by Brian Hagberg, https://d9and10sports.com/

PHILADELPHIA – The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily restored Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s ability to limit crowd sizes in a Thursday ruling, the Associated Press reports.

The decision puts on hold a Sept. 14 ruling from U.S. District Court Judge William Stickman IV, who had said the gathering restrictions were unconstitutional, while the Wolf Administration appeals the lower court decision.

“We are disappointed but undeterred,” attorney Thomas W. King III, who represents the plaintiffs, told the AP.

Stickman said the 25 indoor/250 outdoor restrictions violated the constitutional right to assemble. The administration countered that the restrictions were necessary to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Wolf Administration asked Stickman for a stay of the ruling while it was appealed, but Stickman denied the request. That denial prompted Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro to request intervention from the 3rd Circuit Court.

Following the denial, Wolf asked school districts to “voluntarily enforce” the restrictions, especially at sporting events. Many districts around the region had begun easing restrictions and allowing limited spectators, primarily athletes’ parents, in to events.