Football Telecast FAQs

TELECAST: Live or tape-delayed video footage of a contest in its entirety that can be transmitted through television, Internet Web stream, Webcast, video podcast, smart phone apps, tablet computer apps, closed-circuit channels, weather cameras or any other medium.

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Are there telecast restrictions for football during the regular season?

Yes. A football contest that takes place on a Friday may not be telecast live. A tape-delayed telecast of a contest on Friday is permitted, but may not begin until an hour after the completion of the contest. A live telecast can take place on any other day of the week.

Do I need permission to do a live telecast of a regular season football contest?

Yes. To do a live telecast of a football contest that occurs during the regular season, you must get prior approval from all schools involved. If the event is occurring at a neutral site where neither team plays its regular home games, you must also get approval from the venue.

Do I need permission to do a tape-delayed telecast of a regular season football contest?

Yes. To do a tape-delayed telecast of a football contest that occurs during the regular season, you must get prior approval from all schools involved. If the event is occurring at a neutral site where neither team plays its regular home games, you must also get approval from the venue

Is there ever an exception to the Friday-night rule about a football contest being telecast live during the regular season?

No. A football contest that takes place on a Friday during the regular season may not be telecast live. No exceptions.

Can I do a tape-delayed telecast of a football contest on Fridays during the regular season?

Yes. The earliest a tape-delayed telecast may begin on Fridays during the regular season is one hour after the completion of the football contest. You must have permission from both schools involved to do a tape-delayed telecast.

Is video transmitted across a closed-circuit channel considered a telecast?

Yes. Video transmitted across a closed-circuit channel is considered a telecast and subject to all UIL telecast restrictions.

Are there telecast restrictions for football during the playoffs?

Yes. A football contest that takes place on any day during the playoffs may only be telecast live if you have permission from the UIL Media Department and FOX Sports Southwest. FOX Sports Southwest may sub-license its rights to broadcast stations in markets across Texas interested in televising playoff games either live or tape-delayed. More information can be found here: UIL Football Playoffs TV Guidelines

What is an Academic Telecast?

An Academic Telecast is a television broadcast with an educational purpose that is produced solely by a UIL-member school and/or school district primarily using school facilities, equipment, staff and students without any commercial relationship for the financial benefit of another party. An Academic Telecast may be aired no earlier than one hour after the completion of the game. 

How can I do an Academic Telecast?

An Academic Telecast of a football playoff contest may be done with permission from the UIL Media Department. To request permission to perform an Academic Telecast a school district employee must fill out the UIL Delayed Academic Telecast Form.

Can I do a tape-delayed telecast of a football contest during the playoffs?

Yes. A tape-delayed telecast of a football contest during the playoffs may occur as the UIL broadcasting agreement allows. You must have permission of the UIL Media Department and FOX Sports Southwest.

Do I need permission to do a live telecast of a contest at the UIL Football Finals?

Yes. Due to the telecast agreement with the UIL’s broadcast partner, prior approval for a live telecast at the UIL Football Finals must go through the UIL office to determine if a live telecast can be done.

Do I need permission to do a tape-delayed telecast of a contest at the UIL Football Finals?

Yes. Due to the telecast agreement with the UIL’s broadcast partner, prior approval for a tape-delayed telecast at the UIL Football Finals must go through the UIL office to determine if a tape-delayed telecast can be done.

Where can I find specific rules from the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules that pertain to telecasts?

To see a PDF of the exact rules from the UIL C&CR, please click here.

Where can I find specific rules from the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules that pertain to filming if I am not a media outlet?

To see a PDF of the exact rules from the UIL C&CR, please click here.