In our continuing coverage of the recent controversy of a player transferring from Virginia to Pennsylvania and subsequently playing in PIAA post season games I reached out to the State Senator for Lycoming and surrounding counties, the Honorable Gene Yaw and received the following responses to my questions.
Sent on Behalf of Senator Yaw:
Todd:
The state Legislature has no direct authority over the PIAA.
However, there IS an Athletic Oversight Committee created by the Legislature in 2005 as the result of recommendations made by the previous Oversight Council, which was disbanded in 2004.
The Committee is composed of three House members and three Senators. The Committee is required to meet once a year for the purpose of reviewing the PA Interscholastic Athletic Association compliance with Act 91 of 2000, responding to issues related to the activities of the Association and to issue an annual report of its findings to the presiding officers in both the Senate and House.
Secondly, with the most recent transfer of a student from out of state to a private school in Philadelphia, who is now playing on a post-season roster having competed in another state; is there anything the state government will be doing to address this?
With regards to the transfer student, I’m not sure if this issue is being discussed before the Committee, though a legislative approach may be warranted (I’d be surprised if it hasn’t already been discussed in the past.), but I’m told the Committee is working on a non-legislative solution to boundary v. non-boundary schools and championships.
Finally, are you hearing from public schools about leaving the PIAA to form their own governing body if these types of situations continue to occur and go unchecked?
Senator Yaw has not heard from public schools about leaving the PIAA.
Thank you again for your answers to these questions of public concern throughout the Commonwealth.
Todd Bartley
Managing Member
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