The past several years, the question we get most, through direct messages and in comments on our page, is asking us where and how they can live-stream the game of their local school. Texas High School football fans have been wanting to be able to watch their team online, and most indicated they’d be willing to pay a bit to be able to do so. The past few years, the UIL seemed like they were not open to changing their stance on live-streaming, but 2020 and the pandemic seemed to force their hand.
Live Streaming Texas High School Football Games in 2020 and 2021
Just prior to the delayed start of the 2020 high school football season, the UIL made the decision to allow for live-streaming of games. Previously, you were allowed to record and broadcast the games, but only after the completion of the game. With many games in 2020 being played without fans or with limited fans, the UIL decided to allow live-streaming. However, this did not apply to TV broadcasts.
We noticed the benefit to this change immediately on social media. Whereas previously, social media was full of people just asking for and reporting live scores, fans of teams all over Texas were watching games online and taking to Twitter and other social networks to talk about the game action.
This week, the UIL met to consider extended live-streaming into 2021. The UIL Legislative Council, in a split vote, decided to continue the 2020 ruling and allow live-streaming. That is great news for the 2021 season, but the ruling is only for this upcoming season. While most schools and almost all fans want live-streaming of games as readily available as possible, we can expect some changes likely for the 2022 football season. At the very least, there will be more restrictions, licensing fees or guidelines in the future.
For now, Texas High School sports fans, enjoy another season of being able to watch your high school and most other high school football teams live online on Friday nights!
UIL Press Release:
View it here: https://www.uiltexas.org/press-releases/detail/uil-legislative-council-meeting-results25
June 15, 2021
UIL Legislative Council Meeting Results
Media Contact: Logan Lawrence
Phone: 512-471-5883
Fax: 512-471-6589
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, Texas — The University Interscholastic League Legislative Council met Tuesday to make decisions on proposed rule changes in UIL academics, athletics, music and policy.
The Legislative Council approved a rule to allow UIL member schools to permit the live webcast of regular season football games on Friday night. This does not apply to linear broadcasts. They also approved the modification of rules to comply with House Bill 547, which pertains to the participation of non-enrolled students (Homeschool) in UIL activities if allowed by the local school district.
The council passed a proposal to modify the start dates for both baseball and softball. They also passed a proposal to clarify the authority of the UIL State Executive Committee when an assault of a sports official occurs.
Additionally, the Council also placed a proposal to allow four playoff qualifiers for 1A Basketball up for a referendum ballot.
All rule changes approved during this meeting can be found on the UIL website: Click Here
A video recap is also available:
Public Forum: Click Here
Business Session: Click Here
The Commissioner of Education must approve amendments all rule changes passed by the Legislative Council before they take effect.
— END —
www.JaMarRoofing.com
Written by KP Kelly
