Jon J. Kerr | jonjkerr.com
Jon J. Kerr | jonjkerr.com
Author Jon Kerr is applauding the Illinois High School Association's (IHSA) plan to honor Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new mask mandate.
“The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) had a board meeting today,” Kerr recently posted on Twitter. “Of course, even it can’t avoid topic of force masking. IHSA said they will ban schools from state series for non-compliance of Gov. Pritzker mask mandate. The IHSA is a rule-driven organization that should continue to align with ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education).”
In his latest executive order related to COVID-19, the governor imposed a statewide mask mandate for all public and private school students. The order also extends to teachers and all other staffers.
At the Aug. 23 IHSA meeting, the board also approved the creation of an Esports State Series and kicked off a new era of IHSA Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals at FMC Natatorium in Westmont.
Set to kick off in April of 2022, the tournament will offer titles in NBA2K, Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers.
“It is exciting any time that we can expand the IHSA mission by offering another opportunity for students to represent their schools in competition,” said IHSA Director Craig Anderson. “We appreciate the time and effort put forth by our staff and the committee members who helped us get to this point.”
The move makes Esports the 10th activity offered by the IHSA, joining a list that includes bass fishing, chess, debate, drama & group interpretation, speech, journalism, music and scholastic bowl. The IHSA total state series now counts 41 total sports and activities.
The IHSA’s state series will be held over the last two weeks of April at a still-to-be determined site.
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