Foreign Exchange Students May Lose Varsity Sports Eligibility Under Proposed UIL Rule

SAN ANGELO, TX — Foreign exchange students in Texas could be barred from participating in varsity-level athletics beginning next school year under a rule change recently approved by the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) legislative council.

The proposal, which still requires final approval from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, would only apply to varsity sports. Foreign exchange students would still be allowed to join junior varsity teams or take part in other UIL-regulated activities, including music and academic programs.

The UIL legislative council is composed of 32 public school administrators who serve as the league’s policymaking body. Several members raised concerns about competitive advantages when foreign exchange students are granted waivers that allow immediate varsity eligibility.

Aaron Hood, superintendent of Robert Lee ISD, told Texas Public Radio the current system allows visiting students to take varsity spots that local students have worked to earn. He said he has also observed foreign exchange students promoting themselves to coaches and schools on social media.

Greg Poole, superintendent of Barbers Hill ISD outside Houston, agreed and said he hopes the rule change results in similar changes for schools with open enrollment policies.

Traci Zavala, a district representative for International Cultural Exchange Services and longtime host parent, said she understands the rationale but worries students will miss out on meaningful experiences, including varsity game environments and the ability to earn letterman jackets.

A former exchange student from the Czech Republic said that playing varsity basketball at an Austin-area high school was a highlight of his year in the United States and questioned whether he would have joined the exchange program without athletics, according to Texas Public Radio. 

If approved, the rule would take effect for the 2025-26 school year.