Photo by Howard Anderson
The PIAA Board of Directors decided Wednesday to table a decision on adding a third classification to track and field. The board also referred to the recently-formed Competition Committee.
At a June 22 meeting, the PIAA Track and Field Steering Committee voted eight to five in favor of passing a motion to recommend adding a third classification to track and field to the Board of Directors. The change would take effect on July 1, 2018, meaning the change would not go into effect until the 2019 spring season.
But no final decision was reached at the Board of Directors' meeting.
There are currently two classifications in PIAA track and field (AA and AAA), as opposed to three in cross country (A, AA, and AAA). A third classification was added in cross country in 2012.
The Competition Committee is scheduled to meet on October 4 in conjunction with the next Board of Directors' Meeting, according to the PIAA's Chief Operating Officer Mark Byers. There's no timetable set on the issue, but Byers said the Competition Committee could either maintain the July 1, 2018 date, postpone it, or not pass the item.
The Competition Committee was formed in March of this year, which aims to address concerns of competitive balance in all PIAA sports, such as how schools are classified and transfer rules. The Competition Committee will make a recommendation which will then be sent back to the Board of Directors for final decision on the matter.
"The idea is that the Competition Committee of the Board will have the ability to discuss all individual sport classifications, and not just handle it on a sport-by-sport basis," Byers said.
District 1 chairperson Ron Lopresti outlined a few roadblocks that could stand in the way of adding a third classification. With three classifications, it would likely turn the PIAA State Championship a three day meet. Teams from around the state would then arrive to Shippensburg University on Wednesday instead of the typical Thursday.
"Having a two and a half day meet means missing more days of school and it's an expense on the schools," Lopresti said, referring to the extra day of housing and meals.
Additionally, Shippensburg University, which houses the athletes during the state meet, is already close to capacity. A third classification would mean many more schools and entries in the meet. Could Ship house everyone outside the 60 mile radius?
Getting PIAA officials to work the meet another day may present another challenge. Lopresti did add that by eliminating semifinal heats in the sprints and high hurdles could keep the meet at a two day affair.
All these issues are likely to be brought up in October when the Competition Committee meets again. We will be sure to monitor the progress on this topic throughout the fall.
The PIAA board also accepted a recommendation by the steering committee to eliminate the PIAA modification to the NFHS Rules Book on jewelry. In a recently amended NFHS Rule Book, the rules on jewelry are taken out. The PIAA has decided to "adopt the NFHS Rules Book jewelry rule as written." Now, in essence, PIAA track and field athletes will no longer be subjected to any rules regarding jewelry.
Read the minutes from the PIAA Board of Directors' meeting from July 19 here.
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In the meantime, what are your thoughts? Should PIAA track and field join cross country and add a third classification? What are some of the pros and cons of this possible expansion?
Sound off in the discussion board: Should the PIAA add a third classification in track and field?