New Jersey bans trash-talking in high school sports

Athletes could penalize their team and get in trouble with the state attorney general

TRENTON, New Jersey – Athletes in New Jersey may want to think twice about talking trash.  It could cause their teams to be penalized and under investigation by the state, under a new policy.

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and the state Attorney General's Office said the policy looks to put an end to trash talk and bullying.

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If an athlete is caught talking trash, it could land them in trouble with the state Civil Rights Division. It goes for making harassing statements related to gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

The new rules take effect in the fall and it doesn't just apply to players.  Coaches at the nearly 400 public, private and parochial high schools that belong to the NJSIAA will also be penalized.

The current rule states that those participating in sports are disqualified from the following game if they are involved with unsportsmanlike behavior. The new policy requires the athletic association to report the conduct to the state attorney general.