When junior Mary Jane Seay learned she could receive chocolate goodies for participating in the Skechers Hot Chocolate Run, she wanted to sign up but could not because she was in season for cross country.
“I think that’s something that they actually used to tell you at the start of the season of track,” said Seay. “I remember them being like, ‘Remember you cannot run [a meet outside of Glenbrook North] or else you won’t be able to race.’”
The IHSA previously had a rule prohibiting student-athletes from participating in non-IHSA competitions outside of school during their high school season of that same sport.
IHSA’s Proposal 11 now allows student-athletes limited independent team participation, meaning a student can take part in a nonschool sporting event while in season with their school team of the same sport.
Student-athletes can obtain a waiver to participate in two nonschool events of any type, and a third if the event is sanctioned by the governing body of that sport, typically Team USA, said Matt Troha, associate executive director of the IHSA.
According to Molly Tomlinson, assistant principal of athletics, “Proposal 11 is a modernization effort to acknowledge that some of our elite athletes often feel they have to choose between playing for their high school and staying on the radar of college recruiters who frequent club events.”
According to Troha, Proposal 11 came out of the running community more than any other sport.
“We didn’t necessarily see an issue with a runner who wants to run a 5k on a weekend or when they don’t have a high school meet,” said Troha. “So I think we agreed that there was some good middle ground there.”
According to Seay, participating in more meets helps her train to race better.
“I think especially during track, if I were to start training for cross country early, I could do a 5k and that would benefit my ability [and endurance to] run that long,” Seay said.
Proposal 11 extends participation to nonschool competition, which allows for collegiate level exposure.
“I just think going to [college exposure] tournaments are super important for college recruiting and really, the Champions Cup was one of the tournaments that really got me noticed by colleges,” said junior Ellana Stahl. “So, I just think it’s really good that they passed [Proposal 11], … especially for athletes who want to play in college.”
According to Troha, he thinks in the years to come out of this change there will start to be more independent teams that come together for in season competition and there will be tournaments built around Proposal 11.
Students-athletes must notify their coach and athletic director then provide event details to obtain a waiver.
A benefit of Proposal 11 for student-athletes is that they gain opportunities to participate in their club sports while also prioritizing high school sports, Tomlinson said.
“I do think that it’s about finding the sweet spot between supporting an individual’s goals and maintaining the integrity of high school athletics,” Tomlinson said.