Posted by Wrestling News on 3/30/2009, 1:49 am
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The area(s) that will be different and very welcoming will be in the area of officiating.
New rule being implemented: Before the beginning of at least the semi-finals of states(and possibly sooner), Any referees that have any association with a wrestler (i.e. coached, friend, friend of family, etc.) and or has officiated in a certain area of the state where said referee has often officiated a wrestler, will not be permitted to officiate, act as a 2nd official and or be permitted in any decision making on a match be involved with any officiating that has an effect on a match regarding any wrestler and or wrestlers that fit this criteria.
Although there is already an ethical and moral standard that officials are expected to implement in situations outlined above, this new rule will be written in as it's own statue number, will be addressed will all officials at the beginning, during and especially at states. This rule will again be addressed with officials, during their states' finals' meeting and will hold referees accountable and will cary sanctions up to and including being banned from being a NJ referee and not just in wrestling but in all areas of NJ High School sports. This new rule will also put an end of any referee that hands picks their own matches to officiate.
The intention of this rule is to make sure that all athletes, in any sport, specifically wrestling, are competing on a completely fair playing field and free from any bias. This new rule will also ensure that all those competing on the highest level, will be able to achieve the highest sports scholarships and financial benefits possible.
NJISAA is recognizing that ANY mere perception of mere inappropriateness is not acceptable.
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