The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Legislative Council will convene on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, with some agenda items from the UIL Standing Committee on Athletics (SCA) that could affect Brownfield ISD, Meadow ISD, and Wellman-Union ISD and of course all schools with athletics.
The primary item creating some debate is a proposal to prohibit freshmen athletes from participating in varsity competitions. Unfortunately, there is no back story or purpose as to why the SCA is proposing this rule change. BISD Superintendent said, “Statistically speaking, very few freshmen have the opportunity to compete at the varsity level. Having said that, in those rare situations when an athlete is ready they should be allowed to participate.” Smith also spoke about the difference between athletes saying, “We must remember that not all athletes are the same. Some are 14-year-old freshmen and others are 15.”
When looking at this from a fan’s standpoint, people like Aliah Chavez who is the #1 2025 recruit for girls college basketball played this past basketball season 2021-2022 as freshmen in a Class 5A school (Lubbock Monterey) and helped lead the Lady Plainsmen to the Region I-5A Semifinals game where they fell to Lake Dallas. So in a sense, having a freshman who has the skills is necessary for that team to compete should be evaluated and taken into consideration.
When it comes to the Class 1A and 2A schools, things are much different. If Wellman-Union had not had freshmen this past football season, they would not have fielded a team. There were seven freshmen, two sophomores, and two seniors. In Class A football in Texas you play 6-man and if freshmen didn’t get to play, then four, specifically the two seniors would not get to play at all. Also, there are many 1A and 2A schools that don’t field a JV or freshmen squads because of the lack of participation.
Meadow Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Josh Conner said, “That would affect 1A schools drastically… I hope that they don’t let it pass, but if they do, then you will see a drop in 1A schools competing.” Wellman-Union Interim Superintendent Johnny Tubb has similar sentiments. “I haven’t seen the final wording of the proposition, but if it applies to all sports, I’m against it .. If it only applies to football, I will reconsider my position… In Class A football, I would hope there would be an exception if the Freshmen are needed to field a team. ” Tubb said.
The other item of topic the SCA added to the agenda and has caused debate for the past several years is adding the shot clock to high school basketball. The shot clock was added to different tournaments over the past couple of years, including the Gene Messer Tournament which is hosted by Frenship ISD. According to several coaches and players within the tournament really enjoyed having the shot clock. Mainly because it pick up the pace of the game and there was no stalling.
BHS Runnin’ Cubs Coach McPherson said, “Well I don’t really see it passing, but I have mixed feelings about it. I think it will speed the game up which is a good thing. I also think it would add an element of strategy to end-of-quarter situations.” The same goes for Wellman-Union Girls Basketball Coach Bailey saying, “I think is a much-needed change to the HS game. Will bring an extra amount of excitement to the game and help HS players get ready for the next level!”
Even with the excitement of the shot clock, both coaches also feel there will be challenges if it passed. “Coaches will have to prepare their teams to really understand time and possession and of course, the only concern I have is that it will add one more dimension for officials and scores table to monitor during a game,” said Bailey. McPherson has a similar viewpoint stating,”The major problem I see with it is how often there will be clock errors. I can see that being a real problem.”
The University Interscholastic League Legislative Council Meeting will take place at the Austin Marriott North, 2600 La Frontera Blvd. in Round Rock, TX and will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.
