On the same day the PSAC canceled the winter sports seasons for IUP and its other member schools, the PIAA Board of Directors said schools should begin practicing for their winter sports, so – in the words of executive director Bob Lombardi – they can “set the foundation” in case they have to adjust their schedules.
Citing basketball as an example, Lombardi said that if teams begin practices as scheduled on Friday, they will have almost 10 weeks to play the schedule of 22 games. Delaying could compress the schedule and cause problems.
Teams are required to have 15 practices before they can play a game. The board did not approve a motion to require three days of practice before a team could resume competition if its schedule is interrupted by a temporary school closure. They could return to play immediately.
The playoffs will likely have fewer teams, with it being quite possible only district champions making it into the state brackets. Swimming and wrestling may also see smaller playoff fields.
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