Assemblyman Introduces Bill Directing State’s Interscholastic Sports Group
To Encourage & Oversee ‘Adapted Athletics’ Competitions

(NUTLEY) — Assemblyman Fred Scalera today announced the introduction of legislation that would direct the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to play an active role in developing competitive sports programs for youth with disabilities or physical handicaps.

Scalera’s measure (A-4256) would be of particular benefit to Nutley and other school districts around the state that are serving increased numbers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities or handicaps like visual impairments.

Scalera said his bill is intended to help 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 are modified to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

“Kids with disabilities who aspire to play sports should get every opportunity to do so,” said Scalera (D-Essex). “Sports are fun and all children should be able to enjoy the exhilaration and joys of competition, regardless of physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or impairments.”

Scalera’s measure (A-4259) would direct the NJSIAA to work with the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) — to establish interscholastic athletic programs adapted for participation by student athletes with physical disabilities or visual impairments, or support the efforts of participating school districts that implement adapted athletics programs

The bill also would require coaches in an adapted athletic program to receive specialized training for that specific program.

The NJSIAA is a voluntary, non-profit organization made up of 425 accredited public, private and parochial high schools in the state. The organization sets forth the rules and regulations governing high school athletics in order 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.

“It is widely recognized that high school athletics can play a vital role in a student’s development,” said Scalera. “Establishing adapted athletic programs will grant children with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and values of participating in high school sports competitions.

The bill complements other legislative initiatives by Scalera aimed at providing better care and services for children with autism spectrum disorders. Scalera also has supported the Nutley Board of Education’s efforts to secure a $700,000 state grant for new classrooms that will serve autistic students. In order to give these students the opportunity to partake in high school athletics, Nutley officials have decided to implement an adapted track and field program during the fall sports season.

“High school athletics not only offer healthy forms of exercise, but also foster friendships while promoting sportsmanship and fair play,” said Scalera. “Nutley has taken a leadership role in this area, but the NJSIAA is ideally positioned and qualified to make adapted sports programs more widely available in the state.”

Contact:
Assemblyman Scalera
(973) 667-4431

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