Texas 4A Coaches Advocate for Spring Football Camp Rules Change

Some coaches in Texas are advocating for a change in UIL rules that currently restrict 4A and below high school football programs from holding spring camps with helmets and pads, allowing only 5A and 6A schools to do so.

• Class 5A and 6A schools can hold up to 18 spring training practice days within 34 consecutive calendar days.

The restriction on 4A and below schools is based on concerns that spring football might negatively impact participation in other sports, especially at lower enrollment levels.

• Coaches like Clint Surratt and Seth Parr have proposed changes to allow 4A schools to conduct spring practices for player development and college exposure.
• The UIL's current enrollment range for 4A Division I is 957 to 1,314 students and for 4A Division II, it's 545 to 956 students.

Despite some traction on the proposal, the current spring camp rules remain in place, limiting opportunities for 4A programs.

Advocates argue for expanding spring camp access to 4A schools, emphasizing benefits for player development, college exposure, and leveling the playing field.