Pink Baloons Illegal

[coachsatcher]

Our cheer coach had decided that this Friday's game would be Pink Out. She has sent out hundreds of invitations to Cancer Survivors and basically anyone touched by cancer at all. These folks were going to fill out a card with the names of the ones who battled cancer, and we were going to attach them to a pink balloon. They were going to invite these families to the field, during halftime, to release their balloons.

I thought it was brilliant, and was so touched by the efforts by our cheer squad. DID YOU KNOW: UIL states no balloons shall be released during a UIL event! After all the planning and arranging, we get a call from UIL telling us this was against UIL Policy and that we wouldn't be allowed to release balloons. Yes, there are several ways to continue the event without having these balloons release at the football field (Our City Park is directly behind the field, so we're covered). I just found it ironic that with all the shenanigans that goes on with eligibility, recruiting, etc.; that there would actually be a rule written forbidding balloons to be released at a UIL event.

 

[Jones26]

Wow, I wasn't aware of this, either. That's an interesting, and very stupid, rule. The UIL should be worried about more important matters.

 

[smokeyjoe53]

There should be a rule about UIL rules..........

 

[techster2000]

I find it interesting that UIL actually called y'all. Were they tipped off by someone?

 

[Game Traveler]

That is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard. I have been to lots of games over the years and I have seen balloons released all over Texas....most being UIL schools.

Well that dampers the recruiting, because now coaches that recruit have to have the non-releasing of balloons seminar on their recruitment day list...

Prickly

 

[olderelk]

There should be a rule about UIL rules..........

The more I think about it......the more sense this makes.

 

[OldZebra]

Maybe the balloons could accidentally slip from their hands.
Happens all the time

 

[coachsatcher]

They weren't tipped off. LOL. We were called by a supporter, and someone called UIL for clarification and left a message for them to call us back at the school. BTW, we won't be releasing the balloons at all. Today we were told balloons can not be released in conjunction with the game. The rule of thumb is: "If there is no football game, would you be releasing the balloons"? If the answer is no, then you can't do it. Balloons will be tied to the fences in each end zone, and the survivors and/or families will be announced and recognized on the field during halftime.

 

[coachsatcher]

Maybe the balloons could accidentally slip from their hands.
Happens all the time

For it to be a rule, someone had to complain; so I'm sure someone would "accidently" send video of it to UIL.

 

[pistol]

most rules have story behind them that got them to a rule... i would LOVE to hear what happened that got this in place.. crazy!

 

[coachsatcher]

most rules have story behind them that got them to a rule... i would LOVE to hear what happened that got this in place.. crazy!

I was just informed the rule was put in place around 1991 because birds were flying into the balloons and getting injured.

 

[CoachMiller]

Birds of prey attack the balloons thinking they are prey. Balloon strings wrap around birds and cause them to suffocate or be unable to hunt for food. That is why the UIL has made it illegal to release balloons at UIL events. It sounds crazy, an d it may sound stupid, but that is the reasoning behind the rule.

 

[CT6MFL]

Section 1207, paragraph N

MASCOTS, FIREARMS, PYROTECHNIC DEVICES, BALLOONS. Live animal mascots,
cannons, firearms, fireworks, etc. are prohibited at League athletic contests. Except in their
normal course of business, emergency vehicles shall not flash lights or sound sirens during the
course of a game. Noisemakers are prohibited at League athletic events held in field houses
and/or gymnasiums. Releasing balloons is prohibited at League athletic events held outdoors.

I wonder how everyone gets away with the rattle cans and air horns?


bottom line though: If you are part of a league, then you should follow the rules. Otherwise join another league

 

[Old Bearkat]

Birds of prey attack the balloons thinking they are prey. Balloon strings wrap around birds and cause them to suffocate or be unable to hunt for food. That is why the UIL has made it illegal to release balloons at UIL events. It sounds crazy, an d it may sound stupid, but that is the reasoning behind the rule.

In other words, and enviro-whacko got to the UIL with a PC type emotional appeal. And they fell for it.

 

[Johnny South]

How about baloons with "no strings attached"?

 

[smokeyjoe53]

There should be a rule about UIL rules..........

The more I think about it......the more sense this makes.

I must be slipping....,.........

 

[smokeyjoe53]

I guess flyovers are acceptable............... Savannah you are good to go for the next Hornet home game...........

 

[CT6MFL]

riddle me this bat folk......

"Releasing balloons is prohibited at League athletic events held outdoors"

What outlines "League athletic event" The field? Inside the fence? the parking lot? the old porta-potty out on the baseball field? just any school property?


So, if the Alumni organization was having its annual breast cancer awarness celebration at the baseball field and they let go 10,000 pink balloons, which just so happend to be during the course of an Out Door UIL sanctioned event, which was being held on the other side of the school yard at the football field.

They could take action?

 

[swires]

I think it's funny that emergency services can't sound their sirens but people can blow train horns at decibels loud enough to hurt a feller's ears!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[smokeyjoe53]

I'd be willing to bet they would......... I wonder how many times the UIofL is threatened with civil action during the year?