Governor Jumps Ahead Of IHSA Decision, Makes Basketball “High Risk” Sport

Gov. JB Pritzker announced new restrictions on high school winter sports on Tuesday, including boys and girls basketball.  The IDPH updated its guidance for youth and adult recreational sports, moving basketball from a medium to higher risk sport.  Under current protocol, that means no contact practices or games are allowed.  The announcement came less than 24 hours before the IHSA Board of Directors were scheduled to have a special meeting to decide and announce the plan for winter sports.  With basketball at a Level 1, it means the sport will have to move up to Level 3 before games are allowed.  The IHSA was given 15 minutes notice before Pritzker made his announcement.  IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson, in a press release, said they will hold their special Board of Directors meeting today as scheduled where the Board will provide direction on the other winter sports.