NJSIAA Bans Tailgating at High School Football Championship Games
Fans going to this weekend's high school championship games should bring their school spirit but leave the other spirits at home.
As part of a message focusing on "fan support and appropriate behavior," NJSIAA executive director Steve Timko said because the group's events are alcohol and drug free, tailgating is strictly prohibited to allow for an "enjoyable experience" for all fans.
"Be a fan, not a fanatic,"Timko wrote.
Timko said that even though the games are taking place at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands and college facilities, because high school athletes are playingn they become extensions of the classroom.
"And you don’t allow alcohol, drugs or tailgating at school," he said. "All of our member schools are in agreement that we will not tolerate a few individuals enjoying themselves at the expense of everyone else."
Kevin Williams of the Shore Sports Network, and a veteran high school football broadcaster, understands the concern over alcohol but not a complete ban on tailgating.
"I see nothing wrong with students and adults gathering before a game as a group," Williams said. "As a matter of fact, it’s not unusual to see students tailgate during the regular season, especially before big rivalry games. I would guess there have been isolated incidents in the past that have led to the NJSIAA announcement, but to me, it's unfortunate."
The schedule of championship football games:
METLIFE STADIUM
Friday, Dec. 2
- 5:00 p.m. North II Group 2: Lenape Valley vs. Madison
- 8:00 p.m. Non-Public Group 4: St. Peter’s Prep vs. Paramus Catholic
Saturday, Dec. 3
- 10:00 a.m. North II Group 3: Parsippany Hills vs. Morris Hills
- 1:05 p.m. North II Group 5: Westfield vs. Bridgewater
- 4:05 p.m. Non-Public Group 3: DePaul vs. St. Joseph Regional
- 7:05 p.m. North I Group 3: No. Valley Old Tappan vs. River Dell
Sunday, Dec. 4
- 10:00 a.m. North I Group 1 New Milford vs. Hasbrouck Heights
- 1:05 p.m. North I Group 5 Passaic Tech vs. Ridgewood
- 4:05 p.m. North I Group 2 Westwood vs. Mahwah
- 7:05 p.m. North I Group 4 (to be announced)
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Saturday, Dec. 3
- 10:00 a.m. Central Group 5: Piscataway vs. Manalapan
- 1:00 p.m. North II Group 4: Sayreville vs. Middletown North
- 4:00 p.m. Central Group 4: Allentown vs. Brick Township
- 7:00 p.m. Central Group 3: Rumson vs. South Plainfield
ROWAN UNIVERSITY
Saturday, Dec. 3
- 11:00 a.m. South Group 3: Delsea vs. Wall Township
- 2:30 p.m. South Group 1: Salem vs. Paulsboro
- 6:00 p.m. South Group 5: Millville vs. Toms River North Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 4
- 11:00 a.m. South Group 2: Cedar Creek vs. West Deptford
- 2:30 p.m. South Group 4: Timber Creek vs. Lenape
KEAN UNIVERSITY STADIUM
Saturday, Dec. 3
- 10:00 a.m. North II Group 1: Shabazz vs. Weequahic
- 1:00 p.m. Non-Public Group 2: Holy Spirit vs. Mater Dei
- 4:00 p.m. Central Group 1: Asbury Park vs. Keyport
- 7:00 p.m. Central Group 2: Bernards vs. Manasquan