Debate Continues Over Spring High School Football Practice in PA

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

While the PIAA hasn't wavered in its belief that there shouldn't be spring football practice in the Keystone State, it hasn't stopped the media from continuing to examine the issue....especially after Joe Paterno and Dave Wannstedt came out in favor of the idea.

Today Patriot-News writer Andrew Shay does a good job of looking at the debate in his blog Debate Continues on the Merits of High School Spring Football Practice.

Pennsylvania Approves More Contact During Off-Season Football Practice

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

It looks like spring practice won't be coming to the Keystone State anytime soon, but the state's governing body is trying to split the difference.

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association voted in favor of a new rule that will allow teams to have more contact during off-season workouts.  The rule allows teams to use blocking and tackling sleds during off-season workouts, plus allow them to practice "form" tackling and blocking.

In the spring, the PIAA approved rules that allowed teams to use helmets and shoulder pads in off-season workouts and at 7-on-7 competitions.