(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The group representing high school basketball coaches in Illinois says the basketball season could go ahead safely next month, but it may have an uphill battle convincing Gov. JB Pritzker.
Jim Tracy, who leads the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, said in-school practices have shown that with proper COVID-19 safety protocols — social distancing when not playing, constant mask wearing and frequent use of hand sanitizer — teams from different schools could compete.
"We believe we could make this happen and continue this progress into our season," Tracy said Wednesday.
Pritzker said medical experts would have to convince him it's safety.
He said he's talked with governors from other states that have allowed high school teams to compete and have seen COVID-19 transmission as a result.
"It's a concern obviously for all of us to make sure that not only the kids but all of the families and the teachers are dept safe," the governor said.
The Illinois High School Association has delayed the season starts of contact sports, a decision that continues to draw objections from some parents and student athletes.
