New Jersey's NJSIAA implements 'success factor' system

The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) has introduced a new way to balance out the competition throughout the state when it comes to high school football and boys/girls basketball, according to a NJ.com report.

That new competitive balance formula is being dubbed the ‘success factor’, which is based on multiple of variables, including enrollment type paired with how a program has fared in the postseason will determine whether a team stays pat or moves up/down groups. The new formula policy will officially take effect for the 2026-27 high school football and boys/girls basketball seasons.

The success factor is a points system which gives you a certain amount of points based on how you fare in the playoffs. Programs are awarded a point for a win in each state postseason round prior to a section final and then two for winning a section title. The highest amount of points that can be given are three for winning a state semifinal game or four for winning a NJSIAA state championship.

Six schools are bumping up a group due to the success from the 2025 New Jersey high school football season, including Camden (from Group 2 to Group 3), Cedar Creek (from Group 3 to Group 4), Glassboro (from Group 1 to Group 2), Shabazz (from Group 2 to Group 3), Ramapo (from Group 4 to Group 5) and Phillipsburg (from Group 4 to Group 5).

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