Soccer in Texas High Schools

High School athletic programs in the State of Texas are governed by the University Interscholastic League (UIL).  Based on student enrollment and geographical location, the UIL classifies each school and then places into one of four regions and then further divides each region into eight districts.  The high school athletes compete in classifications ranging from those schools with lowest enrollment (1A) to those with the highest enrollment (5A).  Rumors have been swirling around the State of Texas that a possible expansion to a 6A classification could be coming. The biggest question surrounding this rumor would be ’will the enrollment numbers change with the addition of this new classification?’.

According to the UIL Soccer Director’s Report, Texas high schools compete in soccer at the 4A and 5A levels; however, approximately 90 schools at the 3A level field soccer programs that must participate ‘up’ in class 4A.  This means that 3A programs that are currently playing in 4A districts must also compete against larger schools in the 4A playoffs.  Obviously, the enrollment inequities may create an unequal playing field.  Thus, many 3A soccer programs around the state speculate that the possible addition of a 6A classification might allow the 3A group to finally have their own classification for soccer.  

With the addition of 6A, the UIL will have 4A, 5A and 6A soccer classifications.  This will allow for a more competitive level of play primarily for the now 3A schools to compete.  The Brownwood Bulletin reports that soccer playoffs will also have an extra sectional round in order to account for the increased number of teams that compete in soccer.  The expansion would most likely allow for the sectional round to disappear and have a more traditional playoff format like the other UIL-sanctioned sports.

Not only does the move to an additional 6A classification allow for even competition, but it also gives more opportunities for players around the state to play soccer for their local high schools.  Adding a classification for soccer will give 190 schools at the 3A level the ability to compete in soccer without a special request-for-play that must be submitted to the UIL.  This provides more players the ability to GET IN THE GAME!

Student enrollment numbers by classification for 2012-2014:

5A (2,090 and above)- 245 Schools

4A (1,005 to 2,089) - 250 Schools

3A (450 to 1,004) - 190 Schools

2A (200 to 449) - 235 Schools

1A (199 and Below) - 390 Basketball Schools

                                  168 Eleven-Man Football Schools

                                  138 Six-Man Football Schools

*Enrollment numbers provided by UIL Texas