Keystone Today

Student athletes across the state went back to training this week, but some political representatives remain annoyed at what one described as "unnecessary angst" caused by the delay in making the decision.

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) announced last Friday its decision to resume sports at its member schools where the district allows. It follows a two-week delay as talks were held with Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in a bid to secure his support for the move. 

Wolf said earlier this month that he was opposed to sports resuming before January 2021, but that his position was a guideline only and that it was ultimately up to the local districts. He did not change his position prior to the PIAA announcement.

Sen. Wayne Langerholc | https://www.legis.state.pa.us/

Pennsylvania state Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-Clearfield), chair of the Senate Education Committee, was “very pleased” with the PIAA's decision but disappointed at the governor's intervention, telling Keystone Today that it should have come down to local school districts.

“I cannot speak for the PIAA, but I believe the governor's position caused unnecessary angst and confusion, certainly in my own district,” Langerholc said. “There should always be an eye on safety, but they know best what the situation is locally. Sports have been continuing, including little league, and no upticks [of COVID-19 cases] in my district.”

Wolf's office issued a statement on the subject earlier this month.

“The administration is concerned that holding school sports before January 2021 presents significant health risks to participants and the public, and strongly recommends against holding such events,” the statement read. “The administration strongly recommends that pre-K to 12th grade school sports be postponed until at least Jan. 1, 2021. The administration is providing this strong recommendation and not an order or mandate.”

As part of the back and forth with the administration, PIAA executive director Robert Lombardi wrote to the governor arguing that school-based sports were in a better position to follow safety measures than recreational leagues.

“While, due to outbreaks in different areas of the state, some schools may not be able to play some or all sports, we believe there remains a viable path to permit students in many schools the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics in a controlled, healthy and safe manner,” Lombardi wrote in a letter to the governor.

In announcing the commencement of training to begin on Monday, the PIAA board of directors explained its reasoning in Friday's statement.

“[We heard the] thousands of voices of student athletes, parents, coaches and officials as well as community leaders,” the statement read. “We remind those individuals who have strongly advocated for athletics that they must keep strict adherence to school health and safety plans. All individuals involved in interscholastic athletic communities have a role in the health and wellness of all participants.” 

No announcement was made in relation to spectators and their numbers.

The delay led to a rally involving hundreds outside the state capitol in Harrisburg in support of the resumption of sports, and a bill passing through the House Education Committee. House Bill 2787, introduced by state Rep. Mike Reese (R-Ligonier), will allow Pennsylvania’s local school districts to make decisions regarding fall sports and activities.

“This is great news for our students, parents and local communities,” Reese said following its passing. “We need to fight for our students and give them the best chance at experiencing a ‘normal’ school year, and this is a great starting point.”

Rep. Curtis Sonney (R-Erie), chair of the House Education Committee, said the bill is likely to go through the process but has been overtaken by subsequent events, most notably the PIAA announcement.

“I am very supportive of this decision,” Sonney told Keystone Today. “We believe that school districts should be making that choice. I was pleased to see that the PIAA made that decision.”

Some school districts, particularly where there remain high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, have decided not to resume sports at this stage.

“One or a number of districts might have a hard time keeping the virus under control and must shut down,” Sonney said. “The number of cases will determine the kind of classes at school. The governor, I believe, said that on a personal level he is against it but he would not make a ruling, that he would leave it up to the PIAA to decide.”