In recent years, the idea of the PIAA splitting into six classes has been an ongoing struggle. The PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) has attempted multiple times to split the state into six, equal parts rather than four to better accommodate each class. Though it may seem like a simple process, it has instead turned into a six struggle that the PIAA has encountered.
In 2009, the idea was voted on and required a two-thirds approval from the board before it would be able to go into action. With 28 individuals on the board at the time, this required at least 19 people to approve of the motion. It failed 15-13.
In recent years, a new push for the change was made with eight options. After a voting session, only three proposals remained, yet all involved staying with four classes. All of these options were again voted down and not able to pass.
One main obstacle that stands in the way of the change is Freedom’s district, the WPIAL. The WPIAL believes that by splitting into six classes would negatively affect their competition status. The change would cause the WPIAL to lose schools such as North Hills and North Allegheny which WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley is completely opposed to.
If the PIAA did split into six classes, the WPIAL wouldn’t be able to hold their championship games at Heinz Field and would instead be forced to find another venue.
The WPIAL also has stated that if football were to split into six classes, all other sports must abide to these rules as well.
If this change were to occur, there may be some positives in line for the Freedom Bulldogs. Most likely, Freedom will stay in its usual class, AA, yet teams such as Aliquippa will move down to the A class. With the Quips being the state champions 15 times in the past 60 years, allowing Freedom to not face the team will most likely serve as a benefit.
According to recent rumors, all other teams in Freedom’s class will remain the same. So the question that arises is if Freedom will be able to have a better season due to these changes. In the next coming weeks another vote should be in place to see if this new law will be in place before the 2016-2017 school year.