Overview

• The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and state lawmakers have reached a compromise on House Bill 3037, the Right to Play Act, to ease restrictions on student-athletes competing in non-school sports events.
• The agreement will make waivers for participating in non-IHSA events more plentiful and easier to obtain, addressing longstanding concerns from athletes and families.
• The IHSA has committed to updating its bylaws through its established amendment process, with changes expected to take effect in January 2026.
• The original IHSA ban, which allowed exceptions only for national teams, aimed to prevent overuse injuries and limit pay-to-play inequities but faced criticism for restricting recruitment opportunities.
• Lawmakers and advocates believe the reforms will better connect athletes with college scholarships and allow them to showcase their skills in broader competitive settings.