The PIAA Board of Directors has approved the start of the fall sports season on Friday, August 21 with a 25 to 5 vote, despite Governor Wolf’s recommendation to delay the season until 2021. The Manheim Township School District is planning to act in accordance with the decisions of the PIAA.    

Practices are planned to begin on August 24 and competitions on August 27. The statement released on Friday warns students to “keep strict adherence to school health and safety plans,” during these events. According to the report: “All individuals involved in … athletic communities have a role in the health and wellness of participants.”

The PIAA had previously planned for a relatively normal start to the fall sports season in July, with a Return to Competition document, outlining the preparations to take in order to minimize the risk of infection. The governor’s announcement, however, halted these plans, and the season was eventually pushed back two weeks. Now, the state plans to move forward with the fall sports season.

Although the board made a decision, the PIAA plans to monitor the season and may alter the plan, if needed. According to Penn Live, PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi mentions there might be additional changes to some districts, such as having two separate fall sports seasons; however, these changes have not yet been established.   

The PIAA released a statement regarding the number of spectators permitted at sporting events in late July. According to state guidelines, for counties in the green phase, outdoor venues may host up to 250 people, while indoor venues may have up to 25; facilities cannot exceed 50% of capacity. During the reopening stages, however, activities at the PK-12 level are restricted to athletes, coaches, officials, and staff only. However, these rules are subject to change and “will be contingent upon future health conditions within the state and local communities.” Lombardi says that the PIAA is pushing for change and advocates for some spectators to be permitted at events, especially parents. 

For more information, visit the PIAA website and the Manheim Township COVID-19 Resource Page.