IHSA may allow high schools to start football practice five days earlier

The Illinois High School Association's new football playoff format may result in practice beginning five days earlier.

In December, IHSA schools voted to add 16 teams to each of the eight playoff classes, an increase from 32 to 48 in each class and an increase from 256 teams overall to 384. The change came with a revised schedule that moves the start of regular-season play up one week, eliminating the Week 0 scrimmage.

The IHSA's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has recommended that the IHSA Board consider a bylaw amendment to move the start of football practice up five days, from Aug. 10 to Aug. 5. It also recommends reinstating the rule that football players participate in 12 practices before being eligible to play in a game.

“It is rare for the Board to call a special meeting of the Legislative Commission, underscoring the importance they place on this proposal for student-athlete safety,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a statement. “While the Board understands this change may impact summer scheduling for coaches and players, they are aligned with the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee in believing it is a necessary step to protect student-athletes.”

The practice date change has to get through an IHSA committee on Jan. 27. If it passes that it will be voted on by all IHSA schools. That vote will conclude on Feb. 12.

“The IHSA follows a democratic, member-driven process for by-law changes,” Anderson said. “As such, no additional changes or proposals will be considered at this special meeting, which is being convened solely due to the significant safety concerns involved.”