UIL Football Game Film Exchange Policy

 

To establish clear, fair, and enforceable standards for the exchange of game film between opponents that protect competitive integrity, ensure practical logistics, and provide both teams with usable, high‑quality scouting material.

Definitions

• Tight View (Tight): Camera framing from the sideline focused primarily on the box (OL/DL) and backfield (All RB’s/ILBs), suitable for line play evaluation.
• Wide View (Wide): Camera framing from the sideline, capturing all 22 players for full‑play structure and perimeter evaluation.
• Endzone View (EZ): Camera positioned behind the end line (or equivalent) for an elevated, on‑axis look at line play and spacing.

Non‑Negotiable Requirements

1. Tight & Wide Required: Each film exchange must include both a Tight and a Wide angle for every play. This is non‑negotiable.
2. Endzone View by Mutual Consent Only: An endzone view (EZ) is optional and may only be exchanged if both opponents agree in advance.
3. Both teams must continue recording post-game until both teams have finished the handshake line and separated.

Minimum Quality Standards

To ensure usefulness for scouting and coaching:

• Completeness: Each play must be recorded from pre‑snap through the whistle and any immediate dead‑ball action. This includes pre‑formations, shifts, motions, stemming, and hard counts when they occur.
• Continuity: Do not cut away during cadence, motion, active communication, and immediate post-play action.
• Framing:
  • Wide: All 22 players are visible from the snap through the end of the play.
  • Tight: Frame must include the line of scrimmage (tackle to tackle) and backfield depth sufficient to evaluate exchanges, protections, mesh, and line play.
  • EZ (if exchanged): Centered on the ball with enough vertical angle to see splits and assignments.
• Audio: Not required; if present, must not contain profane or personally identifiable student information.

Exceptions & Contingencies

• Venue/Weather Limitations: If weather, facility rules, or safety prevent capturing a required angle (e.g., high winds prevent EZ tower setup), notify the opponent before the exchange deadline with a brief explanation. Tight & Wide remain required.
• Technical Failure: If equipment failure occurs, provide the best available copy and make a good‑faith effort to supplement (e.g., press‑box feed) and document the issue.

Compliance & Remedies

• Good‑Faith Standard: Both programs are expected to comply in good faith with the spirit and letter of this policy.
• Non‑Compliance:
  • Minor issues (e.g., brief focus lapses) → correct upon notice.
  • Material issues (e.g., missing Tight or Wide, missing series, chronic framing that excludes players) → immediate correction required.
• No Forfeiture or Competitive Penalty Implied: This policy does not authorize automatic game penalties or forfeitures; any sanctions must follow DEC procedures.

Mutual Agreements Beyond This Policy

• Teams may mutually agree in writing to:
  • Exchange an Endzone angle (optional).
  • Game Data Breakdown: Down, Distance, Hash, Yard Line, etc...
  • Adjust platform, deadlines, or formats for a specific week.
• Any such agreement applies only to the specified contest unless explicitly extended.
• For District games, DEC policy will determine film exchange expectations.