UIL APPROVES CHANGES TO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

As Texas gears up for the 2025 high school football season, the UIL has announced notable rule changes and the approval of new optional equipment.

The most significant update is the introduction of a 2-minute timeout in games. While not officially called the "2-minute warning" as seen in the NFL, the concept is nearly identical. Play will now stop at the 2-minute mark of both the second and fourth quarters. This adjustment, which follows a similar rule change adopted by college football last year, aims to give teams a final opportunity to strategize and potentially score before halftime or the end of regulation. While it may slightly disrupt the game's flow, the UIL believes it enhances late-game competitiveness.

In addition to rule changes, the UIL has also approved new optional gear for players and coaches.

The first is a safety measure: the optional use of Guardian Caps. These padded covers fit over standard helmets and are designed to reduce the impact of head collisions. Although the NFL has mandated their use in practices (excluding quarterbacks, punters, and kickers) since 2022, the UIL will leave the decision to individual teams. To use a Guardian Cap, the player must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian, and the cap must match the primary color of the player's helmet shell.

Another approved addition is the use of wearable technology such as wristbands, smartwatches, and belt packs for in-game communication. These devices can be worn by any player on the field and enable coaches to send play calls electronically, offering an alternative to traditional wristbands. However, there are restrictions: voice communication is prohibited, and only coaches located in the press box are permitted to transmit calls.

These changes reflect the UIL’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety, improve communication, and align high school football with developments at the collegiate and professional levels.