IHSA prepared to delay 2020-21 high school sports season

Illinois High School Association executive director Craig Anderson told the state's athletic directors on Wednesday the IHSA is prepared to delay the start of the 2020-21 high school sports season, possibly until January as some models have suggested.

"If we remain limited in our ability to offer all of our fall sports this fall, we are considering a schedule that would permit all 3 seasons of sport activity to be conducted during the 2020-21 school year. We have received numerous emails from school administrators requesting this model to play out. This idea remains a priority for our staff and board. We are considering virtual competitions for many of our activities," Anderson's weekly email to ADs said.

Anderson also reiterated to ADs the reason that Wednesday's scheduled board of directors meeting was postponed to July 29.

"The special board of directors' meeting scheduled for (Wednesday) has been postponed until July 29, 2020," the email said. "The reason for the postponement is two-fold. First, to date we continue to have incomplete information from IDPH and the Governor's office on what plans/limitations will exist for the fall sports time period. Second, two members of our board of directors will join me in a virtual roundtable with representatives of IDPH and ISBE on Friday, July 24 to help us gain more information on the circumstances surrounding a return to activities."

Earlier this month, the IHSA rolled out its Phase 4 plan for returning to play, a plan that allowed contact in all summer drills. Shortly after that, the plan was rolled back when the IHSA received guidance from the IDPH to not allow contact.

On July 14, the IHSA said it will now defer to the IDPH, ISBE and the governor's office for further guidance on returning to play guidelines.

The first official day of high school sports practices is scheduled for August 10.