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PSFCA directors approve six classifications for football

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The debate for six classifications in PIAA football has intensified. Bob Tonkin, District 9 football committee chairman, presented a comprehensive plan to the directors of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Associate Jan. 23.

The directors voted on the proposal and approved an expansion with a 30-3 vote in favor. In my story from the Jan. 12 edition of the Observer-Reporter, Gary Cathell, co-executive director of the PSFCA, said he felt strongly that the directors would approve of Tonkin’s plan.The results of the vote come as no surprise.

The vote does not directly affect the PIAA’s stance on six classifications, but the PSFCA was asked to vote on the matter and inform the PIAA of the results. So where do we go from here?

The PIAA Strategic Planning Committee will meet sometime in March to discuss the matter and if they approve six classifications, the PIAA Board of Control will vote during its next meeting. If passed, the Board of Directors will hold a final vote. The change would be effective starting with the 2016 season.

Though the process is still in the infancy stages, the PSFCA’s vote reinforces the growing demand for expansion. It will ultimately be up to the PIAA, but the majority of coaches believe six classifications are in the best interest of member schools across the state.

The approval does not address the biggest obstacle, which is the WPIAL. The WPIAL is adamant about maintaining four classifications for geographic-friendly sections and to continue playing the district title games at Heinz Field.

Some sources I have spoken to believe a deal can be worked out to reserve Heinz Field for two days, but WPIAL Executive Director Tim O’Malley does not see that as a possibility.

There is a long way to go, but the PSFCA’s vote adds intrigue to the debate.

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