PHOTO - Lindsey Wilson Athletics
Kentucky is not the only state in this part of the country to begin moving towards re-starting high school athletics this fall. The Illinois High School Association has announced its “Stage 1” of returning to the field and to the courts, and, while not a great deal apart from the Kentucky plan, there are some differences on how schools in that state will be preparing.
According to the Illinois plan, member schools are able to begin voluntary strength and conditioning sessions June 6. Those sessions will be limited to three hours per day.
Among the other guidelines from the IHSA are that social distancing should be maintained during the sessions, and that if social distancing cannot be maintained, that masks should be worn. Gatherings should be limited to ten people, and that figure includes coaches and medical personnel. Those groups should also be determined in advance of the sessions.
The sessions are only to include running, weightlifting, and exercises designed to improve physical fitness. Sport specific drills are not to be taking place during this time frame. However, free weight exercises that require a spotter will not be permitted.
Like Kentucky’s plan, local school districts have the ultimate say-so on what will be allowed for the athletes under their jurisdiction.
There are additional aspects as it pertains to cleaning and sterilizing that along the lines of what Kentucky has put in place.
Kentucky NAIA schools in fall sports include:
Alice Lloyd College
Asbury University
Brescia University
Campbellsville University
Georgetown College
Kentucky Christian University
Lindsey Wilson College
Midway University
Thomas More University
Union College
University of Pikeville
University of The Cumberlands
