The PIAA met with representatives of Gov. Tom Wolf’s office last Friday in an attempt to gain more clarity on the “strong recommendation” Wolf made against playing sports this fall.

Wolf has previously stated that sports from Pre-K to 12th grade should be delayed until January 1, 2021, but has ultimately said that decisions would be left to local administrators.

With the PIAA scheduled to meet on August 21, with the hope of finalizing plans for the fall, the organization sent out a release last Friday that at least gives hope to fall sports proponents.

“We discussed many different scenarios including schools’ health and sports’ safety strategies, local liability protection and options for moving ahead with fall sports. The Governor’s staff repeatedly indicated this is a local school decision,” the PIAA said in the release.

PIAA Executive Director Dr. Robert A. Lombardi stated in the release that, “We will continue to be advocates for athletic activities that promote the health, and safety, social, emotional, and mental well-being of student-athletes.”

Offseason training for fall sports has continued throughout the state since the Governor’s statements, but a clearer picture should unfold this Friday when the PIAA meets.

The East Penn Conference is set to open the fall sports season with its first competitive dates in soccer, field hockey and volleyball on September 25 with football to follow on October 2.

The Colonial League voted to push ahead on schedule, with each member school deciding how they would proceed with the fall schedule individually.