New bill stirs controversy on UIL playoff format

LUBBOCK, Texas - Newly-elected State Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) filed SB 237 on Thursday that would cut the amount of postseason teams from four to two, if the bill passes in February.

SB 237 would cut the amount of postseason eligible teams from the current format of the top four teams in each district, to just the top two in football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. Other sports’ postseason would not be affected by SB 237.

Senator Perry stated that some schools in his district were spending upwards of $8,000 to play a playoff game due to travel costs for the respective team and spirit groups.

Local reaction for the bill is strong, however support is very few and far between statewide. “I’m not for it,” stated College Park Head Coach Richard Carson.

Only two teams making the playoffs hasn't been effect since 1989, when the playoffs expanded from two teams to three and eventually four.

One of the schools, Houston Scarborough was stated in Senator Perry's press release as the first team to advance to the postseason with a record of 0-10.. Houston Scarborough was part of just a four team district in District 10-4A.

Charles Perry was previously in the State House of Representatives, but has recently won election to the State Senate out of District 28, which represents Lubbock, San Angelo, and more than 40 rural counties in west Texas.