Bloomington, IL – Illinois high school football teams will officially begin practice on August 5, 2026, following a statewide vote that passed a new Illinois High School Association (IHSA) by-law aimed at enhancing player safety and scheduling clarity.
According to the IHSA, the proposal was approved late Monday night by a vote of 290 in favor, 245 opposed, and 67 abstaining. Seventy-five percent of member schools participated in the special election, which opened January 29 and closed at midnight February 12.
Under the new rule, each athlete must complete 12 days of on-field practice—excluding Sundays and lasting at least 1½ hours per session—before becoming eligible for the first game of the 2026 season.
The change follows IHSA’s earlier decision in December to expand the state football playoffs by one week, which had reduced preseason practices to nine. After consulting with medical advisors and national safety leaders, the IHSA Board initiated this special vote to readdress preparation requirements.
“Despite the cumbersome nature of the process, I am confident this outcome is in the best interest of student-athlete safety,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “This provides clarity for teams, coaches, and student-athletes heading into the 2026 season.”
The IHSA noted that schools may revisit the 2027 season schedule as needed, but the approved change solidifies the timeline for 2026.
