Area high schools are grappling with the decision of whether or not to allow students to participate in winter sports.

The Evansville School Board gave its district approval to move forward with athletics, against the recommendation of the Rock County Health Department.

The Rock Valley Conference will vote next week on whether to allow conference play, but Evansville is preparing to schedule non-conference games with opponents, so long as they follow strict COVID-19 protocols Evansville has in place for its students.

School board members expressed confidence in their district’s plans to mitigate the coronavirus risks but had concerns about other schools with looser restrictions potentially exposing their students.

Evansville High School Principal Jason Knott said students in districts not offering athletics often opt for club or travel teams that could lead to less controlled COVID-19 exposure.

Athletic Director Andie Varsho said their coaches will not allow students to participate in both.