Martin: PA Athletic Oversight Committee Set to Discuss Safe Return to School Sports

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee will meet next week to discuss the plans by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), school superintendents, coaches, and athletic directors to resume school sports safely this fall, according to Senator Scott Martin (R-13).

Several weeks ago, the PIAA announced guidelines for fall sports to resume safely in accordance with the Wolf Administration’s green-phase guidance. Without warning to the PIAA or school districts, Governor Wolf announced at an August 6 press conference that he believes no school sports should take place until 2021.

In response to the abrupt change in guidance from the Wolf Administration, the PIAA voted to delay school sports seasons by two weeks in order to get more input from the Wolf Administration and lawmakers. The Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee will discuss next week how to facilitate a safe return to school sports this fall, Martin said.

“School sports play a critical role in the mental health and development of young people, and every effort should be made to ensure students can participate in these activities safely in the fall,” Martin said. “Many recreation leagues were able to function without incident over the summer. I look forward to discussing ways that we can learn from their example to ensure school sports can resume in a way that ensures the health and safety of everyone involved.”

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 18, at 11:00 am in the Senate Chamber.

 

CONTACT:   Terry Trego (717) 787-6535

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