High school summer sports athletes and coaches will soon learn if they can play or not. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union continue to plan for a return to play as soon as it is possible in a safe and responsible manner, according to a statement issued Monday. Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education set June 1st 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. Discussions with member schools, the Iowa Department of Education,and the Iowa Department of Public Health are part 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 include:

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).