Changes to high school sports announced
On Friday, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced changes to policies governing high school sports. High risk sports, including basketball and football will be able to participate in interscholastic contests in regions that are in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan.
What that means for GHS?
Currently our COVID region is in Tier 1 status. Our phase is dependent on several factors including the test positivity rate. It is possible that our region could be upgraded to Phase 4 as early as today. If and when our region is upgraded, winter sports could begin games within the conference. The Northwest Upstate Illini Conference is ready for this possibility and we will update schedules accordingly to begin games as soon as possible.
The IHSA is meeting on Wednesday to revise season calendars for sports yet to be played this year. This includes basketball, volleyball, football, cheerleading, girls soccer, baseball, softball, and track & field. It is expected that the IHSA will make adjustments to allow all of these sports to play shortened seasons this year. Once those seasons are announced, the NUIC will update schedules for all sports and plans will be announced for the rest of the school year.
As this information becomes available, we will continue to update athletes, families, and fans.
More information on current policies in Illinois can be found at: http://www.dph.illinois.
