My name is Michelle Azulay and I am sponsoring this petition to have the UIL add hockey as an authorized sport. My son is in travel hockey and although the school allows this activity for PE credit it does not consider the sport eligible for excused absence when traveling and thus students must make up time by doing Saturday school after 5 absences. However, UIL authorized sports such as football, swimming, soccer, tennis and etc are considered UIL authorized sports and are considered excused absences if the student participates in the sport during school hours. The student is not required to do Saturday school. The interest for hockey and young athletes has increased over the last several years. These young athletes should receive the same treatment as those athletes in other sports. The physical demands, schedule, time and effort are put forth by hockey athletes just as they are by other athletes. I have set up this petition to request the UIL to recognize hockey as an authorized sport so young athletes in hockey are treated equally. Thank you!

UIL information can be viewed at http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/