What a new Texas law says about heckling student athletes at sporting events
If you’re planning to attend a school sporting event in Texas, you may want to think twice before shouting at the refs or heckling players.
A new law gives referees and other officials the authority to immediately eject unruly spectators, including parents, from games without issuing a warning first.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2929, known as the “Safe Stands Act,” earlier this year. The law went into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. The measure is designed to curb aggressive or disruptive behavior in the stands and applies to all events sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
Lawmakers say the change was needed after repeated issues with fans creating unsafe environments for students and officials. The law will apply to every UIL event this fall.
Here’s what to know.
What the law changes
Before SB 2929, referees and judges had to issue a verbal warning before ejecting a spectator. Removal was only possible if the behavior continued.
Critics of that system said it delayed action in situations where fans were being disruptive or even threatening. The new law eliminates that extra step.
Now, if an official deems a fan’s behavior inappropriate, they can order the person out of the venue immediately.
What behavior can get you ejected?
The Safe Stands Act gives broad authority to officials, but specific examples of behavior that can trigger removal include:
- Verbal abuse of referees, athletes, or other fans.
- Threats of violence, which may also lead to criminal charges.
- Throwing objects onto the playing area, a violation that can result in bans or arrest.
- Creating a hostile environment that disrupts the event or puts others at risk.
Heckling that crosses into harassment or unsafe conduct is now grounds for immediate ejection.
What happens if schools don’t enforce it?
SB 2929 doesn’t just target fans — it also holds schools accountable. If a school racks up three incidents of fan misconduct, it could lose the ability to host UIL officials for home games.
This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 4:18 PM.
