Measure would allow football season to begin earlier

This season, WPIAL schools were permitted to begin one week earlier.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The PIAA has taken the first step toward allowing an early start to the high school football season for all member schools beginning in 2006.
The PIAA's Board of Directors voted 21-8 with one member absent to allow football practices one week earlier than those in other fall sports.
The measure must pass through two more readings before it can be enacted. The second reading in December must pass by simple majority, but the third reading in January must receive 20 affirmative votes.
First to adhere
This season, District 7 (WPIAL) was permitted to begin practice and schedule games one week ahead of other districts. The move was made so the WPIAL could preserve a four-week playoff system that concludes with the Class AAAA, AAA, AA and A championship games at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field.
But other districts -- namely, Districts 2, 4 and 11 -- also are experiencing playoff qualifying difficulties, partly because of the addition of the Philadelphia public schools has made the playoff field larger. Those districts now want the same option the PIAA granted to District 7.
If passed as currently written, football practice in 2006 would begin on Monday, Aug. 7; it is currently scheduled for Aug. 14. PIAA districts will have the option to begin early and can choose to start later if they wish.
Voting against the measure were two representatives each from District 1 and District 3 and one each from District 6 and District 10, female game officials and the female parents' representative.
"Our schools in District 3 have told us very clearly that they want a 10-game schedule and the regular start date ahead of the expanded playoffs," John Ziegler, District 3 chairman, said. "So I'm voting the way our schools have directed us to vote. But I'm also voting from personal conviction. We're asking families to cut short their summer, and I just don't believe that is right."
Not uncommon
Several states bordering Pennsylvania have had far earlier starting dates, including West Virginia, which has allowed practice beginning on or about Aug. 1 since the 1960s.
"The representatives from District 7 told the board that they have not received complaints from their members schools about this year's early start," PIAA executive director Brad Cashman said. "I think that swayed some other members who might have been inclined to deny this proposal."
WPIAL representatives said previously they were committed to the early start only for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, then would re-evaluate their position.
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