The IHSA is moving forward with a high school basketball season, despite Governor J. B. Pritzker saying the sport would be “put on hold” this winter. IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson realizes there could be some ramifications from the state. He spoke with Deputy Governor Jesse Ruiz about the issue.
Anderson says it will be a local school decision to determine if a school will allow their basketball teams to participate following guidelines developed by the IHSA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He was asked about what possible legal liability schools could face.
And what about the possibility of the Illinois State Board of Education withholding state funding for those schools who defy the Governor’s orders and play?
ISBE released a statement Wednesday night that read “defying the state’s public health guidance opens up schools to liability and other ramifications that may negatively impact school communities.”
The IHSA says practices can begin Nov. 16 with games starting on Nov. 30. Masks will be required by all players, coaches, and officials during play. A determination on fans will be made at the November IHSA board meeting.
Also on Wednesday, the IHSA announced the high school wrestling season would be moved to April 19.