Football Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the 40/25-second clock required?: No! If a 40/25-second clock is in operation and the home team will use it, the visiting team will also use it. There is no mandate to install a 40/25-second clock any time in the near future because of the added cost to schools for installation and operation. If schools want to purchase a 40/25-second clock or a new scoreboard with a 40/25-second clock, they may do so. However, to repeat, Texas' high schools are not required to use the clock in their football games.

May schools install the NCAA goalposts (18' 6" width) on high school fields?: No! Texas high schools use the wider 23' 4" goalposts unless they mutually agree to play a game at a college field which has the narrow goalposts. Goalposts must be padded.

Are schools required to have the single pedestal (sling shot) goalposts?: No! We do suggest if you install new goal posts to use this single pedestal type.

Are uprights required to extend upward 30' above ground (or 20 feet above the crossbar)?: No! The UIL recommends the 30' uprights. If new goal posts are installed, please install the 30' uprights for better judgment on kicks.

Are high schools required to remark the hashmarks to meet the NCAA requirement?: Yes. Texas schools will use the 60 foot (measured in from each sideline). Artificial surface fields also are required to mark the hashmarks. The other hashmarks do not have to be removed if doing so harms the integrity of the playing surface.

When can non-contact practice begin in 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A with no spring training and all 9th graders?: On the date set forth by the UIL Calendar (we recommend no earlier than 6:00 a.m.). Contact equipment other than the helmet and chin strap may not be used, but may be fitted and placed in lockers.

When can non-contact practice begin in 5A and 6A schools who have had spring training?: On the date set forth by the UIL Calendar (we recommend no earlier than 6:00 a.m.). Contact equipment other than the helmet and chin strap may not be used, but may be fitted and placed in lockers.

When can 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A with no spring training begin full contact practice?: After the 5-day acclimatization period (we recommend no earlier than 6:00 a.m.).

When can 5A and 6A with spring training begin full contact practice?: After the 5-day acclimatization period (we recommend no earlier than 6:00 a.m.).

When can I have an interschool scrimmage?: On the date set forth by the UIL Calendar.

May I have a third interschool scrimmage?: Maybe, there must be five days between scrimmages. Teams opting for a third scrimmage shall not play a zero week game.

When can I play my first high school game?: The last Thursday in August for all conferences (if five days have elapsed since last scrimmage). Sub-varsity football teams can play on Wednesday during Week 1 only if the varsity team plays on Thursday of that same week.

When can I begin practice for 8th grade football and below?: The first day of school.

When can I scrimmage or play a game in eighth grade and below?: No junior high student or team shall participate in any scrimmage or contest until they have had four days of practice without any contact equipment except helmets, and seven additional days of contact practice.

When can I issue equipment in eighth grade and below?: Football equipment may be checked out to the players on any one day during the week preceding the first day of school.

When is the last day for junior high or middle school football?: From the first day of school, schools shall have 80 consecutive calendar days to practice outside the school day, 63 of the 80 days may be used to complete scrimmages and games.

Even though I cannot practice, play, or have individual or team meetings on Sunday, is it permissible for athletes to be treated for injuries on Sunday?: Yes, provided the treatment is not extended to non-injured players, coaches do not require all athletes to come pick up materials or allow injured athletes to study scouting reports or view films.

Will gate receipts have to be divided among participating schools in the scrimmage?: There is no provision to share proceeds. Schools could do so by mutual agreement.

Are schools required to charge for scrimmages?: No. The decision to do so rests with the host school.