The University Interscholastic League recently announced that it is allowing live telecasts for regular-season football games every Friday night during the 2020-21 season in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Telecasts will be permitted every Friday this season with the exception of Sept. 25. The video footage can be transmitted through the Internet, television, webstream, and other mediums.
In its statement, the UIL said, “This temporary suspension of Section 868(c) of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, which prohibits live telecasts of regular season football games on Friday, is only for the 2020-21 school year…”
Per UIL, telecasts must be done in accordance with the following guidelines:
- No linear telecasts will be permitted on Friday, September 25, 2020 unless already permitted by Section 868(c) PILOT PROGRAM.
- Only webcasts will be permitted on Friday, September 25, 2020.
- With prior approval by their school administration, the Home Team may have one digital webcast transmitted on the Internet and one linear telecast on television per game, provided that there is adequate space for the Visiting Team webcast production.
- With prior approval by their school administration, the Visiting Team may have one digital webcast transmitted on the Internet per game.
- Webcasts may be on any media platform approved by the school.
- All telecasts must adhere to UIL telecast guidelines and advertisement restrictions.
In addition to these rules, general guidelines, press box guidelines, and advertisement restrictions can be found on the UIL’s website online in greater detail.
