Ayrton Oneill
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is the regulating body for interscholastic athletics and activities in Illinois. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the question on everyone's mind is whether the IHSA will give the green light for basketball and other indoor sports to resume. The decision will impact thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and fans across the state. As the situation evolves, the IHSA is faced with the challenging task of balancing the health and safety of participants with the desire to return to normalcy and provide opportunities for students to excel in their chosen sports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 12, 2020 |
| Status | IHSAA has decided to cancel the boys basketball tournament games |
| Reason | Due to the coronavirus pandemic |
| Alternative | IHSAA will discuss the possibility of an open date in the future to allow schools the option to play a game |
| Refunds | Tickets purchased through the IHSAA will be refunded |
| Impact | This decision impacts the remaining games in the boys basketball tournament, including the four games scheduled for March 14 |
| Source | IHSAA Official Website |
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What You'll Learn
IHSAA COVID-19 Guidelines
The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has released COVID-19 guidelines for schools participating in fall sports, with a focus on social distancing, sanitization, and attendance restrictions.
Social Distancing
Players, coaches, officials, and fans are expected to maintain six feet of separation whenever possible. To facilitate this, teams are encouraged to schedule meets that allow for social distancing, which may result in more duals and triangulars instead of multi-team tournaments.
Sanitization
The guidelines emphasize the importance of constant sanitization, particularly in sports like football.
Attendance Restrictions
The IHSAA has implemented restrictions on fan attendance, capping each set of bleachers at 50% capacity or 250 people, whichever comes first. Families can sit together but must maintain a six-foot distance from other families. Schools have the autonomy to enforce stricter guidelines if necessary, as seen in Adams County, where only four family members of each high school senior on the team were permitted to attend.
Additionally, the IHSAA suggests that schools and teams follow the guidelines provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for sport-specific guidance.
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Player Eligibility
For Chicago Public Schools, principals are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all student athletes satisfy eligibility rules and requirements. Coaches are responsible for assisting school administrators in monitoring student athlete compliance with eligibility rules and requirements.
To be eligible for varsity competition, a student shall be eligible through age nineteen (19) unless the student shall become twenty (20) during the sport season, in which case eligibility shall terminate on the first day of such a season.
Transfer students may file a request for eligibility with the Office of Sports Administration by submitting a completed transfer packet. The Office of Sports Administration will communicate the requirements and deadlines for submitting transfer packets. The decision on eligibility will be based on IHSA rules regarding the eligibility of transfer students.
IHSA by-law 3.120 prevents underclass players from participating in all-star contests during their seasons for football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. The IHSA defines an "All-Star Team" as:
> A team of students who are selected to participate in a non-school contest or tournament based on athletic ability, performance, or reputation when representing the member high school the student attends or previously attended. Students represent their school by using the school’s name, being selected or nominated by the school, or by wearing any part of the school’s athletic uniform.
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Tournament Structure
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced that it will be moving forward with plans to allow high school basketball tournaments to take place, but with some modifications to the traditional tournament structure due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The IHSA's decision comes as a relief to many student-athletes, coaches, and fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of high school sports. While the tournament will look a little different this year, the IHSA is committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for all participants.
The tournament structure for the upcoming high school basketball season will consist of regional, sectional, and super-sectional rounds, with the state finals taking place as the culmination of the tournament. This structure is designed to limit travel and potential exposure to COVID-19 while still providing a pathway for teams to compete for a state championship. Here's a more detailed look at each round:
Regional Rounds:
The regional rounds will be the first stage of the tournament, with teams competing within their respective regions. The number of teams in each region may vary, and the teams will be seeded based on their performance during the regular season. The regional rounds will be single-elimination, with the winning teams advancing to the sectional rounds.
Sectional Rounds:
The winners from the regional rounds will then advance to the sectional rounds, where they will compete against other teams from nearby regions. The sectional rounds will also be single-elimination tournaments, and the number of teams in each sectional may differ based on the number of participating schools. The winners of the sectional rounds will then move on to the super-sectional round.
Super-Sectional Round:
The super-sectional round is a new addition to the tournament structure and will serve as a sort of "quarterfinal" round. In this round, the winners of the sectional rounds will face off against each other. Similar to the previous rounds, the super-sectional will be a single-elimination format, with the winning teams advancing to the state finals.
State Finals:
Finally, the state finals will be held as the culminating event of the tournament. A limited number of teams that have emerged victorious from the super-sectional round will compete against each other to determine the state champion. The state finals will be held at a central location, and the specific format (single-elimination or round-robin) may vary depending on the number of participating teams.
To ensure the safety of all participants, the IHSA will be implementing a range of health and safety protocols throughout the tournament. These protocols will include social distancing measures, mandatory face coverings, and enhanced sanitation procedures. The specific guidelines will be communicated to all participating schools and will be subject to change based on the latest recommendations from health officials.
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Spectator Attendance
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has released guidelines for the upcoming basketball season, addressing key concerns around spectator attendance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With safety at the forefront, the IHSA is implementing a range of measures to ensure the well-being of all involved while still providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete.
One of the primary decisions made by the IHSA is to limit the number of spectators allowed at each game. This decision is in line with similar measures taken by other sports organizations across the country. By reducing the number of people in attendance, social distancing can be more effectively practiced, and the risk of virus transmission is decreased. The specific number of permitted spectators will vary depending on the size of the venue and the ability to maintain adequate distance between individuals or family groups. Schools are encouraged to consider their unique circumstances and local health guidelines when determining the appropriate number of attendees.
To manage the limited capacity, the IHSA is recommending a ticketing system that prioritizes participants' families and friends. This system will ensure fairness and provide an opportunity for those closest to the athletes to attend the games. Schools are advised to create a process that works best for their community, whether it be through pre-sold tickets, online reservations, or another method that controls the number of spectators and prevents overcrowding. It is also suggested that schools communicate their plans clearly to both the school community and opposing teams to manage expectations and ensure a smooth process.
Additionally, the IHSA is mandating that all spectators adhere to specific safety protocols. Face coverings will be required for individuals over the age of two, with the exception of those unable to medically tolerate a mask. Proper social distancing must also be maintained, and seating arrangements should be configured to allow for adequate distance between family groups. The IHSA emphasizes that these measures are critical to ensuring the safety of all in attendance and to reducing the potential spread of the virus. Schools are expected to enforce these protocols and may implement additional measures as needed to address the specific needs and challenges of their community.
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Potential Challenges/Controversies
As the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) considers the return of basketball and other winter sports, several potential challenges and controversies may arise. One key issue is the varying infection rates and local conditions across the state. While some regions may have successfully contained the virus, others might still be struggling with high infection rates. This disparity could lead to a situation where some schools or districts are ready to resume sports activities while others are not, potentially creating an uneven playing field and scheduling challenges.
Another concern is the safety of participants and staff. Basketball, by its very nature, is a close-contact sport with frequent physical interactions between players. Ensuring the safety of players, coaches, referees, and other support staff will be paramount. Implementing and enforcing safety protocols, such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent sanitization, may prove challenging during practices and games. The availability and frequency of COVID-19 testing for athletes and staff is another factor that needs to be considered to minimize the risk of infections.
The financial implications of resuming basketball and winter sports cannot be overlooked. Schools and districts have already faced budgetary constraints due to the pandemic, and the additional costs of implementing safety measures, acquiring personal protective equipment, and potentially modifying facilities to adhere to social distancing guidelines could be substantial. Furthermore, the loss of revenue from reduced attendance at games, as well as the potential for increased transportation costs to accommodate social distancing, may place a significant financial burden on schools and athletic departments.
The equity of participation is another important consideration. If basketball is allowed, will all students have an equal opportunity to participate? This includes ensuring that students from lower-income families or those with limited access to transportation are not disproportionately affected. Additionally, the availability and accessibility of practice facilities and equipment should be considered to ensure that all students can safely prepare for the season.
Lastly, the IHSA and individual schools must be prepared to handle potential COVID-19 outbreaks within their athletic programs. Clear guidelines and protocols should be established for contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine procedures. Deciding on the appropriate course of action, whether it is temporarily pausing practices or competitions or implementing more long-term cancellations, will be crucial to minimizing the impact on the wider community. Transparent communication and collaboration between school administrators, local health officials, and the IHSA will be vital in navigating these potential challenges and controversies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) has announced that they will be allowing basketball as a recognized sport for this upcoming year.
A: While the IHSA is allowing basketball, there may be local or state restrictions in place that could impact the ability to play, such as mask mandates or capacity limits for indoor gatherings. It is important to stay updated with the latest guidelines from local authorities.
The IHSA has released a schedule for the upcoming basketball season, including tryout dates, practices, and tournament information. The season is set to begin with tryouts in late October, leading into practices and scrimmages throughout November.
The IHSA recommends that students, coaches, and parents regularly check their website, where they will post any updates or changes to the basketball season, as well as other sports, in a timely manner. You can also follow their social media channels for the latest announcements.
The IHSA has not announced any significant changes to the rules of the game. However, there may be adjustments to the format of tournaments or guidelines for spectators, which will be communicated by the IHSA and individual schools ahead of the season starting.
