NJSIAA Introduces New Grouping System for State Tournaments
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) has enacted a crucial change to its grouping system for football and basketball state tournaments, aimed at enhancing competitive balance.
Historically, the NJSIAA categorized schools based on geography and enrollment for grades nine through eleven, segregating public and non-public institutions. However, the rise of charter and choice schools—educational institutions that do not serve a specific geographic area—has led to competitive imbalances. For example, College Achieve of Asbury Park, a charter school, formed a dominant boys basketball team that won the NJSIAA Group I championship in the 2023-24 season before opting to compete in elite national tournaments rather than the NJSIAA schedule.
The new approach will impact over a dozen schools in football and approximately 30 in boys and girls basketball, according to NJSIAA records. Beginning in the upcoming tournament seasons, schools will have their classifications modified based on performance. Successful teams will be promoted to compete against larger schools for a minimum of two years, ensuring that competition remains robust and equitable. Critically, no team will descend to a classification below its official enrollment.
This initiative employs a points system to facilitate classification changes and mandates that schools provide varsity rosters confirming player enrollment. Colleen Maguire, NJSIAA Executive Director, emphasized that this adjustment aligns New Jersey’s policies with national standards and addresses existing disparities. She stated, "This is just trying to keep up with that evolution," referring to the increasing options available to public school students.
With 440 member schools, this reform aims to create a level playing field, ensuring fair competition and an equitable environment in New Jersey high school sports.
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