Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration loosened up restrictions for high school sporting events on Wednesday, but even more change could be on the horizon.

State Reps. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon and Jerry Knowles, R-Carbon/Schuylkill, were two co-sponsors of House Bill 2787, which would allow local school districts to make their own choices in regard to sports and spectators.

The bill passed the House by a 155-47 vote Wednesday and was set to be considered by the Senate Education Committee Thursday afternoon.

“Parents want to go see their children play,” said Heffley. “Many of these stadiums are designed for thousands of people and there is a lot of room in these stadiums to increase social distancing. I think it’s absurd that the governor, with no scientific facts whatsoever to back it up, is going to come out and say you can’t have more than 250 people.

“Think about this, if each team brings 50 players and staff, or maybe 55, that’s 110. Now all of those players wouldn’t get one person (to attend). If you bring a family of four or two in, and they sit together in the stands, and they’re 6 feet away from someone else - it is just insane that the governor would issue that kind of decree. Let parents see their children play sports. Let children experience everything that they can in high school. We can manage this pandemic and still get on with our lives.”

As of now, spectators are permitted to attend events, but there are limits of 25 people indoors and 250 at outside events.

“I co-sponsored House Bill 2787 because individual school district officials, student athletes and their families should be the ones making decisions about whether to participate in sports and other activities, based on the conditions in their areas,” Knowles said. “A statewide, one-size fits-all order is not in the best interest of our communities.

“Students, parents, and communities deserve clear, understandable direction for how extracurricular activities will occur in the fall without worrying that the guidance will change at any minute.”

PIAA golf and tennis competition began statewide within the last week. Every other fall sport, including football, is permitted to start on Sept. 11.