UIL Outlines New Noisemaker Guidelines For Baseball, Softball Games

The Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) recently announced its noisemaker police for softball and baseball games, beginning with the 2026 season, regular and postseason included. You have probably attended a game or two where fans have made their presence known by blasting an air horn or shaking a metal canister full of rocks. The UIL has now issued strict guidance on what will be allowed at these ballgames, including spectators and players.

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What Noisemakers Are Allowed By The UIL?

• small handheld cowbells
• small shakers
• small clappers
• inflatable thunder sticks

'Small' can be a very subjective term, but the UIL has posted pictures of what they consider a good guide for these 'small' items. Take a look at those photos here.

What Noisemakers Are NOT Allowed By The UIL?

Officials with the UIL make it pretty clear that any other noisemakers that don't specifically fall under the guidelines above should not be brought into baseball and softball games. Here's a list of some specific items, though:

• Any type of horns (including air horns and vuvuzelas)
• Whistles
• Propane tanks or gallon jugs
• Drums or drum-like instruments, or any items that can be used to create percussive noise (including but not limited to sticks, blocks, buckets, pots, or other objects intended to be struck or banged together)

Officials and game administrators have the authority to deem noisemakers a distraction and may disallow their use at any time. District Executive Committees and/or facilities may choose to be more restrictive regarding allowable noisemakers.