
Is This Fair? UIL Considers Banning Freshman From Playing on Varsity Teams
Should freshmen student athletes be prohibited from playing on varsity teams? The UIL is considering it.
We may be in the early days of summer, but high school sports are fast approaching. As with every new year, certain changes are proposed to to correct any issues that may have arisen during the previous season. The University Interscholastic League, also known as the UIL, will be meeting soon in Round Rock to discuss various addendums to rules. The list is provided by KVUE:
- Proposals to change soccer from a spring sport to a fall sport
- A proposal to add a shot clock to basketball
- A proposal to allow 6th grade participation at the 1A level
- A proposal regarding strength and conditioning for in-season athletes
- A proposal to establish a ten-year compensation plan for sports officials

However one rule change might turn some heads:
- A proposal to prohibit freshmen athletes from participating in varsity competitions
This one has me scratching my head just a little bit. I know that with the more research we do on certain sports, the more we learn about how it affects the body. By now most of us are familiar with the results of research into how sports concussions can alter someone's state of mind and impact the rest of their life.
But the UIL considered banning all freshman from varsity competition? How is that fair to the new players?
Back in Alabama, we had students playing both JV and Varsity teams with no issue. And their health was of the utmost importance as well. But more importantly, why would you stop an athlete from potentially gaining more experience during their growth as a player?
I understand fatigue and the various reasons why it would be considered. But then you have another issue of JV players having to sit behind a freshman for a year. Or, a freshman having to sit out a year while a coach develops other players.
Not every freshman does gain the opportunity to play their first year on a varsity team. But they should all have at least the opportunity to prove they can take the field.
Should the UIL pass this proposal or take more time to discuss? Tap the Chat button in our free app and let us know what you think.