By JEFF LAMPE
Normally by now, we would be filling this page with season previews of local baseball, softball and track teams – along with news of cancellations due to weather.
Instead, this story will focus on postponements and what the future may or may not bring for local high school and junior high athletics in the face of the novel COVID-19.
Uncertainty rules, as noted by Elmwood Athletic Director Chuck Vermillion.
“As of the moment, when we return to school, extracurricular activities will start back up,” Vermillion said.
But that could change.
So far, the Illinois High School Association has not ruled out spring championships. The IHSA did call off March Madness in Peoria for last weekend and next. That’s likely a sad ending to what appears to be the final tournaments held in Peoria.
Also canceled were scholastic bowl and a few other winter activities.
Originally, the IHSA had proposed holding the tournaments and allowing 60 spectators per team, while eliminating all peripheral events such as the March Madness Experience and 3-point shootout. But apparently, a few participating schools balked at the idea and the IHSA reconsidered.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding that we have received from everyone involved in this process over the past 72 hours,” said Craig Anderson. “We have stressed the fluidity of this situation and have been transparent about the possibility that a suspension or cancellation could occur. While we had support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Peoria City/ County Health Department to continue our events with limited spectators, it has become untenable to continue the events among our member schools.
“Multiple schools who are participating or hosting these sports and activities have been forced to withdraw from those roles, clarifying the need for the IHSA to take definitive action. The Board considered suspending the events, but after deliberate discussion, did not believe that was a realistic option within the timeline. We feel for everyone who has been impacted, but must put the health and safety of all involved ahead of these events.”
The IHSA has not made any decisions related to spring sport tournaments at this time.
“It is too early to make any decisions regarding IHSA spring state final tournaments,” said Anderson. “We respect the NCAA’s decision to cancel its spring championships, but also recognize that the exposure and travel by our high school teams is not as expansive as collegiate teams. At this juncture, we recommend that all IHSA spring sport teams consult their local health departments, and follow their recommendations on if and how to proceed with practices and regular-season contests.”
Similarly, the Illinois Elementary School Association has cancelled its 7th and 8th grade volleyball postseason after first considering rescheduling those events.
But in a press release, IESA Executive Director Steve Endsley said, “We have notified the entire membership that the remaining IESA activities for the 2019-20 school year – Bowling, Music Organizational Contests, Scholastic Bowl and Track & Field are planned to be conducted as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will communicate the status of the state series for our membership as we get closer to each event. ”
That’s the same approach being taken by local schools. With all schools closed until March 30, there will be no practices or extracurricular activities.
Beyond that is anyone’s guess.
“I’m not sure what is going to happen. From everything you read as far as athletics it seems like two weeks will not be enough time to let the virus take its course,” Princeville Athletic Director Jeff Kratzer said. “We are being very optimistic and are looking forward to having some type of spring sports season. What that would look like I have no idea.
“We would probably get together with all the conference teams and comprise some sort of (Lincoln Trail Conference) schedule and then fill in with a non-conference schedule.”
Kratzer and other athletic directors said if the IHSA cancels spring championships, schools will likely follow suit with their regular season contests.
The IHSA has also put out a Question & Answer page on its website (ihsa.org) to help answer sports-related questions regarding COVID-19. The following is an excerpt from the Q&A.
SPRING RESUMPTION DATE
Q: Are schools ok to resume practice/games on March 31?
A: March 31 remains the target date, however, there are state governmental, educational and health bodies that will need to approve this action as we get closer to it. It is too early to say definitively that IHSA activities will resume on March 31. Coaches will ultimately need to work in conjunction with their local school administration, as some school districts may choose to be more restrictive in their decisions to return teams to practice or games.
SPRING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Q: Will spring sport state tournaments be conducted on their normal dates after a shortened season, or rescheduled later in June or July?
A: At this time, we are monitoring the updates from state educators and health professionals on the best practices related to COVID-19. If the March 30 deadline appears to be on-schedule in the coming days and weeks, we will communicate an appropriate plan on spring sports to our member schools. It is important to remember this is an unprecedented situation and will remain fluid. It is possible, for example, that schools may reopen at some point, but that other gatherings (like sports) may remain limited.
SPRING SPORT
NON-SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
Q: Can a student-athlete who is competing in a spring sport (baseball, softball, track, etc.) for their high school practice or play that sport with their non-school team, of the same sport, (i.e. travel or club team) while school is closed?
A: No. IHSA by-laws do not allow a student-athlete who is in-season to participate on a club or travel team, of the same sport, and then return to play for their high school team. If a student-athlete in this situation chooses to participate with their non-school team during the school closure, they would not be able to return to their high school team if/when the high school season resumes.
FALL/WINTER SPORT
NON-SCHOOL PARTICIPATION
Q: Can a student-athlete who is competing in a spring sport (baseball, softball, track, etc.) for their high school practice or play a fall or winter sport (i.e. basketball or girls volleyball) with their non-school team (i.e. travel or club team) while school is closed?
A: Yes. IHSA by-laws allow a student-athlete to participate on a non-school team if that sport is not currently in-season at the high school level.
5-16-24
5-17-24
More Photos
