SCRANTON, PA − March 30, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn (SD-22) has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to address growing concerns around competitive balance in high school sports across Pennsylvania.
The legislation would give the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) the authority to establish separate playoff classifications and championship pathways for boundary and non-boundary schools. Boundary schools draw students from a defined geographic area, while non-boundary schools, including private, charter, and parochial institutions, have broader enrollment flexibility.
“When boundary schools are competing against programs that can draw from a much broader pool of student-athletes, it contributes to the imbalance we’re seeing in postseason competition,” Senator Flynn said. “This legislation gives the PIAA the authority to establish separate playoff classifications and championship pathways and includes a public process to evaluate whether those changes are appropriate.”
In recent years, disparities between boundary and non-boundary schools have become more noticeable in certain sports, particularly in postseason competition. Senate Bill 1253 outlines a process for the PIAA to evaluate those concerns, including public meetings, testimony, and input from communities across the Commonwealth before any changes are made.”
“This is about maintaining the integrity of high school athletics by addressing the imbalance that’s impacting fair competition so schools are competing on a level playing field,” Flynn added.
The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 and outlines a transparent process for the PIAA to review and, if appropriate, implement separate playoff structures. The bill has been referred to the Education committee for consideration.