06/22/16 – Reminder about Equipment Issuance During Dead Period (USA Football)

June 22, 2016 Athletic Department Blog Updates

The KHSAA offices have received several inquiries regarding participation by students in USA Football’s National Development Games. According to their verification letter, there are six different options to attend. We had asked at least two member schools to seek clarifications regarding equipment, but none responded, so today, staff contacted USA Football directly for clarification. Following that clarification, here are the provisions that have been determined. These provisions apply ONLY to 2016, as likely additional restrictions will be added to football rules to clarify (and likely restrict) this for the future years.

• KHSAA member schools may not issue equipment to KHSAA member school students for the July 5 to July 9 camp dates. This is during the KHSAA mandated dead period and KHSAA member school equipment cannot be used for any reason. Athletes attending the camps have an option to rent equipment owned by USA Football during these periods (approximate cost is $60 for necessary gear). The school cannot provide funds in any way. No support, including transportation, equipment, jerseys, pants, pads, coach accompaniment, or any other visible school support can be offered during this week.
• Athletes are responsible for bringing cleats, a mouthpiece and gloves to the camp, no matter which session. These would not be in the list of restricted equipment per Bylaw 23.
• For the July 12-16 and July 19-23 dates, school equipment could be issued to athletes attending the camp, but only to sophomores, juniors and seniors, and only to no more than four from any team. Athletes attending the camps have an option to rent equipment owned by USA Football during these periods (approximate cost is $60 for necessary gear).
• Coaches may not attend the sessions July 12-16 or July 19-23, as this would violate the equipment restrictions. Athletes must attend solely on their own with no school support.

If these provisions are complied with, the sessions July 12-16, and July 19-23 do not appear to violate KHSAA rules or interpretations.

Contact Commissioner Julian Tackett if you have any questions.