Changes are coming to Texas high school sports over the courseof the next few years in basketball, flag football and football, among other sports.
The University Interscholastic League Legislative Council met Monday, Oct. 19, to make decisions on proposed rule changes.
Boys and girls basketball
The adoption of a 35-second shot clock for girls and boys basketball no earlier than 2028-29 for varsity games. It will be adopted with the proposed implementation plan: Classes 5A & 6A (no earlier than 2028-29), Classes 3A & 4A (no earlier than 2030-31), Classes 1A & 2A (no earlier than 2032-33).
Each stage will be monitored by UIL for the ability to adapt according to the above schedule and may be modified.
Flag football
The development of girls flag football as a pilot program, with the establishment
of no more than two classifications to begin no earlier than the 2028-29 school year. UIL will gather additional information on the rules and guidelines of the pilot program to be considered at subsequent Legislative Council meetings.
Football
The Council approved a proposal for home-field advantage for the first round of playoffs in all classes for all team sports beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
Cross country
The distance of the Class 4A state girls cross country race will increase to 5,000 meters beginning in 2028-29. Currently, the Class 4A runners compete at two miles.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas UIL makes decision on rule changes in basketball, flag football
