NOTE FROM BILLY MARTIN, NJSIAA STATE BASKETBALL RULES INTERPRETER

NJSIAA Basketball Officials,

Please read the following memo regarding an updated interpretation from NFHS and IAABO:

Substitution Confusion (10.4.2B, IAABO Plays 16-10-4, 19-3-8)

The NFHS has approved a change to a long-standing interpretation for when a player who is on the bench should be on the court after a “lengthy” substitution process. 

Previously, when a team had only four players on the court, it was legal for a coach to direct a player (who was mistakenly in the bench area) to directly enter the court without penalty as long as the player did not gain an advantage.

Beginning this season, if a player in this situation enters the court directly, the TEAM will be charged with a TECHNICAL FOUL for failing to have all players return to the court at approximately the same time.

This change is accurately reflected in NFHS Case Book Play 10.4.2B on page 83 as well as in the IAABO Rules Guide Play 19-3-8 on pages 236-237.  This was also accurately reflected in the IAABO Game Simulator too.

Unfortunately, this play was also located in the IAABO Rules Guide at Play 16-10-4, and the ruling on this is incorrect. 
 
**IAABO Rule Guide, Page 214 Play 16-10–4
This play is slated to be deleted in next year’s IAABO Rules Guide.  Please DO NOT use this ruling on p 214 going forward. 

As always, reach out to your local chapter Rules Interpreter if you have any questions on this play or any others.

I hope this helps in your preparation for the year.

Yours in Officiating,
Billy Martin
NJSIAA State Basketball Rules Interpreter

In September 2019, NJSIAA entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the NJ Office of the Attorney General – Division of Civil Rights.  This Memorandum required NJSIAA to provide implicit bias training to all registered NJSIAA officials.

To accomplish this requirement, NJSIAA will be offering a set number of workshop opportunities on implicit bias during the 2025-2026 school year at specific times.  The workshops will be virtual and will be hosted on the Zoom platform. They should last approximately one hour.

These are the only remaining dates/times that will be offered in 2025. Additional sessions will not be offered. NJSIAA will no longer be offering the workshops specific to each season, as has been done in the past.

As a reminder: This is a one-time-only requirement - it will not be a seasonal or annual requirement.  If you have already completed this workshop, you do not need to take it again.

This workshop is required! No official will be eligible for any assignments at any level (regular season or tournament contests) without participating in the workshop.  Similar workshops, like the NFHS course, will not be accepted.  

Thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation.

Below you will find the schedule for upcoming workshops. Pre-registration is required. Each registration link is unique to the specific date and time. Each session will be limited to 100 participants.  Only register for one session.

Thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation.

Registration links:

Any questions, please contact Dena Maggio from the NJSIAA - dmaggio@njsiaa.org

Recognizing the dedication and commitment of our members is an essential part of celebrating our organization’s success. Each year, we proudly honor individuals who have reached significant service milestones, acknowledging their hard work, loyalty, and invaluable contributions.

Below is the list of this year’s award recipients, each of whom has demonstrated unwavering commitment and excellence. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and the positive impact they continue to make.