UIL: Live Video Broadcast of High School Football Allowed

SAN ANGELO, TX – The University Interscholastic League announced Wednesday that it will be allowing live streaming of high school football games during the 2020-2021 season to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines. 

According to the UIL, on June 17, school districts across Texas will decide on who will be able to live broadcast games during this upcoming season only. This meaning video broadcasting since live radio broadcasting has been allowed for decades. 

“The Friday night element still exists in Texas, and we don’t believe that COVID-19 will do away with that," said UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt. “But I do believe this is a time for us to stand down on our Friday night broadcasting rule, not permanently, just for a one-time venture because we know there will be many people who stay away because they’re fearful, particularly our elderly and our senior citizens. We want to give them a chance to see the game based on what the local district allows.”

Many questions have arose on how San Angelo ISD will go forward with the live streaming. It is unclear at this time on who will have the rights to broadcast the games. Currently Foster Communications has the radio broadcasting rights. 

Breithaupt also claims that the football season is expected to start on time with people in the stands. The UIL will continue to monitor Gov. Greg Abbott’s restrictions on maintaining a 50% stadium capacity but hopes that lifting the Friday night broadcasting ban will provide community members a chance to take part in a long-standing tradition.