UIL to look at adding girls’ flag football, boys’ volleyball

AUSTIN — The University Interscholastic League is gearing up for a council meeting scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

Among the proposals up for discussion are the additions of girls’ flag football and boys’ volleyball as officially sanctioned sports in Texas. Additionally, the council will consider sanctioning boys’ and girls’ lacrosse as well as wheelchair tennis.

The meeting will also cover topics such as the potential ban on Native American-themed mascots and the possibility of shifting the boys’ soccer season to the fall and the volleyball season to the spring.

SUMMARY OF AGENDA

Proposed amendments from UIL staff

These rule changes will be considered by the full legislative council if approved by the appropriate standing committee.

• Section 1209 (non-school participation): This would allow coaches the opportunity to coach up to two of their students in a Uil-approved state association all-star game.

• Section 1230 (basketball plan): Would allow teams to participate in three games during the November holiday break if they do not participate in a tournament that same week.

• Section 1300 (tennis plan): Would allow the top three regional finishers in each event of each conference to advance to state. Currently, only first and second place advance.

• Section 1204(m) (flat fee schedule and travel reimbursement): This would increase the officials’ fee schedule for baseball and softball tournaments.

Public proposals to be considered by standing committees (presented at public forum)

• A proposal to change the age eligibility date.

• A proposal to change language in the golf plan regarding electronic equipment.

• A proposal to expand the overage waiver qualifications.

• A proposal to add girls’ and boys’ lacrosse as a Uilsanctioned activity.

• A proposal to add girls’ flag football as a Uil-sanctioned activity.

• A proposal to add wheelchair tennis as a Uil-sanctioned activity.

• A proposal to suspend any plans for a dance component at the spirit state championships.

• A proposal to add drone competition as a Uil-sanctioned activity.

Public proposals to be considered by standing committees (not presented at public forum)

• A proposal to assign charter schools, within the boundaries of a school district, to the same conference as the high school with the highest enrollment.

• A proposal to change the age eligibility date to August 1.

• Proposals to ban Native American-themed mascots.

• A proposal to reschedule soccer to fall and volleyball to spring.

• A proposal to add 1A districts for baseball.