Author Archive
Anxiously Awaiting Return of Fans in High School Sports, Performing Arts
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life for almost a year at this point. There is hardly anyone who would dispute the validity of that statement. To survive and continue moving forward during the past 12 months, we have been faced with finding new ways to accomplish our daily tasks.
Instead of meeting face to face with a group of people, we converse with people in rectangles on computer screens.
Instead of sitting together with family and friends in crowded restaurants, we pay someone to bring the food to our homes.
Instead of those shopping sprees at the nearest mall, we order online and provide more business for the army of overnight delivery vehicles in our neighborhoods.
In high school sports and performing arts, everyone from the students to coaches, […]
03/09/21- Seeded District Reminders
Over the last couple of days, we have had several questions regarding district seeding and it is best that we summarize a few things before the deadline to play those games tomorrow. Nothing about this information is new, but these do represent the number of questions that have been received.
All of this relates solely to seeded district games.
From the January 15 notice to the schools-
TIEBREAKING GAMES-WHICH GAME
A reminder from the guidance document, if a district has voted to play multiple times for seeding, the first game played shall be the tiebreaking game in the seed pattern, regardless of previous decisions. Much like decisions to have senior night activities very early, as many are doing, there is no guarantee of the second game, and this will ensure that as much as possible, ties are broken on the court. In specific districts, those schools voted again after the original guidance was issued and […]
03/05/21 – Change in Attendance Limitation Recommendation
We have confirmed that officially, effective today, all of the guidance limitations within the Governor’s orders on a variety of venues have been changed. The venue recommendations for limitation have been changed throughout the state increasing by ten percent each. Therefore the recommended maximum attendance threshold is increased to 25% of capacity effective today for indoor events hosted by our member schools. While this remains guidance, it is obviously in the best interest, legally and otherwise, of our member schools. Universal masking remains required, social distancing is to be consistently applied to the fullest extent possible.
It is certainly not required to change current procedures, but this does give them some planning time for upcoming events week. Guidance documents for spring outdoor events will be revised in the coming days to reflect this change.
From talking to so many of you, there remains considerable confusion in our membership as to the differences between “venues” as […]
02/21/21- District and Region Basketball Scheduling of Games
As we continually review public health data, consult with the Department for Public Health, and refer to our own “Healthy at Sports” guidance document, a standard minimum time between the start of contests at the district and regional postseason events has again been established as was the case in the fall. These minimum times and spacing guidelines will also be utilized in planning KHSAA State Championship Events, likely to an even greater extent.
Per the KHSAA’s “Healthy at Sports” guidance document, in events where more than two schools are involved, it is required for there to be time between contests for egress of fans and participants, sanitization of equipment and restrooms, and ingress of the teams for the next game. In considering this requirement, a realistic standard has been developed.
When developing brackets for basketball, there should be a minimum of two hours between the start of contests being held on the same […]
02/22/21- Football Schools Reminded to Submit Spring Practice Date Options for 2021
Per KHSAA Bylaw 23, each school was to originally submit its spring practice dates on or before December 15. With the pandemic, many schools have had a great many interruptions and have not yet submitted dates for this year, if such practice will be conducted. It is a local decision whether or not to conduct these practices at any level, however, if conducted, these practices must follow the progression and restrictions contained in Bylaw 23 as listed below. Failure to submit these dates by the delayed date (for this year only) of March 15 results in the school not being permitted to conduct spring practice. Spring practice may extend (for 2021 only) until May 31.
There is no requirement to conduct spring practice and the earliest any school can choose is March 22 with the rescheduling of the basketball postseason (Monday following district tournament elimination).
It should also be noted that in-person recruiting by collegiate […]
02/20/21- Interim Guidance Regarding Spring Sports Travel
While spring sports guidance is in final production, the office has received several inquiries regarding travel for spring sports. There will effectively be no changes from the winter sports guidance and each guidance document will include enhancements and sources available at the present time. The following represents the recommended guidance for the member schools and will be published in the guidance documents for all spring sports and sport-activities.
Restrictions/Recommendations On In-State Contests
- While local decision-making is a hallmark relative to the management of Kentucky schools, there remain several recommendations relative to team travel in- and out-of-state. (CONSIDER)
- This guidance is not intended to make local district decisions less or more difficult or provide an arbitrary decision path for such consideration, but rather to ensure that all issues are considered as travel is contemplated. (CONSIDER)
- This guidance and similar guidance from the KHSAA, KDE and KDPH is aimed at mitigating the risk of COVID-19 exposure […]
02/15/21 – Board of Control Election Procedures
BOARD OF CONTROL BALLOT – BOARD OF CONTROL ELECTIONS – INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BALLOT:
- Balloting is ONLY done online for these positions.
- All schools from Basketball Regions 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 have at least one election in which to ballot. Other schools may disregard this notice.
- Balloting was available per the Constitution beginning on February 15.
- Only the Principal or Designated Representative may vote. The names on file as verified by the KHSAA website at the time of this ballot distribution are listed on the school directory page at http://khsaa.org/general/resources/member-school-directory/.
- If the wrong individual is listed as the Designated Representative, the correction may be made by anyone with Athletic Director system rights (Principal, AD) prior to the ballot being submitted. For support in correcting these entries, contact Rob Catron or Kara Howard at the KHSAA offices, however the change will be for all […]
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 […]
01/26/21- 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 […]
01/15/21- 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 […]
COVID-19 State and National Data and References
COVID-19 Kentucky Public Health Data and References COVID-19 State and National References12/10/20- Board of Control Confirms Decision to Start Winter Sports Practice December 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2020
The Board of Control conducted a special meeting on Thursday morning, upholding its earlier decision by a 12-5 vote to begin practice for winter sports on Dec. 14th and regular-season competition on Jan. 4th. Prior to confirming the start of the winter sports season, the Board voted 12-5 to push back the dates for the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® to March 29-April 8 after narrowly defeating other alternative dates, with the event schedule and format to be finalized at a later date in consultation with Rupp Arena.
“These are extremely complex issues. Our Board has spent an extraordinary amount of time examining every aspect surrounding the resumption of sports, particularly those that are indoors and have extreme concerns from public health officials,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “At the same time, there is significant data being shared about the need for students to be engaged with one another […]
12/2/20- Reminder about Great Offer from Partner Midway University
Exclusive KHSAA Tuition Discount
As a member of the KHSAA network of coaches and administrators, Midway University is proud to offer a 15% tuition reduction of all online undergraduate programs and graduate programs* to all employees, coaches, athletic directors, and officials and their dependents.
Midway University is one of the first in Kentucky to offer online programs to make achieving a bachelors or master’s degree possible for working adults. And since Midway University has held its tuition rates, and even lowered them for some programs, they are one of the most affordable choices. With the KHSAA extra 15% discount, that makes an incredible value.
To find out more, click the link at https://bit.ly/3mwvcpC.
Or to get started, email admissions@midway.edu, schedule a virtual admissions meeting or apply online.
11/20/20- Winter Indoor Sports Delayed, Information for Member Schools
With the Governor’s School Closing Order of this past Wednesday (details of which can be seen here) along with the Board of Control decision to delay the start of the indoor winter sports seasons to January 4 (details of which can be seen here), changes are going to need to be made over the next few weeks. The text of the orders is contained at the following links- https://bit.ly/36QG23f and https://bit.ly/3nz1ArU. As our office did not know the details of the final order until it was announced late Wednesday, we spent Thursday reconciling the details of the Board’s necessary action on the start of winter sports competition with the recent orders in order to best provide guidance to our membership. This conversation is ongoing with our office, the Governor and Lt. Governor’s office and the Kentucky Department of Education to ensure consistent messaging as well as our nearly daily consultation with […]
11/19/20- Football Playoff Reminders
This additional reminder is sent to all schools, including those eliminated from the postseason, in the event that these schools choose to play additional contests as permitted.
Here are a couple of reminders and emphasis points. In reverse order:
- The Governor’s ordered school shutdown (which was directed at Indoor winter sports) did not make changes to the playoffs and our desire to finish the current season. But we all should be aware that there are a lot of “eyes” on how we execute the playoffs and compliance with public health standards.
- For that and a myriad of other reasons, a playing rules interpretation is being issued again regarding the public health guidance.
- As of yesterday, failure by adults and non-uniformed individuals in the team areas in all KHSAA sports to adhere to masks/face covering guidance shall be considered an unsportsmanlike act.
- There remains an allowance for players currently in the contest as well as the contest […]
11/15/20- Exclusive KHSAA Tuition Discount
As a member of the KHSAA network of coaches and administrators, Midway University is proud to offer a 15% tuition reduction of all online undergraduate programs and graduate programs* to all employees, coaches, athletic directors, and officials and their dependents.
Midway University is one of the first in Kentucky to offer online programs to make achieving a bachelors or master’s degree possible for working adults. And since Midway University has held its tuition rates, and even lowered them for some programs, they are one of the most affordable choices. With the KHSAA extra 15% discount, that makes an incredible value.
To find out more, click the link at https://bit.ly/3mwvcpC.
Or to get started, email admissions@midway.edu, schedule a virtual admissions meeting or apply online.
COVID-19 Kentucky Public Health Data and References
COVID-19 Kentucky Public Health Data and References2020 Year-End Results and Bracketing Process
While several pieces of email communication have been distributed, many blog posts, and hundreds of phone calls, it is probably wise to summarize what will happen as the regular season concludes the weekend of November 5-6-7. None of the procedures have changed since earlier notices (with the most recent communication always prevailing in the event of a conflict), however, this will summarize the next steps.
When the last game is played on November 6-7 weekend, and as soon as the RPI is calculated at the top of the next hour, bracketing will begin using the following steps:
- The current RPI values for all teams are displayed on the website as always and are on the website at https://bit.ly/2TFU7KD.
- The process for calculating the RPI remains extremely transparent and is detailed at https://bit.ly/2GdSjW2 including potential tiebreakers in the highly unlikely event that the five-digit calculations result in a tie being detailed at […]
GE88- Semi-State Expense Report-SO
Loading…GE93-Semi-State Event Manager Form
Loading…10/20/20- Adopted Revisions to Football Alignment for 2021 and 2022, Removal of Scheduling Embargo
At its most recent meeting, the KHSAA Board of Control approved the mid-alignment adjustments to the football alignment for 2021 and 2022. With the school enrollments that were received for 2019-20 (the pre-Covid second-month reports were utilized as specified by the Competition Rules), there were minimal changes to the alignment. There were no geographic moves proposed or approved with the mid-alignment review.
In Class 1A, District 7, Sayre was placed for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and will be a fully scheduled member.
In Class 2A, District 5, Trimble County is returning to the alignment following two-seasons of non-district status.
In Class 3A, District 5, Jackson County will withdraw from the district for 2021 and 2022.
There were no other changes to the alignment. The complete alignment appears on the KHSAA website at https://bit.ly/3jmgYpa
With this action, the embargo on game contracts for 2021 and 2022 has been removed. To ensure that all schools […]
2021 and 2022 Approved Alignment of Teams – Football
CURRENT ALIGNMENT OF TEAMS – FOOTBALL – 2019 THROUGH 2022 PLAYING SEASONS
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association shall sponsor postseason competition in football provided that there is sufficient interest of the membership to participate in the said competition. Member schools desiring to participate in KHSAA sponsored postseason competition shall notify the Association office before September 1. The Commissioner shall divide the state into geographic sections within six (6) enrollment-based classes with the approval of the Board of Control. In the interim, newly added or deleted programs will be handled on a case by case basis by the Commissioner’s office.
For the postseason competition, in Class 6A, For playoff bracketing only, the 5th place team in District 1 would become the 4th place team in District 5
For the postseason competition, in Class 1A, Sayre will be the 4th seed in District 7 for 2020 only.
For interim alignment review for 2021 and 2022 seasons, […]
10/16/20- COVID Basketball Information and Update
As we prepare for the start of official practice on October 26, reminders are in order for all involved. This was previously distributed to all schools earlier this month, but all representatives would be advised to be sure you are familiar. The guidance document is posted on the KHSAA website at https://bit.ly/3ib7pc5.
We have received a few inquiries recently regarding the start of basketball practice and the guidelines that have been issued. Keep in mind that the season is divided into segments for a purpose, and that gives natural opportunities for consideration of revisions based on what is happening with the pandemic.
Here are a few reminders based on the questions that have come into the office. This material is and was contained in the guidance document. It is imperative that coaches be familiar with the entire contents of the guidance document and realize that as everything with this pandemic, things […]
10/12/20- Postseason Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey Situations and Questions
As we head into the postseason, we know our managers and member schools are working extremely hard to protect opportunities for students during this strange time while at the same time, juggling near-daily changing data to help make current decisions. We have had several questions that have emerged about teams advancing in light of specific quarantine and isolation issues.
Remember that the guidance we are operating under from the Department for Health specifies that a quarantine period (exposure to a person who tests positive) is for fourteen (14) days and an isolation period (for a person with a positive test) is for at least ten (10) days following the test. It has long been anticipated that an ill-timed quarantine or isolation period might end a season if schools cannot find additional scheduling options.
As an association, we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate the competing school with rescheduling any contest provided that such rescheduled dates do […]
10/07/20- Football Updates and Scheduling Information including Tiebreaker for Games Not Played
This is being sent to all member schools through the Principal, Athletic Director, and the Football Coach of record, with a courtesy copy to member school Superintendents. Please forward as necessary. This notice is related solely to 2020 Football. Other notices and posts relative to Field Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball have been distributed.
As we have said all along, all of us involved in any way with education have been advised to be nimble to any changes to past plans during this pandemic. Certainly, a higher amount of football games have been lost during this already short fall season than anyone ever predicted or planned and those cancelations continue. As such, several situations have arisen as schools try to determine the rescheduling of future games, and additional minor adjustments are needed. These latest changes and clarifications are solely intended to help resolve issues and prevent further wholesale rescheduling late in the year if that is […]
10/07/20- Extension of Deadline to Play Seeded District Games- SO, VB and Revised Tie-Breaker
This is being sent to all member schools through the Superintendent, Principal, and Athletic Director. Please forward as necessary.
This is related solely to Soccer and Volleyball and this communication is specific to seeded district games. Additional communication will be issued related to football.
As we have said all along, all of us involved in any way with education have been advised to be nimble to pivot from past plans during this pandemic. Certainly, a higher amount of games have been lost during this already short fall season than anyone ever predicted or planned. As such, several questions have arisen.
During the past few days, we have received a great many inquiries regarding seeded district games that have not been able to be played due to COVID situations (quarantine, isolation, or being played in a red county). It is not considered a COVID cancellation if a game isn’t played against a red county but was […]
NFHS State Outstanding Service Award Winners
Outstanding Service Awards may be presented in two categories: 1) to individuals to recognize a record of long-standing service and significant contribution to the NFHS within a specific sport; or, 2) to individuals/organizations for services, although not specifically designated, which generally represent a significant contribution to or impact on high school activity programs.
States may nominate one individual per year.
PAST KENTUCKY RECIPIENTS
2019- Dick Farmer, KU/LGE/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network
2018- Ted Cook, Ted Cook Tire, London
2017- Billy Haynes, Henderson, KY
2016- Bobby Flynn, Lexington, KY Long-time Event Worker
2015- David Dickerson, Rawlings Corporation
10/02/20- Football Nominations Sought For Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards
The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Football participants for 2020-2021. Midway University last year expanded its partnership to include both male and female nominations.
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 current plans call for the winners to be 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. […]
10/01/20- Celebrating Return to Play During National High School Activities Month (Op-Ed Column)
By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly caused everyone to hit the pause button on life. During the stoppage and forced time away from routines, and even as some activities have resumed, many people have come to more deeply appreciate the important things in life – family, friends, and faith among others.
Still, the loss of certain routines and regular activities seem to hurt worse than others, namely last spring when high school sports and performing arts were shut down. Millions of students, coaches, parents, and fans quickly began to realize and more deeply appreciate the privilege of involvement in these education-based programs in schools.
Now, slowly but surely, high school sports and performing arts are […]
10/1/20-2020 Basketball Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, and whether or not the coach receives pay.
Because of the nature of current events as well as rules changes, coaches you are likely placing your team at a competitive disadvantage if you delay/put off/procrastinate the completion of this clinic. Officials, your failure to stay on top of these key provisions will likely lead to administrative errors.
Please ensure that you have read the COVID guidelines posted on the KHSAA website. Many restrictions on scheduling, out of state travel, and rules modifications are detailed in that document. See the various links at /covid-19-fall-resumption-documents-8-25-20-revised-8-31-20/
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section […]
2020 Leachman/KHSAA Girls State Golf Results/Tee Times/Info
The tee times are currently be reviewed and revised in coordination with the Golf House of Kentucky and its recommendations. The results will be posted by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 1.
2020 Leachman/KHSAA Boys State Golf Results/Tee Times/Info
The tee times are currently be reviewed and revised in coordination with the Golf House of Kentucky and its recommendations. The results will be posted by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, October 1.
2020 State Golf Championships Awards and Honors
2020 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championship Scholarship winners
Girls’ Scholarship Winner – Claire Whitaker, Murray
Boys’ Scholarship Winner – John Howie III, Spencer County
Scores Powered by Riherds.com
Official KHSAA Operations Partners
Current Year Hall of Fame Information
