IHSA fall practice begins while schools await approval of Return to Activities plan
For the first time in five months, high school sports could return Monday under the Illinois High School Association’s Return to Activities plan as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the IHSA’s plan announced July 29, the revised fall schedule, which includes golf, cross country, girls tennis and girls swimming and diving may begin practice under the guidelines established by the IHSA.
The plan is yet to be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, but IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha said in an email response Sunday that based upon discussions and guidance from the IDPH, the IHSA is not requiring schools wait for final approval.
“Based on our discussions with and the guidance we have received from IDPH, we will not be requiring schools to wait for IDPH approval to begin fall practices scheduled Aug. 10,” Troha said. “If local school districts choose to wait for IDPH approval, we respect that and will notify everyone when the plan is approved.”
The beginning of fall practice was the first since March 12 when the IHSA canceled the remainder of the boys basketball postseason playoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The spring season was also canceled.
Traditional fall sports — boys soccer, football and girls volleyball — have been moved to the spring season.
2020-21 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SEASONS
Boys/girls golf: Fall Aug. 10 to Oct. 24
Girls tennis: Fall Aug. 10 to Oct. 24
Boys/girls cross country: Fall Aug. 10 to Oct. 24
Girls swimming & diving: Fall Aug. 10 to Oct. 24
Boys & girls basketball: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Wrestling: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Boys swimming & diving: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Cheerleading: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Dance: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Boys/girls bowling: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Girls gymnastics: Winter Nov. 16 to Feb. 13
Football: Spring Feb. 15 to May 1
Boys soccer: Spring Feb. 15 May 1
Girls volleyball: Spring Feb. 15 to May 1
Girls badminton: Spring Feb. 15 to May 1
Boys gymnastics: Spring Feb. 15 to May 1
Boys/girls water polo: Spring Feb. 15 to May 1
Baseball: Summer May 3 to June 26
Softball: Summer May 3 to June 26
Boys/girls track & field: Summer May 3 to June 26
Girls soccer: Summer May 3 to June 26
Boys volleyball: Summer May 3 to June 26
Boys/girls lacrosse: Summer May 3 to June 26
Boys tennis: Summer May 3 to June 26
This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 9:06 AM.
