Update on plans for 2010-11 school year regarding officials
By staff | Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:16 AM
As you may be aware, the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) has filed a lawsuit regarding the decision of the UIL Legislative Council to amend section 1204 of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules for the 2010-11 school year. As the 2010-11 school year approaches, due in large part to this ongoing litigation, questions have arisen concerning insurance coverage for officials who are members of chapters that have previously registered with the UIL. Insurance coverage provided as part of the UIL registration process for officials and chapters that registered with UIL during the 2009-10 school year expired as of June 30, 2010.
In order to provide coverage for the coming 2010-11 school year for those previously UIL registered chapters and their membership who wish to maintain their UIL registration, UIL will begin its registration process, including the purchase of insurance, as discussed below. Furthermore, UIL member schools and officials that were either members of TASO or UIL registered during the 2009 – 10 school year have expressed concern and confusion as to what rules should be applied when scheduling and compensating officials for the upcoming 2010-11 school year.
In an effort to answer these questions and resolve any confusion, UIL provides the following information and direction to all interested parties:
In order to avoid any misunderstanding, until the current litigation has been resolved, UIL and its member schools will work under the provisions of section 1204 of the 2009-10 Constitution and Contest Rules.
Until the litigation has been resolved:
Section 1204 of the 2009-10 Constitution and Contest Rules will remain in effect.
- Officials that were registered exclusively with TASO for the 2009-10 school year will continue to register with TASO. TASO registered officials should disregard the registration process information below. At this time, the UIL will not register any officials who in the 2009-10 school year were registered exclusively with TASO.
- As of July 8, 2010, Officials that were registered with UIL for the 2009-10 school year may continue to register with UIL. Registration will work the same as last year. Chapters will send registration fees and a list of chapter members to the UIL.
- Until the litigation is resolved, schools may utilize officials registered with UIL or with TASO for varsity contests per the 2009-10 Constitution and Contest Rules.
- New officials will register with the organization with which their local officials association is affiliated.
- Officials who have previously registered with both TASO and the UIL may continue to register with both.
- Due to a temporary court order (obtained by TASO) the UIL is presently enjoined from giving effect to the fee schedule listed in section 1204 of the 2010-11 Constitution and Contest Rules. Until we are able to resolve that issue, and on advice of counsel, compensation to officials for UIL contests will be as outlined in the fee schedule listed in section 1204 of the 2009-10 Constitution and Contest Rules.
The UIL hopes this will clarify the current situation as we approach the 2010 – 11 school year. The UIL will provide additional information and direction once the litigation is resolved.