Robbins Announces New Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee Website

Harrisburg – Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee (PAOC), announced the establishment of a new website to provide the public with information on the Committee's efforts to oversee high school athletics.

The PAOC was established in 2004 to ensure that the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Agency (PIAA) improves its business conduct and focuses on student-athletes.

Sen. Robbins, a proponent of the law that created the PAOC, stated "The Athletic Oversight Committee has been very productive since its inception. It has not only provided the legislature an effective means by which to communicate with the PIAA, but has led to better rules for student participation in high school athletics."

The website, located at www.palegislature.us/aoc, contains PAOC contact information, a copy of PAOC-related laws, upcoming meeting dates, and annual reports. This year, the PAOC reviewed student-athlete transfer issues, recruiting by high school coaches, and steroid use in high school sports.

The PIAA's rules regarding student-athlete transfers and recruiting have long been controversial. This year the PIAA addressed both rules. The student-athlete transfer rule was clarified by providing some latitude when it comes to changing schools, rather than presuming that the transfer was made solely for athletic purposes. Additionally, the PIAA changed its recruiting rule by more clearly defining what constitutes recruiting and providing specific examples of what is and what is not allowed.

"With the recent Tour de France and Major League Baseball steroid scandals, it is imperative that high school athletes be educated about their harmful effects," said Robbins.

In 2006, the PAOC looked at what other states are doing to combat steroids. New Jersey, for example, requires teams qualifying for the state championship tournaments be tested. The PAOC also reviewed several educational programs, including Learning Through Sports' interactive computer program, Stop, Think, Act, Replay (STAR), which contains appearances from professional athletes who talk about the dangers of steroid use.

A link to the PAOC website is also available on Senator Robbins' home page, which is located at www.senatorrobbins.com

CONTACT:

Chris Yniguez
(717) 787-1322