[ad_1]
EDISON – Taking a big leap into the 21st Century, members of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association approved two significant rule changes that will impact high school athletics in New Jersey, throwing out rules on recruiting and altering the transfer policy.
The organization approved eliminating most of the rules involving recruiting elementary and middle school athletes, basically saying that any athlete can be recruited without penalty before attending their first high school activity (either the first day of school or first sanctioned fall practice).
Once an athlete attends their first high school activity, any attempts to recruit or entice them to another school will result in punishments.
The second measure approved by the full membership Monday at The Pines Manor was to provide one so-called “free transfer” for student athletes in New Jersey, allowing them switch schools without having to sit out from any games or practices.
Transfer has become the buzzword at all level of high school and college athletics, with the creation of the NCAA’s transfer portal that allows kids to look for athletic opportunities at a different school.
The NJSIAA had its own transfer portal, but grew tired of dealing with imposing sanctions on kids − including forcing them to sit out for 30 days before being eligible − who presented change of address proof in order to be eligible.
“I think this is a pretty historic day for NJSIAA,” NJSIAA executive director Colleen Maguire said. “The transfer rule has been something that has been debated and discussed and criticized over the years. I truly think in my nine years with the association, I think this is a giant step forward toward leveling the playing field.”
READ MORE:Inside a ‘historic’ day for New Jersey HS sports, and what issue will be tackled next?
The transfer rule came with significant support and opposition. Small schools fear that they will just become de facto feeder programs for bigger schools, specifically North Jersey non-public schools since there is no longer a determent for their best kids to transfer. Schools in urban areas, which often have more of a transitory student population, favored the change because many of their kids may not have a steady home address.
A third approved ballot measure enacted that the new transfer paradigm will go into effect on June 1. In the past, any by-law changes to NJSIAA rules at the general membership meeting wouldn’t be activated until July 1.
[ad_2]
Source_link
