Resolution that would separate playoffs for public, private schools advances

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A resolution that urges the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to establish separate playoffs and championships for public and private schools has advanced.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1 the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee voted to advance the resolution in a 24-1 vote. The resolution, H.R. 443 , was introduced by Scott Conklin (D-Centre) in a memo on May 15.

Conklin said he has introduced the act to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over public school athletes.

“Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools.”

He added that the advantage goes far beyond the field.

“The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons,” Conklin said.

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You can read more about the resolution and why Conklin feels it should be made here .

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