Twice a year, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) holds a Legislative Council (LC) meeting—once in June and again on the third Sunday in October. During these meetings, the LC hears from four different committees: the Academic Standing Committee, the Music Standing Committee, the Athletic Standing Committee, and the Policy Standing Committee. Each committee’s purpose is to review proposals for changes to the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules regarding academic matters, music, athletics, and policies, and to report its recommendations to the Legislative Council.
In the past, many attendees have been more interested in the athletics portion of the LC meetings. However, this time, that was not the case. Under the Policy Committee, it was recommended that the UIL proposal to exclude students on J-1 visas from reclassification and realignment calculations be adopted. J-1 visas are non-immigrant visas for individuals approved for exchange visitor programs in the United States, which are sponsored by educational or nonprofit institutions. In other words, this pertains to the foreign exchange student program.
The current rules for foreign exchange students to play varsity sports is that Foreign exchange students are ineligible for varsity athletic contests the first year they attend a member school unless they are granted a waiver of the parent residence rule as outlined in Sections 465 and 468 and a Foreign exchange students who receive a Foreign Exchange Waiver and participate in UIL varsity athletic contests during their first year in the host school may not participate in those same contests if they return for a second year to the host school. The student may, however, participate in any other UIL varsity sport.
According to UIL, the rationale for the proposed rule change to make all foreign exchange students ineligible for varsity sports is the concern that they may gain a competitive advantage when granted a waiver to compete at the varsity level. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) noted in an article published in September 2024 that foreign exchange students benefit from participating in sports.
Foreign exchange students often have the opportunity to participate in varsity sports. Recently, Brownfield High School has had foreign exchange students playing on their varsity teams. One notable example is Tom Triebenek, a former Runnin’ Cub who was an exchange student from Germany. Additionally, a few years ago, Loop High School had a young man from Germany who played varsity basketball, although the team did not make it to the postseason that year.
It is well documented by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) that participation in these activities offers numerous benefits, fostering personal growth, cultural exchange, and community integration. There are many reasons why involving a foreign-exchange student in extracurricular activities can be a win-win for both the exchange student and the program they participate in.
High school activity programs, including sports and other activities, are a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. When foreign-exchange students participate in these activities, they bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the field, court or area. In sports, this cultural exchange enriches the athletic environment by introducing new techniques, strategies and traditions from different parts of the world. For instance, a student from Brazil might introduce a new style of soccer play, while a student from Japan might introduce a different approach to the pitcher’s position in baseball.
Moreover, participating in sports helps break down cultural barriers. Ideally, team members will engage with each other on a personal level, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Through shared goals and team experiences, unexpected friendships often form. This kind of cultural exchange enhances the learning experience for both the foreign-exchange student and their peers, as playing sports is an ideal platform for global integration.
For foreign-exchange students, participating in athletics can significantly contribute to their personal growth and development. The challenges of adapting to a new sport, team dynamics and competitive environments that are different from their home country can help them build resilience and adaptability. These skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of living in a foreign country and adapting to new educational and social systems. They will also benefit the student later in life.
On Monday morning, October 27th, the Standing Committee on Policy moved to pass this amendment, effective beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. However, this will only go into effect if approved by the Commissioner of Education.
