Remote learning students ruled eligible by UIL

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Texas Education Agency released guidelines for the 2020-21 school year that included the option of online remote learning for students at any point in the school year. This raised questions as to whether remote learning students would be eligible for UIL extracurricular activities such as football, volleyball, etc.

Today, the UIL answered those questions. The UIL has granted remote learners eligibility to participate in athletics and fine arts in the 2020-21 school year.

In the statement, UIL announced, “students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by the TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements.”

This move is done in an effort to keep students from transferring for athletic reasons, which is not permitted by UIL.

“Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. Schools may develop local policies with additional requirements for participation,” said the UIL.

Earlier this week, UIL updated its guidelines for summer workouts, as well as, stating that at this time, the fall season is still scheduled to start on time.