106th Edition of the

Constitution and Contest Rules

of the

University Interscholastic League

2015-2016

Telephone: 512-471-5883 Theatre Only: 512-471-9996

P.O. Box 8028

Austin, Texas 78713

Fax: Administration – 512-471-5908 Fax: Academics – 512-232-7311 Fax: Athletics – 512-471-6589 Fax: Theatre – 512-471-7388

Fax: Order Department – 512-232-6471

E-mail Addresses: Administration/Eligibility: info@uiltexas.org

Academics: academics@uiltexas.org Theatre: theatre@uiltexas.org

Music: music@uiltexas.org Athletics: athletics@uiltexas.org

Media/Public Information: pr@uiltexas.org

WEB Address: www.uiltexas.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

 

This publication is not copyrighted. Any or all sections may be duplicated. The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government.

SAM HOUSTON Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of Democracy, and while guided and controlled by virtue, the noblest attribute of man. It is the only dictator that freemen acknowledge, and is the only security which freemen desire.

MIRABEAU B. LAMAR School and community opinion should be so conditioned that every interschool contest dramatizes not only the reign of law but the reign of a higher law giving the Spirit of the rules precedence over the Letter, thus establishing a jurisdiction in which Conscience is the court of final appeal, empowered to confer the ultimate and most highly valued awards.

Educational Competition The Story of the University Interscholastic League

by ROY BEDICHEK UIL Director, 1921-1948

   

 

     Dear Students, Coaches, Administrators and Parents:

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as chair of the University Interscholastic League Legislative Council. This position represents the ultimate honor in serving the UIL and the students of Texas. The Council is responsible for establishing rules and policies which govern numerous events, contests, and competitions in academics, fine arts, and athletics. Each year, the Council meets to review, refine, clarify and adopt procedures within each of these areas. The Council represents students and districts across the state and is comprised of members from each of the four regions within each of the six conferences. The UIL has a tremendous history in expanding opportunities for student involvement and in supporting and promoting these activities with a spirit of fairness and good sportsmanship. Equally important is the UIL’s instrumental role in developing life skills and strengthening character traits.

My early experiences as a student formed my opinions and attitudes regarding UIL activities and competitions. My later experiences as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent have solidified those opinions. I believe the lessons taught and learned within UIL activities impact the lives of those who participate and facilitate. To strive for achievement and excellence, one must develop skills in both leadership and teamwork. These skills, along with dedication and commitment, are important life skills.

On behalf of the Council, I want to express appreciation for the outstanding leadership of Dr. Charles Breithaupt. He and his team are dedicated, committed, and passionate about providing opportunities for students to participate and excel.

I also want to express appreciation for your involvement with the UIL. Your engagement and support are critical factors in providing a positive environment for the students of Texas. I genuinely look forward to supporting your efforts within this esteemed organization.

Sincerely,

Kay Waggoner, PhD RISD Superintendent Chair, UIL Legislative Council

   

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

RICHARDSON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHAIR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

   

   

Statement of Purpose

The University Interscholastic League believes

that most students enjoy the pursuit of excellence and seek opportunities to test themselves against their own accomplishments and those of their peers,

that such opportunities are best provided through properly conducted and equitably administered competitive activities,

that the classroom is enriched by the flow of student energy into the more intensified arena of competition and back into the classroom.

Therefore, we reaffirm that students are the focus of our endeavor and deserve an opportunity to:

refine physical and mental aptitudes,

nurture self-realization and build self-confidence,

feel a sense of pride and dignity,

experience teamwork and develop a sense of fair play,

develop the ability to lead and the willingness to follow,

foster self-discipline and perseverance,

appreciate that rules, consistently applied, create order and discipline,

learn to accept graciously the decisions of judges and officials,

affirm self-worth in times of disappointment as well as adulation,

cultivate lifetime skills,

complement their class work with practice and performance,

have fun,

experience the joy of achieving their potential in a wholesome environment and,

discover that ultimately the true meaning of winning is doing one’s best.

     

Legislative Council OfficersChair: Kay Waggoner

First Vice Chair: Johnny PinedaSecond Vice Chair: Jim Waller

Legislative Council Representatives

Conf-Reg Term Name and Address6A-I 2017 Supt Alfred Ray, Duncanville ISD, 802 South Main St., Duncanville 751376A-II 2018 Supt Kay Waggoner, Richardson ISD, 400 S. Greenville Ave, Richardson 750816A-III 2016 Supt Mark Henry, Cypress Fairbanks ISD, 10300 Jones Rd, Houston 770656A-IV 2019 Supt Gonzalo Salazar, Los Fresnos CISD, PO Box 309, Los Fresnos 785665A-I 2018 Supt Berhl Robertson, Lubbock ISD, 1628 19th St., Lubbock 794015A-II 2017 Supt Kevin Worthy, Royse City ISD, PO Box 479, Royse City 751895A-III 2019 Supt Greg Poole, Barbers Hill ISD, PO Box 1108, Mont Belvieu 775805A-IV 2016 Supt Robert Jaklich, Victoria ISD, 102 Profit Dr., Victoria 779014A-I 2016 Supt Joey Light, Abilene Wylie ISD, 6249 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene 796064A-II 2017 Supt Russell Marshall, Mabank ISD, 310 E. Market St., Mabank 751474A-III 2019 Supt Shannon Holmes, Hardin-Jefferson ISD, PO Box 490, Sour Lake 776594A-IV 2018 Supt Curtis Rhodes, Needville ISD, PO Box 412, Needville 774613A-I 2018 Supt Jim Waller, Idalou ISD, 601 Walnut Street, Idalou 793293A-II 2019 Supt Jeff Adams, Farmersville ISD, 501-A Highway 78N, Farmersville 754423A-III 2017 Supt Richard Kilgore, Bruceville-Eddy ISD,1 Eagle Drive., Eddy 765243A-IV 2016 Supt Jo Ann Bludau, Hallettsville ISD, PO Box 368., Hallettsville 779642A-I 2017 Supt Shane Fields, Albany ISD, PO Box 2050, Albany 764302A-II 2018 Supt Todd Morrison, Honey Grove ISD, 1206 N. 17th Street, Honey Grove 754462A-III 2019 Supt Mary Huckabay, Hull-Daisetta ISD, PO Box 477, Daisetta 775332A-IV 2016 Supt Trey Lawrence, Shiner ISD, PO Box 804, Shiner 779841A-I 2019 Vacant1A-II 2018 Supt Cliff Gilmore, Aspermont ISD, PO Box 549, Aspermont 795021A-III 2016 Supt Greg Enis, Slidell ISD, PO Box 69, Slidell 762671A-IV 2017 Supt Cody Moree, Apple Springs ISD, PO Box 125, Apple Springs 75926I-At Large 2017 VacantI-At Large 2019 VacantII-At Large 2017 Dir of Secondary Education James Brewer, Longview ISD, PO Box 3268, Longview 75606II-At Large 2019 VacantIII-At Large 2017 Supt Thomas Randle, Lamar Consolidated ISD, 3911 Avenue I, Rosenberg 77471III-At Large 2019 Supt Alton Frailey, Katy ISD, PO Box 159, Katy 77492IV-At Large 2017 Supt Dan Troxell, Kerrville ISD, 1009 Barnett St, Kerrville 78028IV-At Large 2019 Supt Johnny Pineda, Raymondville ISD, 1 Bearkat Blvd, Raymondville 78580

       

2015-2016 Waiver Review Board

Conference Term Name and Address

1A 2018 Morris Lyon, Superintendent, North Zulch ISD

2A 2016 Randy Johnson, Superintendent, Forsan ISD

3A 2017 Steve Arthur, Superintendent, Whitewright ISD

4A 2018 Gary Martel, Superintendent, Diboll ISD

5A 2019 Roland Hernandez, Superintendent, Corpus Christi ISD

6A 2019 Randy Reid, Superintendent, Keller ISD

Appointed 2016 LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent, Lufkin ISD

Appointed 2016 Harry Miller, Belton

Appointed 2016 Jimmy Thomas, Lubbock

Appointed 2016 Diana Negrete, Austin

2015-2016 State Executive Committee

Robin Battershell, Superintendent, Temple ISD

James Colbert, Jr., Superintendent, Harris County Education

Johanna Denson, Athletic Director, Pflugerville ISD

Darrian Dover, Superintendent, Meadow ISD

Paul Galvan, Fort Worth

Gil Garza, Athletic Director, Dallas ISD

Amy Jacobs, Superintendent, Coahoma ISD

Phil Cotham, Superintendent, Lockney ISD

Teresa Long, Austin

Mike Motheral, Lubbock

Marcus Nelson, Superintendent, Laredo ISD

Daryl Wade, Houston

HOW TO USE THE UIL CONSTITUTION AND CONTEST RULES

To use the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules most efficiently and effectively, try the following methods: (1) TRY THE TABLE OF CONTENTS–the table provides you with an overview of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. (2) TRY THE INDEX–the index provides you with page number by subject matter. (3) Rules on which Official Interpretations have been issued by the State Executive Committee are cross referenced to Appendix

I, which contains the Official Interpretations. (4) CALL THE UIL–Staff members are identified under UIL Administration, and in Appendix III. (5) Rule changes for the 2015-2016 school year are listed in Appendix V.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (See Page 264 for Subject Index.)

2015-2016 UIL Constitution and Contest Rules

Official Calendar ......................................................................... 3 Message from the Legislative Council Chair ........................... 9 Message from the President of UT Austin .............................. 10 Statement of Purpose ............................................................... 11 Legislative Council Representatives ........................................ 12 Waiver Review Board Members .............................................. 13 State Executive Committee Members ..................................... 13 Table of Contents ..................................................................... 14 Introduction by the Director of the UIL ................................. 17 Administration ....................................................................... 18 CHAPTER 1 Constitution Subchapter A NAME OF ORGANIZATION .................... 19

Section 1 Name ............................................................. 19 Subchapter B OBJECTIVES .............................................. 19

Section 2 Objectives of the League .............................. 19 Subchapter C DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................... 19

Section 5 Definitions .................................................... 19 Section 6 Computation of Time to Act ........................ 20

Subchapter D MEMBERSHIP IN LEAGUE ................... 21 Section 10 Qualifications for Membership .................... 21 Section 11 Admission to Membership ........................... 21 Section 12 School’s Eligibility to Participate ................. 21 Section 13 Membership Dues and Participation Fees .. 21 Section 14 Continuation of Membership and Right to Participate ................................................. 22 Section 15 Mandatory Suspension ................................ 22

Subchapter E ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION ................................... 22

Section 20 Composition of the League .......................... 22 Section 21 Responsibilities of the Superintendent ....... 22 Section 22 UIL Director ................................................ 23 Section 23 UIL Binding Actions .................................... 23 Section 24 UIL Officers ................................................. 23 Section 25 Legislative Council ....................................... 23 Section 26 State Executive Committee ......................... 25 Section 27 Penalties - State Executive Committee ....... 26 Section 28 District Executive Committee ..................... 28 Section 29 Penalties - District Executive Committee ... 30 Section 30 Spring Meet Regional Executive

Committee .................................................... 31 Section 31 Waiver Review Board; UIL Hearing Officer; Waiver Officer ............................................. .32 Section 32 Sports Officials Committee...........................32

Subchapter F Classification of Violations; Protests ............ 33 Section 50 Student Violations ......................................... 33 Section 51 Personnel Violations ..................................... 33 Section 52 School Violations .......................................... 34 Section 53 Conduct Subject to Protest .......................... 34 Section 54 Filing a Protest .............................................. 34 Section 55 Report of Violation ....................................... 34 Section 56 Investigations ................................................ 34

Subchapter G COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND APPEALS ..................................................... 35

Section 100 General .......................................................... 35 Section 150 Appeals .......................................................... 35

Subchapter H RULES AND AMENDMENTS ................. 35 Section 300 General Purposes ......................................... 35 Section 301 Notice of Proposed Rules ............................. 35 Section 302 Public Hearing On Proposed Rules ............. 35 Section 303 Rule Promulgation Process .......................... 36 Section 304 Official Interpretation of Rules .................... 36 Section 305 Official Staff Interpretations ........................ 36 Section 306 Rules of Construction ................................... 36 Section 330 Proposed Amendments to the Constitution .................................................. 37 Section 331 Amending the Constitution .......................... 37

Subchapter I CONFERENCES/DISTRICTS .................. 37 Section 350 Establishing Conferences ............................. 37 Section 351 Conference Based on Enrollment ............... 37 Section 352 Non-Honors Football ................................... 38 Section 353 Football Competition by New School ......... 38 Section 354 First Appeal: District Reassignment by Agreement ............................................... 38 Section 355 District Assignment Appeals Committee .... 38 Section 356 Final Assignments; Contracting Games ...... 39

Subchapter J NON-DISCRIMINATION IN UIL CONTESTS .................................................. 39

Section 360 Policy ............................................................. 39 Section 361 Exceptions ..................................................... 39

Subchapter L CONTESTS .................................................. 40

Section 380 League Contests ........................................... 40 Section 381 Official Calendar Published ......................... 40 Section 382 Rescheduling of Contests ............................. 40

Subchapter M ELIGIBILITY .............................................. 40 Section 400 Eligibility For All UIL Contests .................. 40 Section 401 State Law ...................................................... 41 Section 402 High School Graduate .................................. 41 Section 403 Full-Time Day Student ................................ 41 Section 404 Regular Attendance ...................................... 41 Section 405 Four Year Program of HS Courses .............. 42 Section 406 Recruiting ..................................................... 42 Section 407 Burden of Proof, Eligibility .......................... 42 Section 408 Burden of Proof, Violations .......................... 42 Section 409 Credit Requirements .................................... 42 Section 410 Waiver of Contest Rules for Disability ........ 42 Section 420 Eligibility - Academics .................................. 42 Section 430 Eligibility - Music ......................................... 42 Section 440 Eligibility - Athletics .................................... 43 Section 441 Amateur Athletic Status ............................... 43 Section 442 Residence in School District Attendance Zone .......................................... 44 Section 443 Changing Schools for Athletic Purposes ...... 45 Section 445 Repeating Grades for Athletic Purposes ..... 47 Section 446 Age ................................................................ 47

Subchapter N WAIVER OF ELIGIBILITY RULES ........ 48 Section 463 Application for Waiver ................................. 48 Section 464 Submission to Waiver Officer ...................... 48 Section 465 Decision by Waiver Officer .......................... 49 Section 466 Review of Decisions .................................... 49 Section 468 Review Decision Process .............................. 50 Section 469 Retroactive Waiver ....................................... 51 Section 470 Submitting False Information ...................... 51

Subchapter O AWARDS ...................................................... 51 Section 480 Limitation of Awards .................................... 51 Section 481 Gifts or Awards to Sponsor or Coach .......... 52 Section 482 Music Awards ............................................... 52

Subchapter P RECORDS ................................................... 52 Section 800 Open Records ............................................... 52 Section 801 Requests for Access to Records ................... 53 Section 802 Contest Records ........................................... 53

Subchapter Q PUBLICATIONS ......................................... 53 Section 825 Constitution and Contest Rules ................... 53 Section 826 The Leaguer .................................................. 53 Section 827 Forms ............................................................ 53 Section 828 Other Publications ........................................ 53 Section 829 Publication Charges ...................................... 54

Subchapter R FINANCES .................................................. 54 Section 866 Annual Report; Budget; Audit ..................... 54 Section 867 Sources of Income ........................................ 54 Section 868 Broadcasts of UIL Events ............................ 54

CHAPTER 2 Contest Rules Subchapter A ACADEMIC CONTESTS ........................... 57

Section 900 High School Spring Meet Plan .................... 57 Section 901 Spring Meet Organization ............................ 58 Section 902 District Meet ................................................ 59 Section 903 Regional Meet .............................................. 63 Section 904 State Meet ..................................................... 64 Section 906 Invitational Meets ......................................... 65 Section 920 Accounting (HS) ........................................... 66 Section 924 Calculator Applications (HS) ....................... 69 Section 926 Computer Applications (HS) ....................... 72 Section 928 Computer Science (HS) ............................... 75

Section 932 Current Issues and Events (HS) .................. 78 Section 940 Literary Criticism (HS) ................................ 80 Section 942 Mathematics (HS) ........................................ 82 Section 944 Number Sense (HS) ..................................... 86 Section 948 Ready Writing (HS) ...................................... 89 Section 952 Science (HS) ................................................. 90 Section 956 Social Studies (HS) ....................................... 95 Section 960 Spelling and Vocabulary (HS) ...................... 97 Section 965 Barbara Jordan Historical Essay..................101 Section 966 Latino History Essay Competition..............101 Section 1000 Speech ......................................................... 102 Section 1001 Cross-Examination Team Debate .............. 102 Section 1002 Lincoln-Douglas Debate ............................ 108 Section 1003 Individual Speech Contests ........................ 111 Section 1004 Extemporaneous Informative Speaking .... 115 Section 1005 Extemporaneous Persuasive Speaking ...... 118 Section 1006 Poetry Interpretation .................................. 121 Section 1007 Prose Interpretation ................................... 124 Section 1021 Journalism Program .................................... 127 Section 1023 Spring Meet Journalism ............................. 127 Section 1024 Feature Writing .......................................... 129 Section 1025 News Writing .............................................. 130 Section 1026 Editorial Writing ......................................... 130 Section 1027 Headline Writing ........................................ 131 Section 1031 Theatre ........................................................ 132 Section 1032 Drama Loan Library .................................. 132 Section 1033 One-Act Play ............................................... 132 Section 1034 One-Act Play Codes ................................... 139 Section 1035 Theatrical Design ....................................... 140

Subchapter B MUSIC ........................................................ 143 Section 1100 Music Contest Introduction ....................... 143 Section 1101 Policy and Ethics ........................................ 139 Section 1102 General Regulations ................................... 143 Section 1103 Entry Procedures ........................................ 147 Section 1104 Copyright Rule ........................................... 147 Section 1105 Region Marching Contest .......................... 148 Section 1106 Area Marching Contest .............................. 150 Section 1107 State Marching Contest .............................. 151 Section 1108 Solo-Small Ensemble ................................. 152 Section 1109 Medium Ensemble ..................................... 154 Section 1110 Concert Organization Contest ................... 155 Section 1111 Sightreading And Music Reading Evaluation ................................................... 157 Section 1112 Adjudication ................................................ 160 Section 1113 Awards ......................................................... 162 Section 1114 Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest ...... 162 Section 1115 Wind Ensemble Festival ............................ 163

Subchapter C HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PLAN ...... 165 Section 1200 Purpose of High School Athletics .............. 165 Section 1201 Athletic Codes ............................................ 165 Section 1202 Employment of Coaches ............................ 166 Section 1203 Duties of Athletic District Executive Committee .................................................. 167 Section 1204 Officials ....................................................... 169 Section 1205 Athletic Eligibility ....................................... 176 Section 1206 School Practice and Game Restrictions ..... 177 Section 1207 Rules, Violations and Penalties .................. 180 Section 1208 Athletic Regulations ................................... 181 Section 1209 Non-School Participation ........................... 185 Section 1210 Anabolic Steroid Testing ............................ 186 Section 1220 Baseball Plan ............................................... 186 Section 1230 Basketball Plan ........................................... 188 Section 1240 Cross Country Plan ..................................... 190 Section 1250 Football Plan ............................................... 190 Section 1260 Golf Plan ..................................................... 194 Section 1270 Soccer Plan ................................................. 196 Section 1280 Girls’ Softball Plan ...................................... 197 Section 1290 Swimming Plan ........................................... 199 Section 1300 Tennis Plan ................................................. 200 Section 1310 Team Tennis Plan ....................................... 201

Section 1320 Track and Field Plan .................................. 203 Section 1330 Girls’ Volleyball Plan .................................. 206 Section 1340 Wrestling Plan ............................................ 208

Subchapter D ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & JUNIOR HIGH .......................................... 209

Section 1400 Junior High (7th & 8th Grades) ................. 209 Section 1401 A+ Program Academic Plan ....................... 211 Section 1405 Eligibility Requirements ............................ 213 Section 1408 Invitational & District Meets ..................... 213 Section 1410 Art ............................................................... 215 Section 1414 Calculator Applications (A+) ...................... 217 Section 1416 Chess Puzzle ............................................... 219 Section 1418 Creative Writing ........................................ 220 Section 1422 Dictionary Skills ......................................... 222 Section 1424 Editorial Writing (A+) ................................ 223 Section 1426 Impromptu Speaking ................................. 224 Section 1430 Listening .................................................... 226 Section 1434 Maps, Graphs & Charts ............................. 228 Section 1438 Mathematics (A+) ....................................... 229

Section 1442 Modern Oratory ......................................... 230 Section 1446 Music Memory ........................................... 232 Section 1450 Number Sense (A+) ................................... 234 Section 1454 One-Act Play (A+) ...................................... 236 Section 1458 Oral Reading ............................................... 237 Section 1462 Ready Writing (A+) .................................... 239 Section 1466 Science (A+) ............................................... 241 Section 1468 Social Studies .............................................. 242 Section 1470 Spelling (A+) ............................................... 243 Section 1474 Storytelling .................................................. 245 Section 1478 7th & 8th Grade Athletic Plan ................... 247

APPENDICES Appendix I State Executive Committee Official Interpretations ............................................ 255 Appendix II Who To Call ................................................ 259 Appendix III Interscholastic League Press Conference . 260 Appendix IV Rule Changes for 2014-2015 ...................... 262

Appendix V Applicable Portion of Senate Bill 82 .......... 263