CPS says winter sports will not start on Monday

Chicago Public Schools announced on Friday that athletes in lower-risk winter sports will not begin practice on Monday.

“[CPS Sports Administration] is working closely with our public health officials to determine if we are able to offer these activities and will provide an update as soon as possible,” CPS Sports Director David Rosengard wrote in an email to principals. “Until a decision has been made, practice may not begin on Monday, Jan. 25.”

According to multiple sources, Chicago Public Schools athletic directors received emails this week stating that boys swimming and badminton practice would resume on Jan. 25, with contests to begin the following week.

But then on Friday emails were sent out that the Monday start is not happening. The announcement from Rosengard was sent later on Friday.

Lower-risk sports including boys swimming, girls badminton, boys and girls bowling, competitive cheer and competitive dance are currently allowed to compete according to the latest update from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

According to the sources it seems unlikely that CPS will allow contact days for other sports, something the IDPH and the IHSA is allowing.

It’s still unknown how the CPS will respond to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the IDPH’s announcement on Friday that all sports will be allowed if Chicago reaches Phase 4 of the COVID-19 mitigations.