Contributor – 2009
Sands enters the Hall of Fame as a contributor – administrator, umpire and executive. He is a long-time former school administrator, highly respected umpire and former executive director of the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).
Following a distinguished 33-year career as a teacher and school administrator, Sands took the NJSIAA’s helm in 1993 and served until 2006. Prior to joining NJSIAA, Sands was Delsea Regional’s superintendent from 1971-94. He spent 30 years as a member of the Camden County chapter of the New Jersey Baseball Umpires Association – president from 1976-79.
A native of Newark, N.J., Sands holds degrees from the Delbarton School (Norristown, N.J.), Colby (Maine) College and Kean (M.A.) College. He also enrolled in career advancement or certification programs at Appalachian (N.C.) State University, Montclair State, Rowan, Rutgers and Seton Hall Universities, the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities, Institute of management and Labor Relations (Rutgers) and the Executive Academy – N.J. State Department of Education.
He rose to Delsea’s superintendent after serving as vice principal and principal. As a teacher, his courses were in the social studies discipline. Sands’ honors over the years include NJSIAA “Award of Honor,” South Jersey Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame, “Distinguished American Award” – Union Country Interscholastic Athletic Conference, “Distinguished Educator” – IDEA Academy of Fellow, and the “Outstanding Official Award” – National Federation of Interscholastic Athletic Officials.
In retirement, Sands has remained close to the game working with the Washington Nationals and Brevard County (Fla.) Manatees.