Illinois High School Association officials announced yesterday (7/29) that athletics in the 2020-2021 school year will be significantly rearranged in an effort to provide for student safety. Truncated competition seasons will begin on August 10th, November 16th, February 15th, and May 3rd.
Some of the most significant changes involve football, girls volleyball, and boys soccer. These three sports will be moved from the fall to the spring. Sports that begin in August include boys and girls golf, girls tennis, cross country, and girls swimming and diving. Other sports will be distributed across the remainder of the school year.
IHSA representatives say the plan is the most realistic chance for students to participate in interscholastic sports while still observing guidelines and restrictions in place from the state department of health and the governor’s office.
The IHSA did not make a decision regarding non-athletic activities including speech, journalism, debate, bass fishing, chess, drama and group interpretation, music, and scholastic bowl. Officials say they’re hopeful that many activities can continue virtually.
Local school districts will have authority to make final decisions regarding their participation. More information is available at ihsa.org.
