The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Legislative Council convened on Wednesday at the Westin Austin at the Domain to deliberate and vote on proposed rule changes impacting high school athletics.
A key change was expanding the mandatory best-of-three series format for baseball playoffs to include Classes 3A and 4A, extending a pilot program previously applied to 5A and 6A. Postseason rounds prior to the state tournament will require a two-out-of-three series unless both coaches mutually agree to a single game.
The Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association supported the change, citing instances of gamesmanship in playoff negotiations, such as demands for home-field advantage or excessive travel.
The council also refined officiating policies, mandating UIL-registered officials for all varsity contests, with exceptions for sports like cross-country, golf, and tennis. The updated rules clarify the process for agreeing on officials, requiring host schools to provide official names to visiting schools at least 14 days prior to contests.