IHSA officials will now be able to review video after games to determine whether ejections for flagrant contact – defined as excessive or dangerous physical contact, such as targeting or hits to the head – are valid, following the approval of a new bylaw on Dec. 16, 2025.

The IHSA and its member schools approved and certified 12 new bylaws, including the change, during that meeting.

Currently, when an athlete is ejected from a game, they are out for the rest of that game and the following week’s game as well. This new rule will allow a video review that could overturn the suspension for the next game.

“We’re making a rule because we are a membership-driven organization, and our member schools have decided that’s what they want,” Troha said.

Several coaches shared their opinion about the new rule. “If you’re going to eject a player and take away time for the next game or that same game, it’s probably better if you have the technology to review it and make sure,” WEGO assistant football coach Malko Odishoo said.

This system is designed to improve the accuracy of ejection calls in tackle football, particularly in “bang-bang” plays that happen quickly and can be difficult for officials to judge in real time.

While coaches have sometimes disagreed with calls in the past, Troha said these situations are relatively rare and not widespread.

The IHSA’s rule-making process can be lengthy. Member schools submit proposals that are reviewed and voted on. At West Chicago Community High School, Athletic Director Nick Parry serves as the school’s representative in that process.

Parry said the rule could create challenges, especially since decisions are made after the game and cannot change what already happened on the field.

“This could be a mess… it could be fine, but we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out,” Parry said.