After Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his latest edict that re-classified basketball, and other high school sports, as high-risk rather than medium-risk activities, the Illinois High School Association’s (IHSA) Board of Directors responded with a vote to continue as planned with the coming sports seasons.
In August, and following the guidelines published by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH )regarding high school basketball being considered a “medium-risk” activity, the IHSA had decided to run Illinois’ basketball season from November through February, according to coverage by Patch.
The IHSA Board indicated that it was leaving the decision whether or not to participate in the season up to individual schools, with the expectation that schools that are still learning remotely in response to risk levels in their communities will bow out, according to Patch.
Father McGivney Catholic High School Boys Basketball head coach, Todd Strong
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Yet, the ultimate fate of high school sports this season remains uncertain, with the board of directors stating its intent to follow the recommendations of its own Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, according to Patch.
In response to the IHSA decision, Pritzker insisted that his sudden change of classifying basketball and other sports as high-risk rather than medium-risk is what unnamed experts demand.
Father McGivney Catholic High School Boys Basketball head coach, Todd Strong, recently told the Metro East Sun that he sees the solution in the IHSA, the governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reaching some kind of compromise.
“I think it’s time that these kids get at least an opportunity to try and play,” he told the Metro East Sun.
Strong noted other states have successfully conducted high school sports without any problems or transmission of the novel coronavirus.
“I don’t see why Illinois should be any different at this point,” said Strong.
However, like other schools across the state, McGivney remains in limbo in deciding how to proceed, he said.
“We do have a schedule in place, so that’s good, and at this point in time, Nov. 16 is the start date for practices,” said Strong.
Ultimately, while Strong said he wants to make certain people are not harmed by COVID-19, policy-makers also have to consider the unintended harm policies can have.
“These kids are starting to suffer in other areas,” said Strong, “Their anxiety is going up, mental health issues are increasing – you know, kids need to be involved and to be active, and have things to do.”
With the success rate in places where sports have been permitted, Strong said he thinks it would be safe to at least start the season.
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