In a recent debate on the House floor, Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr urged the passage of a bill that would allow high school athletes to compete simultaneously on school teams and in non-school events. The Illinois House voted 68-39 in favor of the legislation, known as the Right to Play Act, which partially overrides the Illinois High School Association’s rule that prohibits students from participating in non-school events during the same season. The amended bill would allow student-athletes to obtain waivers for up to two outside events per year, with approval needed from the school’s principal or athletics director, rather than the IHSA.
While some critics have expressed concerns about the safety and conflicts that may arise from dual participation, Rep. Martin McLaughlin supported the bill and expressed a desire to further limit the authority of the IHSA in the future. The IHSA Executive Director, Craig Anderson, opposes the legislation as it puts the decision-making power in the hands of school officials rather than the association.
The bill now awaits action in the Senate, with supporters hoping to provide student-athletes with more opportunities to participate in events beyond their school teams. This legislation aims to give athletes the chance to compete in various competitions and potentially enhance their chances of receiving scholarships in the future.
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