Sample letter that can be used to contact your state legislators regarding A5254 & S3447

Vote NO on Bills A5254 and S3447

I am writing to you in regards to Bills A5254 and S3447 and asking you to vote no on both.  If passed, this would be unprecedented in NJ high school athletics; essentially dictating policy to the member schools of the NJSIAA, without any dialogue or exchange of thoughts and potential negative impact on our students and programs.

To my knowledge, there has been no dialogue with the administrative body of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, or the superintendents, principals and athletic directors from member schools on these two bills. Both bills have moved through each of the respected houses with lighting speed and limited information shared with the public.

Fewer teams mean fewer opportunities for students to experience education-based athletics. Removing any oversight or review will give districts the green light to create all-star teams from a combined school district talent pool. Every student, parent, administrator and coach should be seriously concerned.

The amended Senate bill is even more problematic and would place an enormous burden on public schools, with student-athletes in their schools being displaced. It will also serve to further complicate the issues as related to athletic recruiting, athletic advantage and transfers.

I believe more information needs to be presented and shared with all parties involved. Please do not let these bills be pushed along without hearing from educators, but more importantly understanding how these changes will affect the student-athletes.