Council Approves Changes for Golf and Wrestling
By Peter Conteras, Assistant Athletic Director | Monday, December 05, 2011 9:07 AM
The idea is — if a policy change is educationally sound and the masses support it, the UIL Legislative Council will listen. This proved to be true once again this past October.
Wrestling and golf saw approved changes in their qualifying standards at the recent Legislative Council meeting in Austin. All Council action is still awaiting the Commissioner of Education approval. If the commissioner signs off, the changes will be effective Aug. 1, 2012.
In an effort to create more equitable opportunities in wrestling, an additional conference was approved. Participation numbers in wrestling have increased each year since sport was added 13 years ago. But all wrestlers still competed in one division. Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, the sport will have two conferences - 5A and 4A (the new conference). Schools 4A and below will compete in the added conference.
For several years wrestling coaches have reported that the percentage of qualifiers at the regional and state level was distorted with a higher number of 5A school athletes qualifying at both levels. This change will allow an equal number of 4A athletes and below to experience competition at the regional and state level.
The UIL has already begun to develop a new format for the state (and regional) wrestling tournament. Several options exist. The athletic staff is working hard to ensure the best experience for our student-athletes at the regional and state tournaments.
Golf
For golf, the Legislative Council approved adding an additional team and individual at the state level for the 2012-13 school year. This will also allow more qualifiers to experience the thrill of coming to Austin. The extra team and medalist – the third place team and third place medalist not on an advancing team – increased the tournament team and individual field from eight to 12. If the weather cooperates at the state tournament, this change in tournament schedule and pairings will be minor.
Maybe the bigger news is what was not added. Soccer coaches continue to ask for an additional conference. Two conferences currently exist, 5A and 4A. If a 3A school chooses to participate in soccer, it competes in a 4A district for post-district honors.
Only 88 3A schools play soccer this school year. A survey of 2A schools to gauge their interest in adding the sport did not indicate support. The council voted to instruct staff to continue to study the issue. The UIL staff will issue a report at the annual Athletic Committee meeting in mid-June.
Soccer did get one change. Next school year, the end of game tie-breaking procedure will change from the 35-yard line shootout to penalty kicks. Schools tied after regulation will still play two 10-minute overtime periods. If the game is still tied at that point, the five kicks per team will be from the penalty kick line and not the 35-yard line.