Not all Illinois school districts are approaching the mask mandate in the same way. As a result, the IHSA has released guidance for school districts on how to approach contests where the approach in each district differs.
In guidance sent on August 13th, IHSA stated, "Schools choosing masks optional for their students must communicate with their opponents in advance of the day of competition the parameters surrounding competition and spectator attendance. If schools cannot agree on the terms of competition, the scheduled contest will be deemed “no contest.” This is a local decision."
What that means for IW teams is that the districts must agree on the parameters of masking prior to the contest taking place. Many districts that are complying with the mandate have already reached out to us and indicated that they will not play unless our student-athletes and fans mask. It is their right to make this determination locally for their home games. It is also their right not to compete in our gym if we do not guarantee a masked facility, and to have either contest declared a "no contest" as a result. Our current policy is clear that masking is optional, so we will be responding to visiting teams operating under the mandate that we cannot guarantee a masked facility.
Confused yet? Below are a couple of scenarios that I hope will help.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ISSUE ONLY PERTAINS TO INDOOR EVENTS. OUTDOOR EVENTS SUCH AS FOOTBALL ARE NOT IMPACTED BY THE MANDATE.
AWAY GAME FOR IW WITH A TEAM FOLLOWING THE MASK MANDATE: Our team can compete if they wear masks during the contest. Our fans will be required to mask to gain entry to watch the game. If our team does not consent to wear masks, the scheduled game will be deemed a no contest.
HOME GAME FOR IW WITH A TEAM FOLLOWING THE MASK MANDATE: The visiting team can request that we verify that we will guarantee a masked team and facility, including spectators. Our response would be that our policy strongly recommends masking, but does not require it. The expected response from the visiting team would be that the scheduled game will be deemed a no contest.
HOME OR AWAY GAME WITH A TEAM MAKING MASKS OPTIONAL
Masks would be optional for both teams and their spectators.
If anything changes or more information becomes available, I will work to get it to you as soon as possible. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.
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