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What are the UIL rules for offseason and summer practice?

Updated July 1, 2026Coach Navigator

Short answer

Outside the school year, UIL allows limited, voluntary strength and conditioning and, in some sports, a defined amount of sport-specific skill instruction. Mandatory practices, tryouts, and unrestricted coaching contact are limited. The specific windows and hour limits are set annually by UIL.

UIL restricts how much coaches can work with students outside the school year to keep participation voluntary and balanced. The rules distinguish between general conditioning and sport-specific skill work.

General guidelines

  • Strength & conditioning is generally permitted in the summer, on a voluntary basis and within daily/weekly time limits.
  • Sport-specific skill instruction may be allowed for a limited number of hours and only during defined summer windows, and it must be voluntary.
  • Attendance cannot be required, and participation cannot be a condition for making a team.

The exact hour caps, dates, and per-sport rules change each year. Confirm the current windows in UIL's official summer practice guidance before scheduling anything.

Related questions

Can coaches require summer workouts?

No. Summer strength, conditioning, and skill instruction must be voluntary and cannot be required or used to determine who makes a team.

Is sport-specific coaching allowed in the summer?

In many sports a limited number of hours of skill instruction is allowed during defined summer windows. Check UIL's current guidance for the caps and dates.

Where are the offseason practice limits published?

In UIL's official 'Practice Outside the School Year' guidance and the Constitution & Contest Rules, which are updated each year.

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