The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for its regularly scheduled meeting, which included both virtual and in-person attendance, on Monday, April 12, 2021, where the Board took action on several items, including a reduction in contact days this summer, a three-year membership assessment plan to aid in the IHSA’s economic recovery, and setting several spring State Final dates.
In addition, the Board announced updates from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regarding masks for students competing in low-risk outdoor sports and activities.
Students competing in low-risk outdoor sports and activities are no longer required to wear masks while competing. In-season IHSA sports and activities impacted by this update include bass fishing, baseball, softball, tennis, and track & field. Students must continue to wear masks in these sports and activities when they are not actively competing (i.e. athletes on the bench).
Updated 2/7/2021 8:03 AM
Hersey High School s Griffin Grinder took the ball strong to the basket. Glenbrook South s Brandon Ballarini and Rodell Davis Jr. met him just as strongly.
Whacked across the face, Grinder s protective mask dropped below his nose and mouth.
Masks slipped or were worn incorrectly numerous times in Wednesday s season opener, players first since COVID-19 shut down high school basketball nearly as soon as it began in November.
It often happened without any contact at all, calling into question the effectiveness of state health guidelines for resumption of sports and safety of players. In 18 Daily Herald photos from that game between the Arlington Heights and Glenview schools and from Thursday s boys basketball matchup between Prospect High School in Mount Prospect and Notre Dame in Niles, all but one show one or more players with masks worn in a way that exposed noses and sometimes mouths.