Categories: Chicago

Restrictions for Illinois fall sports announced

Illinois’ new state restrictions for sports aren’t just limited to high school football, which will be moved to the spring. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker feared the spread of COVID-19, so on Wednesday released guidelines for youth and recreational fall sports. The guidelines essentially cancel the upcoming high school football season.

There is some good news as well for sports fans. The guidelines aren’t applicable to professional or collegiate sports. Pritzker announced guidance for youth and adult recreational sports. They include, but not limited to, school-based sports, travel clubs, private leagues and clubs, recreational leagues and centers, and park district sports programs.

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) developed the guidance. They also consulted with a number of stakeholders including the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA).

Governor Pritzker said, “I know our hearts break when we hear the word ‘restrictions,’ especially when it comes to our children’s love for their sports. Whether this year is their first time on the court or it’s their senior season – this isn’t the news anyone wants to hear.” He added in view of the country’s COVID-19 situation, the toughest choice is also the safest one. Therefore, the guidelines restrict youth and adult recreational sports in Illinois.

Sports are categorized into three risk levels by the newly released guidance. They are lower, medium, or higher. They are determined by the amount of contact between athletes and their proximity during play. On Saturday, August 15th, the guidance takes place. DPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says we have to coexist with COVID-19, so the decision making has to be smart.

Josephine Poot

Contributor

Recent Posts

Senate Democrats mock Biden for selling weapons to Israel

Some of President Biden's strongest Senate allies are calling on Israelis to end months of fierce fighting and criticizing the…

11 months ago

The biggest cities in Ukraine are struck by Russian missiles, leaving at least 4 dead and over 100 injured

Ukraine's KYIV — At least four people were killed and nearly 100 injured when Russian hypersonic ballistic missiles attacked Ukraine's…

11 months ago

Good News That’s Much Needed for Biden

The economy is making Americans feel a little more upbeat, especially when it comes to jobs and incomes, which could…

12 months ago

College Ventilation System Reveals Missing Man

The discovery of a decaying body inside a college ventilation system marked the tragic and unexplained end to a missing…

12 months ago

Following three Palestinian shots, a Vermont man was arrested

Following the shooting deaths of three 20-year-old Palestinian-American students in Vermont, authorities have detained a man. According to a news…

12 months ago

China is told to cease “COVID deception” due to the pneumonia outbreak by the US envoy

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, urged Chinese authorities "to abandon COVID deception" and demanded that China be…

12 months ago

This website uses cookies.