IHSAA News

Updated release from April 17, 2020 BOONE, Iowa — Following recommendations on April 17 to keep Iowa schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all spring activities of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association were canceled. The cancellation of all four boys’ and girls’ sports – golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field – was made by the IGHSAU and IHSAA in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Education and state officials. The decision was also approved by the IGHSAU and IHSAA boards. Guidance from Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Department of Public Health had previously suspended spring activities through April 17, then through April 30. Governor Reynolds announced the extended closure of in-person schooling and school activities with Department of Education executive director Dr. Ann Lebo at a news conference Friday. This cancellation is effective for all spring practices, competitions, and postseason events. “While we are disappointed that student-athletes will not have the opportunity to compete this spring, we remain committed to our primary goal of keeping students, coaches, officials and communities safe,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “This cancellation comes out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of all. Conducting our spring season would involve moving groups of people in and out of various communities for competition. At this time we believe that is a risk we should not take.” The spread of COVID-19 has caused an unsatisfying and unfortunate end to the 2019-20 school year as students across Iowa and the United States have faced cancellations and suspensions of school and athletic competition. The IGHSAU and IHSAA would like to thank all spring sports participants, coaches, administrators, officials, and spectators for their passion, patience, and effort during this unprecedented time. “We understand the important role that athletics and activities play in the lives of our students, schools and communities,” IGHSAU executive director Jean Berger said. “But during this time of uncertainty, we must support the health and safety recommendations of our state and national leaders. This decision is especially heartbreaking for our senior competitors, and we thank them for all they have done to represent their schools throughout their careers.” Summer sports (boys’ baseball, girls’ softball) are suspended pending an assessment made in collaboration with state officials before June. Practice, competition, and postseason dates will be announced when they become available. Both organizations will continue to follow guidelines from health and government officials in determining when it is safe to resume school activities and mass gatherings. In the 2018-19 school year, the four spring sports accounted for over 45,000 participants among Iowa high school boys and girls. Track and field was the second most popular sport by participation for both the IHSAA (12,012 boys) and the IGHSAU (9,908 girls). The IGHSAU and IHSAA continue to encourage member schools and communities to follow the guidance of Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health via https://idph.iowa.gov/ and https://coronavirus. iowa.gov/.

Website launches COVID-19 Resource Center

In late April, the IHSAA launched the COVID-19 Resource Center for our administrators, coaches, student-athletes, officials, and fans to stay updated during this unprecedented and unpredictable time The Resource Center page includes links to IHSAA news releases, rules and guidance for member schools and eligibility during the suspended period, summer updates, senior student-athlete spotlights, links to partner organizations, the NFHS Learning Center, and more. It is accessible through www.iahsaa.org/covid-19 or through the home page buttons or red highlighted banners atop the home page and select news and sport pages.

Updated release from May 20, 2020 BOONE, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that summer athletic seasons may be conducted for high school baseball and softball following a two-month activities suspension due to COVID-19. The announcement approved the reopening of school facilities and the start of practices for Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association sanctioned summer sports starting on Monday, June 1. Per the Iowa Department of Education, first contests may occur as early as Monday, June 15 and fans will be permitted at games. The IGHSAU Board of Directors and IHSAA Board of Control met after the announcement and both groups voted to approve resuming the 2020 summer seasons under Iowa Department of Education guidelines. Member schools are to follow reopening guidance entitled “Summer Sports” and “Use of School Facilities” as supplied by the Iowa Department of Education, with recommendations based on conversations with the IGHSAU, IHSAA, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the governor’s office. Dr. Ann Lebo, executive director of the Iowa Department of Education and member of the IHSAA Board of Control, is expected to join Gov. Reynolds at the daily briefing on Thursday. “The IHSAA thanks Dr. Lebo, Governor Reynolds, Dr. Pedati, the IDPH and all who have worked diligently to develop these guidelines to help us conduct a baseball season for the young people in Iowa,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “We trust that our administrators, coaches, umpires and fans will responsibly follow the guidelines in place to keep themselves and each other safe. This is terrific news and is a step toward getting our student-athletes reconnected to the activities that mean so much to them.” Spring sports seasons never began and were ultimately canceled on April 17 following the cancellation of in-person K-12 schooling for Iowa’s 2019-20 academic year. The original first practice date was May 4 for baseball and softball. “The guidelines laid out by the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health will enable us to safely move forward with a softball season this summer,” IGHSAU executive director Jean Berger said. “We are grateful for their leadership and support. “We know the games will have different circumstances and that we will all have to work together to keep everyone safe, but we are confident that we are up to this challenge.” Both organizations currently plan to conduct their state tournaments at their previously announced venues, with IGHSAU softball at Harlan Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge and IHSAA baseball at Principal Park in Des Moines. Per guidance from the Iowa Department of Education, coach-athlete contact for all in-person, out-of-season sports is suspended until July 1.

The Iowa Hall of Pride A program of the IHSAA

The Iowa Hall of Pride celebrates Iowans and their accomplishments in their communities and around the world! Our 26,000 square foot facility pays tribute to education and high school activities in Iowa. Through our high-tech interactive displays the value and character of Iowans is recognized; showcasing the pride in our state! Field Trips – Thanks to MUSCO Lighting all Iowa Students have free admission to the Iowa Hall of Pride! Schedule a field trip today or bring your team in when you are in Des Moines for State Tournaments! Pride Academy – Various programing from “Why Iowa?” to our student-athlete program “Pride in the Pursuit” contact the Iowa Hall of Pride today to bring Pride Academy to your school! Pride Challenge – Statewide community service initiative for high schools and middle schools in Iowa. Participating teams select a service project that connects with their community and school! Showcase Iowa Schools – Every school in Iowa has their own site in the Showcase Iowa Schools kiosk at the Iowa Hall of Pride! Contact us today to update your site! Social Media – Follow the Iowa Hall of Pride on Facebook: @IowaHallofPride, Instagram: @IowaHallofPride, Twitter: @iowahallofpride, and YouTube: Iowa Hall of Pride #IAHoP.

Discover more at the Iowa Hall of Pride! Contact us today on how we can serve your school!

330 Park Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 515-280-8969 www.iowahallofpride.com taylor@iowahallofpride.com