New Jersey Loses a Legendary Figure With the Passing of Former NJSIAA Executive Director Boyd Sands

A longtime educator and sports official, Sands served as executive director of the NJSIAA from 1993-2006 passed away on January 17 at his home in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Boyd Sands, once a towering figure as leader of the NJSIAA, has passed at the age of 88. / NJSIAA

A Commanding Presence in Education and Athletics

Recognizable by his signature military-style crew cut, burly build, and booming voice, Sands built his career in South Jersey's Delsea Regional School District as a teacher, vice principal, and superintendent from 1971 to 1994.

“He had a presence about him,” former Delsea wrestling coach and athletic director Steve Iles told NJ.com. “He was just a big guy physically, but he was always around, always visible, quietly supporting even when he was with the NJSIAA.”

Leading the NJSIAA (1993–2006)

As NJSIAA executive director, Sands championed the organization’s focus on equitable, education-based sports, emphasizing sportsmanship, safety, and academic success for student-athletes.

“It is with profound sadness that NJSIAA remembers Boyd Sands, a former executive director and lifelong champion of high school athletics,” the NJSIAA stated. “A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a respected leader in education and sport. A consummate professional, Boyd served with distinction as a coach, official, principal, superintendent, executive committee member, and executive director.”

The NJSIAA Executive Committee held a moment of silence in his honor at its meeting in Robbinsville.

Key Contributions to High School Sports

Sands played a major role in expanding the NJSIAA’s sectional football playoff format to eight teams in 1998. He predicted further growth, telling the Star-Ledger that year: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the tournament were extended beyond the sectionals three or four years down the road. There has been sporadic talk about possibly playing down to a group champion.” That vision came true with the addition of group championships in 2022.

He also tackled issues like school-size disparities in conference alignments (including Midland Park’s appeal) and logistical concerns for state football championships, such as travel costs for bands and cheerleaders.

Sands oversaw the relocation of the NJSIAA Wrestling Championships—from the old Boardwalk Hall to the Meadowlands Arena, then to the Atlantic City Convention Center in 1999, before returning to Boardwalk Hall in 2000.

Education and Honors

A Colby College graduate with a master’s from Kean College, Sands pursued advanced studies at Appalachian State, Montclair State, Rowan, Rutgers, Seton Hall, and other institutions.

His accolades include the NJSIAA Award of Honor, induction into the South Jersey Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame, the Distinguished American Award from the Union County Conference, the Distinguished Educator honor from the IDEA Academy of Fellows, and the Outstanding Official Award from the National Federation of Interscholastic Athletic Officials.

A 30-year member of the Camden County chapter of the New Jersey Baseball Umpires Association, he served as its president from 1976–79.

Lasting Legacy at Delsea

Sands dedicated 33 years to the Delsea district. Current superintendent Fran Ciociola, whom Sands hired, said on the district website: “His commitment to students, staff and the broader community was unwavering and his impact on Delsea immeasurable. His influence lives on in the students he inspired, the educators he mentored and the community he helped shape.”

The street leading to Delsea Middle School bears his name in recognition of his enduring contributions.