THSCA ADVISORY COMMITTEES: Amplifying Coaches' Voices and Shaping the Future of Texas High School Athletics

THSCA is committed to representing and advocating for its members across the state. One of the most powerful ways it does this is through its Advisory Committees—an essential group of coach representatives who serve as the voice of their sport and region. These committees play a key role in guiding policies, influencing rule changes, and ensuring that the concerns and insights of Texas coaches are heard by both the THSCA Board of Directors and the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

As part of THSCA’s first pillar: Representation, Advisory Committees embody the association’s dedication to giving coaches a voice at the decision-making table. Through these committees, coaches have a direct line to advocate for their sport and influence the policies that impact high school athletics.

What is an Advisory Committee?

An Advisory Committee is made up of dedicated coaches who are passionate about their sport and eager to contribute to its growth and success. While these committees do not have fiscal oversight or executive authority, they have a significant impact by helping the THSCA implement its goals and objectives. Their role is to advocate for the association, represent the interests of their fellow coaches, and foster communication between the THSCA leadership and members.

Each committee is composed of elected regional representatives, with an at-large committee member appointed by the THSCA President. All committee members must be head coaches in their respective sport and serve a three-year term.

The president also appoints a Chairman for each committee, who serves as the spokesperson for their sport’s delegation. The chairman is responsible for keeping detailed records of all meetings and submitting them to the THSCA for reference.

Advisory Committee Responsibilities & Expectations

Committee members have a unique opportunity to influence UIL rules and policies that affect their sport directly. Their responsibilities include:

• Serving as an ambassador: Committee members represent their sport in their region, bringing forward the concerns, ideas, and needs of local coaches to the THSCA leadership.

• Selecting Super-Elite Teams (SET): Members collaborate with the SET committee in their sport/region to finalize the selection of Texas’ most outstanding high school athletes.

• Attending key events: Members are expected to participate in the THSCA Coaching School, Regional Meetings, and the State Tournament/ Meet for their sport, where they will attend advisory committee meetings with THSCA staff, UIL representatives, and officials organizations.

• Contributing to the THSCA magazine: Each year, committee members submit an article covering their sport, providing valuable insights, updates, and perspectives for THSCA members.

• Acting as a liaison: Committee members share THSCA news, initiatives, and updates with their region’s coaches, ensuring open and effective communication.

Advisory Committee Selection Process

Becoming part of a THSCA Advisory Committee is an opportunity for coaches to actively influence the direction of high school athletics. Here’s how the selection process works:

1. Nomination Phase (February): During the THSCA Regional Meetings, coaches can nominate individuals for advisory committee positions. Nominees do not have to be present at the meeting to be considered.

2. Nominee Announcement: THSCA compiles all nominations and announces the candidates.

3. Voting (Post-Spring Break): An electronic ballot is posted on the THSCA Member Portal, where members can vote for their preferred nominees. Each member coach receives one vote per sport.

4. Finalists Announced (April): The top three vote-getters for each sport’s committee advance as finalists.

5. Final Election (July Coaching School): During the Regional Meeting at the THSCA Coaching School, the three finalists are voted on by the attending coaches. Finalist must be present at the Regional Meeting held during Coaching School in order to qualify for the position. The candidate with the most votes wins the committee seat.

Why Advisory Committees Matter

THSCA Advisory Committees are more than just representatives—they are advocates, problem solvers, and catalysts for meaningful change. Their collaboration with the THSCA Board of Directors, Executive Staff, and UIL ensures that the voices of Texas high school coaches are heard where it matters most.

By participating in Advisory Committees, coaches have the opportunity to shape the future of their sport, improve the coaching experience, and ultimately, enhance the athletic opportunities for Texas student-athletes.

If you’re passionate about your sport and committed to making a difference, consider getting involved with a THSCA Advisory Committee. Your voice matters—and through these committees, it can help shape the future of high school athletics in Texas.