In a stunning decision, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Executive Director Craig Anderson announced on Wednesday afternoon that they will indeed be going ahead with high school girls and boys basketball in a flurry of decisions that were made during a board of director’s meeting. Among decisions that were made, wrestling will be moved to the “summer season” which will be held from April 19th to June 26th of 2021. 

The board also approved winter sport guidance for all low-risk sports, which includes boys swimming and diving, cheerleading, dance, boys and girls bowling, and girls gymnastics. These sports will be conducted from November 16th until February 13th. 

Following guidance from the IHSA Sport Medicine Advisory Committee, boys and girls basketball can begin practices on November 16th with contests set to begin on November 30th within a COVID region or conference. Masks must be worn by all players, coaches, and officials during play. Basketball teams will follow team limitations allowing a maximum of 31 games. 

Anderson says that things moved relatively fast and the IHSA was caught off guard on the movement of basketball from medium to high risk.

Anderson continued by stressing that he didn’t necessarily feel blindsided, but wished there would be a little more communication. 

It is up to the local school to determine if they will allow basketball teams to participate. Governor JB Pritzker says national guidance says that they should err on the side of caution moving forward. 

To see the full statement issued by the IHSA click here. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more on this story as it develops. This is a fluid situation and changing rapidly.