School Requirements

To participate in Unified Sports at any level, your school should meet these requirements:

  • Unified Champion School Status: All schools offering Unified Sports in any capacity—including Young Athletes, Unified Physical Education (PE), and Unified Sports—must be registered as an active Unified Champion School with SONJ. Not sure if your school is registered? Contact us at UCS@SONJ.org.
  • Coach Training: Coaches whose stipends are reimbursed through the SONJ UCS grant must complete required training provided See below for more information on training opportunities.
  • Monthly Reporting: Please ensure that all Unified Sports activities at your school are accurately and completely reflected in the required monthly reports.

Student Requirements

Eligibility Guidelines:

  • To participate interscholastically and at the NJSIAA level, students must be able to participate independently.
  • NJSIAA single-sport rules apply to NJSIAA basketball and track & field.
  • Students competing in a Unified Sport may not also be a Varsity athlete in that sport.

Required Paperwork

In addition to paperwork required by the school, the following forms must be on file with SONJ for participation in in-person SONJ events (Unified Cups):

Coaches – you will be prompted to submit your team’s paperwork when you register for a Unified Cup.

Unified Sports Coach Training

These trainings are required for coaches whose stipends are reimbursed by the UCS grant, but are highly encouraged for anyone coaching Unified Sports! Each training is valid for three years.

NFHS Coaching Unified Sports

  • Under the Coaching Unified Sports blue banner, click “Please Select Your State,” choose New Jersey, and click “Order Course.” It’s free!
  • Please email your completion certificate to UCS@SONJ.org

Heads Up Concussion Training

  • The UCS team will be notified automatically when you pass the training.

Protective Behaviors Training

  • The UCS team will be notified automatically when you pass the training.