(WEEK) — The Illinois High School Association board says those playing in low-risk outdoor sports do not have to wear masks while playing.
The announcement was made Monday night, following its regularly scheduled meeting.
The IHSA categorizes bass fishing, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field as low-risk outdoor sports.
However, those on the bench, or not actively competing must still mask up.
A statement from the IHSA adds officials in these sports and activities must continue to wear masks unless they are socially distanced. It adds that more guidance will be provided to the coaches and officials in these respective sports from the IHSA in the coming days.
The board also set state finals dates and locations.
In a statement, the baseball state finals will take place June 17th and 18th. Class 1A will take place at Illinois State University on June 17th, while Class 3A will take place the same day at the home of the Schaumburg Boomers. Class 2A state baseball finals will take place June 18th at Illinois State University, while Class 4A takes place the same day at the home of the Joliet Slammers.
The Softball State Finals will take place June 16th-17th at the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria. Class 1A and 2A action is set for June 16th, while Class 3A and 4A will play on June 17th.
Class 1A Girls Track and Field State Finals are scheduled to take place on June 10th, with Class 2A Girls action taking place on June 11th, and the Class 3A girls state finals taking place on June 12th.
Class 1A Boys Track and Field State Finals will take place on June 17th, Class 2A action happens on June 18th, and Class 3A finals take place June 19th.
The IHSA Board also announced Monday night it has approved a recommendation to reduce the summer contact day period from 25 to 20 for only the summer of 2021.