UIL delays post-season decision

AUSTIN- The current system for football alignments will remain in place and superintendents will decide whether or not to add a fourth team to the playoffs in all team sports for Conference 4A after decisions handed down by the UIL Legislative Council on Monday.

After extensive discussion of a split conference alignment for football, the UIL Legislative Council voted to survey school superintendents after the 2008-2010 realignment is released this spring to determine whether or not to move forward with the plan for the 2010-2012 alignment period. The Council instructed the UIL staff to place the item on a survey and include a scenario of the split conference alignment using the 2008 enrollment figures so schools could see how the split conferences would have affected things this realignment period.

"The Legislative Council had a great deal of interest in the split conference alignment plan for football, but felt now was not the time to move forward with it, especially since we are currently in a realignment year," said UIL Assistant Director and Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Breithaupt. "By using the 2008 enrollment figures to create the sample alignment, it gives everyone a chance to look at this plan with fresh numbers and a new perspective. Giving superintendents across the state a chance to weigh in on this concept provides a more comprehensive look at the way our schools feel about it and we're encouraged by the efforts and wisdom of the council."

Conference 4A superintendents will decide if a fourth team is added to the playoffs in the sports of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball after the item is placed on a referendum ballot this spring. The results of the referendum ballot are bind- ing, and will take effect in the 2008-09 school year.

Additionally, the Legislative Council amended the penalty for a positive steroid test result. In June 2007, the council passed a penalty structure relating to the statewide random steroid testing program the UIL is implementing this school year. At that time, the penalty for a first-time positive steroid test was suspension from competition for a minimum of 30 calendar days. That penalty was amended, and if approved by the Commissioner of Education, will now be a suspension for a minimum of 30 school days of competition in all UIL athletic activities for a first positive test. A student must undergo an exit steroid test and receive a negative result in order to restore their eligibility.