, clinics, recreation programs, independent play and tournaments. CL 4: During the Summer Recess, interscholastic competition of any type at the site of either participant is prohibited. Section 7 Faculty Games Student-Athletes of a particular sport may not engage in faculty or similar games in that same sport. Section 8 Non-School/Non-Sanctioned Games Student-Athletes may compete in non-school, non-sanctioned games as follows: A. In-Season – Local Option B. Out-of-Season Period – A Student-Athlete may compete on a non-school team so long as individually issued school equipment, coaching, or other school services are not provided. CL 1: The participant competes in Non-School/Non-Sanctioned events “unattached,” i.e., not as a 63 representative of the school and, therefore, schools, school organizations an d school-related groups such as Booster Clubs, Parents Clubs or Varsity Clubs may not assist the Student-Athlete’s participation in any way. CL 2: The NJSIAA does not permit the funding, in whole or in part, of participation in Non- School/Non-Sanctioned events by a Board of Education. This applies to Non-School/Non- Sanctioned events, e.g., the Dapper Dan, McDonald, and Derby Basketball Clini cs, the Golden West Track Classic, and National High School baseba ll, tennis, wrestling, or similar games/events. CL 3: The NJSIAA cooperates fully with the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) in establishing the means by which the participant s are selected to represent the United States; therefore, a member school, their Student-Athlet es, and their coaches do not have any restrictions placed upon them In-Season, Out-of-Season or during the Summer Recess so long as the administrator (Principal) of the member school gives approval and the USOC verifies that the activity is a part of the USOC devel opment program and filed with the NJSIAA. Section 9 Eighth Grade Contact High school coaches are permitted to have contact with student-athletes in grades eight and below as it pertains to camps, clinics and the like, as long as such contact does not involve high school students as it pertains to NJSIAA Bylaws, Article V, Section 4(I). All camps, clinics and the like must be open to all. In no way may these activities be held by invitation only when they are involving high school co aches except for the summer period. High school coaches are permitted to coach teams that involve student-athletes in grades eight and below as long as such coaching does not involve high school students as it pertains to NJSIAA Bylaws, Article V, Section 4(I). Student-athletes in grades eight and be low are not permitted to take part in activities that involve high school student-athletes as it pertains to NJSIAA Bylaws, Article V, Section 4(I), until they have graduated from the eighth grade. Publicity by a school or a nyone employed by the school regarding in coming students shall not focus on or promote athletics. Eighth grade students that graduate before the summer period start date are not permitted to have contact with high school teams until the summer period start date. Eighth grade students that graduate after the summer pe riod open date are permitted to have contact with high school teams the day after their graduation from eighth grade. Section 10 Sports Specific Strength and Conditioning Guidelines Out-of-season sports specific strength and conditi oning sessions conducted by school district approved coaches of that sport are permitted as long as the following apply: 1. The coach has completed the online NFHS Strength & Conditioning Course, unless already certified. 2. The strength and conditioning sessi ons are purely designed to improve athletes in the field of strength and conditioning. 3. No sports specific equipment permitted during these sessions. 64 4. No sports specific drills permitted during these sessions. 5. No sports specific walkthroughs or ga me planning permitted during these sessions. 6. The strength and conditioni ng sessions cannot be mandatory. CL 1: The school’s athletic policy regarding stre ngth and conditioning (wei ght room) management will supersede the above guidelines except if th e strength and conditioning sessions are sports specific with a member of the coaching staff. CL 2: The NFHS course is only required one time, not annually. PROGRAM REGULATIONS Section 1 Awards Awards are not restricted by the NJSIAA, if approved by the Board of Education, so long as they are symbolic awards, i.e., letters, sweat ers, jackets, pins, trophies, other similar type awards, and rings or watches which are properly inscribed. All other awards must be approved by the local Board of Education and the NJSIAA. Student-Athletes and prospective Stude nt-Athletes must be cautioned when competing in any program including marathons and other running events in which cash or merchandise are the awards. By refusing to accept the cash or merchandise the stud ent absolves himself/herself from placing his/her eligibility in jeopardy. CL: The participant’s award or share thereof may not be assigned to another party or be accepted by another party but must be returned to the chairman of the event. Section 2 Strenuous Sports A player on an interscholastic athletic team shall pa rticipate in only one strenuous high school sport at a time during the regular high school sports season. A pl ayer may drop one high school sport to participate in another, but he/she may not return to a sport from which he/she withdrew. The strenuous sports are: Baseball, Basketball, Cro ss-Country, Diving, Fencing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Spring Track, Winter Track, Volleyball, and Wrestling. CL 1: Bowling and Golf are not considered strenuous sports. CL 2: Program Regulations, Section 2, Strenuous Sports, will mean a student concluding a season in one sport will not be able to participate in anot her sport regardless of the fact that the athlete would be able to meet the six (6) day practice rule. Section 3 Physical Examinations Physical examinations may be given prior to a Sports Season so that all players may be examined before the first day of practice. See State Board of Education – Rules and Regulations. Section 4 Uniforms/Equipment Uniforms may be issued prior to the beginning of a Sports Season, if stored by the school; however under no circumstances may uniforms be worn until the first offici al starting day of practice for that specific sport, except for shoes which may be issued and worn two week s prior to such official starting date of practice. No individually issued equipment of a member school, except as provided herein, may be issued or used by a student during the out-of-season period. 65 Section 5 Sports Seasons Dates Member schools must conduct their sports seasons within the following datelines according to practice provisions as outlined in Program Regulations, Secti on 6 to be eligible for NJSIAA Tournament play: Fall – Girls Tennis: August 16 to November 12, 2023 Football: August 9 to November 26, 2023 Gymnastics, Cross Country, Field Hock ey, Girls Volleyball, Soccer: August 21 to November 12, 2023 Winter – Bowling, Ice Hockey, Swimming: November 20, 2023 to March 3, 2024 Wrestling: November 27, 2023 to February 11, 2024 Basketball, Fencing, and Winter Track : November 27, 2023 to March 3, 2024 Spring – Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Tr ack and Volleyball: Marc h 14 to June 9, 2024 Boys Tennis: March 11 to June 9, 2024 If, by way of exception provided in these Bylaws, perm ission is granted a school to extend its season in a particular sport, the provisions of this section are extended accordingly. Fall – Cross-Country, Field Hockey, Football, Gy mnastics, Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball Winter – Basketball, Bowling, Fencing, Ice Hockey, Swimming, Winter Track, Wrestling Spring – Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Boys Tennis, Spring Track, Boys Volleyball The Executive Committee must approve conducting a sp ecific program during a season other than the designated sports season for that sport. Section 6 Start of Practice For all strenuous sports (which excludes bowling and gol f), the “first scrimmage” date must include one day of rest within the first 7 days from the first practice (6 days on and 1 day off ru le). The 6 days of practice and 1 day of rest do not have to be consecutive but must adhere to th e 7-day time frame. This requirement applies to all three seasons. Fall – Official practice for Football begins on August 9, 2023. Official practice for Girls Tennis begins on August 16, 2023 Official practice for Cross Country, Fi eld Hockey, Gymnastics, Soccer, and Girls Volleyball begins on August 21, 2023. Winter – Official practice for Bowling, Ice Hockey, Swimming begins on November 20, 2023. Official practice for Basketball, Fenci ng, Winter Track, and Wrestling begins on November 27, 2023. Spring – Official practice for Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Spring Track and Boys Volleyball begins on March 14, 2024. Baseball and Soft ball pitchers and catchers (only) will be permitted to begin practice 3 days ear lier than the practice start date. Official practice for Boys Tennis begins on March 11, 2024. 66 Section 7 Practices/Scrimmages/Games/Meets A student shall not be permitted to participate in a scr immage or a game (interschool) in any strenuous sport until he/she has completed six days of practice in th at sport (days of 24 hours, not sessions) and one day of rest. Practices during the Summer Recess prior to the official opening of the Sports Season cannot be counted to fulfill this requirement. The above restri ction will be waived for Student-Athletes who are members of a team participating in competition afte r the start of the next season provided the athlete becomes a practicing member within three (3) practice days. CL 1: Summer Recess practices do not count fo r “six-day” interschool scrimmage or game provisions. Only those practices from the official opening of the Sports Se ason may be counted to fulfill this requirement. CL 2: Sunday practices may be counted only if a pproved by the local Board of Education. CL 3: A practice is defined as a session where a te am is assembled and involved in physical activity to enhance the participant’s physical condition. Pr actices of any kind for individuals, partial or entire teams, on days when the team is involved in interscholastic scrimmages or games-meets will not count toward satisfyin g the six (6) day rule. CL 4: It is a local option for schools to permit ineligible students to practice or compete in interscholastic scrimmages. An ineligible student may not participate in an interscholastic regular season contest or scrimmage. Such practices will count to satisfy the six (6) day practice rule. The above is applicable provided the school meets th e medical examination and parental permission as required by the State Board of Education. CL 5: Any lapses consisting of four (4) or more da ys, a restart of the six (6) day rule must occur. CL 6: If a student was eligible to participate in a team practice after th ree (3) consecutive days off but missed the fourth day because of a situation beyond the student’s control (i.e., the school closed for a holiday, Sunday, weather, etc.) a restar t is not needed if the student practices the next available day. Interschool scrimmages, excluding baseball, tennis, so ftball and golf, are to be limited to the number of games, meets, or matches permitted in the sport duri ng the regular season. The ru le regarding numbers of contests on consecutive days will be enforced. No more than four (4) schools shall be permitted to take part in a joint interschool scrimmage. CL 1: Scrimmages during the regular season count toward the allowable number of games. CL 2: The host school may not invite any more than three (3) schools to participate in a scrimmage at its site(s). No scrimmages shall be permitted after the “End of S eason” as defined in Program Regulations, Section 10. Definitions: “Interschool scrimmages” are provided as an opportunity to experience controlled game conditions for both coaches and players. A scrimmage must provide for voluntary interruption of the “scrimmage game” for instructional purposes, must not have recorded scoring, results, spectator admission must be on a complimentary basis only, and the event ca nnot be conducted in such a manner as to advance a team or individual to another level of scrimmage competition. 67 CL 1: Whenever team(s) or individual(s) from two or more schools practice at the same site, it will be designated as a scrimmage unless some extraor dinary circumstance has been approved by the NJSIAA . “Regular season games /contests ” are those games, meets, or matches that are not statewide championship playoff contests. “Playoff games /contests ” are those games, meets, or ma tches that comprise the Statewide Championship Tournament. Regular season games incl ude conference games, non-conference games, and games played at tournaments and invitationals. Re gular season games count toward the total number of games in which a school can participate during a sports season. Section 8 Opening Dates Start of regular schedule opening dates are as follows: Fall – Football: August 25 or August 31, 2023 Girls Tennis: September 5, 2023 Cross Country, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Soccer and Girls Volleyball: September 7, 2023 Winter – Bowling: November 27, 2023 Ice Hockey, Swimming and Winter Track: December 7, 2023 Basketball, Fencing, Winter Track and Wrestling: December 14, 202 Spring – Lacrosse: March 23, 2023 Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Boys Tennis, Spring Track, Boys Voll eyball: April 3, 2023 Section 9 Contest Rules All contests involving member schools must be played according to the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This applies to all sports for which rules are formulated by that Association, with the following exceptions: Bowling – US Bowling Congress Fencing – United States Fencing Association Golf – USGA Tennis – USTA Rules indicated will govern all sports unless modified by NJSIAA. Section 10 End of Season All teams may participate in interscholastic contests up to the final championship in their respective sports, with the exception of wrestling. Equipment should be stored and practice terminated for the out-of-season period upon completion of the schedule. Individual competition shall terminate with the end of said competition. Section 11 Summer Recess The summer period begins the Monday after the NJSIAA spring sports competition end date. The spring season competition end date is published in the spring sports quick chart found on the NJSIAA website. The summer period beginning date will not change because of postponements to the last NJSIAA spring events. The last day of the summer period is August 31. 68 There are no NJSIAA-imposed restrictions durin g the summer period, with the exception that interscholastic competition/scrimmages are not pe rmitted during the summer period. Scrimmages consistent with the early season opening or regular season opening pr ovisions are permitted. CL 1: School Districts are not permitted to cond uct interscholastic competition during the summer period. Schools Districts are permitted to ho st competition during the summer period, if the competition is organized and sponsored by a third party not connected to the school district. CL 2: Football 7 on 7’s is not considered inter scholastic competition. Schools are urged to be mindful of their liability when hosting students from ot her districts during the summer period. CL 3: Non-School Teams: A member of a high school’s coaching staff may not be involved in any way with a non-school team on which there are stude nt athletes who participated on the freshman, junior varsity, or varsity level of the coach’s high school team(s) in that sport until the start of the summer period. Section 12 Alumni Games Alumni games count as part of the schedule in all sports, but they may not be included when submitting records for tournament consideration. Section 13 Tournament Entry Member schools are to download the appropriate entry forms from www.njsiaa.org for state tournament competition. Tournament regulations will be posted no earlier than four weeks before the tournament date. NO entries or Tournament Refusal Forms which are postmarked after the cut-off date will be accepted unless accompanied by a late fee established by the NJSIAA. CL 1: A late fee charge of $50.00, when a school’s game or meet schedule or tournament entry form is late (beyond the established deadlines but prior to the pairings, seeding or heat meeting), is to be paid before the contestant or team is allowed to par ticipate. If the entry is received after the seeding but prior to the first game of the tournament, an administrative fee of $150 will be assessed the school. Section 14 Video Taping and Filming Electronic Communication equipment, incl uding but not limited to computer, film television and video tape is permissible according to the NFHS rules for the spor t in question. Videotaping of scrimmages is a local option. No video or audio recording may be used to re view or challenge the decision of a sports official. The NJSIAA may use video and audio recordings to iden tify and determine violati ons of its sportsmanship policy and to ensure that disqualifications are correctly identified. Section 15 Maximum Games For consistency, the maximum number of games are the same for those sports that are of the same physical nature and/or have similar physical requirements. In order to provide equity across all sports and all schools, a maximum number of games will be establish ed for those sports that have not had such limitations. The maximum number of games does not include partic ipation in one county or league/conference-based tournament, and the NJSIAA state tournament. A count y or league/conference-based tournament is defined as a single elimination tournament not to exceed 32 team s, limited to a maximum of five games. Teams may still participate in both a county and a league/ conference tournament, but one of these tournaments will count toward the maximum number of games. 69 The below table summarizes the new maximum number of games by sport: Sport No. of Games Sport No. of Games Baseball 24 Lacrosse 18 Basketball 24 Socce r 18 Cross Country 14 Softball 24 Fencing 16 Swimming 16 Field Hockey 18 Tennis 24 Football 14 Track & Field – Spring 14 Gymnastics 14 Track & Field – Winte r 14 Ice Hockey 22 Volleyball 24 Bowling and Golf, our non-strenuous sports, will not have maximum number of games per season. To allow leagues, conferences, and schools maximu m flexibility to schedule based on their needs and circumstances, there will be no weekly maximum number of games for any sport. However, those sports that currently prohibit competition on three consecutive days will continue to pr ohibit such activity. The sports that currently prohibit competition on three cons ecutive days are: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, and Swimming. The maximum number of games does not include partic ipation in individual-based competition for sports such as cross country, swimming, tennis, etc. Indi vidual-based competition is determined by whether a team score is calculated. For instance, if a team scor e is calculated at an individual-based event, regardless of the number of participants from the team, then this competition will count towards the maximum number of games. If a team score is not calculated, then the event will not count towards the maximum number of games. In order to maximize competition opportunities, school s will be permitted to schedule regular season events during the NJSIAA post-season in every sport but ma y not exceed the total maximum number of games listed above. The only exception to this rule will be for wrestling, team wrestling matches will continue to be prohibited once the NJSIAA District Tournament starts. NJSIAA post-season tournament competition will take priority over regular seas on games in every sport when assigning officials. No competition will be permitted beyond the last scheduled post-season champi onship event in each sport, the last post-season championship event represents the e nd of that sport’s regular season. A waiver of the maximum game limitation is granted in all sports, except football, only when one additional game is needed to decide a county, conference or tournament championship. Section 16 Withdrawal/NJSIAA Tournaments Any member school and/or Student-Athlete withdraw ing from competition after having officially entered an NJSIAA tournament in any sport will be di squalified from all remaining NJSIAA tournament competition in that sport in that season and barred fr om participating in NJSIAA tournament competition in that sport during the next school year unless truly extraordinary circumstances were present. Section 17 Withdrawal/Infectious Diseases School administrators should rely solely upon the advi ce of the school’s medical inspector in determining the action to withdraw a team from competition when a member is diagnosed as having an infectious disease. 70 Section 18 60% State Competition Rule All NJSIAA tournament team entry forms must reflec t competition to no less than 60% with New Jersey schools. If a team does not meet the criteria by the cu t-off date, with the exception of football which will be based on a 10-game schedule throughout the season, it will forfeit its entry into the NJSIAA tournament. Section 19 Specific Sports Regulations Penalties To promote fairness in competition and the health a nd safety of student athletes, no NJSIAA member school will be eligible to participate in any NJSIAA Cham pionship Tournament if it has violated the Specific Sports Regulations for the sport, in volving the start of practice, the st art and ending of the sport season and the maximum contests permitted during the regular seas on. The application of this standard is non- appealable. SPECIFIC SPORT REGULATIONS Notes: 1. A week is defined as from 12:01 A.M. Sunday to Saturday midnight. 2. A regularly scheduled game is one which has been contracted by mutual con sent of the participating schools and approved by their respective Boards of Education and by the schools’ Principals. 3. Member schools may schedule games or scrimmages with any school that is academically accredited by its regional accrediting agency and havi ng athletic eligibility standards similar to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Asso ciation. Member schools may schedule regular season games or scrimmages with non-member schools, or with member schools of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools; however, in such case, any waiver of the NJSIAA eligibility rules must be agreed upon and set forth in the c ontract. Under this section, competition is limited to teams (or individuals) whose participants are in the first year of post-high school matriculation. Waiver of NJSIAA eligibility rules will not be granted for sanctioned tournaments. CL 1: Member schools may not compete with “club” teams. Competition is not permitted with teams composed of post-high school students (private schoo ls, junior colleges, colleges) whose participants are beyond the first year of post-high matriculation or are beyond the first year since gr aduating from high school. All Independent Sc hools holding dual membership (NJSIAA and NJISAA) must adhere to all regulations provided for by the NJSIAA Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations and they may not be waived. CL 2: A school is permitted to sp onsor only one team at the vars ity level. A and B teams at the varsity level are not permitted in any sports. CL 3: All NJSIAA member school athletic team s are bound by NJSIAA rules. No member school may have any team that operates outside of NJSIAA’ s jurisdiction in any NJSIAA sanctioned sport. CL 4: No member school may engage in athletic compe tition, scrimmage and/or practice with an out-of- state school which is not a member in good standi ng of its respective state high school athletic association or has not been approved by the respective association as an affiliate. 4. Disqualification a. Any Student-Athlete or coach disqualified before , during or after an interscholastic event for unsportsmanlike and flagrant verbal or physical misconduct will be disqualified from the next 71 two (2) regularly scheduled games/meets, with the exception of football which will carry a one (1) game disqualification, at that level of co mpetition and all other game(s)/meet(s) in the interim at any level in addition to any other penalties which the NJSIAA or a league/conference may assess. CL 1: Once a coach/player has been disqualified, NO appeals will be honored from the player, coach, official or any other party. Disqualification is a judgement call and o fficials must be certain the act warrants disqualification. A ll complaints against an official must be directed to the official’s Chapter Secretary and the NJSIAA. CL 2: Scrimmages are not considered part of the disqualification rule. CL 3: The National Federation Rules do not permit a wrestler to continue to participate in a tournament if there is a flagrant disqualification. The NJSIAA rule requires a two-match sit-out. Even though the wrestler is not permitted to wres tle in the remainder of that tournament, said wrestler may fulfill the two-match disqualification, provided his team continues to wrestle in scheduled events. CL 4: A second disqualification for an individual in any game/meet/match supersedes NFHS rules in this regard. b. A disqualified player or coach may not be present at any contest in that sport during the period of disqualification. Definition of not being present at the site means the disqualified player or coach is not to be present in the locker room, on the bus, on the sidelines, in the stands or site area before, during or after the game/meet. 1. In team sports any player/coach in viol ation of this provision will be cause for forfeiture of those games during the period of disqualification. 2. In individual sports the event or events in which the player previously participated while having been disqualified will be forfeite d. The team will lose the highest points awarded in each event noted herein. c. Should a coach/player be disqualified from the final game/meet of the season, said disqualification will carry over to the next year in that sport. In the case of the Student-Athlete, the same degree of penalty shall apply if sai d athlete retains eligibility in that sport. d. Any player/coach disqualified a second time in single or multiple sports will have the penalty doubled (i.e., in football – disqualified for two (2) games; all other sports – four (4) games). Disqualifications will count for 365 days fro m the date of the first disqualification. e. Any player with two or more di squalifications in the current season, prior to the start of an NJSIAA tournament, will be ineligib le to compete in said tournament. f. Any varsity team accumulating three or more pl ayer or coach disqualifications prior to the team’s participation in an NJ SIAA tournament will not be pe rmitted to participate in same. Seeded teams will forfeit their right to compete if a disqualification limit is reached prior to the start of the tournament for the team. g. Single/multiple sports – on the third offen se; players disqualified will be suspended indefinitely, and must apply, in writing, to th e NJSIAA through the office of their Principal for 72 reinstatement. Disqualifications will count for 365 days from the date of the first disqualification. h. Any coach disqualified a second tim e within 365 days from the date of the first disqualification will be required to appear before the Contr oversies Committee with the Principal and the Athletic Director. i. Any coach who is disqualified and/or has thr ee or more players on a team disqualified during the course of the preceding school year must complete the NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior course. This course license must be obtained from NJSIAA with the course completion certificate due to NJSIAA within sixty (60) days of initial NJSIAA notification of the disqualification requirement. j. Any player that leaves the bench area during an alte rcation, whether to intervene or participate, shall be disqualified, and will be subject to the disqualification penalty (automatically disqualified from the next two contests.) On ly coaches can leave the bench with the purpose of restraining players and stopping the altercation CL 1: Coaches/players who do not fulfill their pena lty in a sport at their present school will be disqualified for the same length of time in their subsequent coaching a ssignment/sport participation at another school. CL 2: Seniors who are disqualified from their last game or next to last game will serve the penalty in a subsequent sports season according to the pe nalty provision of that subsequent sport. When seniors are disqualified from their last game of their high school careers, and are unable to fulfill the penalty, member schools are required to take proper administrative action to discipline the offending student. CL 3: Seniors who quit a sport and have not fulfilled thei r penalty in that sport, must serve it in the new sport before beginning playing in the new sport. Baseball Section 1 Rules National Federati on shall govern all NJSIAA games Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Prov ided in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. From the start of the regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimmages count toward the maximum number of games allowed (24) Section 7 Games Per Week: N/A 73 Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play twenty-four (24) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourname nt, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from th e start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Basketball Section 1 Rules National Federation edition of the Bask etball Rules of the United States and Canada shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s first transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to interschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consecu tive days. From the start of the regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (24) While a school is competing in the Stat e Tournament, it may schedule with teams entered in the tournament one (1) scrimmage during any week in which it has only one (1) or two (2) games and two (2) scrimmages during any week in which there are no games. These scrimmages will not count in the total number of allowable games. Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play twenty-four (24) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourname nt, plus the State Tournament,, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from th e start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Section 9 Quarters per Day A basketball player shall play no more than five (5) quarters during the same calendar day. This would include freshman, s ophomore, junior varsity, and varsity competition. CL: Violations of this section result in inelig ible participation and forfeiture of the game. Bowling Section 1 Rules US Bowling Congress Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, 74 regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s first transfer , shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Fencing Section 1 Rules United States Fencing Associa tion Rules shall govern all NJSIAA meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Sections 6-15 N/A Section 16 Championship Eligibility A student compe ting on an interscholastic fencing team must participate as a member of his/her high school team in at least 50% of the school’s total matches (while he/she attends said school) to be eligible for the NJSIAA Championship Tournament. CL 1: Students who experience Extraordinary Circums tances, which are limited to injuries/medical reasons or return from academic ineligibility, must pl ay in at least 50% of th e school’s games, up to and including the cut-off date, less those games in which the student was not able to compete due to the Extraordinary Circumstance. Extraordinary Circumstan ces shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the NJSIAA upon request by the school Field Hockey Section 1 Rules National Federation Ru les shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligib le to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (18). Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. 75 Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play eighteen (18) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tournament, pl us the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from the st art of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament . A tournament shall be of the single elimination type not to exceed thirty-two (32) teams, limited to a maximum of five (5) games. A tournament shall be of single elimination type, not to exceed thirty-two (32) teams, limited to a maximu m of five (5) games. Section 9 Quarters Per Day A field hockey player sha ll not play in more than six quarters during the same calendar day. This would include freshma n, sophomore, junior varsity and varsity competition. NOTE: Overtime periods are a continuation of the 4th quarter. Football Section 1 Rules National Federation Footba ll Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligib le to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. For football, the Week 1 Competition Start Date will be used. Section 6 Scrimmages Football scrimmages will be permitted twice per week. Scrimmages during the regular season count toward the allowable number of games. Section 7 Games Per Nine Days, Per 24-Hour Period It is recommended that a player participates in no more than two football games during any nine-day peri od; however, a player may not participate in more than one scheduled game during a twenty-four (24) h our period. This includes freshman, sophomore, junior varsity and varsity competition. A team may not play more than two football games in a period of nine days. The 24-hour period begins with the start of th e first game until the start of the next contest. Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play no more than fourteen (14) games (including regular season scrimmages as provi ded for in Program Regulations, Section 7 Practices/Scrimmages/Games/Meets ). Section 9 Quarters per Day N/A Section 10 Postponed/Suspended Games Member schools must play a postponed game no later than Tuesday of the following week (Monday if either team is scheduled to play on the following Friday.) This rule also applies to suspended games which are to be conti nued according to Conference or NJSIAA procedures. Section 11 Play-off Games Member schools may, with Executive Committee approval, play play-off games to break a tie for league or conference championshi ps so long as the maximum number of games either school plays during that season does not exceed ten game s, including the play-offs. Such play-off must be played no later than ten (10) days after Thanksgiving. This provision is not applicable to the NJSIAA Football Play-off resolution. 76 Section 12 Tie-Breaking Procedure During the regular season member schools must use the 25 yd. line in the Football Overtime Tie-Breaking Procedure when a schedul ed varsity game ends in a tie. If a tie remains after each team has played three (3 ) series, the results will remain a tie . The procedure may be used at the sub-varsity level when approved by th e schools/conference prior to the game. Golf Section 1 Rules The United States Golf Association Ru les shall govern all NJSIAA matches. All matches must play summer rules and enforce stroke and dist ance for all lost balls for all matches. Coaches are encouraged to teach your players the proper use of a provisional ball in order to keep play moving. Note 1: Concerning playing the ball down – Under extreme course conditions Coaches and/or Club Pros may make the recommendation to lift clean and pl ace one club length, no closer to the hole. This recommendation may not be used to speed up the pace of play. This modification must be noted on the entry form each match. See Appendix 1, USGA Rules of Golf. Note 2: In the extreme case a host course will not let a team use USGA Rule 27 concerning stroke and distance for lost balls and balls hit out of bounds, teams are required to do the following: 1. Out of bounds – Players must add a 2 stroke pe nalty and drop within two club lengths from the point the ball crossed the boundary (white) stakes lin ing the course. Lost ball – 2 stroke penalty – Drop a ball the nearest point where the ball was thought to have been lost. This provision is to be used on a course by course basi s only and is not to be adopted by a conference as a whole. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Sections 6 – 12 N/A Section 13 Team A team shall consist of a minimum of four (4) players and a maximum of six (6) players. Section 14 Match An interscholastic match shall consist of nine (9) holes; if a match is not completed, the winner will be based upon those holes completed by all player s of the teams. If less than five (5) holes have been completed by the teams, the match will be replayed. CL: The girls will use the same tee as the boys in State, Sectional, and Championship Tournaments. During the regular season, girls will use the next forward tee which includes all conference, county, etc. tournaments that take place during the regular season. 77 Section 15 Scoring Type of play – Medal (stroke) Play The winner of the match will be the team with the lowest total strokes for any 4 out of six players. In case of a tie each team will add their 5 th lowest score to the team total, if still a tie, the 6 th lowest score will be added to the team total. If both teams are tied after us ing 6 members, the team wi th the low medalist is the winner. If the low medalist is a tie, then the match is a tie. Note: All conferences MUST play medal play to decide their teams’ wins and losses. Gymnastics Section 1 Rules National Federation Girls Gymnas tics Rules unless modified shall govern all NJSIAA meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages N/A Section 7 Meets Per Week Meets may not be held on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Meets An individual may participate in only fourteen (14) meets per season, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based t ournament, plus the State Tournament. Section 9 Meets Per Day A competitor shall not compete in more than one (1) meet during the same calendar day. Section 10 Postponed Meets Postponed meets may be worked into the scheduling, but under no circumstances shall meets be held on three (3) consecutive days. Ice Hockey Section 1 Rules National Federation Ice Hockey Rul es, with the following exceptions, shall govern all NJSIAA games. 1. The game shall consist of three periods of 15 minutes. An exception may be allowed when participating out of state. 2. On a disqualification penalty, the player shall be put in the custody of the coach on the bench. 3. There shall be no overtime periods, except in playo ffs, regular season tournaments, or when playing out of state. 78 CL: Overtime will be permitted during the regular season only when playing out of state for purposes of complying with the host state’s rules. 1. There shall be no limit to non-playing personnel on the bench, but the coach is responsible and must suffer the penalty if any bench disturbance occurs. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (22). Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Games. A member school may play twenty-two (22) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourname nt, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from th e start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Section 9 Periods Per Day An ice hockey player shall play in no more than th ree (3) periods during the same calendar day. This would include any combina tion of sub-varsity and varsity competition. NOTE: Overtime periods are a continuation of the third period. Section 10-15 N/A Section 16 Championship Eligibility. A student competing on an interschol astic ice hockey team must play as a member of his/her high school team in at least 50% of the school’s total games to be eligible for the NJSIAA Championship Tournament. CL: Students who experience Extraordinary Circumst ances, which are limited to injuries/medical reasons or return from academic ineligibility, must play in at least 50% of the school’s games, up to and including the cut-off date, less those games in which the student was not able to compete due to the Extraordinary Circumstance. Extraordina ry Circumstances shall be reviewed on a case-by- case basis by the NJSIAA upon request by the school. Boys Lacrosse Section 1 Rules National Federation Boys Lacrosse Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. 79 Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (18). Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play eighteen (18) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tournament, pl us the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from the st art of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Section 9 Quarters Per Day A player shall play in no more than six (6) quarters during the same calendar day. This would include freshman, sophomore, junior varsity, and varsity competition. Girls Lacrosse Section 1 Rules National Federation Girls Lacr osse Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (18). Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play eighteen (18) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourname nt, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from the start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Section 9 Quarters Per Day A player shall play in no more than three (3) ha lves during the same calendar day. This would include freshman, sophomore, junior varsity, and varsity competition. 80 Soccer Section 1 Rules National Federation Soccer Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (18). Section 7 Games Per Week Games may not be played on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play eighteen (18) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourname nt, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed games from the start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. A tournament shall be of the single elimination type not to exceed thirty-two (32) teams, limited to a maximum of five (5) games. Section 9 Halves Per Day A soccer player shall play in no more than three (3) halves during the same calendar day, with a maximum of ni ne (9) halves per week. If a school elects to play one four (4) game week, an individual may not exceed twelve (12) halv es in that four-game week. This would include any combination of freshman, sophomore, junior varsity and varsity competition. NOTE: Overtime periods are a continuation of the second halve. Section 10-15 N/A Section 16 Championship Eligibility A student competing on an interscholastic soccer team must play as a member of his/her high school team in at least 50% of the school’s total games to be eligible for the NJSIAA Championship Tournament. CL: This means a student must be eligible to pl ay in at least 50% of the school’s games up to and including cut-off date while he/she was properly en rolled and eligible at said school according to NJSIAA regulations. Extraordinary circumstances (i.e. injuries or participation on US National teams) will be reviewed on a case by case bas is for the purposes of this clarification. Softball Section 1 Rules National Federation Softba ll Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. 81 Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligib le to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to in terschool scrimmages per week. However, a player may not scrimmage on three (3) consec utive days. From the start of th e regular season until the end of the State Tournament, regular season interschool scrimma ges count toward the maximum number of games allowed (24). While a school is competing in the St ate Tournament, it may schedule with teams entered in the tournament one (1) scrimmage during any week in which it has only one (1) or two (2) games and two (2) scrimmages during any week in which there are no games. These scrimmages will not count in the total number of allowable games. Section 7 N/A Section 8 Maximum Games A member school may play twenty-four (24) regular scheduled games, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based t ournament, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed ga mes from the start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Swimming Section 1 Rules National Federation Swimmi ng Rules shall govern all NJSIAA meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 N/A Section 7 Meets Per Week Meets may not be conducted on three (3) consecutive days. Section 8 Maximum Meets A member school may play si xteen (16) regular scheduled meets, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tournament, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed meets from the star t of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. CL 1: Schools with a declared separate boys team and girls team may not swim as a combined team unless swimming against a declared combin ed team. Declared combined teams may not swim as a separate boys team or a separat e girls team in interscholastic meets. 82 CL 2: Diving will not be included as an even t during the regular season, the NJSIAA Power Points championship or in the NISCA Power Po ints for qualification for the team championship competition. Conferences may include Diving in conference meets. Schools may include Diving in non-conference meets by written ag reement of the competing schools. Sections 9-15 N/A Section 16 Championship Eligibility A student competi ng on an interscholastic swimming team must swim as a member of his/her high school team in at least 50% of the school’s total m eets (while he/she attends said school) to be eligible for the NJSIAA Championship Meet. CL 1: Students who experience Extraordinary Circums tances, which are limited to injuries/medical reasons or return from academic ineligibility, must play in at least 50% of the school’s games, up to and including the cut-off date, less those games in which the student was not able to compete due to the Extraordinary Circumstance. Extraordina ry Circumstances shall be reviewed on a case-by- case basis by the NJSIAA upon request by the school. CL 2: Late entries will not be accepted as outlined in Program Regulations, Section 13. CL 3: Once schools declare their swim teams as either separate boys, separate girls or combined/co-ed, those declared teams will rem ain as such during the state tournament classification process. As in regular season co mpetition, combined/co-ed teams will be grouped with boys teams and not grouped with girls teams to determine classification group size. Boys teams and combined/co-ed teams will be classified together in their A, B, and C gr oups, according to the Northing System. Girls teams will be classifie d separately (without including combined/co-ed teams) in their A, B, and C Groups according to the Northing System. Section 17 Officials A minimum of three (3) NJSIAA registered official s is required for all championship swimming meets. Four (4) officials will be assigned to th e sectional state semifinals and finals. A minimum of two (2) NJSIAA registered official s shall be used for all other varsity meets. Girls Tennis (Fall) Section 1 Rules United States Tennis Associati on Rules shall govern all NJSIAA matches. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Officials If officials are used for regular seas on varsity matches they must be registered with the NJSIAA. Section 7 N/A 83 Section 8 Maximum Contests A member school may play twenty-four (24) regular scheduled contests, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourna ment, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed contests fro m the start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Sections 9-12 N/A Section 13 Contest An interscholastic contest shall cons ist of five matches: a First Singles match, a Second Singles match, a Third Singles match, a First Doubl es match, and a Second Doubles match. The team winning the majority of the five matches shall be th e winner of the contest. A school may not schedule or participate in more than one full contest at the end of a regular school day. Prior unfinished contest make-ups will be allowed. Section 14 Match A match shall consist of the best of three sets. The player(s) winning two sets shall be the winner of the match. 1. Participation: No player shall play twice, i.e., a team shall consist of at least seven (7) players. 2. Line-up: Each coach shall establish his/her lineup in writing before the match begins. The coach is obligated to present his/her strongest lineup in proper order at the time and place the match is played. This means that the best pl ayer scheduled to play at this time must play 1st Singles, the next best 2nd Singles, and the third best 3rd Sing les. From the remaining members of the squad, two doubles teams are to be selected with the stronger doubles combination playing 1st Doubles and the weaker playing 2nd Doubles. 3. Substitution: Substitutions will be permitted after the outcome of the meet has been decided; however, Article 1 shall still apply. 4. Interrupted Play: The continuation of interrupted play shall begin at the exact point it was discontinued with regard to score, the person serving, and the side of the court each player was on. 5. Forfeit: In case of injury to a player , the match shall be forfeited if the player cannot continue after fifteen (15) accumulative minutes. 6. Between Sets: Play shall be continuous from the firs t service to the completion of the match; except that a three (3) minute rest period shall be pe rmitted between the first and second sets, and a ten (10) minute rest period shall be perm itted between the second and third sets. 7. Coaches shall teach and demonstrate the ethics of tennis. 8. Tie-Breaker – Sets which reach a 6-6 score sha ll be decided by playing a 12 point tie-breaker. Sections 15-17 N/A Section 18 Equipment Only approved USTA tennis balls sh all be used, and new tennis balls must be provided for each match. Boys Tennis (Spring) Section 1 Rules United States Tennis Associati on Rules shall govern all NJSIAA matches. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. 84 Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Sections 6 through 10 - Same as Girls Tennis. Cross Country Section 1 Rules National Federation Track and Fiel d Rules, unless herein modified, shall govern all NJSIAA cross-country, winter track and spring track meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season As provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligib le to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 N/A Section 7 Meets Per Week During the season, team members who compete in outside meets with the approval of the school remain eligible for NJSIAA competition. Under no circumstances may a student compete on three (3) consecutive days even when a postponed meet is work ed into the schedule. (National Federation approved meets are exceptions to this rule.) Section 8 Maximum Meets A member school may play four teen (14) regular scheduled meets, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tournament, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and postponed meets from the star t of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Section 9 Meets Per Day A competitor shall not compet e in more than one meet during the same calendar day. CL: When there are multiple divisions in a meet on the same day at the same site, e.g., freshman, junior varsity, and/or varsity divisions, an athlete may compete in each of the divisions if the contestant does not violate National Federation Participation Rule, which limits the number of events in which a contestant may compete in a gi ven meet, provided that the contestant does not compete more than once in the same event on that date. Section 10-16 N/A 85 Section 17 Officials It shall be required that at least three (3) NJSIAA re gistered track officials be used to officiate in any County, Conference, Invitational, Championship or NJSIAA meets involving four or more teams. Whenever possible, all officials in these meets should be registered. In all dual and triangular Cross-Country Meets there shall be at least one (1) NJSIAA registered track official designated as the Starter-Referee. In all dual and triangular Winter Track and Spring Track Meets there shall be at least two (2) NJSIAA registered track officials; one official to supervise Running Events and designated Meet Referee and/or Starter and/or Head Finish Judge; the other to s upervise the Field Events and designated Head Field Judge. Section 18 Jewelry Effective September 1, 2018, the NJ SIAA will no longer adhere to the NFHS Rules and Regulations regarding watches, spec ifically NFHS Rule 4-6-5 Note #2. Watches will not be permitted at any NJSIAA regular season or post-season event. Ho wever, watches cannot be used for communication purposes. Section 19 Standard Distances/Cross Country Unless Meet Directors for Open, Conference, and Championship meets have received NJSIAA approval to conduct meets at other distances, the standard distance shall be: Freshman: 3500 meters Junior Varsity or Novice: 5000 meters Varsity: 5000 meters Winter Track: Section 1 Rules National Federation Track and Fiel d Rules, unless herein modified, shall govern all NJSIAA cross-country, winter track and spring track meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season As provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Sections 6 through 18 Same as Cross Country Section 19 N/A Section 20 Number of Contestants Dual Meet Competition: Each team shall be entitled to five (5) entries per event. NOTE: This will also apply to Spring Track. Triangular Competition: Each team shall be entitled to four (4) entries per event. Open, Conference and Championship Meets: Entries de termined by sanctioning body or Meet Director. 86 Section 21 Standard Events – Boys As follows: 55 m, 55 m high hurdles (39 inch) 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, 3200 m, 1600 m Relay, Shot Put, High Jump, and Pole Vault. Any variations must be by mutual consent and listed in the contract, or points shall be forfeited for departure from this rule. Open, Conference, and Championship meets must receive NJSIAA approval for departure from this rule. Section 22 Standard Events – Girls As follows: 55 m, 55 m hurdles (33 inch), 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, 3200 m, 1600 m Relay, Shot Put, High Jump and Pole Vau lt. Any variations must be by mutual consent and listed in the contract, or points shall be forfeited for departure from this rule. Open, Conference, and Championship meets must receive NJSIAA approval for departure from this rule. Spring Track: Section 1 Rules National Federation Track and Fiel d Rules, unless herein modified, shall govern all NJSIAA cross-country, winter track and spring track meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season As provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Sections 6 through 20 Same as Winter Track. Section 21 Standard Events Boys: As follows: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, 3200 m, 110 m high hurdles (39 inch), 400 m intermediate hurdles (36 inch), 1600 m Relay, Pole Vau lt, High Jump, Long Jump, Tr iple Jump, Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin (rubber tipped). Any variations must be by mutual consent and listed in the contract, or points shall be forfeited for departure from this rule. Open, Conference and Championship meets must receive NJSIAA approval for departure from this rule. Attention: 400 m intermediate hurdles (36 inch) Hurdle Spacing No. of Hurdles Hurdle Height Starting Line to First Hurdle Between Hurdles Last Hurdle to Finish Line 10 36” 45 m 35 m 40 m Girls: As follows: 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 400 m Relay (optional), 800 m, 1600 m, 3200 m, 100 m hurdles (33 inch), 400 m hurdles (30 inch), 1600 m Relay, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Ju mp, Pole Vault, Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin (rubber tipped). Any variations mu st be by mutual consent and listed in the contract or points shall be forfeited for departure from this rule. Open, Conference, and Championship meets must receive NJSIAA approval for departure from this rule. St ate Championships will contest and score the triple jump and pole vault. Section 22 Order of Events Boys: The order of events, unless agreed upon and listed in the contract, shall be: 110 m high hurdles (39 inch), 100 m, 1600 m, 400 m, 400 m intermediate hurdles (36 inch), 800 m, 200 m, 3200 m, 1600 m Relay. Girls: The order of events, unless agreed upon and listed in the contract, shall be: 100 m hurdles (33 inch), 100 m, 1600 m, 400 m, 400 m hurdles (30 inch), 800 m, 200 m, 3200 m, 1600 m Relay. If 400 m Relay, is included, the contract must also indicat e the placement in the order of events. 87 Girls Volleyball (Fall), Boys Volleyball (Spring) Section 1 Rules National Federation Volleyba ll Rules shall govern all NJSIAA games. CL: Tournaments (single or multiple days) will not be played using the three-out-of-five (3 of 5) match format. The two-out-of-three (2 of 3) match fo rmat may be modified as per Note 2 of Rule 1- 2. Also, games may be modified requiring fewer poi nts to win but not raised to require more points to win. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided fo r Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after th e NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to inte rschool scrimmages per week. From the start of the regular season until the end of the State Tournament , regular season interschool scrimmages count toward the maximum number of matches allowed (24). Section 7 N/A Section 8 Maximum Matches A member school may play twenty-four (24) regular scheduled matches, plus one (1) county or league/conference-based tourna ment, plus the State Tournament, including regular season interschool scrimmages and pos tponed matches from the start of the Regular Schedule to the end of the State Tournament. Boys Wrestling Section 1 Rules National Federation Wrestling Rules, unless modified herein, shall govern all NJSIAA meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. CL 1: No varsity meets, regular season or tournament, may be sch eduled during or after the week of the District Tournament without NJSIAA approv al unless said meet had been scheduled during the last week of the regular season and postponed. CL 2: Junior varsity and/or freshman wrestlers ma y not compete in matches or tournaments during the weeks of the District and Region tournaments. CL 3: No junior varsity or freshman matches or tournaments shall be permitted after the District tournament. 88 Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s firs t transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post-season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 Scrimmages There is no maximum limit to interschool scrimmages per week. Interschool scrimmages during the regular season count toward the maximum number of matches allowed (30 per wrestler) Section 7 N/A Section 8 Maximum Meets. A team may not schedule nor may a wrestler participate in more than four weigh-ins per week. A team may schedule only one event involving more than four team s during the week. A two-day tournament with a weigh-in each day will count as one weigh-in. NOTE: Make-up matches must fall within the four weigh-in regulations. CL 1: A weigh in counts only if the wrestler appe ars on the mat to accept fo rfeit or to compete. CL 2: A wrestler may not compete in MORE than a maximum of 30 sub-varsity and/or varsity matches during the regular season (exclusive of the NJSIAA Tournament, Team and Individual). Teams not qualifying for or being eliminated from the Team Tournament may compete consistent with Section 8 Maximum Meets and such meets dur ing the week of the Team Tournament will not count towards the maximum thirty (30) sub-va rsity and varsity matches governing a wrestler. Thirty (30) sub-varsity and varsity matches are exclusive of NJSIAA Tournaments, both Individual and Team. CL 3: No matches, regular season meets or t ournaments may be scheduled during or after the week of the District Tournament, but a school may schedule interschool “workouts” (excluding match format-scoring, no officiating and no weigh-in s) the week of the Dist ricts through the week of the State Finals. CL 4: Two-day tournaments that are held on a Saturday and a Sunday w ill be considered as a tournament for the week of the initial day the tourna ment starts (in this case Saturday). A weigh- in for a two-day tournament starting on Saturda y will count for the week the tournament started (in this case Saturday) and will not im pact weigh-ins for the following week. CL 5: For those events that qualify as “Elite E vents,” to be determined on a yearly basis, the restrictions applicable to this Section 8 shall not apply, with the exception of the requirement that a wrestler may only participate in up to four wei gh-ins per week. Participation in Elite Events shall count toward the 30-match limit set forth in CL2 above. Additionally, only one wrestler per weight class, per team shall be permitted to par ticipate on the same day. For example, if a 285- pound wrestler on Team A wrestles at an Elite Event, Team A will not be permitted to enter another 285-pound wrestler in any other event on the same day. For the 2023-2024 school year, the following Elite Events shall qualify for this rule clarification. Teams will be limited to participation in no than three Elite Events per season. • Beast of the East, Delaware • Sam Cali Tournament, New Jersey, • Powerade Tournament, Pennsylvania • Escape the Rock, Pennsylvania 89 Section 9 N/A Section 10 Postponed Meets Any postponed meet may be added to the regular scheduling as noted in Section 8 Maximum Meets. Sections 11-17 N/A Section 18 Equipment Headgear – It is mandatory that all wrestlers wear a protective headgear at all times during practice and while participating in a match. Sections 19-22 N/A Section 23 Weight Certification See Wrestling Weight Certification Instructions. Boys Weight Classes: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215, 285 Section 24 Weight Classification Each Match – A wrestler’s actual weight, minimum certified weight, and weight class at which the wrestler participated must be recorded in the team’s scorebook. If there is no scorebook the official will record final score on the Wrestling weigh in sheet(s) and these form(s) will become the official document(s) of the meet. Section 25 Skin Infection/Contagious Disease Before being permitted to wrestle, any wrestler previously judged not fit to wrestle must present, at weigh in, the original NJSIAA skin lesion form signed by an MD, DO, PA or APN, certifying that an exam took place pert aining to that condition within the last seven (7) days, clearing that contestant for competition. CL: Before the dual/individual meet begins, the ref eree shall perform skin checks, or verify skin checks have been performed by a designated, on-site, meet appropr iate health professional. NFHS Rule 3-1-4a; 3-1-5a. Girls Wrestling Section 1 Rules National Federation Wrestling Rules, unl ess modified herein, shall govern all NJSIAA meets. Section 2 Start of Practice Provided fo r in Program Regulations, Section 6. Section 3 Start of Regular Schedule Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 8. Section 4 End of Season Provided for in Program Regulations, Section 10. Section 5 Transfers A student who transfers after the NJSIAA Competition Start Date for each sport, regardless of whether the transfer was the student’s first transfer, shall be ineligible to participate in any post- season championship competition at the new school. Section 6 There is no maximum limit to interschool scr immages per week. Interschool scrimmages during the regular season count toward the maximum numbe r of matches allowed (30 per wrestler) Section 7 N/A 90 Section 8 Maximum Meets. A wrestler may not participate in more than four weigh- ins per week. A wrestler may participate in only one event involving more than four opponents during the week . A two-day tournament with a weigh-in each day will count as one weigh-in. NOTE: Make-up matches must fall within the four weigh-in regulations. CL 1: A weigh in counts only if the wrestler appe ars on the mat to accept fo rfeit or to compete. CL 2: A wrestler may not compete in MORE than a maximum of 30 sub-varsity and/or varsity matches during the regular season (exclusive of the NJSIAA Tournament, Team and Individual). CL 3: Two-day tournaments that are held on a Saturday and a Sunday w ill be considered as a tournament for the week of the initia l day the tournament starts (in this case Saturday). A weigh-in for a two-day tournament starting on Saturday will c ount for the week the tournament started (in this case Saturday) and will not impact weigh-ins for the following week. Section 9 N/A Section 10 Postponed Meets Any postponed meet may be added to the regular scheduling as noted in Section 8 Maximum Meets. Sections 11-17 N/A Section 18 Equipment Headgear – It is mandatory that all wrestlers wear a protective headgear at all times during practice and while participating in a match. Sections 19-22 N/A Section 23 Weight Certification See Wrestling Weight Certification Instructions. Girls Weight Classes: 100, 107, 114, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 165, 185, 235 Section 24 Weight Classification Each Match – A wres tler’s actual weight, minimum certified weight, and weight class at which the wrestler participated must be recorded in the team’s scorebook. If there is no scorebook the official will record final score on the Wr estling weigh in sheet(s) and these form(s) will become the official document(s) of the meet. Section 25 Skin Infection/Contagious Disease Before being permitted to wrestle, any wrestler previously judged not fit to wrestle must present, at weigh in, th e original NJSIAA skin lesion form signed by an MD, DO, PA or APN, certifying that an exam took place pertai ning to that condition within the last seven (7) days, clearing that contestant for competition. CL: Before the dual/individual meet begins, the referee shall perform skin checks, or verify skin checks have been performed by a designated, on-s ite, meet appropriate health professional. NFHS Rule 3-1-4a; 3-1-5a. 91 NJSIAA IMPOSED FINES The following fines may be imposed by the NJSIAA Staff: Description Amount General: Disqualified Coach $100 Classifications (1) $150 Tournament entry (2) $150 Tournament refusal after deadline $150 Tournament refusal after seeding (3) $300 Sports Specific: Late Entry/Day of Entry (4) $150 Timely reporting of results (5) $150 Event no-show (6) $150 General: (1) Updates to classifications after deadline per season (Fall Aug. 1 st , Winter Nov. 1 st , Spring Mar. 1 st ) (2) Seeding with outstanding membership requirements or outstanding invoices > 90+ days past due. (3) Additionally disqualified from next year’s tournament. Sports Specific: (4) Cross Country, Winter Track and Spring Track tournament regulations. Fine is assessed per B/G team. (5) Results reporting requirements per the Wrestling and B/G Swimming tournament regulations. (6) B/G Tennis and B/G Bowling additionally disqualified from next year’s tournament. Annually, the Finance Committee will review the fines co llected and approve the amounts to be contributed to the annual scholar athlete scholarship account.