January, 2021
01/29/21 – Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 20-21
When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. She felt this was a chance for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service. The award process for 2020-2021 is now underway.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Sunday, February 28, 2021. The award winners will be announced in conjunction with the boys’ state basketball tournament in March. Two grants, each in the amount of a one-time scholarship of $2,000 payable to an institution of higher learning, will be awarded. The scholarship is not renewable and is not endowed for expansion. Minimum criteria is a 3.5 (converted to 4.0 scale) grade point average; involvement in varsity sports or sport-activities; involvement in other school activities, a record of community service/involvement and a member of the […]
01/27/21 – Three KHSAA Coaches Receive Section II Coach of the Year Honors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2021
Three KHSAA coaches were chosen as Section II Coach of the Year winners for 2019-20 by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association as part of its annual recognition program. Oldham County’s Kirk Thomas was the Section II honoree in girls’ cross country, while Elizabethtown’s Karen Henson was selected for girls’ tennis. Sacred Heart’s Donna Moir was the Section II award winner in girls’ basketball, where she was also the recipient of the National Coach of the Year award from the NFHS Coaches Association.
The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports (by participation numbers), and in two “other” sports – one for boys and one for girls – that are not included in the top 10 listings. The NFHS also recognizes a spirit coach as a […]
01/27/21 – Initial Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2021
The first statistical leader reports of the 2020-21 season for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. The leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games.
Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties from the Commissioner, including fines and other actions within the constraints of Bylaw 27. Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline.
The requirement to enter statistics, which has been in place for several years, was reiterated to coaches during the online rules clinic. Statistical entry has the benefit of […]
01/26/21- Reminders about Sports and Sport-Activity Return to Play
In the past couple of weeks, there have been several questions regarding the COVID-19 Return to Play protocol. There have been no changes to the protocol since it was adopted early part of the fall prior to the start of play, but the questions coming in lately indicate the need for a refresher.
Rather than detail the policy again in this post, both the required and recommended elements can be reviewed on the KHSAA website at https://bit.ly/2SQDOxm
Below are listed various questions that have been presented and the appropriate responses. This information will be updated as necessary as either additional inquiries occur, or further data or recommendations are issued.
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
- Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. (dealing with the person who has tested positive)
- Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious […]
01/26/21- Basketball Nominations Sought for Male and Female Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete-of-the-Year among rostered Basketball participants for 2020-2021 is now open.
This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2020-2021 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/
The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards banquet scheduled to be held at Midway University in early summer 2021. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2020-2021 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at that time. All winners will also receive their recognition awards at that time.
The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year […]
01/25/21 – List of Items for Annual Required Financial Aid Report
As you may recall, the 2019-20 financial aid report was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now time for ALL KHSAA member schools to complete the required annual financial aid report in compliance with Bylaw 11 for the 2019-2020 academic year. In an effort to assist Principals and Athletic Directors in preparing for this report, this checklist of information is provided so that you can spend a few days gathering the required data and information prior to the deadline to complete the report.
The link to submit the financial aid report will become active on February 1 and member schools will have until Feb. 28 to meet the requirement. Gathering this information before the link is sent on February 1 should allow you to quickly complete the report in an expedited fashion. Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org) will be the contact for sending out the request for submissions and should be able […]
01/25/21 – Bowling Nominations Sought for Male and Female Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete-of-the-Year among Bowling participants for 2020-2021 is now open.
This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2020-2021 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/
The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards banquet at Midway University in early summer 2021. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2020-2021 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the banquet. All winners will also receive their recognition at that banquet.
The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year (male and female) in the sport-activity […]
01/25/21 – Bowling Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport-activity of Bowling is available beginning today, January 25, 2021. Remember, the clinic is required of all coaches at the varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen levels, and whether or not the coach receives pay. Below is additional information:
COACHES
- January 25 to February 9 (Coaches) – the Bowling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
- February 10 to February 28 (Coaches) – the Bowling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
- March 1 to March 8 (Coaches) – the Bowling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($200) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period.
- After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.
- The presentation can be viewed on most PC or Mac desktops and laptops, along with many […]
01/25/21 – 2019-20 National Coaches of the Year Selected by NFHS Coaches Association
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Twenty-three high school coaches from across the country have been selected as 2020 National Coaches of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.
The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports (by participation numbers), and in two “other” sports – one for boys and one for girls – that are not included in the top 10 listings. The NFHS also recognizes a spirit coach as a separate award category. Winners of NFHS awards must be active coaches during the year for which they receive their award. This year’s awards recognize coaches for the 2019-20 school year.
Recipients of this year’s national awards for boys sports are: Ron Murphy, baseball, Rio Rancho (New Mexico) High School; Jerry Petitgoue, basketball, Cuba City (Wisconsin) High School; Kevin Ryan, cross country, […]
1/25/21 – First Phase (T-35 Report) Open for Title IX Reporting Entry for 2020-2021 and Student Survey Administration
The initial phase of entry for the 2020-2021 Title IX Reports, the ability to enter the financial information from 2019-20 to be entered on the 2020-2021 form T-35, is available and online at schools.khsaa.org. There have been only minimal changes based on the great cooperation and feedback from the membership.
T35 EMPHASIS POINTS
There has been a continual effort to eliminate inconsistent information that has been entered on that form, and the following points are emphasized:
- Entry for the T35 is now open. Login to https://schools.khsaa.org and begin entry when you are ready.
- The T35 requires you to enter 2019-2020 expense information, as it has been audited within your school and district.
- Your previous Annual Reports can be quickly reviewed in the KHSAA School Subdomain (the login page) by clicking on the tab labeled Past Title IX Annual Reports, in case you want to review past submissions.
- The T35 is to be entered with all […]
01/22/21 – Competitive Cheer Postseason Updates
Following the Board of Control’s January 21 meeting, we wanted to update the membership on some details as we go forward in the Competitive Cheer season. Keeping in mind the availability of judges, the date of Nationals from the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) was vital in setting our postseason dates. We realize that there are other competitions and conflicts that may exist, but some conflicts will inhibit our ability to secure judging personnel if not properly known.
Our review of options and plans will include consideration of the feasibility of accomplishing the following objectives (if possible) in priority order:
1) Maintain an optimal number of qualifying teams, even if the field is subdivided differently than past practice;
2) A focus on ensuring, at minimum, parental attendance, as permitted within current approved state and local health department guidelines, with additional attendance considerations being reviewed if public health considerations warrant such;
3) Anything discussed and […]
01/22/21 – Dance Postseason Updates
Following the Board of Control’s January 21 meeting, we wanted to update the membership on some details as we go forward in the Dance season. Keeping in mind the availability of judges, the dates of nationals for both the National Dance Alliance (NDA) and Universal Dance Association (UDA) were vital in setting our postseason schedule. We realize that there are other competitions and conflicts max exist, but some conflicts will inhibit our ability to secure judging personnel if not properly know.
Our review of options and plans will include consideration of the feasibility of accomplishing the following objectives (if possible) in priority order:
1) Maintain an optimal number of qualifying teams, even if the field is subdivided differently than past practice;
2) A focus on ensuring, at minimum, parental attendance, as permitted within current approved state and local health department guidelines, with additional attendance considerations being reviewed if public health considerations warrant such;
[…]
01/22/21- Wrestling Postseason Updates
After yesterday’s Board of Control meeting, the KHSAA would like to update the wrestling member schools on the process and goals to develop a revised plan for postseason play during the ongoing pandemic.
The Board has asked staff to gather data and information and formulate alternative tournament structures and plans for the 2021 postseason competition. These alternatives are to be reviewed, at this point, solely for 2021 only, as everyone attempts to balance the desire for championship competition and the public health needs and requirements surrounding the pandemic. An alternative plan(s) is to be presented at the Board’s February 17th meeting. It is to include consideration of the feasibility of accomplishing the following objectives (if possible) in priority order:
1) Maintain the full complement of 4 qualifiers in each weight class advancing from each of the eight regional competitions, even if the field is subdivided differently than past practice;
2) A focus on ensuring, […]
1/22/21 – Swimming & Diving Postseason Updates
After yesterday’s Board of Control meeting, the KHSAA would like to update swimming and diving member schools on the process and goals to develop a revised plan for postseason competition during the ongoing pandemic.
The Board has asked staff to gather data and information and formulate alternative structures and plans for the 2021 postseason meets. These alternatives are to be reviewed, at this point, solely for 2021 only, as everyone attempts to balance the desire for championship competition and the public health needs and requirements surrounding the pandemic.
An alternative plan(s) is to be presented at the Board’s February 17th meeting. It is to include consideration of the feasibility of accomplishing the following objectives (if possible) in priority order:
1) Maintain the full complement of 40 state meet qualifiers in each event advancing from nine regional competitions, even if the field is subdivided differently than past practice;
2) A focus on ensuring, at minimum, […]
01/21/21 – Board of Control Reviews Status of Winter and Spring Sports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2021
The Board of Control held its fourth regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Thursday at the KHSAA Office, conducting a thorough status review of ongoing operations and championship plans. Staff provided an overview of all winter and spring sports and sport-activities, while outlining considerations and options for the winter events that will be presented for final review at the Board’s next meeting on Feb. 17.
“Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the Board of Control and our constituency on the various issues and COVID-19 mitigations facing each of our sports and sport-activities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Circumstances change rapidly during the pandemic but we hope to have a clearer picture for how we can proceed with our winter championships when the Board next meets in February.”
Included in the staff’s report on basketball, was a preliminary discussion on ticketing to the 2021 Boys’ and Girls’ […]
01/19/21 – Dates Announced for Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2021
The dates for the 2021 Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments have been set, with the boys’ tournament taking place March 31 through April 3, followed by the Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® on April 7-10. Each tournament will be played over four days at Rupp Arena, with the semifinals and championship played on the final day, as a one-year accommodation due to the events being scheduled around Easter Sunday. The four-day format was standard for the state basketball tournament for several years prior to the 2013 Boys’ Sweet 16® when a statewide legislatively-initiated panel recommended separating the prior semifinal/championship Saturday schedule into two days.
At this time, attendance for both tournaments will be restricted to 15% of capacity within the areas of the arena in-use. Details will be announced in February regarding the ticketing process, but all-session tickets will be limited for 2021 in order […]
01/15/21- Wrestling Season Reminders and Updates
After our first couple of weeks, it appears a couple of reminders are in order related to the wrestling season during the pandemic. We have been blessed by an opportunity to wrestle when so many other states are NOT having that opportunity. But that privilege comes with responsibilities to help ensure public safety and the continued opportunity.
Regular Season
- Mask/Face coverings are a requirement, not a recommendation for everyone off the mat.
- The segment limitations on the number of teams/participants are to be followed even if the event you participate in is hosted out of state.
- As a point of clarification, the 30-second time extension between the periods was established to provide extra time for all parties involved. If all parties are ready, and that extension is not needed, you may begin the next period.
- Coaches, don’t forget part of the Healthy at Sports guidelines stipulates only one coach in the corner of the […]
01/15/21- Early Season Basketball Reminders- Masks, Seeding, Attendance, Media
This is being sent to all KHSAA member school Principals and Athletic Directors, as well as the Head Coaches of record and the licensed officials.
After our first couple of weeks, it appears a couple of reminders are in order related to the basketball season during the pandemic. We have been blessed by an opportunity to play when so many other states do NOT have that opportunity. But that privilege comes with responsibilities to help ensure public safety and the continued opportunity.
FACE COVERINGS
It is REQUIRED not recommended that all bench personnel wear masks/face coverings. Local policy cannot override this requirement. We all sincerely hope for relief from some of the extra requirements, but such will likely not come this season.
- For non-uniformed personnel (coaches, managers, trainers, non-dressed players), it is unsportsmanlike conduct to not wear the face-covering during the contest. Period. It is a technical foul (direct if it is the […]
01/14/21 – UK Healthcare Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year Award
For the fifth year, UK Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year, meeting the following criteria:
- The nominee must have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports.
- The nominee must have returned to their sport(s) and demonstrated excellence and achievement beyond expectations.
- The nominee must consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical behavior on and off the playing field.
- The nominee must be in verified good academic standing with their school.
- The nominee must have participated and been a member of an athletic team during the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Nominations shall be submitted by March 1, 2021, to the KHSAA through the link at http://khsaa.org/ge36-uk-healthcare-comeback-athlete-of-the-year/.
Nominees will be automatically forwarded to UK HealthCare and the Sports Medicine Staff for review and selection.
- The selection committee, consisting of athletic trainers from each region […]
01/07/21 – KHSAA Adds FIFA and Madden as Newest Sanctioned Esports Offerings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2021
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association today announced, in partnership with PlayVS, an expansion of its recognized varsity title offerings to include FIFA 21 and Madden NFL 21 for the upcoming Spring 2021 esports season. These latest additions bring the number of sanctioned games to five, joining the KHSAA’s previous offerings of League of Legends, Rocket League and SMITE. Amid continued COVID-19 concerns, and with traditional sports reworking their infrastructure, the value of esports is evident now more than ever as it provides high school students a safe extracurricular environment in which to compete.
Two of the most popular sports titles in the world, FIFA and Madden feature real professional football and soccer players on their actual professional teams. EA’s long-running sport simulation franchises represent all of the excitement gamers know and puts them in the center of the action.
“We are excited to expand our esports offerings to […]
01/05/21 – KHSAA Esports Powered by PlayVS
KHSAA is proudly partnered with PlayVS to provide the only officially recognized varsity-level high school esports league in Kentucky.
Click here to visit the official home of Kentucky high school esports. View season info, titles, league standings, statistics, and past champions; schedule a consultation or sign up to get started.
Esports is a Sanctioned KHSAA Sport-Activity
The KHSAA has partnered with PlayVS to bring esports to high schools throughout Kentucky. Esports, or competitive gaming, is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country and, much like traditional sports, requires teamwork, critical thinking and communication to achieve success. However, esports goes ever further to create a barrier-breaking, all-inclusive environment with a strong sense of community. All games are selected based on their competitiveness and strategy, and are rated E for Everyone.
High School and Beyond
Esports opens up a world of possibilities for students. Besides a truly enriching competitive experience, PlayVS provides support for higher […]
01/06/21 – First Field Hockey Officials Course Introduced by NFHS Learning Center
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In an expansion of its officiating courses, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently introduced the fast-paced sport of field hockey to the online NFHS Learning Center with its “Officiating Field Hockey” course.
Played on a field that is 60 yards wide by 100 yards long, and featuring only two umpires, field hockey is accompanied by unique rules that offer many challenges to a two-man crew. The free online “Officiating Field Hockey” course, which serves as a companion to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Book and other supporting materials, provides a detailed look at the sport with video assistance.
“The ‘Officiating Field Hockey’ course has been developed for all officials – from first-year umpires to those with more than a decade of experience,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee. “The course was designed to help umpires understated the rules, […]
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