The University Interscholastic League is preparing to introduce several changes to Texas high school athletics, including basketball shot clocks, expanded home-field advantages in postseason competition and a trial period for girls flag football.
The UIL Legislative Council approved the proposals Monday, although the measures must receive final approval from the Texas commissioner of education before taking effect.
Among the most significant changes is the introduction of a 35-second shot clock in high school basketball, with implementation scheduled to begin at the state’s largest schools.
Class 6A and 5A programs will be required to use the shot clock beginning with the 2028-29 season, although schools may adopt it voluntarily in 2027-28. The requirement will extend to Class 4A and 3A in 2030-31, followed by Class 2A and 1A in 2032-33.
The decision follows years of debate over the use of a shot clock in Texas high school basketball. Proposals have repeatedly failed to advance since 2021, despite discussions dating back more than a decade.
In June, the UIL approved an option allowing varsity tournament games to use a shot clock during the upcoming season when both participating teams agree. Texas joins a growing number of states moving toward the rule, with 35 states already using shot clocks.
The council also approved changes to playoff scheduling that will give more teams the opportunity to host opening-round postseason games.
Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, first-round home-field advantage provisions will apply to every football classification and extend to all team sports.
Under existing football rules, only the top two district finishers in Class 6A and 5A have the right to host bi-district games without reaching an agreement with their opponents.
Another proposal establishes a two-year pilot program for girls flag football beginning in 2028-29. The competition will feature two classifications, although the UIL has not determined when the sport will be played during the school year.
The move comes as girls flag football continues to gain recognition nationwide. Twenty-five states are expected to sanction the sport by next fall.
Smaller schools will also see an additional opportunity in tennis. Beginning next season, Class 1A and 2A schools will be permitted to compete in Class 4A team tennis. Class 3A programs already participate at that level.
In cross-country, the council approved increasing the Class 4A girls race distance to 5,000 meters beginning with the 2028-29 school year.
The proposals were adopted by the UIL’s 35-member Legislative Council, which includes school administrators representing the organization’s six classifications and four geographic regions, along with eight at-large members and three charter school representatives.
Source: Freepik.com