IHSA Invites Leaders From Across State
By Mark Jurgenson
This afternoon, the IHSA held a special virtual Board meeting ahead of their next meeting scheduled for November 19th.
No further decisions were made about the upcoming seasons however the association did outline a slew of guests they are inviting to their meeting next week.
They have invited both the governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to attend as well as members of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
They are also inviting a representative from the coalition of Superintendents, some 200 strong, that signed a letter urging this very type of meeting.
“The Board hopes to create a dialogue and build a more collaborative relationship with all the entities involved with developing sports policy in our state as everyone tries to navigate the myriad issues caused by the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The Board’s decision to move forward with the IHSA basketball season was not meant to be adversarial. It was rooted in a desire to receive more direct communication and data from our state partners. They hope all the groups will see the mutual benefit of increased discourse and be represented at the meeting on November 19.”
The Board directed member schools who begin practice on Monday to adhere to level 1 regulations until November 19th when they will provide more guidance.
According to the IDPH website level one means, “no-contact practices, and trainings only.”
Finally they cited that there have been almost 300 schools who are not planning to begin basketball on Monday with another 212 undecided about next week.
As for the two local high schools in the area, Triad will be examining their options for Monday.
“I have to reach out to our superintendent tomorrow to see if any new information has been brought to the table as far as where the Triad District stands,” said athletic director Kenny Deatherage. “If the district will allow us to at least practice, I would expect our teams to meet and practice using the level one mitigation measures.”
Collinsville will begin practice on Monday for both boys and girls basketball. They will be following today’s guidance allowing drills but no contact during practice according to athletic director Clay Smith.
