Wolf lifts spectator ban for sports — with a caveat
Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday lifted the ban on spectators at high school sporting events this fall — with a rather large caveat.
The strict limits on crowd sizes remain in effect, rendering the new guidance from the governor’s office largely moot for some sports.
Only 25 attendees are still allowed at indoor events and 250 at outdoor activities because of COVID-19 restrictions. Those numbers include the members of the teams and other essential personnel.
Previously, spectators were not permitted to attend any sporting event, regardless of the crowd limits. Only athletes, coaches and game staff were allowed at events.
The policy change, which came with no prior notice and was updated on the governor’s website early Wednesday afternoon, leaves school districts with a new set of conundrums.
“All it’s done is create more stress for schools,” said Bill Mylan, Butler Area High School athletic director.
Mylan has crunched the numbers.
Counting his football players, cheerleaders, media, game staff, athletic trainers and emergency personnel, Mylan said his total would be roughly 125.
He said if he limits the visiting team to 75, that leaves him only 50 spots to play with.
Not enough for even every parent to attend.
“How do I decide what 40 or 50 parents get in?” Mylan asked.
For some sports, the lifting of the ban allows everyone who wants to attend an event the ability to be there.
This is breaking news report — read the full article in Thursday's Butler Eagle.
