There are two burning issues when it comes to high school sports in New Jersey and a special committee is expected to make dramatic recommendations dealing with both. 

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A 20-member public/non-public panel formed by the NJSIAA revealed its hand yesterday and next week formal action could begin on a move aimed at stemming the tide of transfer students.  The first part of the proposal would separate schools as either CLOSED or OPEN ENROLLMENT.

Closed would be those public schools whose students come from a specific geographic area or sending district.  Open enrollment are parochial, choice and tuition schools that can draw students from anywhere. Under the proposal varsity athletes who transfer schools would have to sit out the first 30 days of the season and would be banned from competing in the state tournament.

The exception would be those athletes who transfer from one closed enrollment school to another with a bona fide change of address. Bottom line is that while drastic something needs to be done as the situation has clearly gotten out of hand and recruiting has become an ugly word around the shore and state.

The other issue deals with the sport of football, especially in North Jersey where the non-public (parochial schools) have become dominant. The special committee is recommending that the 37 non-public schools in the state form their own conference with separate divisions based on school size, strength of program and geography.

This would mean schools like Donovan Catholic and Red Bank Catholic would not compete in Shore Conference divisions and it would alter the landscape of football around the state. I’m sure much discussion will take place on this issue which would not be voted on until December.

Jersey Mike's "Day of Giving" logo
Jersey Mike's "Day of Giving" logo (Jersey Mike's)
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A couple of quick hitters.  Many of the shore’s top basketball players will represent their schools for a final time tonight during the Shore Coaches Senior All-Star games at Wall High School.  The girls take the court at 6pm with the boy’s game to follow….we will broadcast the boy’s game on 1160/1310AM.  For rosters and more check out shoresportsnetwork.com.

I’m a fan of Jersey Mike’s not just because I love their Club Sub and Chicken Cheese Steak but because of the way they run their operation: first class. Their 5th annual nationwide Month of Giving campaign culminates today with Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving with 100% of all sales donated to designated charities.

The 24 locations in Ocean and Monmouth counties  are each matched with a local school who will benefit from all of today’s sales.  Last year’s Month of Giving raised more than $2 million and with the continued growth of the company they hope to beat that number this year.

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