08/23/14 – Reminder about Interrupted Football Games

August 23, 2014 Athletic Department Blog Updates

In light of the large number of calls and texts on night 1 of high school football and in light of the vast amount of turnover in athletic administrators and coaches, a reminder about the Competition Rules is in order. Interrupted games are not new, usually it’s lightning, last night it was about every possible variation of bad weather. Just a couple of reminders, and probably the last sentence in the tournament rules is the main point to keep in mind, “All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that perspective.”

• Per the playing rules, there is no such thing as a “no-contest”. Period. So if the contest begins, the interrupted games procedure is in place.
• Once a contest begins, then the game counts against the allowable number of games. Only if the contest does not begin can the game be replaced.
• Once weather gets involved, and the contest is not played as contracted, unless otherwise specified in the contract, KHSAA involvement in contract is simply to enforce the contract, and all first option for decisions to resolve the conflict are by mutual agreement of the school Principals or the official Designated Representatives.
• If the game begins, the following procedure, in place for many, many years from the Competition Rules, is in place:

G) Interrupted Games
1) Refer to NFHS Playing Rule 3-1-4 as KHSAA has authority to determine procedure for game ending.
2) If a game is interrupted and cannot be resumed, three choices exist-
a) Terminate game with score as it exists;
b) Resume game at point of interruption at a mutually agreed date and time. This decision shall be finalized at the site prior to team departure.
c) Resume the game on the following calendar day, unless published Board policies prohibit such play, in which case it shall be played the following day.
3) If a game is interrupted
a) Same crew of officials is expected to return to complete contest
b) Substitute officials shall be paid the local policy board mileage add-on only
c) Local associations shall develop policy on compensation of substitute officials, such as pooling game fees, etc.
d) Officials have no say in the postponement decisions, except to moderate discussion.
e) Officials and coaches should involve not solely coaches, but school administrators in the decision.
f) All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that perspective.

Best of luck this season.