By: Chris Harlan
Friday, August 14, 2020|3:45 PM
Chaz Palla|Tribune-Review
” Theyre two huge concerns that are necessary to us,” Lombardi said. “We have actually heard loud and clear from the public that theyre crucial to them too. Were going to keep dealing with it.”.
If the PIAA approves sports, districts would require to choose whether neglecting the suggestion would create any legal liability, a problem the PIAA raised Friday.
Wolfs representative kept in mind a number of colleges have actually canceled fall sports in current days.
Chris Harlan is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Chris by e-mail at [email protected] or via Twitter.
Bethel Park linemen go through drills during workouts Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 at Bethel Park High School.
But before that vote, the PIAA has a busy week ahead. Lombardi said the PIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will reconvene, and the strategic preparation committee likewise may fulfill prior to next Friday.
The PIAA suggested including bipartisan members of the state House and Senate if talks continue with Wolfs administration. A number of state legislators expressed support for fall sports in recent days.
” We still have a few miles to go yet,” Lombardi stated.
Wolf desires interscholastic and recreational youth sports held off up until a minimum of Jan. 1, a recommendation supported by the state departments of health and education, to avoid possible coronavirus spread. Wolf has said his recommendation isnt a mandate, and locally elected school boards should decide whether sports are played, a position restated Friday by the guvs representative.
Now, the PIAA has a choice to make.
Two problems raised Friday involved state limitations on gathering sizes. Presently, ladies volley ball matches would be restricted to 25 people indoors, which Lombardi called “completely unjust.” Likewise, Wolf has a restriction on all spectators at school-sponsored sporting occasions.
” We asked the staff particularly if the administration would consider providing liability protection for our schools, since I believe it would take some of the pressure off the school administrations,” Lombardi stated. We asked, and they said they d get back to us.
” The Big Ten, Pac-12, Big East and other conferences have actually chosen to postpone their fall seasons,” press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger said. “Athletes remain in close contact, not simply on the field however in locker spaces and in transit. When people are in close contact, the infection is not stopping and spreads more easily.
Additionally, PIAA administrators were invited to satisfy Tuesday with the Pa. Athletic Oversight Committee, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers.
” Lets get us all together and find out a way because this isnt about Republicans or Democrats,” Lombardi said. “This has to do with students playing athletics and attempting to supply a safe, healthy environment for them to learn life lessons on the playing surface.”.
” As the school year techniques, we will continue to work with schools to prepare. We desire to do whatever we can to produce a safe environment for kids to return to school.
Lombardi predicted a bulk of member schools will match up regardless of the governors suggestion if the PIAA board concurs at an Aug. 21 meeting to play.
” There are problems that we would actually like to discuss,” Lombardi stated. “Im a little disappointed that we didnt get better answers.”.
In a word, Fridays meeting with Gov. Tom Wolfs personnel was “uneventful.”.
” If all of us collaborate, we can resolve this,” Lombardi stated. “If theres department, thats regrettable, but well continue to advocate for student-athletes.”.
” We asked the staff particularly if the administration would consider offering liability coverage for our schools, since I think it would take some of the pressure off the school administrations,” Lombardi said. We asked, and they said they d get back to us. Wolf has a restriction on all viewers at school-sponsored sporting events.
The PIAA hasnt closed the door on future talks with the governors workplace, Lombardi said. The clock is ticking, fall sports start Aug. 24, and the PIAA appears ready to move ahead without Wolfs assistance.
Its uncertain whether Wolfs personnel would have an interest in that technique. Wolf hasnt sought advice from the PIAA on choices throughout the pandemic, consisting of the hold-up he recommended recently.
” Theyre 2 huge concerns that are crucial to us,” Lombardi said.” The Big Ten, Pac-12, Big East and other conferences have actually decided to postpone their fall seasons,” press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger stated.
PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi provided that analysis after an unproductive discussion relating to Wolfs recommended shutdown of fall sports. The guv isnt budging from his recommendation, and his staff wasnt receptive to issues raised by the PIAA.
