'Right To Play' act reaches historic settlement for Illinois high school student-athletes hoping to play club, school sports
Share this @internewscast.com

BURBANK, Ill. (WLS) — The “Right To Play” act has achieved a groundbreaking settlement, allowing young athletes the opportunity to participate in non-school events or on non-school teams during the same season they represent their school.

Previously, a high school student-athlete involved in a club team sport risked suspension from their high school team activities. The newly introduced rule permits them to engage in both.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Santiago Chavez, a sophomore at Reavis High School in Burbank and a leading distance runner in the state, aspires to continue his athletic career in college. Last season, he faced a two-week suspension from the high school season for competing in a non-IHSA track meet. Thanks to the agreement reached between state legislators and the Illinois High School Association, such incidents should no longer occur.

“Makes me happy now I can compete without limitations,” Chavez said.

Reavis High School athletic director Bob Morack said the rule change will allow for the best of both worlds.

“Most importantly the athletes. We wanna protect our kids,” Morack said. “We wanna do right by them, and I think this does that.”

READ MORE | Illinois House committee passes bill for student-athletes hoping to play club, school sports

According to IHSA rules, Chavez and thousands of other Illinois high school student athletes could be ruled ineligible for participating in a club sport event during the high school season. Naperville-area District 41 state Representative Janet Yang Rohr sponsored a bill in the Illinois House to change that.

“I’ve heard from student-athletes and families from around the state, and they are thrilled,” Yang Rohr said. “Because it really does open up opportunities.”

The IHSA will give student-athletes two waivers per season to participate in club sports. They released a statement, saying in part they support the change because it “would provide more opportunities for non-school participation for high school students during their IHSA season.”

Soccer player Libby Magnone was suspended for two high school seasons because she chose to play in club showcase matches in front of college recruiters. She testified before the house education committee in Springfield, hoping to change the law.

“I love it,” father Rich Magnone said. “Couldn’t be prouder of my kid, and I appreciate the state decided to be reasonable about it.”

The rule will not affect student-athletes for this school year or the fall semester of next school year. It’s expected to take effect in January of 2026.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump says 'very close' to securing Israel, Hamas ceasefire, returning hostages

Trump Claims Proximity to Achieving Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Return

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have expressed optimism…
Mets draft Mitch Voit, who went viral for cocaine-snorting celebration

Mets Select Viral Sensation Mitch Voit, Known for Celebrating with Bold Cocaine-Snorting Gesture

Mitch Voit made a name for himself long before his first-round MLB…
Woman in cosplay holding a large sword.

Russia Alleges Anime Cosplayer with Weapons Attempted Attack on Military Officer for Ukraine

VLADIMIR Putin has accused Ukraine’s secret service of recruiting a young anime-loving…
Portrait of a smiling pilot in uniform.

“Air India Pilot’s Eerie Words: ‘Just One or Two More Flights’ Amid Mental Health Investigation Following Mother’s Passing”

THE doomed Air India flight’s captain was considering quitting his job early…
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian chairs a meeting.

Iran’s President Hurt in Israeli Missile Attack on Tehran Security Meeting Before Quick Evacuation

IRAN’S President was reportedly injured during an Israeli blitz during the 12-day…
Francisco Alvarez doing what Mets asked with 'phenomenal' minors stint

Francisco Alvarez Excels in Minor Leagues as Mets Requested

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Francisco Alvarez is excelling in his minor league…
Ongoing trash strike draws pressure from officials as communities struggle with waste build-up

Continuous Waste Strike Puts Pressure on Officials as Communities Battle Trash Accumulation

As the worker strike across multiple states nears its second week, state…
Westminster, California suing former police officer Nicole Brown accused of stealing $600K in workers' compensation

City of Westminster, California files lawsuit against ex-police officer Nicole Brown for allegedly taking $600K in workers’ comp benefits

WESTMINSTER, Calif. — The city of Westminster, California is taking legal action…
Biden defends controversial autopen use for mass clemency decisions in NYT interview

In NYT Interview, Biden Explains Use of Autopen for Widespread Clemency Decisions

Former President Joe Biden explained his reasoning behind using an autopen in…
Michael Strahan, Kendra Scott join 'Shark Tank' season 17 as guest Sharks on ABC and Hulu 

Michael Strahan and Kendra Scott to Appear as Guest Sharks on ‘Shark Tank’ Season 17 on ABC and Hulu

Celebrity entrepreneurs join returning Sharks for another season of million-dollar deals and…
Portrait of Przemyslaw Jeziorski.

Masked Gunman Kills College Professor at Ex-Wife’s Home in Greece, Leading to Intense Manhunt

A COLLEGE professor has been shot and killed while visiting his family…
Woman in hospital bed holding teddy bear.

Backpacker Rescued After 12 Days in Australian Outback Reveals Dramatic Reason for Abandoning Car

A GERMAN backpacker who spend nearly two weeks lost in the Australian…