Every year is different in Texas high school football — the players, the coaches, the champions. But in 2024, fans can expect even more change.

The UIL adopted a number of rule changes for the upcoming Texas high school football season. Many of the rule changes of which fall in line with recent changes to the NCAA rulebook — Texas is one of the few states in the nation to use the NCAA rulebook as opposed to the NFHS rulebook.

Here are the rule changes coming to Texas high school football in 2024.

Horse-Collar Tackles in the Tackle Box
Horse-collar tackles — wherein a defender grabs the inside collar of the back or the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, or grab the jersey at the name plate or above, and pulls the runner toward the ground — have been outlawed in the UIL since 2009, carrying with it a 15-yard penalty. The exception has been in the tackle box, where horse-collar tackles are not fouls. Starting in 2024, that changes: horse-collar tackles anywhere on the field — including the tackle box — will carry a 15-yard penalty.

Stand-up Rushers on Placekicks
There is a new rule governing how teams can rush field goals and extra-point kicks. Players lined up within one yard of the line of scrimmage is required to be in a three- or four-point stance; otherwise, they cannot initiate contact with an offensive player. What does this mean? Essentially, no more stand-up rushers on kicks. The penalty for this infraction is a 15-yard personal foul and an automatic first down. Incidental or slight contact will be ignored, and all bets are off in the instance of a fake, muffed snap or fumble. But for now, every player within a yard of the line of scrimmage has to be in a stance to rush the kick.

In-Game Technology
Starting in 2024, teams will be able to use video and data technology — things like iPads, computers and smart phones — in a limited capacity. To quote the UIL directly:

Teams are allowed to use video & data technology (computers, tablets, iPads, smart phones, etc) during the game and during half time intermission.  The use of the technology is limited to the coaching booths and locker rooms – no sideline or team area use is allowed during the game. The game officials will not be responsible for enforcement of restricted sideline use, but the officials are expected to report any known or suspected violation of this rule in their game report to the UIL. In addition, if any team personnel engages an official with any video technology to show or review a play or game action, an automatic Unsportsmanlike Conduct foul will result. NOTE:  NO technology is allowed on the sideline or in the team area.  Violations will follow UIL protocols of being sent to the DEC, with the possibility of game forfeiture.

The limitations are important to note here, as some video and data companies have muddied the issue, either inadvertently or intentionally: The only place that technology can be used during the game is in the coaches booth or in the locker room — not on the sideline or anywhere else on the field.