Below is a summary of the items IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson sent to member high schools, on Friday, January 22, 2021. He clarifies the impact of today’s announcement by Governor Pritzker on IHSA sports. An updated mitigation table (including Phase 4), sports schedules, risk levels, and other pertinent information can be found at www.ihsa.org/Resources/COVID-19.
The most significant update today involves High-risk sports in Regions that have improved from Tier 1 to Phase 4. Schools within a Phase 4 Region may now conduct intra-Conference and intra-Region contests in High-risk sports. Moderate-risk sports competing outdoors in Phase 4 also received expanded scheduling opportunities, including tournaments and out-of-state contests.
The Board of Directors will set season dates for the remainder of the school year, when they meet Wednesday, January 27.
All Low-risk winter sports must conduct practices on seven days prior to their first contest. Basketball teams must conduct 12 days of practice prior to their first contest. Fall, spring, and summer sports may begin contact days on Monday[, January 25,] based on the allowances of their EMS Region and local School District approval.
Masks must be worn in practice and competition. Social distancing should be adhered to for bench players and game personnel. Schools must follow the mitigations and guidelines established by the IHSA.
With contests now on the horizon, [this is] a reminder of IDPH’s guidance for spectators at contests. There is no differentiation in the numbers–below regardless of whether the sport is indoors or outdoors. The numbers do not include players, coaches, officials, and other necessary game personnel. Spectators are in addition to them. Host schools may choose to be more restrictive in their spectator policies.
- In Phase 4 Regions, you may have a maximum of 50 spectators.
- In Tier 1 Regions, you may have a maximum of 25 spectators.
- In Tier 2 Regions, you may not have spectators.
Finally, [here is] an important clarification regarding football contact days. Football contact days that are permitted in some Regions–beginning Monday, January 25, will be limited to the provisions of IHSA By-law 3.157. Please follow these guidelines that would have a build-up acclimatization to maximum equipment of helmet and shoulder pads, with no live contact or tackling to the ground during the contact day period.