UIL passes, denies proposals

The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which governs athletic, musical, and academic contests for public primary and secondary schools in Texas, met on June 14 to consider numerous rule changes.

Some big athletic proposals were brought up such as moving soccer to the fall, having a shot clock in basketball and deciding if freshmen could still play varsity sports to name a few.

Athletics

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee passed: A proposal to codify off-season and summer strength and conditioning changes implemented as a response to COVID-19.

A proposal to update a class and add a class to the list of courses for which there is an exception to the UIL rule that limits enrollment in physical education (PE) courses during the school day.

A proposal to increase travel reimbursements for sports officials by $5 beginning in the 2022-2023 school year

A proposal to establish a 10-year compensation plan for sports officials

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee denied, rejected, or took no action on: A proposal to alter the language of softball scrimmages per week.

A proposal to allow the (15) run rule after three innings in bi-district and area softball.

A proposal to prohibit freshmen athletes from participating in varsity competitions.

Proposals to change soccer from a spring sport to a fall sport.

A proposal to limit or eliminate coaches scratching of officials.

A proposal to add a shot clock in basketball.

A proposal to adjust track and field scoring to include scoring through eighth place.

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee will continue to monitor: A proposal regarding strength and conditioning for in-season athletes.

A proposal to study participation protocol for UIL member schools competing against non UIL schools.

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee will study: A proposal to adjust the process of a PAPF if the previous school is a private school.

A proposal to allow sixth grade participation at the 1A level (survey).

A proposal to require a best of three series in all rounds of the 5A-6A baseball post season leading up to the state tournament.

A proposal to allow the head golf coach and the assistant golf coach to actively coach during the course of play for all tournaments.

A proposal to amend junior high track meet start times.

Academics

Here is what the UIL Academics committee passed: A proposal to remove the requirement that critiques must follow the awards announcement in the One-Act Play competition.

Here is what the UIL Academics committee directed the staff to make the following change in the contest handbook: Update the CX and LD Debate guidelines to allow the use of the Internet during Cross-Examination Debate and Lincoln Douglas Debate competition.

Here is what the UIL Academics committee denied, rejected, or took no action on: A proposal to change who is considered eligible participants in the Young Filmmakers Contest.

A proposal that requires host sites have computers and printers available to contestants, along with a person to assist with technology issues, during events that allow computers to be used.

Music

Here is what the UIL Music committee passed: A proposal to allow a non-student to intervene due to amplification failure at a marching band contest and to clarify cable placement.

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee authorized the staff to study: A proposal to add a new division for cheerleaders with live pep band at the spirit state championships.

A proposal to hold the state marching band contest annually for every conference.

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee approved in concept: A proposal to reduce the number of bands necessary at an area marching band contest to have a preliminary and final round.

A proposal to change 4A bands from utilizing the five-judge adjudication system at the state marching band contest to the seven-judge adjudication system.

Here is what the UIL Athletics committee authorized the staff to monitor: A proposal to ensure there are at least four competing 1A bands at a region marching band contest.

A proposal to add a Division 1 and Division 2 for marching band competition.