BURZICHELLI: ‘NJSIAA BLATANTLY IGNORING LAW BY OVERCHARGING FANS FOR NEW JERSEY STATE PLAYOFFS’

“But unfortunately, the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association — with its $1 million in annual profits off their events and bloated salaries — has done just that, to the detriment of hard-working New Jerseyans who have children participating in high school sports and high school sports fans who simply enjoy taking part in community events like a local game or match.

“In late 2004, following complaints from high school football fans outraged that tickets for NJSIAA playoff contests in South Jersey cost more than double what some schools charged for regular season admission, I drafted a law that took effect on Jan. 29, just in time for high school wrestling tournaments.

“Under the law, the NJSIAA is allowed to increase ticket prices during playoff matches only if the games are played in a venue outside a high school stadium with the authority of the Commissioner of Education, but the association still increased tickets prices for wrestling tournaments held in high school facilities.

“This is arrogant, dishonorable and flagrant violation of state law and an insult to the parents, families and supporters of high school sports throughout our state. I’m just astonished that the NJSIAA fully understands this law, yet chooses to blatantly ignore it. This is deceitful and unacceptable…”