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IHSA Has School Finance Concerns
The Illinois High School Association is concerned about the impact school finances are having on extracurricular activities.

With budget cuts and staff reduction either taking place or looming in Illinois school districts, the IHSA worries about the integrity of high school sports and the impact on student-athletes if programs or coaching positions are eliminated.

"When you start eliminating programs, you're no longer providing opportunities for these young people who need these opportunities," says Kurt J. Gibson, assistant executive director of the Illinois High School Association. "You're pulling those back and so young people are going to turn to the streets, they’re going to turn to other things and they’re not going to gain the many benefits that come with being involved in an interscholastic program."

Some schools are considering charging students a fee to play on their teams, or increasing reliance on outside funding such as booster clubs.

Also, the IHSA drug testing policy is changing. The number of tests for performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids, will rise from fewer than 700 last year to more than 1,300 next year. Instead of being limited to playoffs, they will occur at any interscholastic athletic event.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 18 10 by Newsroom
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