The 2025-2026 football season has just started, and there is already a significant change that coaches and spectators need to be aware of. Texas law SB 2929 was approved by the House and Senate, then sent to the governor’s desk. Gov. Greg Abbott then signed the bill, making it an official law in the state of Texas.

The law, according to the Texas Legislature, grants officials the authority to immediately eject people for inappropriate behavior at these events without requiring a prior warning. This applies to all spectators, fans, and athletes.

This law was implemented to improve the safety and sportsmanship of any sporting event. This law relates to all public school districts or University Interscholastic League (UIL)- sanctioned events. 

“A noticeable reduction in hostile or disruptive fan behavior has occurred because officials now have clear authority to act immediately,” Athletic Director John Peterson said. “Instead of waiting through warnings and repeated disruptions, referees can now remove fans at the first instance of harassment or abuse.”

This helps the referees at these events by giving them a broader authority to maintain order and respond to misconduct almost immediately. The Amarillo Chapter of Officials is where our referees are from.

“I’m supportive of the law’s goal to protect officials and uphold the safety and integrity of school athletic events,” Peterson said. “We have some of the best fans in Canyon ISD at our athletic events.”

This impacts us as fans because we need to be respectful and courteous to all individuals who are either participating in or officiating these events. We should be cheering on our team, not discouraging the other team.

“Canyon ISD was awarded The Texas Way District of Distinction, an award that is given out to 19 total districts in the state of Texas from 1A – 6A,” Peterson said. “This award emphasizes Canyon ISD sportsmanship by our student athletes as well as our fans. It was such a great honor for Canyon ISD.”