BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met virtually for their regularly scheduled board meeting on Aug. 24, where the Board approved a plan to conduct modified postseason state series tournaments in boys’ and girls’ golf, boys’ and girls’ cross country and girls’ tennis this fall.

The approved plan will allow for a single round of regional geographic competition to be conducted the week of Oct. 19-25, with the majority of the events expected to be held on Saturday, Oct. 24.

“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. “Throughout the spring and summer, we looked for ways to re-engage 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 IHSA State Series tournaments will meet all Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. The IHSA will be finalizing and releasing details for each fall state series tournament in the coming weeks, including dates, schedules, awards, structure, and additional safety precautions.

In conjunction with the modified fall state series, the Board also approved a $100 state series entry fee for any school entering a team or individual in any of the fall sports.

“The IHSA office is charged with the responsibility of being a good steward of the Association’s finances,” said Anderson. “The past few months have seen a significant reduction in the IHSA’s income, given the cancellation of the IHSA Boys’ Basketball State Finals and the entire spring season. Financial challenges remain on the horizon in 2020-21 due to the limited number of sports currently classified as ‘low risk’ by the state, making the chances of conducting full state series tournaments unlikely at this time.”

The IHSA By-laws allow the Board of Directors the discretion to implement entry fees into IHSA State Series tournaments. The IHSA last charged tournament entry fees in 2004-05.

“An overwhelming number of school administrators supported the fees in recent surveys,” said Anderson. “Not charging entry fees has been a point of pride for the IHSA. We are humbled by the support of our member schools during this difficult time, and appreciative of their support.”

The Board will continue to look at the postseason options by sport and season as the school year progresses, so they can accurately gauge the allowable IDPH options and most current COVID-19 data.

“Interscholastic sports, like the IHSA and IESA, have rightfully followed stricter return to play guidance than non-school events since the start of the summer,” said Anderson.  “While we understand and appreciate the frustration felt by high school coaches due to the stricter guidance, we also recognize the need for that added guidance, even though it may create more challenges for us. There is a responsibility that exists within the school setting to create a safer environment for the community as a whole, while non-school competitions are often conducted without any standardized safety protocols.”

ACTION ITEMS

• The Board approved a recommendation for the IHSA Girls' Softball State Finals to move to the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria beginning in 2021. The contract encompasses five seasons from 2021-2025. The Eastside Centre in East Peoria, who has hosted the state finals since 2001, also submitted a hosting proposal along with Chicago Bandits Stadium in Rosemont, the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, and Southern Illinois University.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson: “Louisville Slugger is an amazing complex and we are excited to transition the tournament there. The amenities and stadium feel of the facility will provide an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We are excited for the tourney to remain in the Peoria area, and incredibly thankful for all that the Eastside Centre and its staff have done for this tournament through the years. Thank you to all the groups who submitted bids. They are all amazing places to watch softball and help highlight why the sport is thriving in our state.”

DISCUSSION ITEMS

• The Board heard a presentation on the potential implementation of a shot clock in boys’ and girls’ basketball from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. The Board and IHSA staff will work with the presenters on potential next steps.