UIL announces major changes that affects multiple Texas HS sports

[Blake Munroe]

The UIL Legislative Council announced several major changes Monday that will impact Texas high school athletics over the next several years. From the long-awaited addition of a shot clock in basketball to changes in playoff formats and the introduction of girls flag football, there’s quite a bit to unpack.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming:

BASKETBALL SHOT CLOCK

This one has been debated for years, but it’s finally happening.

The UIL approved a 35-second shot clock for boys and girls varsity basketball. However, the implementation will be phased in over several years.

2028-29: Class 5A and 6A

2030-31: Class 3A and 4A

2032-33: Class 1A and 2A

Schools will have opportunities to experiment with shot clocks before they’re required.

This is a pretty significant change, especially for programs that have traditionally relied on slowing games down and controlling possessions.

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

Another big one.

The UIL approved moving forward with a girls flag football pilot program, potentially beginning with the 2028-29 school year.

The initial program would include no more than two classifications, with state championships planned for each.

There are still plenty of details to work out, including scheduling, classifications and playoff formats. More information is expected in June 2027.

With the Cowboys and Texans already heavily involved in growing the sport across the state, this feels like something that could take off pretty quickly.

MORE HOME PLAYOFF GAMES

This is one I really like, especially for smaller communities across Texas.

Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, the UIL plans to expand first-round playoff home-site advantages across multiple sports.

That includes:

Football: Expanding to Class 4A and below

Basketball: First-round home-court advantage

Volleyball: First-round home-court advantage

Soccer: First-round home-field advantage

Team Tennis: First-round home-site advantage

In football, 5A and 6A already have first-round home-field advantages based on district finish. Now smaller classifications will get that opportunity as well.

For communities where Friday night football is everything, getting to host a playoff game rather than traveling to a neutral site is a pretty big deal.

TEAM TENNIS EXPANSION

Beginning in 2027-28, Class 1A and 2A schools will be eligible to compete in team tennis.

That means all six UIL classifications will have the opportunity to participate.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Beginning with the 2028-29 school year, Class 4A girls cross country will move from a two-mile race to a 5K.

That’s a pretty substantial increase in distance.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

There are some pretty significant changes here.

The basketball shot clock is probably the biggest from a competitive standpoint. It’s going to change how games are coached, particularly late in the fourth quarter.

The expanded playoff home-site advantages could be huge for smaller communities, both from an atmosphere and financial standpoint.

And I’m interested to see how quickly girls flag football grows once the UIL gets everything in place.

One important note: These changes were approved by the UIL Legislative Council but still require final approval from the Texas Commissioner of Education.

[Jordan Scruggs]

Next can we please get football game halftimes shortened from 28 minutes to like 20?

I get the band, cheer team, drill team, and color guard all need their shine, but man it's mind-blowing the halftimes of college football games are somehow quicker. 

[UTFanatic1981]

Hookem 

Sark needs to go!!!

 

[Rockin TL]

18 minutes ago, Jordan Scruggs said:

Next can we please get football game halftimes shortened from 28 minutes to like 20?

I get the band, cheer team, drill team, and color guard all need their shine, but man it's mind-blowing the halftimes of college football games are somehow quicker. 

Homecoming halftimes should be abolished,  the ceremony pregame. 
 

Texas HS basketball has needed a shot clock for decades, glad it’s finally getting implemented. 

[Blake Munroe]

17 minutes ago, Rockin TL said:

Homecoming halftimes should be abolished,  the ceremony pregame. 
 

Texas HS basketball has needed a shot clock for decades, glad it’s finally getting implemented. 

I was literally about to post your first point. Homecoming is for the birds. Somehow I managed to attend three games so far this season that have all been homecoming. 🤦‍♂️

[CJ Vogel]

Thank goodness for shot clocks.