Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced a three-tiered regulatory system for sports competitions in Illinois. In a news conference Wednesday afternoon (7/29/20), Pritzker said sports will be grouped according to contact and proximity.

The governor outlined a system that defines each activity as low-, medium-, or high-risk. After that general classification, activities will also be regulated using a four-tier system that determines how involved the competition can become. Activities that involve minimal contact and allowable distances between players will be allowed to proceed with near normalcy. The only adjustment in those cases would be including safety measures during competitions. Golf, tennis, and baseball would be included in this category.

Other sports are more restricted under the plan. Soccer, basketball, and volleyball will continue at levels one and two, meaning no-contact scrimmages and practices.

Some sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse will only be allowed to continue at their most basic level of conditioning and skill development.

As of this writing, the IHSA has yet to announce its position on the 2020-2021 sports season. Individual school districts have the final say in how they’ll handle their upcoming sports seasons.