Sports
IHSA Tightens Play Guidelines Amid COVID-19 Outbreaks In State
The move comes less than a week after Phase 4 of the Return to Play guidelines were implemented.
BLOOMINGTON, IL — With an increase of COVID-19 cases among high school teams across the state, the Illinois High School Association announced Thursday it will be modifying its Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines. The decision was made in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Health.
The modifications place greater restrictions on coaches and student-athletes in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the IHSA. Important changes include limiting physical contact and an increased usage of masks. The former restricts schools from conducting contests against other schools in most sports, including 7-on-7 in football.
Contact Days Can Begin Sunday For High School Athletes: IHSA
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The IHSA is working with IDPH to update the guidelines, and noted in a release, it will send out updates as they are approved.
The IHSA announced last Friday that member schools are permitted to begin use of voluntary summer contact days starting July 5, the next move in a phased strategy devised to ensure athletes can return to competition safely for the upcoming fall season.
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The guidelines include COVID-19 safety provisions such as:
- Coaches/volunteers must wear a mask.
- Officials must wear a mask except when actively exercising as part of their officiating duties and use an electronic whistle.
- Mouth whistles and blow horns are not allowed for safety.
- Officials are encouraged to be masked whenever feasible to decrease risk of transmission.
- Participants should be encouraged to wear a mask if feasible for the sport.
Earlier this week in Lake Zurich, three sports camps shut down after multiple student athletes tested positive for the coronavirus.
The IHSA is encouraging school districts to work with their local health departments on current restrictions in their area. Local school administration determines the permitted activities at their school.
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