NJSIAA High School Interscholastic Sports

On June 8, 2016, Special Olympics New Jersey and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) signed a memorandum of understanding, solidifying a formal partnership that will help expand opportunities for students throughout the state to participate on interscholastic Unified Sports teams.

The partnership between SONJ and NJSIAA is now in its third year. During the 2021-22 school year, the NJSIAA will offer state level competitions in Unified bowling, basketball, and track and field (outdoor). Teams must register with SONJ and the NJSIAA along with meeting minimum practice and competition standards prior to participating in a state-level event.

Unified Interscholastic Sports

If you’d like to take your Unified Sports® program on the road and play other schools, Play Unified Interscholastic Club Sports provide an opportunity for athletes who are able to play at a more competitive level in a competition or league setting. For athletes who would rather play in a less formal setting, we offer recreational club sports, too.

Pick a sport, set up your practice schedule and coordinate with other Play Unified club teams in your area to set-up scrimmages and competitions. These teams are eligible to participate in the Special Olympics New Jersey’s Unified Cup School Championships.

For information on how to bring interscholastic Unified Sports to your school district, contact Ryan Murphy at RJM@sonj.org.

Playing an Interscholastic Unified Sport this year? Make sure to register using the link below!

Interscholastic Unified Sports Registration 19-20 Unified Sports Overview

Resources by Sport

The resources below cover a variety of topics that are useful for coaches of Interscholastic Unified Sports teams or programs. These materials come from Special Olympics-related programs and guides, as well as external organizations. Use these links as tools to help you grow as an interscholastic coach.

Unified Soccer (Non-NJSIAA)

Want to schedule a game with another school? Click the link below to check out which schools are doing Unified Soccer this year!

19-20 Unified Soccer Contacts Unified Soccer Rules & Regulations

Interscholastic Unified Bowling

Want to schedule a match with another school? Click the link below to check out which schools are doing Unified Bowling this year!

21-22 Unified Bowling Contacts 19-20 Unified Bowling Webinar: Rules

Interscholastic Unified Basketball

Want to schedule a game with another school? Click the link below to check out which schools are doing Unified Basketball this year!

21-22 Unified Basketball Contacts 19-20 Unified Basketball Webinar Unified Basketball Player Eligibility Unified Basketball General Rules

Interscholastic Unified Track & Field

Want to schedule a meet with another school? Click the link below to check out which schools are doing Unified Track & Field this year!

2022 Unified Track & Field Contacts Unified Track & Field Rules

Health and Fitness

General Resources