Texas high school sports could see big changes with basketball, soccer, varsity freshmen

The UIL will consider adding a shot clock in girls and boys basketball during its annual Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday. It’s one of four written proposals that will be referred to the athletics committee from the public.

Last season, the UIL took no action on a proposal that would have allowed shot clocks for Class 6A and 5A programs starting in the 2022-23 season. In May 2021, the national federation announced that a 35-second shot clock will be permitted in high school basketball games by state associations beginning in the 2022-23 season.

Only nine states use a shot clock: California, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington.

Another proposal will be to prohibit freshmen athletes from participating in varsity competition.

How much will that have an effect if the UIL considers it?

Well, take the Southlake Carroll girls soccer team for example. The Dragons won the Class 6A state championship in April. Carroll had six freshmen in the starting lineup. One freshman, Kennedy Fuller, scored three goals in the title game and was voted state championship game MVP. She was the Star-Telegram all-area player of the year.

Speaking of soccer, the sport is also on the agenda on Tuesday with a proposal to move it from the spring season to the fall season. Right now, boys and girls soccer in Texas is played January through April.

It could join football, volleyball, tennis and cross country in the fall.

College soccer is played during the fall.

The National Federation of State High School Associations will livestream the meeting. It can also be seen online on the UIL legislative council web page. The athletic portion will start at 9:30.

This story was originally published June 10, 2022 at 2:53 PM.