AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — New rules may be coming to Texas high school sports after the University Interscholastic League Legislative Council met recently. Officials discussed decisions on proposed rule changes in Texas high school athletics.

One potential change is adding a 35-second shot clock to girls’ and boys’ varsity games no earlier than 2028-29. The new shot clock will be added with this proposed implementation plan: 5A & 6A no earlier than 2028-29, 3A & 4A no earlier than 2030-31, and 1A & 2A no earlier than 2032-33.

In athletics, the Council approved a proposal for the following:

• High School Football: Home-field advantage for the first round of playoffs in all conferences for all team sports, beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
  • The Legislative Council passed a proposal allowing linear football broadcasts on Friday night during the regular season, when both schools mutually agree.
• High School Cross Country: The distance of the Conference 4A girls cross country race will increase to 5,000 meters beginning in 2028-29, and junior high cross country meet start times may now be held in the morning due to actions taken by the Council.
• High School Team Tennis: The Legislative Council also passed a proposal to allow Conferences 1A and 2A to participate in Conference 4A team tennis beginning next school year. Currently, Conference 3A schools may participate in 4A team tennis.
• High School Basketball: Adopt a 35-second shot clock for girls’ and boys’ basketball for varsity games no earlier than 2028-29.
• High School Girls Flag Football: Develop girls flag football as a pilot program, with no more than two classifications, beginning no earlier than the 2028-29 school year.

Additionally, the Legislative Council passed a proposal allowing linear football broadcasts on Friday night during the regular season, when both schools mutually agree. To view all rule changes approved during this meeting, visit the UIL website.