Now that Illinois has relaxed its COVID restrictions, more high schools sports can resume. Shortened seasons for winter sports, including boys and girls basketball, begin this week.
Moline High School Athletic Director Dick Knar says Illinois only allowed a few non-contact sports in the fall, such as golf, cross country, and swimming. And the worst part for him was not knowing when, or if, other sports would resume.
"The whole thing is fluid and you have to be able to adjust. Like for us it's going to be crazy-busy in the next two weeks just scheduling events, but at least I know when something starts and when something ends."
Illinois used to require 12 practices before a high school basketball team could play, but this year that's been cut to seven practices. And the season will probably include about 14 games instead of the usual 31.
Knar says basketball players will have to wear masks, and only a few people besides coaches, referees, and score-keepers will be allowed watch.
"And then they're going to allow 50 home fans, that's what our Western Big Six is doing. So on the opposite side from the benches and the court you can have 50 fans and they're spread out, socially distanced, for the games."
When basketball season ends in mid-March, football and volleyball seasons will start, followed in April by baseball, softball, track, and wrestling. And despite the restrictions and very short seasons, Knar says players and coaches have no complaints, they're just excited they finally get to play.
