1/26/2026

by Matt Troha, Associate Executive Director

At a special meeting of the IHSA Legislative Commission held virtually on January 27, 2026, the Legislative Commission voted (26-5-1) to bring forward a proposal to the IHSA membership that would amend the start of the 2026 IHSA football season and increase the required number of practices for each player prior to participating in a contest.

IHSA member schools will vote online on the amendment proposal from January 29 through February 12.

The current football practice start date for the 2026 season is Monday, August 10, 2026.

If a simple majority of the IHSA membership votes in favor of the proposal, the football practice start date will move to Wednesday, August 5, 2026.  In addition, the proposal would return the required number of on-field practices (1 ½ hours per player per practice) before competing in a contest to twelve (12) practices. 

The IHSA Board of Directors authored the proposal in response to safety concerns brought forth by the IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

  • IHSA member schools voted in December to change the football start date in conjunction with expanding the playoffs (for more information, click here).
  • For the full text of the amendment proposal, click here.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson

“Student-athlete safety and a comprehensive acclimatization process for football are at the core of this proposal.While the process and timeline were unorthodox, the Legislative Commission clearly recognized the urgency of protecting student-athletes. We expect our member schools to follow that leadership to address this issue for the 2026 season and then engage in insightful discussions about 2027 and beyond.”