Atlantic City, NJ High School is Appealing Ban from State Tourney

If you missed our previous coverage, the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) banned the Atlantic City High School Boys Basketball team from this year’s state tournament.

Here is a link to our recent article:

The NJSIAA has strict rules when it comes to players leaving the bench during intense moments of play.

The Atlantic City High vs. Mainland Regional High boys basketball game from last week got a bit “chippy,” as tension was mounting.

The NJSIAA rule is simple and unambiguous. If three or more players leave the bench … the state implements a ban from state tournament play.

This ban also extends to the Cape Atlantic League Championship ban.

In other words, it’s a total ban from all potential postseason play.

It’s a heartbreaking development for the Atlantic City Boys Basketball team, which has enjoyed a very successful season … including their 49-48 victory over Mainland Regional High School .., who is also enjoying a very successful season as well.

Mainland Regional High School has not been banned from postseason play … as it has been determined by the NJSIAA (at this time) that only two players left the Mainland Regional High School bench.

I caught-up with Mike Gatley, Mainland Regional High School late last week about this unfortunate situation.

Gatley said:

The NJSIAA has established an equity index that requires all member schools to adhere to protocols of sportsmanship and behavior in every athletic contest.
Mainland, not only supports, but models and embraces, following proper contest procedures as the foundation to our education-based athletic programs and as prescribed by our state athletic governing body.
The health, safety, and well-being of all those participating, officiating, and visiting our campus is of paramount importance and our number one priority.

La’Quetta Small, superintendent of the Atlantic City Public Schools has confirmed that Atlantic City High School is formally appealing the state tournament ban.

Developing.