Junior highs and middle schools to play baseball, softball and cross country this fall

The Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association determined Thursday that junior high baseball, softball, and cross country will be played this fall, following guidelines set by the IHSA and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

However, those sports will be canceled if Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker places all schools back on remote learning, according to a news release from Greg Hale, executive director of the SIJSHAA.

As well, competitions should be held only within an Illinois COVID Region (the state has 11 regions) or within a conference. During conference competitions schools may compete outside their COVID Region. If a school is within a COVID region whose status is reverted to Phase 3 or lower of the Restore Illinois Plan, that school's sports are canceled or suspended.

Meanwhile, the release also says that the eligibility of students who are remote learning to play sports, is the decision of the member school.

Here are the guidelines the SIJHSAA Board of Control released:

<b>Baseball/Softball</b>

● Use IHSA Phase 4 guidelines for practices and contests.(A more detailed document will be given to member schools early next week).

● Schools may play a maximum of two varsity/8thgrade contests per week(no tournaments). Of these, one can be a double header, if against same opponent. Teams can play threegames in a week if one of the contests is a DH.JV /7thgrade teams have the same limitation.

● Spectator and group gatherings are subject to IDPH guidelines during this time.

State Series:TBD

<b>Girls and Boys Cross Country</b>

● Use IHSA Phase 4 guidelines for practices and contests.(A more detailed document is coming).

● Schools are limited to a maximum of two varsity/8thgrade meets and two JV/7thgrade meets per week.

● Spectator and group gatherings are subject to IDPH guidelines during this time.

State Series:TBD.