Pennsylvania court orders PIAA to follow Right to Know law

Pennsylvania court orders PIAA to follow Right to Know law

(WHTM) – Pennsylvanians love their high school sports but why has the organization that oversees them resisted abiding by transparency laws?

That question was at the center of a lawsuit that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has settled. Good government advocates are cheering, but the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, not so much.

State champions will be crowned on the court next month. But the PIAA, which oversees high school athletics, lost in court.

Simon Campbell, a right-to-know advocate said, “I just sent PIAA communication saying, I’m giving you 30 days to hand over the records.”

Campbell submitted a right-to-know request to the PIAA more than three years ago seeking financial records and other documents.

It refused, arguing it’s a nonprofit, not a state agency, and therefore exempt from the law. But in a 29-page ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said it is a commonwealth entity and not exempt.

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“The more that we get transparency, we all benefit. So am I a pest? I hope so. It’s the job of citizens to be a part of the government,” said Campbell.

PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi said he’ll comply but is confused.

Lombardi said, “If they want us to be a state agency, then fund us like a state agency. And let us be in the retirement system and get the benefits like a state agency.”

The PIAA gets no state money and is funded by dues-paying middle and high schools and event ticket sales.

“Oh, please. Let’s find out what they’re doing with all the money before we go down the path of how they need more of it,” said Campbell.

State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity said, “They have not posted a single contract in 15 years.”

Garrity is frustrated that the PIAA isn’t posting contracts over $5,000 on its public e-library as all state agencies are required. Contracts like deals to host state finals broadcast rights and sponsorships.

“They’ve been pretty difficult to deal with,” said Garrity. “They resisted at every turn. So you know what? Now they’re going to have to be transparent.”

Lombardi argues if everyone knows contract specifics it will hurt his ability to get the best deal.

Garrity said, “Well, that seems kind of crazy because they are a monopoly after all.”

Lombardi says the PIAA is reviewing the ruling and will comply, adding that they’ll follow the law, as they always do.

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