The Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association — comprised of principals, athletic directors and school administrators around the state — is defending the state association’s governing body of high school sports and its Executive Director.
In a statement signed by the committee’s officers Monday, the committee said it “fully supports” Colleen Maguire’s decision to disqualify three-time state wrestling champ Anthony Knox last week.
The Executive Committee meets once a month to ratify new rules and discuss other important topics at the NJSIAA. It is believed to be the first time the committee has released an independent statement on a ruling from the state association.
In a story that has gripped the sports world in New Jersey, and beyond, Knox was disqualified last Tuesday from the remainder of the wrestling postseason for his involvement in a brawl in the bleachers at the District 25 Tournament in Collingswood on Feb. 22. Knox was heavily favored to become the fifth wrestler in state history to win four state championships.
Knox’s father, Anthony Knox Sr., left his seat on one side of the gym and walked over to the other side where he re-entered the bleachers, video shows. The brawl began moments later.
But the decision was overturned days later. On Friday, just hours before the start of the region tournament, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels granted Knox a temporary restraining order from his disqualification, allowing him to wrestle. He rolled to his fourth Region 7 title, earning his place in Atlantic City.
The NJSIAA requested a stay from Judge Bartels Friday night.
Here is the statement, in its entirety:
“As the duly elected officers of the NJSIAA Executive Committee, we—Russell Petrocelli, president (Principal, DePaul Catholic High School); Judy Finch-Johnson, 1st vice-president (Assistant Superintendent, Elizabeth Public School District); and Kurt Karcich, 2nd vice-president (Principal, Point Pleasant Borough High School) —are issuing this unprecedented statement to reaffirm our commitment to the integrity, consistency, and educational values of high school sports.
As volunteer leaders representing schools, athletic administrators, and educational organizations across the state, we believe it is essential to speak directly on this matter to ensure clarity, trust, and confidence in the policies that govern interscholastic competition.
We fully support NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire and her actions regarding the recent disqualification of a wrestler. The Executive Director is responsible for enforcing the policies and bylaws established by this committee, and we recognize and appreciate her commitment to applying these rules fairly, consistently, and in the best interest of interscholastic athletics. Furthermore, we affirm her well-established legal authority to pursue legal remedies on behalf of the association when necessary to uphold NJSIAA’s mission and policies.
The NJSIAA Executive Committee includes superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, athletic directors, and representatives from public and non-public schools across New Jersey. Additionally, the committee includes key stakeholders such as school business administrators, school board members, officials, state legislators, the New Jersey Department of Education, and professional associations. This broad representation ensures that NJSIAA policies reflect the perspectives of those who govern, oversee, and participate in interscholastic athletics at every level.
NJSIAA exists to ensure fair and safe competition, and the Executive Committee plays a critical role in establishing and upholding the rules that govern high school athletics. These policies protect student-athletes, maintain competitive balance, and reinforce the values of sportsmanship, responsibility, and respect—core principles that make high school sports an essential extension of the educational experience.
Difficult decisions often generate debate, particularly in high-profile situations. However, rules are in place to be applied consistently and equitably. Policies regarding eligibility, spectator behavior, and conduct ensure fairness, order, and the integrity of competition—principles that all member schools agree to uphold. Without clear standards, the values that define interscholastic athletics would be undermined.
High school sports are a privilege, not a right. Every participant—athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators—shares responsibility for fostering an environment where sportsmanship and respect remain paramount. Actions inside and outside the competition space have consequences, and preserving the credibility of our athletic programs requires accountability from all stakeholders.
As the elected leadership of the NJSIAA Executive Committee, we stand firmly behind NJSIAA’s policies and the processes that ensure their fair and consistent application. Our role is to safeguard the integrity of high school athletics for all student-athletes—not just in individual cases, but across every sport and school in New Jersey. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a structured, fair, and principled foundation for interscholastic competition now and in the future."
Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com.
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