The IHSA released a statement to NBC today regarding legislation introduced to help high school female student athletes in Illinois. First: Watch the NBC story. It’s balanced. You’ll hear directly from student athletes, the IHSA and others involved in the issue. Second: Watch the Chicago LIVE clip from FOX today. I’ll share more regarding that on Thursday. For months, coaches, parents and schools raised concerns about the girls flag football season. Those concerns were repeatedly dismissed or in many cases went unanswered. There are email chains documenting those efforts from coaches and schools. I’ll get into that more on Thursday. That’s why student athletes, families and coaches ultimately turned to state lawmakers and why parents have turned to lawyers. Pay close attention to what happens next. The IHSA’s response this week is being closely watched, including by attorneys evaluating timing for potential legal action. Third: Support for the legislation continues to grow. Illinois House Speaker Kam Buckner and Assistant Majority Leader Camille Lilly have now joined the bill as chief co-sponsors. Fourth: The IHSA Board of Directors passed this language in its June board meeting - The Board approved a new Board Policy, entitled “Supremacy of Board Adopted Policies,” which dictates the Board’s course of action in the event a new by-law or change to an existing by-law causes one of the following scenarios: (a) may create or contribute to an unacceptable and material risk to the health or safety of a student-athlete; or (b) may place the Association or its member schools at substantial risk of legal liability, regulatory non-compliance or material financial exposure. Looks like option B might be used soon. You may read the state bill here: ilga.gov/Legislation/BillSta… #IHSA #MoreThanJUSTGames