Many of you have been contacted directly by the UIL with an email concerning the procedural memo I sent regarding the hydration of players and officials. In light of the contradictory memos from TASO and UIL I would like to clear up and give specific references to the UIL memo as to mine.
The term “policy” refers to procedural guidelines for TASO members only. Nowhere does my statement indicate that I am advocating or changing a UIL policy, nor creating a change or authoring a new NCAA rule.
The memo does not say to use a mandatory time out. The time out referred to as an official’s time out, is the interval where officials will verbally encourage the teams to hydrate. The actual game stoppage as was noted later in the memo is to be done during the normal dead ball interval that follows the completion of a try, after a successful field goal, a punt, or change of team possession at a time that would not affect a team’s momentum. No independent time out was indicated to be called. The noting as to approximately near the mid point of each quarter is a reference so players and officials will be encouraged to hydrate.
The extended time of the dead ball intervals, where we encourage the hydration of players and officials, were to be of standard “time out” length. However here is where official’s discretion has and can be used under rule 3-3-1a to extend the time out until the officials feel all team members have had an opportunity to be furnished liquid. Historically this has not been longer than an additional 30 seconds or so. This is what we have done in previous years with the UIL’s knowledge and acceptance. I have no knowledge that Coaches requested that this procedure be stopped or that they have a problem with us giving additional time to help safeguard their players.
This is all about common sense and good judgment. We are not implementing a mandatory time out, we are not changing the NCAA rules, and we are not setting policy. Before the game the referee should discuss with both coaches, that during a normal break, about the mid point of each quarter, we may extend the normal break to allow the teams and officials the time needed to hydrate if conditions warrant.
With this clarification I again, as my original note to the chapter presidents and secretaries’ indicated, want to reinforce the need to discuss with the coaches during pregame what our intentions are with this procedure and ask for their consent and agreement.
I find it unfortunate that my communication has caused some misunderstandings between our membership, our coaches, school administrators and the UIL. Taso Football will continue to foster a productive relationship with all concerned now and in the future.
Finally, let me be clear. I make no apology for directing the TASO Football Officials to be mindful of the conditions our student athletes must compete in. I will continue to insist that officials take whatever steps within the rules afforded us under NCAA and UIL, to keep these youngsters as safe as possible.
Thank you and best of luck for a good start to the season this weekend.
Bill Fecci,
President
TASO Football Division
