BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois High School Association posted an update for spring sports and activities Wednesday afternoon, including the possibility of shortened spring seasons extending through the month of June.

Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker extended quarantine measures through April 30 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means schools will remain closed until then.

The IHSA remains “optimistic that a May 1 return to school, followed by a to-be-determined acclimatization practice period, can still result in a truncated spring season that culminates with IHSA State Series tournaments and the crowning of state champions in June.”

A statement from IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said the Board of Directors is “highly supportive” of allowing spring sports to play into late June, but at this point, playing into July is not being considered. He added that if physical school attendance is canceled, all spring sports and activities would be as well.

Here is Anderson’s full statement:
“First and foremost, the IHSA continues to encourage all Illinois residents to heed the recommendations of state officials and medical experts. These quarantine and social distancing measures have been put in place not only for your own safety, but also for those around you. By adhering to them, we ensure the shortest path to returning to normalcy, including physical school attendance and participation in high school sports and activities.
　　

Even though Illinois schools will remain closed through April 30th following the March 31st announcement by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, we remain optimistic that a May 1 return to school, followed by a to-be-determined acclimatization practice period, can still result in a truncated spring season that culminates with IHSA State Series tournaments and the crowning of state champions in June.

In its discussions thus far, the IHSA Board of Directors has been highly supportive of creating an exemption to the IHSA Season Limitation By-law to allow spring sports to play into late June, but competing into or beyond July is not being considered at this time.

We are also realistic in recognizing that any further school postponements, or the cessation of physical school attendance for the remainder of the year, will almost certainly result in the cancellation of all remaining IHSA sports and activities this school year.”

The full IHSA update is here.