IHSA Announces Limited Regional Postseason

On Monday the IHSA Board of Directors met to discuss several issues, not the least of which was a proposal for what a fall state series would look like.

The state board determined there would be a regional round of competition during the week of October 19-25 “with the majority of events expected to be held Saturday, October 24.”

Those events will occur for all current fall sports including boys & girls golf, boys & girls cross country, girls tennis and girls swimming.

“The health and safety of the student-athletes, their coaches, and their school communities has been our priority from the start of the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson in an in-line press release. “Throughout the spring and summer, we looked for ways to reengage student-athletes with their peers and coaches, and our membership has shared countless positive experiences from that initial ‘return to play’ period. We have found similar value in being able to conduct fall sports, and believe the participants deserve a culminating experience if we can offer it safely.”

The details of the plan will be released in the upcoming weeks.

Softball Change:

The IHSA board also approved moving the girls softball state finals to the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria beginning with the 2021 season and lasting through 2025.

This will be a move across the Illinois River from the Eastside Centre in East Peoria.

Basketball Shot Clock?

The board also heard a proposal by representatives of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association about implementing a shot clock in both boys and girls basketball.

No action was taken in the proposal except the board did say they “will work with the presenters on potential next steps.”