Subchapter C: ATHLETICS (1205-1210)

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Section 1205: ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

(a) INDIVIDUAL REPORT FORMS. It shall be the responsibility of each school to keep on file the following required annual forms for each student who participates in any practice, scrimmage or game.

(1) Pre-participation Physical Examination. Upon entering the first and third years of high school, a physical examination signed by a physician, a physician assistant licensed by a State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners, a registered nurse recognized as an advanced practice nurse by the Board of Nurse Examiners or a Doctor of Chiropractic is required. Standardized Pre-Participation Physical Examination Forms, available from the UIL office and authorized by the UIL Medical Advisory Committee, are required. For the 2020-21 school year only, any participant in athletics or marching band, in any grade level, who has not previously completed a Pre-Participation Physical examination (PPE), and been cleared for participation, will be required to complete the Medical History Form as noted below, as well as a PPE prior to participation in any UIL practices, games, performances, or matches.

• UPDATE: For the 2021-22 school year: Any participant in athletics or marching band, who was in their first or third year of high school during the 2020-21 school year and did not complete a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE) for the 2020-21 school year, will be required to complete the Medical History Form as noted below, as well as a PPE prior to participation in any UIL practices, games, performances, or matches for the 2021-22 school year.

(2) Medical History Form. Each year prior to any practice or participation, a UIL medical history form signed by both student and a parent or guardian is required. A medical history form shall accompany each physical examination and shall be signed by both student and a parent or guardian.

(3) Parent or Guardian Permit. Annual participation permit signed by the student’s parent or guardian.

(4) Rules Acknowledgment Form. Annual UIL Rules Acknowledgment Form signed by the student and the student’s parent or guardian.

(5) Parent/Student Illegal Steroid Use Form. The parent/guardian of each high school athlete, along with each high school athlete, shall annually sign the UIL Illegal Steroid Use and Random Steroid Testing Parent and Student Notification/Agreement Form.

(6) Concussion Acknowledgement Form. According to Section 38.155 of the Texas Education Code, “a student may not participate in an interscholastic athletic activity for a school year until both the student and the student ’s parent or guardian or another person with legal authority to make medical decisions for the student have signed a form for that school year that acknowledges receiving and reading written information that explains concussion prevention, symptoms, treatment, and oversight and that includes guidelines for safely resuming participation in an athletic activity following a concussion …..” * This section also applies to students participating in the cheerleading program at the school.

(7) Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Form. Each year prior to any practice or participation in athletics, a UIL Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness form signed by both student and a parent or guardian is required. 

(8) Completion of Forms: Completion of forms as outlined in 1, 2 and 7 above satisfies the requirements contained in Section 33.096 of the Texas Education Code (TEC).

(A) The UIL Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) has reviewed and updated the required forms listed to ensure compliance with TEC 33.096.

(B) If there is a reason why a school cannot comply with the above requirements, that school’s administration should submit a request for exemption from TEC 33.096 to the UIL Executive Director or their designee.

(C) An electrocardiogram (ECG) is not required. Should a parent/guardian choose the option of an ECG for his or her child, the parent/guardian is responsible for having the ECG administered and read in compliance with the law. A school district may provide an opportunity for this through an ECG program and may fund the program. A school is not required to proved such a program. 

(b) VARSITY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

(1) Subchapter M. Only students satisfying all the requirements in Subchapter M of the Constitution are eligible for varsity competition.

(2) Non-District Games. In non-district interschool games or contests, only eligible students may participate. Each school shall complete a varsity eligibility list for each sport.

(3) Eligibility Forms. Schools shall submit comprehensive eligibility forms for football, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball and soccer. For all other athletic activities general alphabetical listing of eligible athletes is required. One copy shall be sent to the District Executive Committee Chair and one copy shall be filed in the school’s office.

(4) Certification. Completed eligibility forms are to be signed by the superintendent or a designated administrator and the coach. These forms are to be submitted before a contestant is allowed to participate in a varsity contest.

(5) Suspension. Failure to furnish correct and complete information may, upon request by the proper committee, constitute grounds for suspension.

(c) PREVIOUS ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION FORM. The Previous Athletic Participation Form is required if a new student in grades 9-12 practiced or participated with his or her former school in grades eight through twelve during any previous school year in any athletic activity.

(d) MINIMUM PENALTY. If an eligibility form or a Previous Athletic Participation Form was not filed prior to competition, and it was an inadvertent error and the student is actually eligible under Subchapter M of the Constitution, the District Executive Committee is not required to demand forfeiture or to rule the student ineligible. They may assess the minimum penalty of reprimand to the school.

(e) SUB-VARSITY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. An individual is eligible to participate in UIL contests if that individual is a full-time student of the member school the student represents, has been in attendance and has passed the number of courses required by state law and by rules of the State Board of Education, and is passing the number of courses required by state law and by rules of the State Board of Education; or is a non-enrolled (home schooled) student seeking participation and is in compliance with all provisions included in section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code.

Section 1206: SCHOOL PRACTICE AND GAME RESTRICTIONS

(a) NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOOL YEARS. (Refer to Section 383).

(b) SUNDAY PROHIBITION. A UIL member school shall not participate in any athletic contest or conduct any practice or teach any plays, formations or skills on Sunday.

(1) Violation. Any showing of films to or meetings of athletes for the purpose of instruction or reviewing of plays, formations or skills in any sport will be construed as a violation.

(2) Coaches Sunday Meetings. This does not prevent coaches from meeting on Sunday or from seeing films or planning an instructional program, provided no athletes are involved in this meeting.

(3) Exceptions.

(A) Golf. If the regional and/or state golf tournaments are scheduled on a Monday, the one 18-hole practice round allowed at the regional and/or state tournament site may be played on the Sunday afternoon preceding the meet (no earlier than 12:00 noon) if permitted by the regional or state meet director.

(B) Tennis. If the regional and/or state tennis tournaments are scheduled on a Monday, and if participants arrive at the site on the preceding Sunday because of travel distance, it will not be a violation of this rule if school district personnel accompany or transport participants to a tennis court for the purpose of practicing on their own, if permitted by the regional or state meet director.

(C) Cross-country. If the regional and/or state cross-country meets are scheduled on a Monday, and if participants arrive at the site on the preceding Sunday because of travel distance, it will not be a violation of this rule if school district personnel accompany or transport participants to the course site for the purpose of practicing on their own, if permitted by the regional or state director.

(c) REGIONAL AND STATE COMPETITION AND PRACTICES ON SUNDAY. The UIL Executive Director, or designee, may grant exceptions to Section 1206 (b) on a case-by-case basis for team sports competitions and practices related to regional or state events when conditions exist that warrant such an exception. Regional or state tournament directors may reschedule postponed or weather delayed tournaments on Sunday afternoon or evening with prior approval of the tournament director and the participating schools and with prior permission from the UIL Executive Director.

(d) SCHOOL OFF-SEASON WORKOUTS, IN-SCHOOL DAY PERIOD.

(1) Accelerated physical education activities, calisthenics, skills, strength training or conditioning exercises may be conducted during the school year within the school day provided such activities do not exceed one regular classroom period, not to exceed 60 minutes when classes meet every day (300 minutes per week for block schedules). This provision applies to a non-enrolled (home schooled) student participating in accordance with section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code.

(2) The 7th, 8th or zero period for athletics is considered part of the school day, provided all students enrolled in the class are receiving state or local credit toward graduation and are not enrolled in any other physical education class. The 7th, 8th or zero period may not be longer than other class periods. This period may not exceed one 60-minute period. 

(3) Schools may use non-traditional systems for length of classes provided:

(A) the classes meet within the regular school day;

(B) classes are alternated throughout the semester and meet on Monday-Wednesday-Friday one week and Tuesday-Thursday the next week; and

(C) the schedule is mandated at the beginning of the semester and is not changed to allow for more time during an abbreviated school week.

(4) This period includes dressing, the actual off-season conditioning, redressing in street clothes, etc. Passing and punting machines, chalk talks and films are permitted. Full team drills are permitted in team sport practices.

(e) Athletic/Physical Education Classes. Student-athletes shall not be enrolled in more than one physical education and/or athletic class whether or not they are receiving credit. Exceptions: (with local school approval) PE Class: lifetime recreation and outdoor pursuits; PE substitutes: Partners PE, JROTC, cheerleading, drill team, marching band; innovative course: team sports officiating.

(f) OFF-SEASON SCHOOL TEAM PRACTICES AND STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING.. School teams shall not practice outside the specific allowable practice dates except during the one in-school day practice period.

(1) Off-season skill activities before or after the school day or during the lunch periods are specifically prohibited.

(2) Off-season strength and conditioning sessions are allowed. A strength and conditioning session shall be no more than one hour per day outside the school day, Monday through Friday, and a student shall attend no more than one session of supervised instruction per day. Students may use school issued shoes and/or clothing before or after school.

(g) SCHOOL SUMMER PRACTICE PROHIBITED. Any specific grouping of high school baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer or volleyball participants during the summer months for the purpose of conditioning and/or organized athletic team instruction is prohibited except as specifically provided for within the plans for these activities and in (h) below.

(h) SUMMER STRENGTH/CONDITIONING PROGRAMS & SPORT SPECIFIC SKILL INSTRUCTION. Summer strength and conditioning programs and sport specific skill instruction may be conducted by school coaches for students in grades 7-12 from that coach’s attendance zone only under the following conditions.

(1) Sessions may be conducted by school coaches starting on monday of the first week school is not in session and ending on a date set forth by the uil calendar. sessions may be conducted only on Monday through Friday.

(A) A student may attend no more than one two-hour strength and conditioning session, conducted by a school coach or coaches, per day. Schools shall take administrative care to prohibit an athlete from working with one school coach for two hours and a separate school coach for another two hours.

(B) A student may attend no more than 90 minutes per day of sport specific skill instruction with no more than 60 minutes a day in a given sport, Monday through Friday.

(2) Sessions conducted by school coaches shall include only students who are incoming seventh graders or above.

(3) Sessions shall include only strength and conditioning instruction, exercises, and sport specific skill instruction. Football contact/restricted equipment is prohibited.

(4) School shirts, shorts and shoes may be provided by the school.

(5) Attendance shall be voluntary. Coaches shall not require athletes to attend in order to try out for or participate in any UIL sport. Attendance records shall be kept, however students shall not be required or allowed to make up missed days. Students may work out on their own, without direction of the school coach.

(6) Fees, if any, shall be established and approved by the superintendent and collected by the school. The Texas Education Code requires school districts to adopt procedures for waiving fees charged for participation if a student is unable to pay the fee, and the procedures should be made known to the public. Fees for all other students shall be paid by the students and/or their parents.

(7) Any payment for conducting strength and conditioning sessions to school coaches who instruct students from their attendance zone shall be from the school and no other source.

(i) OFF-SEASON SCHOOL FACILITY USE. Athletes may attend open gyms, facilities and weight rooms. School personnel shall make every effort to see that students understand that participation is strictly voluntary and never required. Participation shall not be a prerequisite for trying out for a school team. Attendance records may not be kept. Coaches may be present to supervise the facilities and school equipment, if permitted. Coaches shall not provide specific instruction in sport skills. Weight lifting instruction is permitted and progress charts may be kept. Facilities may be made available to athletes under the following conditions:

(1) Recreational opportunities receive advance approval by the local school board and administration.

(2) The dates and times of operation shall be announced, posted or publicized so that every student attending that school is aware of the opportunity.

(3) Each activity is based on a first come, first served basis.

(4) School coaches are responsible for notifying student athletes in their sport that their participation is strictly voluntary, never required, and is in no way a prerequisite for making the team or getting more playing time.

(5) No instruction may be given on a Sunday or during the off-season of a team sport.

(6) Someone other than a coach should be appointed to supervise facilities.

(7) Coaches should not participate with their athletes in the athletes’ sport. Such actions place the responsibility on the coach and school to prove they are not violating Sunday and off-season regulations.

(8) Use of facilities may be restricted to that school’s student body. Note: If only members of an athletic team are participating in their sport in an open recreational facility, it could be deemed a violation of off-season regulations.
Refer to sport specific manuals for further details.

(j) DAY OF GAME RESTRICTION. Participation in an off-season program shall not be required for varsity athletes on the day of an in-season varsity competition, or for non-varsity athletes on the day of an in-season non-varsity competition.

(k) ROOM AND BOARD RESTRICTIONS. Workout sessions which involve meals and/or overnight lodgings are prohibited.

(l) HOLIDAY RESTRICTION. A school shall not conduct contests or practices, use school facilities, personnel or equipment during five consecutive days of December. Any organized or required practice will be a violation of this regulation. Schools may choose any five consecutive days which include December 24, 25 and 26, with the following exceptions.

(1) When December 26 falls on a Thursday, schools may participate in a tournament game on December 26.

(2) When December 26 falls on a Thursday, schools shall still follow a five-consecutive day restriction, including December 24 and 25.

(3) No practice shall be permitted on any of the five consecutive days.

(4) Travel is not permitted on December 25.

(5) Travel is permitted on the 26th if a tournament game is scheduled on December 27; however, no practice shall be permitted on the 26th.

(6) A team that has a game on December 23 could travel home on December 24 and still be in compliance with this section.

(7) A school may request an exception to these travel restrictions when safety concerns exist relative to travel. The UIL Executive Director, or his or her designee, may grant the exception only when the school has clearly provided evidence of the travel safety concerns and determines the school cannot reasonably be expected to comply with these restrictions.

(m) POWER LIFTING TEAM RESTRICTIONS.

(1) Power lifting teams shall be authorized by the superintendent or local board of trustees prior to their inception.

(2) If there is an in-school day athletic period, it is a violation for off-season athletes to participate in power lifting outside the school day unless weight training is also provided during the in-school day off-season period.

(3) Power lifting teams may not, in any way, be construed as part of a student’s off-season conditioning responsibilities.

(4) Power lifting teams shall not be limited to athletes from a particular sport or to athletes specifically.

(n) PRE-SEASON PRACTICE REGULATIONS FOR SPORTS WHICH BEGIN PRACTICE PRIOR TO THE SCHOOL YEAR.

(1) Student-athletes shall not engage in more than three hours of practice activities on those days during which one practice is conducted. 

(2) Student-athletes shall not engage in more than five hours of practice activities on those days during which more than one practice is conducted.

(3) The maximum length of any single practice session shall be three hours.

(4) On days when more than one practice is conducted, there shall be, at a minimum, two hours of rest/recovery time between the end of one practice and the beginning of the next practice.

(5) Schools shall not schedule more than one practice on consecutive days and student-athletes shall not participate in multiple practices on consecutive days. Exception: Volleyball.

Section 1207: RULES, VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

(a) RULE VIOLATIONS. Students who violate the rules in the specific athletic plans shall be subject to the penalty in the specific athletic plan, or subject to the range of penalties applicable to student representatives in Sections 27 and 29. The regulations in the athletic plans govern all varsity and sub-varsity teams and contestants. Ninth grade (whether in junior high, on a separate campus or with other high school grades) and other sub-varsity teams and contestants are restricted to the same game limitations, season, etc. as the varsity team.

(1) An individual who commits an offense under section 22.01 C 2 of the Texas Penal Code (assault of a sports participant) while participating in UIL contests will subject themselves and any school with which they are affiliated to the full range of penalties in sections 27 and 29 of the constitution, up to and including disqualification and suspension.

(2) Schools shall develop policies for preventing any spectator who commits an offense under section 22.01 C 2 of the Texas Penal Code (assault of a sports participant) from attending future events in activities sanctioned by the league. The policy shall provide for the school to consider all circumstances of each incident when determining the length of suspension from future events in activities sanctioned by the league.

(b) ELIGIBILITY RULES. In addition to rules in individual sports plans, each varsity team and athlete shall observe all rules contained in Subchapter M of the Constitution.

(c) MINIMUM PENALTY FOR USING INELIGIBLE PLAYER. In the event an ineligible contestant is used in any UIL game or contest, knowingly or unknowingly, the minimum penalty shall be forfeiture of the game, contest or event. Refer to Section 27 (c)(3).

(d) UNATTACHED PARTICIPATION. In any UIL member school sponsored athletic contest, meet or tournament, UIL member high school students shall not be permitted to enter unattached. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be assessed against the member school(s) in violation. This provision applies to a non-enrolled (home schooled) student participating in accordance with section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code.

(e) POSITIVE ANABOLIC STEROID TEST.

(1) First Positive Anabolic Steroid Test. Upon a report of confirmation of a first positive specimen ‘B’ anabolic steroid test result during his/her high school participation, or upon a refusal to submit to testing after random selection, a student-athlete shall be suspended for thirty (30) school days of competition in all UIL athletic activities. Prior to eligibility restoration, a student-athlete shall undergo an exit anabolic steroid test and receive a negative result.

(2) Second Positive Anabolic Steroid Test. Upon a report of confirmation of a second positive specimen ‘B’ anabolic steroid test result during his/her high school participation, or upon a refusal to submit to testing after random selection of a student-athlete who has previously been subjected to the first positive test penalty, a student-athlete shall be suspended from all UIL athletic contests for one (1) calendar year. Prior to eligibility restoration, a student-athlete shall undergo an exit anabolic steroid test and receive a negative result.

(3) Third Positive Anabolic Steroid Test. Upon a report of confirmation of a third positive specimen ‘B’ anabolic steroid test result during his/her high school participation, or upon a refusal to submit to testing after random selection of a student-athlete who has previously been subjected to the first and second positive test penalties, a student-athlete shall be suspended from all UIL athletic contests for the remainder of his/her high school career at any UIL member school.

(4) Responsibility for Cost of Tests. The UIL will cover the cost for the first exit test for purposes of eligibility restoration for the penalties outlined in (1) and (2) above. Any subsequent exit test(s) for purposes of eligibility restoration are conducted at the expense of the school, student-athlete or the family of the student-athlete. Only anabolic steroid tests conducted by the UIL approved contractor will be considered for the purposes of this testing program.

Section 1208: ATHLETIC REGULATIONS

Schools shall abide by rules in the Constitution, by rules in the Contest Rules, by rules in the “Official Notices” column of the Leaguer, by regulations issued from the UIL office in the sports specific manuals, and other official notices from the UIL office. Where any term or section of the Contest Rules or the sports specific manuals is found to be inconsistent with the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail and apply, and the remaining terms and sections of the Contest Rules and/or the sports specific manuals shall continue in effect.

(a) ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS. A school shall not participate in a sports activity unless its varsity acceptance for that sport, signed by the superintendent or designated administrator, is on file in the UIL office by January 15 of the preceding school year (September 1 for football). If a school wants to register for a sport after the filing deadline, it may do so if approved by a majority of the District Executive Committee.

(1) A school which does not participate in football the first year of a new alignment may not participate the second year except by unanimous consent of the District Executive Committee.

(2) Only schools in Conferences 4A, 5A and 6A are eligible to participate in UIL soccer. Exception: 2A and 3A schools who sign up as noted above for participation in soccer will be placed in a 4A district for competition.

(3) Only schools in Conferences 4A, 5A and 6A are eligible to participate in UIL team tennis. Exception: 3A schools who sign up as noted above for participation in team tennis will be placed in a 4A district for competition.

(b) DISTRICTS AND CONFERENCES.

(1) Conferences. Schools are placed in conferences according to enrollment figures.

(2) District Assignments. Schools will be assigned to districts by the UIL office. District assignments and a list of tentative chairs will be provided to member schools prior to the season. The district shall select a permanent chair and notify the UIL office. However, the superintendent, principal or coach in each school competing under this plan, is ultimately responsible for ascertaining the name of the district chair, time of meeting, etc. If the chair moves from the district each school in the district has a responsibility to see that a new chair is elected and to notify the UIL office.

(c) FAILURE TO COMPLETE SEASON.

(1) Regular Season. A school that does not participate in a sport after signing the acceptance form should notify the UIL office prior to the season. A school may be suspended by the State Executive Committee in that activity for a period of one year, unless sufficient justification is shown for not participating.

(2) Playoffs. Any school that qualifies for the playoffs in a sport and fails to participate or complete the official schedule of games/matches unless excused for valid reasons by the State Executive Committee (and/or by the UIL office in baseball) may be suspended from that activity for a period not to exceed one calendar year.

(d) BREAKING CONTRACTS; Canceling District Games Prohibited.

(1) Schools shall not forfeit any district games in order to play non-district games. Schools in violation of this provision will be subject to the range of penalties.

(2) A game or match canceled after the contract has been signed, unless both parties agree to the cancellation, shall be forfeited by the team canceling the game or match.

(3) In football, when two schools agree to play on a two-year basis, and agree that the home team shall keep 100% of the gate receipts, and the game is canceled the second year by the team that received 100% of the gate receipts the first year, the team that received no gate the first year is entitled to 50% of the net gate receipts from the first game unless mutually agreed otherwise.

(e) PRACTICE SCRIMMAGE. A scrimmage is a meeting of not more than four teams for practice purposes which does not count as a game for any of the teams. Admission may be charged. Officials may be paid in accordance with the schedule in Section 1204 and may, by prior agreement with the school, be reimbursed for mileage and meals. Refer to Section 1204 (n) and (o). A school shall not play in a scrimmage after its first interschool game or match in that sport. Refer to individual sports sections for other limitations.

(f) PLAYING RULES. The National Federation playing rules govern UIL sports. Exceptions: NCAA rules shall govern football; USTA rules shall govern tennis; USGA rules shall govern golf. Any modification of or exception to a playing rule shall be noted in the manual for that sport.

(g) game administrator. In all UIL varsity athletic team contests, a game administrator shall be appointed by the home school. That person shall be a coach (other than the game coach), teacher or administrator. It is recommended that a game administrator be designated by the home school for all non-varsity athletic team contests. The responsibilities of the game administrator are as follows:

(1) see that officials are directed to their dressing room;

(2) meet with the officials prior to game time (preferably on the playing field or court);

(3) inform the officials where the game administrator will be seated;

(4) assist the officials if they need to discourage unsportsmanlike conduct of a fan, player or coach (such as removal from the gym);

(5) check with the officials after the game to see if there is any misconduct that needs to be reported;

(6) offer to provide an escort for the officials to their cars;

(7) report incidents to the appropriate school administrator; and

(8) report severe verbal abuse or physical contact of the official and any ejections of coaches and fans to the UIL office in writing within the next two working days.

(h) UIL Coaches Certification program.

(1) All coaches shall annually complete the UIL Coaches Certification Program prescribed by the UIL prior to their sport season or prior to the first day of school if their sport is not in season. A coach who is hired less than one week prior to the start of the sport season or after the first day of school (whichever is earlier) must complete the CCP within thirty (30)days of being hired.

(2) The names of coaches who complete the UIL Coaches Certification Program will be kept on file by the school.

(i) MINIMUM PENALTY FOR MISCONDUCT.

(1) Automatic Minimum Penalty. Any coach who is ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct, or any football coach who is given two or more 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties during a contest may accept an automatic penalty for their ejection or appeal the ejection. A coach who appeals their ejection is required to appear before the State Executive Committee. If the coach accepts their automatic penalty or their ejection is not overturned on appeal, the coach will be subject to: 

(A) an automatic penalty of public reprimand (name will be published once in the Leaguer) and one year’s probation in the applicable sport;

(B) completing the National Federation of State High School Associations Fundamentals of Coaching Course; and

(C) completing the National Federation of State High School Associations Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course.

(2) Automatic Greater Penalty. If a coach so penalized has no proof of having completed the UIL Coaches Certification Program prior to the sports season, that coach shall also be automatically suspended from the next game/contest.

(3) Subsequent Violations. Any further ejection or accumulation of two 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties during a football game, while on probation, will require the coach to appear before the State Executive Committee for consideration of penalty.

(4) Notification. Schools shall notify the UIL within three school days if a coach has been ejected from a game or received two 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties.

(5) Player Ejection. Any player ejected from a contest is subject to an automatic penalty. The automatic penalty for such an ejection is as follows:

(A) Football. Ejected player misses the rest of the game in which they were ejected plus the first half of the following game.

(B) Other Team Sports. Ejected player misses the rest of the game in which they were ejected plus all of the following game. Soccer Exception. This Section does not alter the current point penalty structure for soccer player ejections, as required by National Federation of State High School Associations soccer playing rules, that is outlined in the soccer coaches’ manual.

(C) Appeals. The UIL Executive Director may develop a process for appealing student ejections.

(j) GATE Guarantees.

(1) Football. In district and non-district football games, the visiting team shall be entitled to 50% of the gate receipts after payment of game officials unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by both schools.

(2) Other Team Sports. In district and non-district games/matches unless there is mutual agreement or District Executive Committee ruling, the home team is entitled to 100% of the gate receipts.

(3) Playoff. In playoff games, the visiting team shall have a sufficient guarantee to cover expenses and also 50% of the net gate receipts unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by both schools. Unless mutually agreed upon prior to the playoff game, the expenses as outlined in this section shall not exceed the home school’s net share of the gate.

(4) Excessive Demand. A demand of a flat guarantee which is clearly in excess of expenses shall, upon action of the District Executive Committee or State Executive Committee, disqualify the offending team from further participation. A flat guarantee for a visiting team shall be in lieu of expenses and shall be calculated as expenses of the game, prior to division of the net gate receipts.

(5) Expenses. Expenses of visiting team, officials, advertising, labor, services and printing in connection with the contest shall be considered as expenses of the game. Number of persons allowed upon expense account shall be agreed upon by school administrators of teams involved. Unless mutually agreeable otherwise, the home team shall furnish a playing field or court without cost to the visiting school.

(k) BROADCASTS OF UIL EVENTS. See Section 868.

(l) VIDEOTAPING AND FILMING.

(1) All Athletic Contests.

(A) Videotaping/Filming/Recording by Schools.

(i) A non-competing school shall not film, videotape or otherwise make a visual recording of an athletic contest without the prior written consent of the schools competing in the contest.

(ii) A school does not have to obtain permission to film or tape, or otherwise make a visual recording of an athletic contest in which it is competing. However, the film or videotape or other visual recording may only be reviewed or otherwise utilized during the contest in accordance with applicable contest rules.

(iii) Films, videotapes and all other kinds of visual recording of all athletic contests in compliance with UIL rules are the property of the school that made them unless their ownership, use or distribution is governed by district rule or if there is no agreement between the schools competing in the contest.

(B) Videotaping/Filming/Recording by Individuals and Organizations. Except for persons or organizations acting under subsections (1)(A)(i) and (ii) above, no person or organization shall film, videotape or otherwise make a visual recording of any athletic event or activity without prior written consent of the schools that are competing in the event. Any filming, videotaping or other recording of an athletic contest may not obstruct the view of other spectators of the contest.

(C) Commercial Use of films, videotapes or other visual recordings of regular season athletic contests for commercial purposes shall be approved in writing by all schools competing in the contest. Any agreements between the competing schools regarding the filming, videotaping or other visual recording of regular season athletic contests, including without limitation any commercial uses, shall be consistent with the UIL’s Constitution and Contest Rules and any contracts made thereunder.

(m) MASCOTS, FIREARMS, PYROTECHNIC DEVICES, Balloons. Live animal mascots, cannons, firearms, fireworks, etc. are prohibited at UIL athletic contests. Except in their normal course of business, emergency vehicles shall not flash lights or sound sirens during the course of a game. Noisemakers are prohibited at UIL athletic events held in field houses or gymnasiums. Releasing balloons is prohibited at UIL athletic events held outdoors.

(n) TOURNAMENT Definition AND limitations FOR BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, SOCCER, SOFTBALL and VOLLEYBALL.

(1) Number of Teams and Type of Play. A tournament is defined as at least three teams assembled at one site for competition.

(2) Scheduling. Schools shall not schedule tournaments on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, unless school is not in session. (Refer to each sport plan for exception to resolve ties for district representatives.) Schools may schedule tournaments on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A two-day tournament shall not be scheduled on Thursday and Friday. A one-day tournament shall be scheduled on Saturday.

(3) Site. A tournament should be held at the ISD of the host school or at an adjoining ISD. The host school may authorize additional sites for preliminary round games.

(4) Refer to individual contest plans for limitations on games/matches per day.

(o) Sites Defined for All Team Sports.

(1) Home Sites. When two schools flip for two separate sites other than their home field or court, the sites are considered home sites unless both sites are near mid-point.

(2) Neutral Sites. A site mid-point or near mid-point, or a site agreed on by both schools as neutral, is a neutral site. Unless mutually agreeable, a site cannot be neutral if its distance from either school is more than two-thirds the total distance between the two schools.

(p) Mid-point Sites. Unless mutually agreed otherwise, post district contests in the team sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, team tennis and volleyball shall be at a mid-point site for schools located more than 100 miles apart.

(q) STATE PLAYOFF INSTRUCTIONS. Playoff instructions for all applicable sports will be provided to participating schools by 
the UIL office in the sports specific manual.

(r) STATE TOURNAMENT PAIRINGS. The pairings for the state tournament will be made by the UIL athletic staff, in front of witnesses, as soon as regional champions have been determined and reported to the UIL office, except in football. Brackets for football post-season playoffs will be issued from the UIL office.

(s) REBATE FROM STATE EVENTS. 

(1) In baseball, soccer, softball and volleyball, sixteen percent of the state tournament gate receipts will be retained by the UIL Office. If there are surplus funds remaining after deducting the UIL percentage and paying all expenses of the event, to the extent possible, participating schools will be reimbursed for travel based on a uniform rate per mile.

(2) In basketball, sixteen percent of the state tournament gate receipts will be retained by the UIL Office. If there are surplus funds remaining after deducting the UIL percentage and paying all expenses of the event, to the extent possible, participating schools will be reimbursed for travel based on a uniform rate per mile.

A) Balance To Schools. If after expenses (including travel reimbursement), there is a balance in the fund received from gate receipts, this balance shall be equally divided among the schools participating in the tournament. The Legislative Council may stipulate a maximum to be divided among schools.

(3) In football, twenty percent of the championship event gate receipts will be retained by the UIL Office. If there are surplus funds remaining after deducting the UIL percentage and paying all expenses of the event, to the extent possible, participating schools will be reimbursed for travel based on a uniform rate per mile.

A) Balance To Schools. If after expenses (including travel reimbursement), there is a balance in the fund received from gate receipts, this balance shall be equally divided among the schools participating in the championship event. The Legislative Council may stipulate a maximum to be divided among schools.

(4) In all other state events, all funds collected from admissions at the state championship event shall be retained by the UIL Office.

(t) ALL-STAR GAMES.

(1) School Equipment. Students who have completed eligibility in the involved sport, with school superintendent approval, may use school individual player protective equipment in any all-star game.

(2) School Personnel. No athletic director, coach, teacher, school administrator or school district shall at any time assist directly or indirectly with the coaching, management, direction, selection of players, promotion or officiating in any all-star game in which one or more of the competing teams is composed of one or more players who have eligibility remaining in that sport.

(3) School Facilities. School facilities may be used for all-star games only by prior written consent of the superintendent.

(4) Penalties. Any member high school violating the provisions of this all-star contest rule shall be subject to penalty.

(u) NON-UIL CONTESTS.

(1) Contests With Non-participating Schools. A defeat by a non-participating Texas public high school shall eliminate a school so defeated from the district race.

(2) Contests With Non-school Teams. A school team that competes against or participates in a tournament with a non-school team, composed of one or more UIL participant high school students with remaining eligibility in that sport, (whether or not academically eligible), shall not represent the district in that sport.

(3) Participating With Other Leagues. A UIL member school that participates in an athletic activity offered by the UIL in a non-UIL league under the auspices of any other sanctioning organization is subject to the range of penalties, up to and including suspension from UIL athletic activities. This provision applies to a non-enrolled (home schooled) student participating in accordance with section 33.0832 of the Texas Education Code.

(v) JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETICS. All athletic rules for seventh and eighth grades are listed in Sections 1400, 1401 and 1478 of the Contest Rules.

(w) JURISDICTION OF INTERDISTRICT DISPUTES. The State Executive Committee shall have jurisdiction in all disputes arising between district winners that have been duly certified.

(x) Cheerleaders; Spirit Groups. All cheer and spirit performances at any UIL activity shall be in accordance with safety standards as prescribed by the National Federation High School Spirit Handbook. Cheerleading sponsors are required to complete a course regarding Safety/Risk Minimization for Cheerleading and present proof of course completion to the school district.

(y) CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL. At all UIL athletic activities (including practices and contests), including cheerleading, schools shall implement and follow a concussion management protocol as prescribed by Texas Education Code Section 38 Subchapter D.

(z) CONCUSSION INCIDENT REPORTING. UIL member schools in Conference 6A are required to report concussion incidents for all sports to the Contex Data System.

(aa) AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED). Each high school campus shall have at least one Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available on the premises. Additionally, each high school campus shall develop a plan for implementation, coordination and maintenance of its AED program.

(bb) AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) USE REPORTING. UIL member schools shall file a report after an AED is used in conjunction with any UIL event, practice and competition, utilizing the online reporting form available on the UIL web site.

(cc) CATASTROPHIC INJURY REPORTING. UIL member schools shall file reports of catastrophic injuries, as defined by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR), that occur during UIL practices and/or competitions utilizing the online reporting form available on the UIL web site.

(dd) EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS. UIL member schools are required to develop and implement a venue specific emergency action plan (EAP) for each venue utilized for UIL athletic practices and/or competitions.

Section 1209: NON-SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

(a) REQUIRED PARTICIPATION PROHIBITED. Students shall not be required to play on a non-school team in any sport as a prerequisite to playing on a school team.

(b) OFF-SEASON SCHOOL FACILITY USE. Refer to Section 1206 (i).

(c) CAMPS. 

(1) Camps After The Last Day Of The School Year: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball where school personnel work with their own students. After the last day of the school year in May, June, July and prior to the second Monday in August, on non-school days, all students other than students who will be in their second, third or fourth year of high school may attend two camps in each team sport, held within the boundaries of their school district, in which instruction is given in that team sport, and in which a 7th-12th grade coach from their school district attendance zone works with them:

(2) Camps During The School Year. A member school district is allowed to sponsor camps during the school year, outside the school day, for students in grades six and below. No student is allowed to participate in more than two school sponsored camps per sport/activity during the school year.

(3) Camps Described Above Shall Be Conducted Under The Following Conditions:

(A) Number of Days. Attendance at each type of sports camp is limited to no more than six consecutive days.

(B) Prohibited Activities. Students shall not attend football camps where contact activities are permitted.

(C) Fees. The superintendent or a designee shall approve the schedule of fees prior to the announcement or release of any information about the camp. The Texas Education Code requires school districts to adopt procedures for waiving fees charged for participation if a student is unable to pay the fee, and the procedures should be made known to the public. Fees for all other students shall be paid by the students and/or their parents.

(D) School Equipment. Schools may furnish, in accordance with local school district policies, school-owned equipment, with the following restrictions.

(i) Schools may not furnish any individual baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball or volleyball player equipment, including uniforms, shoes, caps, gloves, etc., but may furnish balls and court equipment including nets, standards, goals, etc., for volleyball, basketball and soccer camps.

(ii) For football camps, schools may furnish hand dummies, stand-up dummies, passing and kicking machines and footballs. Use of any other football equipment, including contact equipment, is prohibited.

(iii) For baseball and softball camps, schools may furnish balls, bats, bases, pitching and batting machines, batting helmets and catcher protective equipment. Use of any other baseball and/or softball equipment is prohibited.

(d) BONA FIDE SUMMER CAMPS. The provisions of the summer camp rules do not apply to bona fide summer camps giving an overall activity program to the participants.

(e) CHANGE OF RESIDENCE FROM OUT OF STATE. The provisions of the summer camp rules do not apply in the case of a person who attends an athletic training camp which is allowed under the rules of the state in which the student then lives, and then makes a bona fide change of residence to Texas, provided that there has been no deliberate attempt to circumvent the rule.

(f) OFF-SEASON PARTICIPATION IN NON-SCHOOL TEAM SPORTS.

(1) School coaches shall not coach 7-12 grade students from their own attendance zone on a non-school team or in a non-school camp or clinic, with the exception of their own adopted or birth children.

(2) School equipment shall not be used for non-school teams/leagues.

(g) COACHING RESTRICTIONS. For non-school competition school coaches shall not schedule matched games for students in grades 7-12 from their attendance zone. School coaches may assist in organizing, selecting players and coaches, and may supervise school facilities for non-school league play. School coaches shall not coach or instruct students in grades 7-12 from their school district attendance zone in the team sports of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball or volleyball. A pilot program will allow basketball coaches to coach their high school team during the TABC June Summer Showcase event only. For the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school year, a pilot program will allow coaches to coach two players in grades 7-12 in a UIL approved state association all-star game. School coaches shall not supervise facilities for non-school activities on school time. Refer to Section 1201.

Section 1210: ANABOLIC STEROID TESTING

(a) As a result of the passage of Senate Bill 8 by the 80th Texas State Legislature, the UIL implemented an anabolic steroid testing program and adopt rules for its administration. In 2015, the legislature voted to terminate funding for the program. While the rules and laws pertaining to the program remain in effect, the UIL no longer conducts random anabolic steroid tests due to the absence of funding, which initiates the testing protocol. The testing protocol includes:

(1) test student-athletes in grades 9-12 for the presence of anabolic steroids in their bodies at multiple times throughout the school year;

(2) be administered, by random selection, at approximately 30 percent of UIL member high schools;

(3) randomly select a statistically significant number of student-athletes in grades 9-12 who participate in athletic competitions sponsored or sanctioned by the UIL;

(4) require that testing be performed only by an anabolic steroid testing laboratory with a current certification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the World Anti-Doping Agency, or another appropriate national or international certifying organization;

(5) provide a process for confirming any initial positive test result through a subsequent test conducted as soon as practicable after the initial test, using a sample that was obtained at the same time as the sample used for the initial test; and

(6) be conducted in accordance with the UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program Protocol.