On August 4, 2021, Illinois Governor Pritzker announced an update to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Mask Policy that will require masks to be worn for all indoor athletic events regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. This mask directive for indoor athletic events applies to student-athletes, coaches, officials, game personnel, and fans.
Participants in indoor sports/activities such as competitive cheer and sideline cheer need to wear a mask. Per the IDPH, cheerleaders needs to mask, however, masks may be removed when actively stunting or tumbling due to safety issues. Masks can be removed during competitive routines provided student-athletes mask before and after the athletic activity. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, masks may need to be removed under certain circumstances. Face masks can be removed for competitive cheerleading (tumbling/stunting/flying) and gymnastics (while on the different apparatuses) because of the risk that the mask may get caught on objects, become a choking hazard, or impair vision.
Purchase a copy of the NFHS Spirit Rules Book at ihsastore.com