NJSIAA takes heat for new policy impacting 'non-traditional' schools

TL;DR

The NJSIAA faces criticism for its competitive balance formula affecting 'non-traditional' schools, which may disadvantage urban districts. Schools like Shabazz and Camden are impacted as they move up in competition due to their performance in state tournaments.

Key points

NJSIAA's competitive balance formula criticized for being arbitrary
Urban schools like Shabazz and Camden face disadvantages
Formula impacts schools without strict geographic borders
Only three schools moved up in multiple sports
Formula considers recent performance in state tournaments

Mentioned in this story

NJSIAANewark Board of Education

ROBBINSVILLE – The NJSIAA Executive Committee got an earful May 13, but don’t expect much to change.

Brenda Liss, legal counsel for the Newark Board of Education, alleged that the competitive balance formula is ‘arbitrary’ and is ‘having a disparate impact’ on urban school districts such as Shabazz and Camden. The formula impacts 'non-traditional' public schools that don't have strict geographic borders up a group in football and basketball if they meet a success threshold.

The competitive balance formula is the NJSIAA’s attempt to balance the playing field between schools with locked geographic borders and schools that are choice schools, tuition schools or take in students from satellite academic programs.

Those types of schools may have the same number of students enrolled, but have the ability to draw kids from a larger area, which can be an advantage that translates into greater success. The competitive balance formula looks at performance in recent state tournaments.

Liss pointed out that only three schools − Shabazz, Camden and Ramapo − were moved up in multiple sports. All three are moving up in football and boys basketball.

“We feel like it is unfair to Newark – we would add in Camden,” Liss said in her remarks, “where schools are largely serving low-income families. Why not have it apply to all other athletic programs like lacrosse? The competitive balance policy punishes teams that have enrollment standards that reflect our state’s policy like school choice.”

Liss at one point said that no one "would call Shabazz a football powerhouse," but that's debatable. The Bulldogs have won three straight sectional titles and reached the Group 2 state final in 2024 and 2025. By virtue of the competitive balance formula, Shabazz will move up to Group 3 for the 2026 playoffs.

Shabazz players take the field before they play Westwood in the North 1, Group 2 semifinal in Westwood, NJ on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

After speaking for several minutes, Liss was asked multiple questions by members of the Executive Committee, who explained that the competitive balance formula was an attempt to level the playing field.

Q&A

What is the NJSIAA competitive balance formula?

The NJSIAA competitive balance formula aims to level the playing field by adjusting competition levels for schools based on their geographic boundaries and performance in state tournaments.

Which schools are affected by the new NJSIAA policy?

Schools like Shabazz, Camden, and Ramapo are affected, as they have been moved up in competition for football and boys basketball due to the new policy.

Why is the NJSIAA's policy considered arbitrary?

Critics, including Brenda Liss, argue that the policy is arbitrary and disproportionately impacts urban school districts, creating an unfair competitive environment.

What are 'non-traditional' schools in the context of the NJSIAA?

'Non-traditional' schools refer to public schools without strict geographic borders, such as choice or tuition schools, which can attract students from a wider area.