State representative asks whether PIAA needs ‘overhaul,’ proposes legislation to investigate

By: Chris Harlan
Friday, January 5, 2024 | 3:32 PM

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A Western Pennsylvania legislator and longtime member of the state Athletic Oversight Committee is asking whether the PIAA needs an overhaul.

State Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Beaver) announced plans Friday to introduce legislation that would analyze the policy, practices, finances and structure of the PIAA, “with an eye toward overhauling how the PIAA operates and makes its decisions.”

Matzie’s announcement comes after the PIAA notified Aliquippa that its football team would be forced to compete in a higher classification under a competitive-balance rule. Matzie, a critic of the rule, also got involved in the PIAA appeal process two years ago when Aliquippa avoided such a promotion to Class 5A.

“This is an issue we worked on two years ago, but after Aliquippa was successful in their appeal, I believed the issue was solved,” Matzie said in a statement. “The board, in reversing the initial decision, gave the impression that they would be open to changes to the formula. They indeed did, making it worse by removing player safety as a consideration. Now that this issue has reared its ugly head again, it’s time for the legislature to act.”

The competitive-balance rule impacts football teams that have state playoff success over a two-year period and added three or more transfers in that span.

The Aliquippa football team has been through this process twice before. In 2020, the PIAA used the rule to move the team from Class 3A to 4A. In 2022, the PIAA again targeted the Quips for promotion, but the school appealed and the team remained in 4A after the PIAA board granted their request.

Matzie said the competitive-balance rule “endangers students” by forcing teams with smaller enrollments to face larger opponents with more players and added financial resources.

“I would wage this fight for Aliquippa or any student athlete in our commonwealth,” Matzie said. “Simply put, it’s unfair, unsafe and a dangerous disadvantage to our kids. What’s most disturbing is that I believe this rule comes off as ignorant at best and arrogant at worst. Legislative action is necessary, and necessary now. Be assured, however, this is just the beginning. It’s been nearly 25 years since the last thorough review of the PIAA. It’s well past time for the legislature to have another look.”

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: Aliquippa