IHSA sends letter to governor seeking control of resumption of sports, activities

In a statement Friday, IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson confirmed he sent a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker seeking permission for the IHSA and its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee to "resume control over determining the resumption of IHSA sports and activities."

Anderson said, however, the content of the letter has been "greatly misconstrued" on social media.

"There have been no discussions, let alone proposed timelines, for resuming any sports at this time," the statement reads.

"Should our office receive a positive response from government officials, it could result in the IHSA reexamining its previously released season schedules, as well as postseason schedules, for the 2020-21 school year."

There has been increasing pressure on state officials for the full resumption of all fall sports in recent weeks. Last week, Michigan became the latest state to re-install football and other sports after their state-specific restrictions were lifted.

"It is important to note that, under the leadership of Governor Pritzker, Illinois has attained one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country," the statement reads.

"Additionally, several surrounding states have successfully conducted sports categorized as medium and high risk here in Illinois, and we believe sports and activities are safest when conducted under the IHSA safety protocols by school personnel. Those combined factors led us to issue this letter, and we will respectfully await response to it."

On Sept. 8, a rally was held in Wheaton advocating for the return to in-person learning in schools.

"The IHSA is not involved in any planned protests this weekend related to high school sports. If protests occur, we encourage all attendees to be safe, smart and respectful,” the statement concludes.