IHSA Sets New Rules for Youth Football Practice

The Illinois High School Association approved new safety rules Wednesday to limit tackling in youth football practice in an effort to reduce head injuries, reported the Daily Herald.

In March, a controversial bill sponsored by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) proposing to limit the number of days players could have full contact hitting practice (twice a week) failed in the House committee.

The new IHSA policy calls for coaches to gradually increase the time players can participate in preseason practice, along with the number of protective pads they can wear.

On the seventh day of practice, players can participate in five hours of full contact drills wearing full pads, according to the IHSA. However, no single practice can exceed three hours, as there must be a two-hour rest period between practices.

Read the complete IHSA rules here.

"I commend our committees on a policy that is supported by medical experts, football coaches and school administrators,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman on the IHSA website.

"Football safety remains in the spotlight nationally and it was important that our committees took their time to study the data and institute a policy that they felt was best for student-athletes in Illinois. It is paramount that we use a meticulous approach in dealing with such important matters, rather than react quickly because of what is occurring in other states or elsewhere."

The IHSA is also considering additional policy changes for 2014 including eliminating live tackling during the summer contact period.

Read more on Patch:

New Rules Approved to Minimize Injury to High School Football Players

Update: Local Coaches Question Law Limiting Football Practice

Tell Us: What do Lake Forest residents think of the IHSA's new policy? Is it enough protection for players?