IHSAA urges schools to resume sporting events

The Iowa High School Athletic Association is encouraging schools to proceed with football games this weekend. Budd Legg, a spokesman for the association, says the ultimate decision rests with schoolboards.Legg says the association wants to send a message that there is a need to return to some stage of normalcy. He says the quicker schools get back to the usual routine, the quicker the healing can take place.Legg says the association has forwarded to schools a protocol for the pre-game ceremonies to deal with the aftermath of Tuesday’s attack. That includes raising the flag to full staff during the national anthem, and then lowering the flag to half-staff. He says schools can then hold a moment of silence if they wish. Urbandale athletic director Brian Coppess says they will proceed with their homecoming game on Friday. Coppess says the nation’s leaders want things to return to normal.Coppess says it is easier for high school games to proceed because there are not the travel considerations that effect college teams.When to go ahead and when to cancel is a dilemma for every athletic director. Central College cancelled its volleyball contest at Cornell last night and Central sports information director Larry Happel says there are a number of factors at work. He says the ultimate decision is based on the safety of athletes. Happel says adding to the confusion is the size and magnitude of Tuesday’s attack.