Summer Strength and Conditioning FAQs

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May a school coach conduct a strength and conditioning program this summer?: Yes, beginning no earlier than the first day of summer vacation and ending no later than the second Monday in August for a total of six weeks.

Does the six-week period have to be consecutive weeks?: No. For example, a school could decide to workout two weeks, take off the week of July 4th, and then resume workouts for a total of six weeks.

May school coaches be paid for conducting these sessions?: Yes, if payment is provided by the school and no other source.

In what activities are school coaches allowed to give instruction during these summer sessions?: Weight training, including a specific workout plan for each individual, agility, running programs, plyometrics, running bleachers and other conditioning exercises.

May school coaches group athletes by sport or position?: No. Student athletes are allowed to receive instruction from school coaches however, specific groupings of athletes by sport or position is prohibited.

Are athletes allowed to attend an open gym or weight room before or after a supervised session?: Yes, provided the student is not receiving additional instruction from a school coach and the facilities are available to other students in the school as described in Section 1206 (h).

May sessions be conducted for students in middle school or below?: Yes. Students in the seventh and eighth grade will be allowed to participate and receive instructions from a school coach. UIL staff also recommends that seventh and eighth grade students workout in separated groups from the students in grades nine through 12.

May students participate for six weeks with one coach and then two more weeks with another coach?: No. A student shall attend no more than one two-hour session of supervised instruction per day and no more than a total of six weeks.

Can a student participate in strength and conditioning sessions with a school coach after a schools' sports season begins?: Yes, provided the student attends no more than one two-hour session of supervised instruction per day and no more than a total of six weeks.

May a school allow outside groups to conduct strength and conditioning sessions?: Yes.

May outside groups or individuals hire school coaches to conduct strength and conditioning programs for students from the coaches' attendance zone?: Yes, provided they comply with the aforementioned guidelines regarding limits on time, equipment, fees, payment, etc.

Are outside groups and individuals allowed to conduct strength and conditioning programs after the second Monday in August?: An outside organization that does not utilize school coaches in any manner, with the exception of facility supervision, could continue to provide their program past the second Monday in August. If at any point school coaches are involved in working with the students from their own attendance zone as part of this program, the program must end on the second Monday and follow the established guidelines of the Legislative Council.

May school booster clubs pay coaches for conducting these programs?: No. However, school booster clubs may provide funds to the school to offset expenses associated with strength and conditioning programs.

May school booster clubs pay fees for an individual athlete to participate in a school sponsored summer strength and conditioning program?: No. However, a school booster club could provide funds to the local school to help offset the cost of the program for the school. Funds are not to be specified for any particular athlete or group of athletes.

May schools waive or reduce fees for strength and conditioning programs sponsored by the school?: Yes, The Texas Education Code requires school districts to adopt procedures for waiving fees charged for participation if a student is unable to pay the fee, and the procedures must be made known to the public. Fees for all other students shall be paid by the students and/or their parents.

Who determines what fees, if any, are to be charged to the student?: The school superintendent.

Can the football coach conduct a session with an athlete for one hour and the basketball coach conduct a session for another hour?: Yes, provided these are conducted in consecutive hours and there is no specific grouping of athletes by sport or position and no sport specific instruction provided.

Are schools allowed to provide transportation to students attending the summer strength and conditioning programs?: No.

What penalty will be assessed to a coach for requiring a student to participate in a strength and conditioning program?: A range of penalties from private reprimand to suspension.