House adopts Matzie resolution directing comprehensive study of PIAA policy, practices, finances

Rep. Robert Matzie    October 23, 2024 | 11:43 AM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House yesterday adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s H.R. 318, which directs the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Matzie, who is the vice chairman and longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee, said a thorough study of PIAA’s decision-making processes and operations is needed because of concerns that the association – and particularly the way it classifies schools for competition – puts student athletes in harm’s way and forces them to compete against wealthier schools with bigger budgets and larger rosters.

“For too long, we have been hearing from parents and student athletes across the state that the PIAA’s policies are jeopardizing student health and creating a dangerous and uneven playing field,” Matzie said. “We have taken those concerns to the PIAA, but they have gone unanswered. It’s time to move the ball on this issue, and we start by taking a closer look at the association, its structure and its decision-making.”

Matzie’s resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study and make recommendations regarding:

  • PIAA’s competition classification formula and transfer policy.
  • The location of state championships.
  • The association’s financial performance; broadcast agreements; and name, image and likeness policy.
  • The composition of the Board of Directors and the feasibility of legislative and state departmental appointees to the board.
  • The potential for expanding the authority of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee.

The PIAA oversees senior high and junior high athletic competitions in the state and is charged with developing and enforcing rules regulating those competitions. More than 1,400 public, charter and private schools with more than 350,000 student athletes fall within PIAA’s jurisdiction. 

Video of Matzie’s comments in the House chamber are available here: 102224 Matzie Floor.mp4, his additional House floor response is available here: 102324 Matzie PIAA Response.mp4, and his remarks about the resolution are available here: 102224 MATZIE PIAA Resolution.mp4