Ray Zepeda – Community-Based Athletics and the UIL

Ray Zepeda - UIL Athletic Director

Season 4 Episode 11

This episode of The Coaches Call podcast features Chris Doelle, who introduces Joe Martin, the Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), who then interviews Ray Zepeda, the Athletic Director at the University Interscholastic League (UIL). The discussion focuses on the UIL, its role in Texas athletics, and the importance of community-based, education-focused athletics.

Here are some key topics and points discussed in the podcast:

• Introduction and Background:
  • Ray Zepeda shares his background as a coach for over 20 years in various settings, from urban to rural and from well-resourced to under-resourced districts. He also has 19-20 years of experience in athletic administration.
  • Zepeda emphasizes that his role at the UIL is similar to that of the THSCA, which is to help coaches so they can help kids.
  • He views his job as administering athletic programs, planning and supervising interscholastic athletics, ensuring championship events are special, and being a resource for member schools.
• The UIL's Role:
  • The UIL's goal is to empower coaches and athletes toward success by listening to their needs and aligning rules to help them.
  • The UIL is not as controlling as many believe, and they depend on local control and oversight through district executive committees.
  • The UIL's primary role is to administer athletic programs, plan, supervise, and evaluate the approach to interscholastic athletics in Texas.
• Education-Based Athletics:
  • A key focus of UIL is maintaining the educational component of athletics, ensuring that it is an extension of the classroom.
  • Unlike some other states, Texas athletics are integrated into the school day, with coaches also teaching in schools.
  • This approach allows coaches to have a greater impact on students.
  • Athletics in Texas are considered part of the "fabric" of the state.
• Community-Based Athletics:
  • UIL's rules, especially regarding residency, help ensure community-based athletic programs, which increases community involvement and pride.
  • Texas has some of the strictest community-based rules, and the teams are generally reflective of the kids in that community.
  • Community support is vital, and the community is more likely to support teams that are comprised of kids from that community.
• Threats to Community-Based Athletics:
  • The emphasis on individual rights over collective responsibility is a threat to the system.
  • The trend of prioritizing individual choices can impact the collective best interests of the community.
  • The increasing trend of athletes transferring schools to pursue individual interests is also a threat to community based athletics.
• Fair and Equitable Play:
  • Ensuring competitive equity is a central principle for UIL athletics.
  • The UIL aims to level the playing field to give all kids a chance to succeed, regardless of their resources or circumstances.
• Compliance and Integrity:
  • The UIL relies on local governance and the integrity of those involved to enforce rules.
  • The system is designed for members to hold each other accountable to the rules.
• Resources for Coaches:
  • The UIL website offers extensive material on eligibility and playing rules.
  • The UIL has revamped its coaching certification program to improve understanding of the rules.
  • The TEA UIL side-by-side resource and the individual sport manuals are great resources for understanding the rules.
  • The UIL staff is also accessible for questions and support.
• Community Involvement:
  • Community members can contribute by investing in local schools and athletic programs, volunteering, and helping provide resources.
  • Engagement with local programs and staying educated on public education issues are important ways to support the UIL.
• Closing Thoughts:
  • The UIL is there to help coaches do things right, not to catch them doing things wrong.
  • It is important for the community to be involved and supportive of the UIL and their local programs.

This podcast episode serves to inform coaches, athletic directors, parents, and community members about the structure and goals of the UIL, and to emphasize the importance of community-based, education-focused athletics.

Texas High School Coaches Association

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