HARRISBURG, Pa. -  The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has reaffirmed that due to state law, public, private and charter schools cannot be divided into separate playoffs.

A group of public administrators led the charge citing the competitive landscape is unfair.

The following position statement was developed by the PIAA Board of Directors at their December 5, 2018 meeting to address the separation of schools for classification purposes:

The PIAA Board of Directors, at the recommendation of counsel, concludes and therefore reaffirms that the separation of playoffs with regard to public, charter and private schools is contrary to the publicly documented legislative intent of Act 219 of 1972.

The PIAA Board of Directors in conjunction with its many advisory and steering committee groups will continue to study and consider proposals brought forward that may further enhance equity for all member schools within the association.

 To that end, the PIAA Board of Directors recommends that the PA Equity Group, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Pennsylvania Charter School Coalition attempt to work in unison to find common ground within their respective groups in providing proposals for consideration that are consistent with the intent of Act 219 and further aids in establishment or revision of policies for the betterment of all student-athletes.

The PIAA Board of Directors looks forward to a continuing dialogue with these and all other constituent groups.