Aug 11, 2009
Competitive Sports Programs for Disabled Youth Encouraged by New Law

Competitive Sports Programs for Disabled Youth Encouraged by New Law
August 11, 2009

Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed legislation Aug. 7th directing the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to actively develop competitive sports programs for youths with disabilities.

The law, P.L. 2009, c.109 (A-930 (Scalera Voss / Prieto) seeks to foster partnerships among different school districts that are large enough to field teams of students who can play "adapted sports"  competitions that are based on mainstream sports but modified to meet the needs of those with cognitive or physical disabilities.

The law particularly benefits school districts that are serving increased numbers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities or handicaps.

The law also directs the NJSIAA to work with the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) to establish interscholastic athletic programs for student athletes with physical disabilities or visual impairments or support the efforts of participating school districts that implement adapted athletics programs.

The NJSIAA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization of 425 accredited public, private and parochial high schools in the state. The organization sets forth the rules and regulations governing high school athletics to equalize competition for member schools. The NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 31 sports.

The AAASP is a national organization committed to promoting programs for student-athletes with disabilities.

The bill passed the Assembly back in September of 2008 by a vote of 79-0. It passed the Senate on June 18th by a vote of 39-0.

The law takes effect immediately.