BOONE — Mum remains the word on whether Iowa High Schools will have a baseball and softball season in 2020, and whether any other school-related summer activities will be allowed.
The twin governing bodies of prep athletics in the state — the Iowa High School Athletic Association (boys) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (girls) — issued a joint press release Monday afternoon detailing the current state of summer sports.
Iowa is the only state in the union to play summer baseball and to extend softball through the summer. It is also the only state to have separate organizations overseeing high school athletics.
In Monday’s release, the IHSAA and IGHSAU stressed caution in any possible return to action while noting both were actively planning in the event athletics will be allowed to resume.
“The IHSAA and IGHSAU continue to plan for a return to play as soon as it is possible in a safe and responsible manner. Discussions with member schools, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and NFHS are essential in determining when and how upcoming activities may proceed.
Our student-athletes want to return to action and we want to be able to provide opportunities for them to participate safely. We are reviewing numerous COVID-19 considerations and protocols so that a final decision can be made regarding this summer’s baseball and softball seasons.
Guiding principles for the IHSAA and IGHSAU through this process:
- Keeping health and safety of participants, coaches, officials, administrators, and spectators as the top priority.
- Working with the Department of Education, Department of Public Health, and other state officials on sport requirements and scheduling within the recommendations for schools and school facilities.
- Developing practical guidelines and protocols for baseball and softball events (practices, workouts, games, postseason).
Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education set June 1 as a deadline date for an announcement regarding the possibility of summer sports and activities at Iowa schools. The IHSAA and IGHSAU will issue a decision and further guidance following those announcements.”
