Peoria Standard

New restrictions on youth and adult recreational sports have been issued by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and went into effect during August. 

The restrictions address school sports, IHSA and IESA, travel clubs, recreational leagues, Park District sports programs, private leagues and sports centers across the state, the Caucus Blog reported in July. The decision does not affect professional or college sports. 

The restrictions set four levels allowed in the state and rank sports based on four levels of risk: low, medium and high. 

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) | Courtesy Photo

Under level one, non-contact sports practices are allowed, but must take place outside, the Caucus Blog reported. The second level allows for indoor and outdoor practices. Intra-team scrimmages will be allowed, but competitive playing won't be permitted. Intra-conference, intra-region and intra-league sports playing are allowed under level three. State and league championship games will also be permitted, but only for sports that are considered low risk. 

Under level four, state championships are permitted in addition to out-of-conference play, tournaments and out-of-state play, the Caucus Blog reported. 

On Aug. 15, low-risk sports were allowed to play at the first three levels. Medium risk sports can play at the first two levels. High-risk sports can only be played on level one. 

These restrictions were determined with the help of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. 

But not all lawmakers are happy with Pritzker's athletic restrictions. 

“From day one of his executive orders, the Governor has said he relies solely upon science to make his decisions,” State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) told the Caucus Blog. “Well, where is his science on these decisions today? Why are sports like lacrosse or ultimate Frisbee a higher risk level than basketball and soccer? What is the science on four different levels of play? Yet again, the governor  seems to be making these decisions completely on his own, and certainly  with no input from any other elected official.”

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) is also unhappy with the restrictions, especially since he is a father of sons. 

“As a father of three boys who play sports year-round, I understand the integral role athletics play in the education of our children and their mental and physical health," LaHood told the Caucus Blog. "A one-size-fits-all structure to regulating youth sports is not the right approach in a state as regionally diverse as Illinois. This is a clear overreach by Governor Pritzker, and there  will be significant health consequences for our children because of  these rules."