Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association officials spoke with Gov. Tom Wolf’s staff Friday about the possibility of playing the high school fall sports season.
Now, athletes, coaches, parents and fans will have to wait a week to find out what the PIAA’s decision will be.
“We discussed many different scenarios including schools’ health and sports’ safety strategies, local liability protection and options for moving ahead with fall sports,” the PIAA stated in a news release posted to its website Friday. “The Governor’s staff repeatedly indicated this is a local school decision.”
The PIAA delayed the start of the fall season by two weeks to Aug. 24 after Gov. Tom Wolf made a “strong recommendation” on Aug. 6 that youth and high school sports not be played until at least Jan. 1, 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“PIAA is concerned that the Governor’s ‘strong’ recommendation last week and comments in yesterday’s press conference were not based upon Pennsylvania sports specific data and the recommendation has been perceived as a mandate by member schools,” the PIAA said. “PIAA is very aware of the negative impact postponement of fall sports will have upon our 350,000 student-athletes and their families.”
As planned on Aug. 7, the PIAA said it will meet Aug. 21, “to discuss the starting of fall sports.”
“We will continue to be advocates for athletic activities that promote the health, and safety, social, emotional, and mental well-being of student-athletes,” PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi said.
