New Jersey Senate Bill S1554

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to require criminal history records check for person to serve as official at athletic events sanctioned by association.

Impact

The implementation of S1554 will have a significant impact on the operational procedures of the NJSIAA, as it shifts the responsibility for confirming the suitability of sports officials directly to the association. By requiring background checks, the bill aims to prevent individuals with certain criminal convictions from officiating in athletic events, thereby enhancing the safety and trustworthiness of school sports. The act requires that individuals bear the costs associated with these criminal history checks, which could present financial implications for prospective officials.

Summary

Senate Bill S1554 mandates that the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) carry out criminal history records checks for all persons serving as officials at athletic events sanctioned by the association. This requirement aims to enhance the safety and integrity of interscholastic sports by ensuring that individuals in official capacities do not have disqualifying criminal records. The checks will be administered through the Commissioner of Education, who will facilitate coordination with the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for background verification.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding S1554 may revolve around the financial burden placed on individuals who wish to serve as sports officials, particularly those in lower-income brackets. There may also be concerns about the administrative capacity of the NJSIAA to effectively manage the volume of checks and the timely communication of results. Opposition could arise from those viewing this requirement as an additional hurdle preventing qualified individuals from participating in interscholastic athletics, thus affecting the availability of officials for events.