Kaneland AD offers possible sports calendar outlook ahead of IHSA meeting later this week

MAPLE PARK – Ahead of the Illinois High School Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, Kaneland Athletic Director Dave Rohlman offered a possible preview of what the revised sports calendar could look like at the Kaneland school district Board of Education meeting on Monday.

“What that [revised schedule] looks like is anybody’s guess,” Rohlman said. “But, [athletic directors are] hearing: six to eight week seasons for the remaining fall and winter sports. So, that the spring sports who lost their whole seasons last year would get a full or near-full season.”

Rohlman again stressed that is “to be determined”. The IHSA will meet on Wednesday and is expected to officially unveil the revised sports calendar.

Rohlman also said he will meet with the Interstate Eight Conference athletic directors on Friday to schedule all conference matches, beginning with the sports currently allowed to begin.

The use of facial masks is already going to be mandated for participation in practices and games, but Rohlman also floated the possibility of an increased number of breaks during contests.

“Not just the timeouts the teams call in the quarters, but they’ll take additional – what they’re calling mask breaks,” Rohlman said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health this past Friday announced that all regions in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan can compete in all sports – including higher-risk sports like basketball, football and wrestling.

On Monday, Regions 1 and 2 advanced to Phase 4, making it five regions in that phase. Regions 8 and 9 – Kane and DuPage Counties – are on track to advance to Tier 1 on Tuesday.

Regions in Phase 4 allow for lower-risk sports – bowling, cheer and others – to compete in contests out of region. For high-risk sports – basketball and football – contests are only allowed intra-conference.

Regions in Tier 1 allow for higher-risk sports to practice or scrimmage, but no contests versus other schools.

For indoor sports, Rohlman said “it’s very likely” spectators will be limited, if any are allowed, as plans move forward.

The possibility of streaming games via the National Federation of High School sports network appears likely. For the lower level sports, administration is exploring the possibility of using Facebook Live.