Pittsburgh Public Schools Likely To Suspend All Fall Sports

Pittsburgh PA

07 August, 2020

7:19 AM

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PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Public Schools is recommending the postponement of all fall sports. The announcement came after Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday said that school districts that begin the year with virtual instruction, should not have live sports activities. Board members of the region's largest school district are expected to approve the recommendation at an Aug. 26 meeting. Fall sports impacted by the likely suspension include football, cheerleading, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls tennis, girls volleyball, cross country, golf and field hockey. The postponement will additionally affect marching band and band camps. "While we understand the valuable role strong athletic programs contribute to our overall student experience, our number one priority is student and staff safety," Superintendent Anthony Hamlet said in a release. "We are confident the postponement of fall sports is the best decision, but we understand that this is disappointing news for some of our students and staff. We are exploring the possibilities of an alternative schedule if and when students return for an in-school blended model." The PIAA has offered districts the flexibility to begin contests after the first official contest date for each sport. As part of an alternative schedule, competition for fall sports is advised to begin no later than Oct. 5. Competitions can be later with a request to the respective district committee.