Legislative Updates:
HF 2591
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Iowa's HF2591 allows school districts, nonpublic schools, and charter schools to adopt local policies permitting eligible eighth-grade students to participate in high school interscholastic athletics. The law does not require districts to allow participation; instead, it places decision-making authority at the local level.
Under the new legislation, districts may determine which sports are eligible, the level of competition (freshman, junior varsity, or varsity), and establish additional local participation criteria. Eighth-grade students who compete in a high school sport may not also compete on an eighth-grade team in that same sport during the same season. Importantly, students who participate as eighth graders retain their full eight semesters of high school athletic eligibility after entering ninth grade.
The IHSAA, IGHSAU, and Iowa Department of Education continue to provide guidance as districts develop local policies. Athletic Directors are encouraged to work closely with their school boards and administrative teams to ensure local procedures align with both state regulations and the educational philosophy of their district.
SF 274
Senate File 274 requires cash ticket sales at Iowa high school events. To support implementation, the IGHSAU and IHSAA have established updated procedures for host schools.
Schools utilizing the Bound/HomeTown Ticketing point-of-sale device can record cash sales directly through the system, which automatically generates the required report for the IGHSAU/IHSAA. Schools unable to use the point-of-sale device must complete and submit the required financial report following the event.
Host schools are no longer required to send a check for cash ticket sales after postseason contests. Instead, the IGHSAU/IHSAA will reconcile cash sales with the school's host allowance. If cash ticket revenue exceeds the host allowance, the school will receive an invoice for the remaining balance.
Athletic Directors hosting postseason events should familiarize themselves with these updated procedures to ensure accurate reporting and a smooth reconciliation process.
Dates to Know:
July 1 - Iowa SF274 (Cashless Bill) goes into effect. IHSADA National Convention Scholarship is due
July 3 - 1st Round Baseball (1A/2A)
July 6 - 1st Round Softball (1A/2A)
July 7 - 2nd Round Baseball (1A/2A)
July 8 - 2nd Round Softball (1A/2A)
July 9 - 1st Round Softball (3A/4A/5A)
July 10 - 1st Round Baseball (3A/4A) 3rd Round Softball (1A/2A)
July 11 - 3rd Round Baseball (1A/2A) 2nd Round Softball (3A/4A/5A)
July 13 - 2nd Round Baseball (3A/4A) 4th Round Softball (1A/2A)
July 14 - 3rd Round Softball (3A/4A/5A) Final Round Baseball (1A/2A)
July 15 - Final Round Baseball (3A/4A)
July 20-24 - State Baseball Tournament & State Softball Tournament
July 26 - August 2 - Non-Contact Period
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