During its meeting on January 14, 2026, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors approved action for Board President Dan Tully to call a special meeting of the IHSA’s Legislative Commission on January 27.

Based on a recommendation from the IHSA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, the Board is asking the Legislative Commission to consider a by-law amendment that would move the IHSA football practice start date from Monday, August 10, 2026, to Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The proposal will also seek to reinstate that all high school football players in the state participate in 12 official practices prior to being eligible to participate in an IHSA football contest.

“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,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “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 Legislative Commission will meet on January 27 to consider the proposal. If they approve, all IHSA member schools will have the opportunity to cast one vote on the proposal beginning on January 29. The voting will conclude on February 12, and if the proposal receives a simple majority of support, it will go into effect this August for the 2026 IHSA football season.

The IHSA membership voted in December to expand the IHSA Football Playoffs in 2026. That proposal required the season start date to move forward one week, which impacted the practice start date and required number of practices.

“The IHSA follows a democratic, member-driven process for by-law changes,” said Anderson. “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.”