When will IL high school sports resume from COVID-19 shutdown? IHSA still isn’t sure.
At a time year when Belleville East football coach Michael Harrison is usually beginning to prepare for summer team weight room workout sessions and contact days, he finds himself in the same situation as every other high school coach and athlete in Illinois.
Harrison is waiting for the Illinois High School Association’s Return To Play Guidelines to be released as the first step to return to high school sports in the state as the nation continues its ongoing battle with COVID-19.
The IHSA Return To Play Guidelines announcement, scheduled to be released Monday, was delayed again Tuesday when IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson asked for continued patience as the organization works with the Illinois Department of Public Health to finalize the guidelines.
Harrison, like most, is frustrated by the delays.
“I’m frustrated. And the kids are and other coaches I talk to are frustrated. The most frustrating piece is that they alerted us that there would be a decision and now they keep postponing it,” Harrison said. “It’s like scheduling the press conference before you sign the contract and then the contract ends up not getting signed. That’s what’s most frustrating for the coaches and the kids.
“I obviously don’t know for sure if there will be sports this fall but I am hopeful. The fact that they are coming out with some type of plan for summer activities leads me to believe we will have a season this fall.’’
There have been no IHSA athletic events since March 12 when the IHSA canceled the remainder of the boys basketball tournament because of the coronavirus pandemic. In April, the IHSA canceled its spring sports season after Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 year.
Anderson in a statement released Tuesday said the IHSA has been working with the IDPH for some time to ensure a safe return for athletes to the playing field.
“I recognize that IHSA schools, students, and coaches are anxious for the IHSA Return To Play Guidelines to be released. In many ways, they represent the first step in a return to normalcy as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Anderson said. “The IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee was diligent in their development of these guidelines, and we have worked in good faith with the Illinois Department of Public Health to make sure our plan optimizes safety for high school students in Illinois.
“IDPH approval is vital in this process, and we understand and respect that they have pressing statewide issues to resolve that take precedence over high school sports.
Anderson recognizes the magnitude of high school sports returning, but also wants to avoid any setbacks.
“Quarantine has been a test of patience, and now we ask our IHSA community for just a bit more of it as we collaborate with IDPH to finalize these Return To Play Guidelines,” he said. “We understand that the return of athletics is important to our high school students from a physical, mental, and emotional perspective, but we also recognize that we must be in full accord with IDPH to maximize safety and help avoid any setbacks in reuniting our students with their coaches.”
Triad AD weighs in on situation
The delay isn’t only frustrating for coaches and athletes, but also administrators and athletic directors. Triad Athletic Director Ken Deatherage says a return to high school sports is important.
“It’s frustrating but we’re all in the same boat,” Deatherage said. “In regards to a return to high school sports, I am still going to go out on a limb here and be optimistic and say that we will still have athletics.
“I feel like things may look a bit different with regards to fans in the stands, etc., but I think that everyone including the IHSA realizes just how important the role of athletics plays in the overall development and experience for a lot of our students. Our programs are not only crucial to our athletes, but they play a huge role in the overall atmosphere of our schools and communities across the state.”
The guidelines will also have an effect on other IHSA sanctioned sports which in the fall will include cross country, boys soccer, girls tennis, girls volleyball, golf and girls swimming and diving.
Mascoutah AD expresses frustration
Mascoutah High School Athletic Director Scott Battas is also growing frustrated by the delays.
“We have state guidelines allowing little league athletics to currently take place, but high school athletics — fully staffed with certified individuals including coaches, trainers, and even doctors as part of some of the programs — are unable to do anything at this time,’’ Battas said. “We are working toward a solution, and waiting on word from the IHSA on what to do next, but we are ready to move should we be given the green light at any time.
Battas stressed safety as well as a gradual return to normalcy.
“What I do know is that we have kids sitting at home (many of them doing what they can on their own), that need to slowly get acclimated back to some regularity, not only for the experience, but to maintain a certain level of health,” he said. “Their immune systems and physical condition have undoubtedly taken a huge hit during this layoff. We would like to get them moving in a positive direction, with safety and caution at the forefront, but our hands are tied right now.”
Harrison hopes for the best
Harrison also knows whenever the announcement is made, he hopes it is one which allows student-athletes the chance to compete to their full potential this fall and throughout the year.
“I don’t know how this will effect our summer contact days, that’s what we were looking to find out. We have been following the state and IHSA guidelines so our players have not practiced or trained together as a team at all. Obviously this isn’t normal so all of the practice plans, weight training, and conditioning calendars will have to be adjusted to ensure the safety of the kids and follow whatever guidelines are mandated,” Harrison said.
“We are waiting and preparing and I hope like heck there is a season for these kids, for these seniors. But at the end of the day, safety is still the most important thing so we have to be able to do it safely. ‘’
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 11:27 AM.
