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PIAA releases statement on the upcoming spring sports season

From staff reports

On Friday, March 13, 2020, Governor Wolf issued a directive to close all schools in the Commonwealth for 10 business days starting today, March 16, 2020. This means all school activities including sports practices, plays, musicals, mock trial, field trips, etc.

The intent of this is to limit people gathering together to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus. We have been informed that some schools’ sport teams may be organizing captains’ practices or informal workouts offsite. It’s our position that this is contrary to the intent of the Governor’s order and these activities are not permitted.

To illustrate this intent, the Governor has ordered non-essential businesses to close in a four county area and the Department of Community and Economic Development has recommended the closing of community and recreational centers, gyms, spin facilities, golf courses and sporting event venues across the Commonwealth. It was very clear of the intentions of our state government, so please assist them in preventing inappropriate off-site practices or workouts.

As we move forward, the PIAA will continue to work with the Governor’s office, the Department of Health and the Department of Education to provide updated information regarding spring sports and any possible restart of the winter championships. This information may change on a day-to-day basis and some of the qualities that are fundamental lessons of interscholastic athletics are at play here: cooperation, patience, sacrifice, responsibility, respect and teamwork. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us.

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