Darren Kinnard
Section618.com
(Updated 7/9/20 5:23 pm)

The IHSA is making some significant changes to its Phase 4 of the Return to Play Guidelines. IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson sent an email to schools late Thursday morning outlining the changes, noting they were directives from the Governor’s office and IDPH to get the IHSA guidelines in alignment with the ISBE return to class guidance.

The changes include:
*No contact drills/contact between athletes
*Everyone must wear a mask (unless outside while social distancing)
*Strict 50 person limit to all indoor activities (including spectators)

Schools received a second email from the IHSA Thursday afternoon with some clarifications, including that masks would NOT be required outside while social distancing. Interestingly, that direction was confirmed through ISBE and the Governor’s office, not the IDPH. The IDPH still has to approve the changes to the guidelines, but the second email called that a “formality,” that the IHSA has been directed by the IDPH to implement the changes. The second email also spelled out specifically that there can be no scrimmages in sports with physical contact such as basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling.

Benton immediately suspended all summer contact days/activities, with other schools and individual teams following suit later in the afternoon.

Due to a change in the IHSA summer guidelines, BCHS has decided to suspend ALL contact days/activities until further notice.

— Benton High School (@BCHS_SportsZone) July 9, 2020

Due to the recent changes in the IHSA summer guidelines, CCHS will be suspending all workouts and practices until further notice.

— Terrier Athletics (@CCHSTerriers) July 9, 2020

Other schools have amended their guidelines and will adjust accordingly.

The IHSA has amended their Phase 4 guidelines due to the directive from the IDPH and the Governor’s office. All changes are highlighted in this document. We will continue to monitor the current situation and update everyone as we move forward. pic.twitter.com/Hf1Gc0JCnC

— MHS Athletics (@MarionWildcats) July 9, 2020

Thursday afternoon, the IHSA sent this release to the media:
IHSA Phase 4 Return To Play Guideline Update:

Due to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19 among high school teams around the state, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are jointly collaborating to modify the IHSA’s Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines.

The modifications place greater restrictions on coaches and student-athletes in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Important changes include limiting physical contact and an increased usage of masks. The former restricts schools from conducting contests against other schools in most sports, including 7-on-7 in football.

The IHSA is working with IDPH to update the guidelines, and will send to its membership, the media, and post on the web as soon as they are approved.