AAA-Non-Sports Blogs
07/13/20- NFHS Network Pixellot Offer/Program/Webinar
Dear Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors,
As you may have heard last week, the NFHS Network announced the “High School Support Program” that will enable its member schools that currently lack webcast production capabilities to stream athletic contests. We are excited to not only ensure that you are aware of this great program but to encourage you to dig deep and decide if it benefits your school. In these trying times when upcoming contests could face attendance restrictions, a streaming option is certainly worth considering. Especially one that will potentially yield income to your athletic program instead of benefitting an outside entity. Details about an informational webinar for this program are at the end of this email.
Basically, this program allows each school to receive up to two free Pixellot automated production units for use in their primary sports venues. These units were previously priced at more than $4,000 per unit, so this […]
07/13/20- Board of Control Extends Segment 3 Restrictions to August 3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2020
The Board of Control conducted its first meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on July 10 in Covington, examining various issues concerning the restart of school-based athletics in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the course of its meeting, the Board approved a recommendation to extend the guidance and allowances for Segment 3 of the document issued for summer play in KHSAA sports and sport-activities through Sunday, August 2, except for the sport of golf.
As a result of the Board’s action, the traditional July 15 start of practice for KHSAA fall sports has been pushed back until Aug. 3, however, it should be noted that Kentucky has some of the earliest starts to fall practice (dates when activity could be mandatory) in the continental United States. Mandatory tryouts or practices cannot be held prior to Aug. 3, including for the sport-activities of Dance and Competitive Cheer, which have […]
07/12/20- Segment 3 (Continued Through August 2nd) Guidance
From the Commissioner:
I realize that many of you were viewing the Board of Control work session on Friday morning as well as the full Board of Control meeting Friday afternoon, and between those webcasts and the news media coverage, most of what I will tell you on behalf of the Board of Control and staff is not news. But to be sure everyone is on the same page, this will officially inform you of the action of the Board of Control and its subsequent implementation. You will receive a second email early this week specific to the waiver of specific bylaws by the Board of Control, however, the allowances beginning tomorrow are of likely higher priority, and is the primary subject of this communication. The primary goal of the Association is the safety of all participants, coaches, and administrators involved while also attempting to ensure that no athletic activity and subsequent […]07/07/20 – NFHS Network Offers Schools Two Free Production Units to Stream Events Through “High School Support Program”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 7, 2020) — As high schools nationwide continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19 and make plans for the restarting of activities this fall, the NFHS Network – the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports – has announced an unprecedented offer for schools that are facing possible attendance restrictions at events during the 2020-21 school year.
Through its High School Support Program, the NFHS Network is offering up to two free Pixellot automated-production units for schools that lack production capabilities to stream events on the NFHS Network.
The offer of two Pixellot units – one for indoor events and the other for outdoor contests – has been extended to all 19,500 high schools in the 51 NFHS member state associations. The NFHS Network is a joint venture of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports.
In addition to receiving […]
07/06/20 – ‘COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators’ Course Now Available from NFHS Learning Center
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 6, 2020) — In an effort to address the challenges of returning to high school athletics and activities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center has collaborated with the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) to develop a new free online course “COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators.”
The course includes information from the “Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities” document that was released by the NFHS in May for its 51 member state high school associations to consider in restarting high school athletics and other activity programs across the nation.
Additionally, the new Learning Center course offers vital information on COVID-19 for coaches and school administrators on conducting workouts, practices and contests as safely as possible, according to Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services.
“While we know states – and communities within states – are in different […]
2020-21 KHSAA Board of Control Committees Assignments
President- Billings, Darrell President-Elect- Miller, Marlon
Executive Committee-Evaluation/Leadership/Audit/Finance Team
Billings, Darrell (President)
Miller, Marlon (President-Elect)
Galloway, Pete (former President)
Hawkins, Scott (former President)
Lovett, Trent
Smith, Kirby
Wyman, Jerry (former President)
Hall of Fame Selection Committee
BOARD- 2nd-year members (2023) and 4th-year members (2021)
STAFF
Angolia, Joe (Permanent)
Cope, Butch (Permanent)
Tackett, Julian (Permanent)
Bridenbaugh, Sarah
Collins, Chad
Mitchell, Marilyn
MEDIA (A minimum of 5 media representatives)
Hall-of Fame Screening Committee
BOARD-1st-year members (2024) and 3rd-year members (2022)
DESIGNATED EXECUTIVE STAFF MEMBERS
Angolia, Joe (Permanent)
Cope, Butch (Permanent)
Tackett, Julian (Permanent)
Barren, Mike
Bilberry, Darren
White, Dan
MEDIA (A minimum of 5 media representatives)
Whistle Blower Committee (4th-year members)
Garrison, Alvin *
Hawkins, Scott
Lovett, Trent *
Parker-Brown, Kim
NFHS Summer Meeting (2nd-year members entering the third year, plus President, President-Elect, and any serving former President)
Billings, Darrell
Galloway, Pete
Hawkins, Scott
Miller, Marlon
Wyman, Jerry
Beichler, Debbie
Howard, Greg *
[…]
2020-21 KHSAA Board of Control Meeting Dates
2020-2021 TENTATIVE DRAFT BOARD OF CONTROL MEETING SCHEDULE
**Thu, July 9 (new and returning member orientation only),
Fri, July 10 (work session and meeting)- Board of Control, Covington
Wed, September 16, 2020, Lexington, KHSAA
Wed, November 18, 2020, Lexington, KHSAA
Thu, January 21, 2021, Lexington, KHSAA
Wed, February 17, 2021, Lexington, KHSAA
Tue, May 4 & 5, 2021, Lexington, KHSAA
2020-21 KHSAA Board of Control Members
Darrell Billings
President, 2020-2021
Director, 2020-2024
Clay City
KDE Appointed Member
Private Enterprise, Tanner Chrysler Products Inc., Stanton
Marlon Miller
President-Elect, 2020-2021
Director, 2018-2022
Louisville
Principal
Martin Luther King Elementary School
Regions 1-8
Alvin Garrison
Director, 2020-2021
Covington
Superintendent
Covington Independent Schools
Regions 9-16
Debbie Beichler
Director, 2019-2023
Mt. Washington
KDE Appointed Member
Retired Educator
Kimberly Parker-Brown
Director, 2017-2021
Lexington
KDE Appointed Member
Faculty, Midway College
Larry Coldiron
Director, 2021-2024
Raceland
Raceland-Worthington Independent Schools
Superintendent
Regions 15-16
James Demler
Director, 2020-2024
Covington
Athletic Director
Villa Madonna Academy
Regions 9-16
Mark Evans
Director, 2018-2022
Louisville
Athletic Director
Mercy Academy
Regions 1-8
Pete Galloway
President, 2019-2020
Director, 2018-2022
Sedalia
KDE Appointed Member
Retired Educator
Scott Hawkins
Director, 2017-2021
Versailles
Superintendent
Woodford County Schools
Regions 11-12More
07/06/20 – High School Field Hockey Eyewear Rule Altered for 2020 Season
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In response to longstanding concerns regarding the wearing of goggles in high school field hockey, the NFHS Board of Directors approved a change in the eyewear rule that will take effect with the upcoming 2020 season.
Rule 1-6-5 in the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Book, which currently states that “All field players shall wear eye protection that met the ASTM standard for field hockey (2713) at the time of manufacture,” will now state that “Goggles may be worn by all field hockey players.”
In addition to the current rule, an additional note was due to take effect in 2020 as follows: “Beginning in the 2020 fall season, all eye protection shall be permanently labeled with the ASTM 2713 standard for field hockey at the time of manufacture.”
Since goggles were mandated by the NFHS Board of Directors in 2011 with the intent to lessen the risk of catastrophic eye injuries, there have […]
06/25/20 – NFHS Learning Center’s ‘The Collapsed Athlete’ Explains Development, Implementation of EAPs
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 25, 2020) — “The Collapsed Athlete,” a free online course centered around developing and practicing Emergency Actions Plans (EAP), is the most recently launched course from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center.
“The Collapsed Athlete” dives into more than just the importance of EAPs and assigning vital responsibilities to team members. The course also explores how the three H’s – heart, heat and head – factor into potentially fatal injuries and illnesses.
High school students incur serious, life-threatening medical emergencies on a yearly basis while participating in athletics and activities. While the causes of those situations are many and varied, they may be a result of pre-diagnosed medical conditions. Others, however, may be a consequence of the activity, environmental conditions or an unrecognized medical condition.
Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services, considers “The Collapsed Athlete” to be one of the “most critically important courses” to […]
06/18/20 – NFHS to Halt Printing of Spring Sports Rules Publications; 2020 Rules to be Used in 2021 Season
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Due to the cancellation of spring sports at high schools across the country, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will not be publishing new rules (both print and digital) for 2021 in the sports of baseball, softball, track and field, girls lacrosse and boys lacrosse.
Because very few schools were able to compete in these sports prior to the March shutdown of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, competition in these sports in 2021 will be conducted under 2020 NFHS rules for baseball, softball, track and field, girls lacrosse and boys lacrosse.
“Since most schools were not able to practice or play a game in these sports, we thought it was best to carry the 2020 rules publications forward to next year,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “Our rules committees in these sports will conduct virtual meetings this summer but will not be approving any additional rules […]
06/12/20 – NFHS National Student Leadership Summit Going Virtual for 2020
KHSAA member schools are once again invited to select student-athletes to participate at no cost in the National Federation of High School Associations’ National Student Leadership Summit.
This is a great opportunity for students from all backgrounds and levels of participation from all over Kentucky and the rest of the nation and Canada to come together for expanded leadership training that they can then share and execute back within their local school and community.
The NFHS hopes to reach thousands of high school students from across the nation July 20-22 with its first virtual National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS). The deadline to register is July 3.
This year’s summit marks the 13th national conference for high school student leaders sponsored by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) since the inaugural event in 2001. The NFHS planned to host the NSLS in Indianapolis this summer; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit […]
06/10/20 – NFHS Learning Center Unveils School Honor Roll Program
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has created the NFHS School Honor Roll, a national recognition program designed to promote professional development for high school coaches through the completion of specific courses through the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.
“Education-based programs provide ongoing learning for participating students, and the NFHS School Honor Roll program provides a pathway for coaches within schools to be honored for their involvement in professional development,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services.
After filling out an online application, schools can achieve three levels of merit within the NFHS School Honor Roll, which are obtained once 90 percent of a school’s coaches – excluding volunteer coaches – complete various course combinations. Participating institutions that earn Level 1, 2 or 3 distinctions receive a large display banner commemorating their accomplishments and their dedication to professional development and education-based athletics.
Three free offerings from the […]
06/08/20 – Officiating Supervisor of the Year Award Winner Selected
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2020
Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. Each year, the KHSAA presents the Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year Award to one individual in recognition of their efforts and dedication to their sport. Elizabethtown’s Jim Long was selected as the 2020 Supervisor of the Year for his contributions as a Soccer Assigning Secretary in the 5th Region.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication […]
06/05/20 – NFHS to Host First Virtual National Student Leadership Summit
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 4, 2020) — The NFHS hopes to reach thousands of high school students from across the nation July 20-22 with its first virtual National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).
This year’s summit marks the 13th national conference for high school student leaders sponsored by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) since the inaugural event in 2001. The NFHS planned to host the NSLS in Indianapolis this summer; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit will be broadcast in a virtual setting on the NFHS Network, which annually streams more than 100,000 high school events online at www.NFHSNetwork.com.
“The NFHS is excited and thrilled to be able to offer leadership training in a virtual setting for our students who participate in athletics and performing arts,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports, sanctioning and student services and coordinator of the National Student Leadership Summit. “This is obviously an unusual […]
05/29/20- Covid-19 Return to Participation in Sports and Sport-Activities Guidance for High Schools and Middle Schools
Covid-19 Return to Participation in Sports and Sport-Activities Guidance for High Schools and Middle Schools
Effective June 1, 2020
Revised- 6/11/2020 for 6/15/2020
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD KHSAA GUIDANCE FOR SEGMENTS 1 (JUNE 1-14), 2 (JUNE 15-28), AND 3 (JUNE 29-JULY 12), EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST 23- This document at the link above provides regulatory information as well as guidance for KHSAA member schools. All allowances in this document will not exceed the allowances permitted by the Department of Health through confirmation with the Governor’s office, and any regulatory declarations from the Kentucky Department of Education.
- All of these allowances and restrictions are directly resultant from the Covid-19 pandemic, are outside of KHSAA Bylaw 23, the limitation of seasons, and are not covered under the normal school year KHSAA Catastrophic Insurance Policy, a policy that has never traditionally covered out of season activity.
- All local implementation plans must be […]
05/18/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2020
Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to softball, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 693 licensed officials in softball, Ed Smith (Covington) and Nathan Hall (Pippa Passes) were chosen as finalists with Smith selected as the 2020 KHSAA Softball Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation […]
05/14/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Baseball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2020
Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to baseball, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 798 licensed officials in baseball, Eugene Pikes (Louisville), JD Young (Independence) and Andy Thomasson (Bremen) were chosen as finalists with Pikes selected as the 2020 KHSAA Baseball Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport […]
05/12/20 – Financial Aid Report Postponed until Fall
Annually, in compliance with Bylaw 11, a Financial Aid Report is required to be submitted by all KHSAA member schools. The submissions for the 2019-20 school year will not be required until later this summer as school resumes. With the current global pandemic, many schools still have too many unknown situations regarding the end of the school year and the required data likely would not be accurate or comprehensive. Therefore, this survey will be revised by the KHSAA Staff and sent to the Designated Representative in the Fall of 2020 to report on the 2019-20 year.
-KHSAA-
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage high school athletics in the Commonwealth. The Association is a voluntary nonprofit 501(c)3 organization made up of 280 member schools both public and non-public. […]
05/12/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Track & Field
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020
Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to track & field, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 125 licensed officials in track & field, Bill Smith (Lawrenceburg) and Jerry Mohr (Fort Thomas) were chosen as finalists with Smith selected as the 2020 KHSAA Track & Field Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the […]
KHSAA Title IX Complaint Procedure
SEC. 1) BACKGROUND
a) The Kentucky Department of Education complies with all Federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Agriculture
b) Any person alleging sexual discrimination by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) or its staff or third parties within their jurisdiction may file a complaint with the KHSAA administrative offices in Lexington.
c) Any complaints alleging discrimination by local school districts, schools or their staff should be directed to the local level and handled according to local board policy.
d) Complaints alleging discrimination by local school districts, schools or their staff that are submitted to the KHSAA will be referred to the Principal and Superintendent of the member school per the policies of the KHSAA Board of Control.
e) The KHSAA is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et […]
05/11/20 – Game Forfeiture Process Clarified in 2020-21 High School Basketball Rules Changes
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 11, 2020) — Beginning next year, high school basketball rules will further clarify when a contest is to be forfeited, including if a qualified individual is not present to coach.
A proposal for a national rule mandating a shot clock as well as a proposal to allow a shot clock by state adoption were not approved.
“Information was given to the Basketball Rules Committee that shared the votes in individual states on how coaches and officials voted in support of or non-support of the shot clock rule,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “The conversation among the committee members explored the pros and cons of enacting the proposal as a rule for all states and likewise for state adoption. The committee will continue to explore the shot clock issue.”
These were among the topics discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations […]
‘X’ marks a special place in Alan Donhoff’s heart
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 11, 2020)
This has always been Alan Donhoff’s favorite time of year in his job as athletic director at St. Xavier.
“In the spring, every kid who plays sports at St. X is either getting ready for games or getting ready for next year,” Donhoff said. “Some days there might be 600 or 700 kids outside after school. It’s so great to see. I just love it.”
This spring is different. The St. X campus is eerily empty. The Covid-19 pandemic has shut down schools and sports and normalcy.
“It’s tough, especially for our seniors,” Donhoff said.
It’s tough for Donhoff, too. He’s retiring at the end of this most unusual, unsettling school year. He’s leaving a place that has been an integral part of his life for most of his life.
In sports lingo, he’s touched all the bases at St. X.
As a student-athlete (Class of 1972), he played […]
05/06/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Basketball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020
Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Basketball season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 1,782 licensed officials in basketball, Raymond Lightfoot (Frankfort), Hannah Reynolds (Island), Rian Craft (Burkesville) and Brian Johnson (Jenkins) were chosen as finalists with Lightfoot selected as the 2020 KHSAA Basketball Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across […]
05/04/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Swimming
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2020
Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Swimming & Diving season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 204 licensed officials in swimming, Ruth Ann Bode (Fisherville) and Terri Tonges (Versailles) were chosen as finalists with Bode selected as the 2020 KHSAA Swimming Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]
05/01/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Wrestling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2020
Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Wrestling season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 94 licensed officials in wrestling, Brett Branson (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Jon Eschan (Union) were chosen as finalists with Branson selected as the 2020 KHSAA Wrestling Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected […]
04/30/20- Covid-19 End-of-Year Resources and Guidance
04/30/20- Recommended Guidance issued by the Kentucky Department of Education on end-of-year procedures.
Several schools have requested information on best practices for return of school-issued sports equipment, uniforms, and other important material from student-athletes. In establishing a means of getting materials back, KHSAA member schools are bound and shall be guided by this document issued by KDE in any area related to interscholastic sports or sport-activities.
Click here to see the Revised Guidance for End-of-Year Procedures.
04/30/20- Recommended Guidance issued by the Kentucky Department of Education COVID-19 Emergency Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies and Related Year-End Activities
Many schools have contacted the Association about best and permitted practices for holding ring ceremonies, awards opportunities, and other means to honor participation. In holding such ceremonies, KHSAA member schools are bound and shall be guided by, the procedures detailed from KDE for graduation ceremony opportunities in any area related to interscholastic sports or sport-activities.
04/30/20- Reminder about 2019-2020 Title IX and Participation List Submission, Deadline Extended to May 31
This should present a summary for each school to complete the required Participation Report as well as the Title IX report for 2019-20.
- The deadline has been extended to May 31, 2020.
- The online system is currently available for entry.
- If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, our office should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
- Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org) can assist you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system.
- Our field audit staff is NOT available at this time as we have temporarily suspended the work of all part-time employees for the current period. You will be advised then those individuals are back in the office and available.
Exceptions and Procedures Only for 2019-20
Obviously, Covid-19 has altered […]
04/29/20- Revised Covid-19 Policies and Guidance Issued, May 1 to May 31
THESE REVISIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY 1 to MAY 31.
THESE POLICIES WILL BE REVIEWED REGULARLY FOR EXTENSION AFTER THAT PERIOD OR REVISION DURING THAT PERIOD AS NECESSARY AS STATE, FEDERAL AND CDC POLICIES AND DIRECTIVES CHANGE
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE CAMPUS OF ANY KHSAA MEMBER SCHOOL OR ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ANY MEMBER SCHOOL, OR ITEMS RELATED TO SPORT OR SPORT-ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION DURING THIS PERIOD-
04/28/20 – 2020-21 High School Wrestling Rules Changes Address Weigh-In Procedures, Hair-Length Restrictions
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 28, 2020) — As the result of a concerted effort to accommodate the growing number of female wrestlers, the 2020-21 high school wrestling rules changes are headlined by significant adjustments to weigh-in protocol and appropriate hair-length requirements.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee met April 5-6 and recommended 11 rules changes to take effect next school year. In accordance with current health safety guidelines, the rules meeting was held in an online format. All rules revisions recommended by the Wrestling Rules Committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“These rule changes are some of the most prolific modifications in the history of high school wrestling,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “The rules committee made necessary, drastic changes to attract more young people to our sport without sacrificing the health and safety of […]
04/27/20 – Fifth Annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarship Recipients Chosen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2020
Mollie Morris (Union County) and Ryan Maynard (Taylor County) have been selected as the recipients of the fifth annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships, which would have been presented during the 2020 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® at Rupp Arena.
When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his late widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. Mrs. Stout felt this was an opportunity for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service.
Winners will receive a one-time $2,000 scholarship payable to an institution of higher learning, and were chosen after careful review, with selection criteria based on athletic activities, non-athletic activities, non-school activities and an essay on the role a student-athlete should play in the community.
A two-sport letterman at Union County, Morris is a four-time All-District Academic Team selection in […]
04/21/20- Spring Sports Cancellation, Basketball Events Not To Be Resumed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2020
With the announcement yesterday of the recommended closure of all K-12 schools to in-person instruction throughout Kentucky for the remainder of the school year, the KHSAA Board of Control today approved the Commissioner’s recommendation and announcement by unanimous vote that the 2020 state basketball tournaments will not be resumed, while also approving the cancellation of all regular-season practices and contests as well as all postseason tournament championship events for all spring sports and sport-activities for the 2019-20 school year. This means the termination of the Archery, Bass Fishing, Esports, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field seasons. This will also result in the continuance of all provisions of the Coronavirus Dead Period provisions until further notice to the member schools from the Commissioner.
The KHSAA has worked closely and continuously with the Governor of our beloved Commonwealth, representatives of the Department of Public Health, Interim Commissioner Kevin Brown and […]
Remembering Bryan Station coach Bobby Barlow
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 20, 2020)
Bobby Barlow, best known for his success as Bryan Station’s basketball coach in the 1970s and early ‘80s, and whose teams won 528 games in his 25-year career, died Sunday. He was 94.
Jack Givens, Barlow’s brightest star at Bryan Station, remembered his high school coach as more than just a teacher of X’s and O’s.
“He was a great man, no doubt about it,” Givens said. “He treated us all like we were his own kids. He taught us the right way not just to play basketball, but the right way to live.”
Barlow, it seemed, was destined to coach. One of his classmates at Garth High School in Georgetown wrote in their 1945 yearbook that Barlow would one day be the basketball coach at Notre Dame.
That didn’t happen, but Barlow did wind up on the sidelines designing defenses and drawing up plays, first at Great Crossing […]
04/16/20 – 2020 KHSAA-KDA Ag Athletes Of The Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2020
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles announced the six Kentucky high school student-athletes involved in agriculture that have been named the 2020 Ag Athletes of the Year by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).
“Typically, I join these outstanding, agriculturally-minded student-athletes on the floor of Rupp Arena to award these scholarships, but unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic prevents us from celebrating together,” Commissioner Quarles said. “These scholarships will help these students offset the ever-increasing cost of continuing their education at a college or vocational school. I congratulate them and wish them well as they pursue their education, wherever they choose to go.”
Two $2,000 scholarships and four $1,000 scholarships were awarded. The honorees are:
- Outstanding Ag Athlete of the Year: William Garrett, Bethlehem ($2,000)
- Outstanding Ag Athlete of the Year: Ellie McGowan, Crittenden County ($2,000)
- Marisa Brown, Menifee […]
04/14/20 – High School Swimming/Diving Rules Changes Clarify Proper Race Finish, Official Timing Procedures
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 14, 2020) — Providing more clarity on a proper race finish and official timing procedures are among the noteworthy high school swimming and diving rules changes for the 2020-21 school year.
These topics were among those discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee at its annual meeting March 22-23, where a total of six rules changes were recommended for approval. The rules meeting was held in an online format to comply with current health safety guidelines. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Rule 1-1-1 was edited to profile the end wall in more detail. Previously described as “the walls perpendicular to the race course,” the new definition broadens the term to include “the vertical portion of the pool, contiguous surface of the deck and overflow gutter, the front of the starting block or platform, or the touchpad at […]
04/06/20 – Esports Nominations Sought for Male and Female Midway Student-Athlete of the Year
While spring sports and sport-activities are currently suspended, Midway University is continuing with its recognition of the outstanding talents of student-athletes who participate in these programs. The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among esports participants for 2019-2020 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 2019-2020 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may 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 May 17 and will be recognized at a future function in coordination by Midway University. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2019-2020 Midway University/KHSAA Overall Student-Athlete of the Year and announced […]
04/06/20 – Bass Fishing Nominations Sought for Male and Female Midway Student-Athlete of the Year
While spring sports and sport-activities are currently suspended, Midway University is continuing with its recognition of the outstanding talents of student-athletes who participate in these programs. The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among bass fishing participants for 2019-2020 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 2019-2020 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may 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 May 17 and will be recognized at a future function in coordination by Midway University. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2019-2020 Midway University/KHSAA Overall Student-Athlete of the Year and […]
03/13/20- (revised 04/02/20 and 4/17/20)- Athletic Dead Period Instituted for Athletic Programs in All Sports and Sport-Activities Due to Covid-19
This information is in effect, as stated below, through April 30, 2020. Prior to that time, revised guidance and policy will be issued to be effective May 1 as we all collectively work to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus on our campuses and among our athletes and coaches. Updated 4/2/20 and 4/17/20 based on inquiries from member schools and revised orders from the Governor and CDC Guidance.
This impacts all KHSAA constituents and includes guidance from the Governor, Public Health Officials, the Kentucky Department of Education, and additional guidance from federal authorities. This original directive will continue to be updated regularly. This will be the sole site for information regarding interscholastic athletics in Kentucky involving rostered athletes or those that have participated in practices this year and coaches from KHSAA member schools, as well as the use of interscholastic facilities.
Effective Friday, March 13, all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to […]
03/26/20 – Risk Minimization Remains Theme of 2020-21 High School Spirit Rules Changes
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 26, 2020) — High school spirit rules changes for the 2020-21 school year remain centered on increasing safety for cheerleading and dance teams across the country.
This year, minimizing injury risk for stunting personnel and during inversions and releases were among the 16 rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Spirit Rules Committee, which met February 10-11 in Orlando, Florida. All changes recommended by the committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“The committee has been working for years to make spirit activities safer for our student participants, while maintaining a high level of competition and crowd leading,” said James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports. “This will continue to be a primary focus of the Spirit Rules Committee.”
Stunting personnel safety was addressed in Rule 3-2-1c, a new addition to the NFHS Spirit Rules Book. The rule states that bases may […]
03/30/20- Status of KHSAA Sponsored Events and Deadlines
Updated: 3/31/20, 8:00 a.m.
This information is solely a summary of KHSAA events. Other specific information concerning options including the required Coronavirus Shutdown Period is listed elsewhere on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/athletic-dead-period-instituted-for-athletic-programs-in-all-sports-and-sport-activities/. This list will be continually updated and potentially revised.
- Tryout Period for Sport-Activities, including Cheer and Dance has been postponed. See the post at https://khsaa.org/03-19-20-spring-sport-activity-tryout-window-postponed-for-now/ for details.
- All opportunities at KHSAA member schools and Kentucky middle schools for spring football practice have been eliminated for 2020. See the post at https://khsaa.org/spring-football-practice-eliminated-for-2020-for-high-and-middle-schools/ for details;
- No final determination has been made regarding annual Title IX and roster reporting for 2019-20. Member schools will be updated if and when this is revised.
- 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen (originally March 11-15) remains currently suspended. Will be continually reviewed as more data is available regarding school resumption or cessation, and activities being conducted in alignment with CDC and state and local […]
Remembering Bourbon County Coach Russ Day
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 30, 2020)
Russ Day, who coached Bourbon County boys’ basketball for 25 years and led the Colonels through a Magical March in 1984 that culminated in the Sweet Sixteen finals, died Monday from natural causes. He was 85.
Day, whose upbeat demeanor made him a delight to be around, won more than 400 games on the high school and college levels. Besides Bourbon County, his coaching stops included Lafayette and MMI, Somerset Community College, and Cumberland College in Tennessee.
He headed the Bourbon County program from 1972 to 1996, and the school’s gymnasium now bears his name.
He guided the Colonels to two 10th Region titles. The first was in 1980 when they lost in the first round of the state tournament to eventual champion Owensboro.
Day led Bourbon County back to the Sweet Sixteen in 1984, and thanks to a series of late-game heroics by Jeff Royce that had Rupp […]
03/25/20 – Officiating Courses Available for Free Through July 1 on the NFHS Learning Center
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 25, 2020) — Current high school sports officials, as well as individuals interested in joining the officiating ranks, will be able to access online education courses on the NFHS Learning Center for free through July 1.
Since many individuals are at home for an indefinite period of time due to the current worldwide health crisis, the NFHS has decided to make its 11 sports officiating courses available for free on the Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.
“Everyone is looking for positive things to do at home during this difficult period of time, so we thought it would be a good opportunity for officials to take courses on the Learning Center to brush up on their skills,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “As a means of encouraging more people to take advantage of this time at home, the NFHS is offering officiating courses for free until July 1.
“In addition to […]
03/23/20 – NFHS Part 2 Exam Now Online for Baseball & Softball Umpires
The NFHS Part 2 Tests for licensed officials in the sports of Baseball and Softball are now available online. Even during what we hope is a short time, while there are currently no games being played, officials may use this tool to increase their knowledge, brush up on the rules and situations or complete the exam to move to the various levels within the classification of officials.
First-year officials are not required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
The tests will be open until Monday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test.
Thank you for being a licensed official and we appreciate your patience during such unprecedented times.
– KHSAA –
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage […]
03/19/20- Spring Sport-Activity Tryout Window Postponed
The KHSAA was made aware of communication sent to member schools from Varsity Spirit (specifically Universal Cheer Association and Universal Dance Association) about “virtual tryouts”. This notification was not approved by the KHSAA and as a reminder, the Athletic Dead Period that has been instituted for all sports and sport-activities in Kentucky because of the Covid-19 virus would preclude this type of tryout. No matter where held, this would then implicitly or explicitly imply mandatory participation by students and evaluation by coaches.
As previously stated, “all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to be in a dead period.” In consultation with the Governor, Public Health Officials and the Kentucky Department of Education, an evaluation will be made for the period going forward.” No tryouts or “virtual tryouts” may take place until further notice.
The information related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) is ever-evolving, and changes happen quickly. We will inform all stakeholders if there […]
03/18/20- Refund Options, 2020 Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments
Today (March 18) should have been a day of celebration. Newly crowned Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA girls’ state tournament champions and other participants should have been celebrating in their local communities. Downtown Lexington and the entire state should have been abuzz as the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ State Basketball Tournament played its first round. But such was not to be the case. Events totally beyond the control of everyone involved led to the determination that it would not be safe to conduct the remainder of the Mingua Beef Jerky girls’ event or conduct any of the Whitaker Bank boys’ event.
We know that many of you are as disappointed as we are. You had planned for months on the annual celebration of basketball in our Commonwealth. And while the cancelation (Ticketmaster term becessary to permit refunds) represents nothing less than a financial disaster for the Association, finances certainly could not be the determinant in our action steps. […]
03/16/20- Update on KHSAA Office Opening/Closing and Staff Availability
In partnership with our State Department of Education, the Governor’s office, our member schools, the NFHS and similar to many other state associations, KHSAA staff has been directed to work remotely from home until at least April 10 (revised 4/2/20). Administrators will available via email. Our hope is to return to the office for regular hours later in April, however, this is a very fluid situation and could change at any time. Updates will be posted online.
As of now and through at least May 1, all activity by rostered participants, coaches and those who have participated in at least one practice session for a middle or high school remain shut down as do all athletic facilities in control of our membership. As we all work together, everyone is hopeful to contain the spread of this virus. Staff will communicate any changes to future events through social media and the KHSAA website.
Closer to May […]
03/13/20- Spring Football Practice Eliminated for 2020 for High and Middle Schools
This is being distributed to all KHSAA member schools through the Principal, Superintendent, Athletic Director, Designated Representative. This notice also applies to any middle school (any participants grade 5-8 competing in any way with students enrolled in grades 6-8) with a football team in Kentucky. Superintendents are asked to forward this information to all possible middle school representatives to ensure accurate communication.
Effective immediately, the allowances contained in Bylaw 23 for high schools as well as 702 KAR 7:065 for middle schools, that allow for spring football, are hereby eliminated for the 2020 spring period. At all levels, no protective equipment may be issued to players at any time and for any purpose prior to the last academic day of the school year. This includes helmets, shoulder pads, any other player equipment, and all practice equipment such as dummies, pads and other drill gear.
In addition, there is also no allowance for […]
03/12/20- Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments Suspended Indefinitely
Based on additional information and guidance from both the Kentucky Department of Education and the Governor’s office in the last hour, at this time, the girls’ state tournament is postponed indefinitely effective with the conclusion of game five. Next week’s boys’ basketball tournament is also postponed indefinitely. The Association will try and seek options for rescheduling later in the spring if at all possible, but not until after we have received collaborative approval from our Governor’s office, the Commissioner of Public Health and the Kentucky Department of Education.
As has been stated for the last two weeks, the situation with the COVID-19 or Coronavirus is extremely fluid. As announced earlier today, our intention was to attempt to complete this first tournament with restrictions, however, this does not appear to be a wise option at this time and is not in the best interest of the student-athletes and the thousands of individuals who attend these events. […]
Maddie Scherr got early start on journey to basketball stardom
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 12, 2020)
One of the first steps Maddie Scherr took on the road to becoming a basketball star was, of course, a Euro step.
She was just a fourth-grader when she learned the deft offensive move from her older brother Cooper and his buddies.
“I played with him and all his friends in our backyard, and they taught me all the cool stuff, like the Euro step,” Maddie said.
When she played AAU ball as a fifth-grader for the Kentucky Royals, her precocity wasn’t taken for granted. Before games, Royals coach Tricia Macke would have Maddie demonstrate her Euro step to the referees so they wouldn’t mistakenly call traveling.
Rick and Amy Scherr laugh when they recall those early days of their daughter’s basketball career.
When she was still in the fifth grade, they were — ahem — a tad skeptical when she set a few lofty goals: winning a state […]
03/10/20 – Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Begins Wednesday at Rupp Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2020
The 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® (March 11-15) gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Elizabethtown faces Bullitt East at 12 p.m. Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. The games will also be carried statewide across 49 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the championship game airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s Rewind 105.5 FM.
All 15 games of the Girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), with subscription plans available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Girls’ Sweet 16® will […]
03/09/20 – Tim Couch Selected To 2020 Class of NFHS National High School Hall of Fame
Seven Former Standout High School Athletes Headline 2020 Class of National High School Hall of Fame
Matt Holliday, Alex English, Dave Logan, Tim Couch, Maicel (Malone) Green, Karyn Bye Dietz, Michele Smith Slated for Induction
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 9, 2020) – Seven outstanding former high school athletes highlight the 2020 class of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame, including three who went on to earn gold medals in the Olympics and four others who excelled in professional football, basketball and baseball.
Joining the seven former athletes in this year’s class are three highly successful high school coaches, one former state association administrator and one speech and debate coach in the performing arts area. The 12 honorees will be inducted July 1 at the 38th induction ceremony of the National High School Hall of Fame, which will be held at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Denver, Colorado.
[…]03/08/20- Statement on Ongoing KHSAA Activities and the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) is aware and continues to monitor the issues with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are keenly aware of the recently declared emergency status and the primary purpose for which those declarations were made, to enable and expedite federal assistance with state and local efforts. We will review any new developments and listen to medical experts as they advise not only the KHSAA but our Commonwealth and country on alternative next steps. We will work with our member schools and our host facilities to take every precaution to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone involved.
The last 96 hours have been particularly intense and nearly 24/7 for myself as Commissioner as well as others in communication with our office, with a continual review of information and advisories. We will continue to rely heavily on the information from the CDC and state and local health representatives while monitoring all available […]
03/05/20- Upcoming traffic changes on Upper Street and Avenue of Champions
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2020) – Lexington visitors and commuters will notice traffic changes in the University of Kentucky area soon. Avenue of Champions, from South Limestone to Lexington Avenue, will be restricted to one-way traffic beginning Monday, March 9. The intersection of South Upper and Winslow streets will be closed starting at 7 p.m., Friday, March 13, through the weekend. These temporary changes are needed to facilitate sewer line construction.
Starting March 9, Avenue of Champions will be one-way westbound (toward Limestone), beginning at Lexington Avenue. The car and bike lane on the south (Gatton Student Center) side of Avenue of Champions will be fenced off, and closed for sewer construction. Traffic from Limestone will not be able to turn right onto Avenue of Champions, and must use Maxwell Street as a detour.
See map of detour to Fayette Mall area from downtown (both events)
[…]03/03/20 – SAFETY NOTICE – Bat Decertified and Ruled Non-Compliant for NFHS Rules; NOCSAE Ball Reminder, Middle School Play
Louisville Slugger Meta 33″ Bat Not legal
The KHSAA received notification Monday afternoon from the NFHS that the Washington State University Sports Science Laboratory has advised that the BBCOR decertification review process had been implemented for the 33” model Louisville Slugger Meta Composite bat.
Therefore, effective immediately, this bat (33″ length Louisville Slugger Meta composite bat – 2020 Blue Bat) should be considered a non-compliant bat Pursuant to NFHS Baseball Rules 1-3-2d and 7-4-1a and not legal for play at any level until further notice.
NOCSAE Ball Certification and Middle School Contests
Also, we have received questions from coaches and umpires following the blog post advising of the NFHS rule requiring NOCSAE approved baseballs (Click Here to Read that Original post).
Questions are being received concerning middle school play and the requirement. Please be advised while the NFHS rules address high school play, these are safety-related concerns and administrators and coaches at […]
02/28/20 – KHSAA Reminds Administrators of 2020 Middle School Football Start Date
This is a reminder notification about an update to the state regulation specifically related to middle school football that was approved by the General Assembly through the regulatory process in 2019 as part of 702 KAR 7:065. Beginning July 1, 2020, the first regular-season middle school football contest (competition involving students enrolled in grades 5-8 competing against schools enrolling combinations of grades 6-8) has a fixed allowable starting date. Contests shall not be played before the Saturday preceding seven (7) of the National Federation of High Schools Standardized Procedure for Numbering Calendar Weeks, which for 2020 is August 15.
Congruent with this change, middle school football practice cannot have more than twenty-four days of practice prior to that first game, which closely correlates to the high school restrictions, and no activity involving helmets or any other equipment may occur before July 10 (following the dead period).
This reminder encourages senior school administrators to ensure that […]
Breckinridge County’s oh-so-sweet state title 25 years ago
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 26, 2020)
HARNED – The specks of gray in Patrick Critchelow’s beard stubble are the first reminder on this visit to Breckinridge County that it has been 25 years – a quarter century! — since the undersized and underrated Fighting Tigers, led by their unflappable point guard, rolled into Rupp Arena, won the hearts of fans with a dazzling display of team basketball, and earned themselves the Sweet Sixteen title.
Critchelow, who was MVP of that state tournament, then tells you he’s been the head coach at Breckinridge County for 13 years now, and that he and his wife Kari have three kids. The oldest, daughter Lily, is a sophomore on the girls’ basketball team.
Bradley Payne, who was Critchelow’s shooting-guard sidekick, is also here to reminisce about those championship days. He still has boyish looks, but he’s been in coaching for more than two decades, and is currently head associate […]
02/25/20 – Safety Concerns and Baseball Requirements for 2020 season
In 2017, the NFHS adopted a playing rule dealing with safety and ball manufacturing that beginning Jan. 1, 2020, all baseballs used for high school competition shall meet the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standard and include the certified mark. This information has been included in annual rules clinics since to notify coaches of the pending requirement.
Questions have been asked by umpires and coaches of what to do if there were no such balls provided at the game site, should the game be played?
Rule 1-3-1 in the NFHS Rules Book details the requirement and unless otherwise mutually agreed upon, the home team has the responsibility to provide the balls.
The KHSAA Board of Control has mandated that in games where umpires arrive on-site and no NOCSAE approved baseballs are available to begin a contest, the contest shall not be played and will […]
02/24/20 – Baseball Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The 2020 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Baseball is now available. The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid or unpaid.
HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES
- For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, log in to https://schools.khsaa.org and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link entitled “View Online Rules Clinics“.
- February 24 – April 14 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.
- April 15 – May 4 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.
- May 5 – May 18 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will […]
2019-20 Board of Control Committees
2019-2020 KHSAA Board of Control Committees Assignments
President- Galloway, Pete – President-Elect- Billings, Darrell
Audit/Finance Team
Adkins, Reed
Billings, Darrell
Bumps, Donna
Galloway, Pete
Hawkins, Scott
Lovett, Trent
Saylor, Jeff
Smith, Kirby
Wyman, Jerry
Executive Committee-Evaluation/Leadership Team
Billings, Darrell
Bumps, Donna
Galloway, Pete
Hawkins, Scott
Saylor, Jeff
Wyman, Jerry
Hall of Fame Selection Committee -2nd-year members (2022) and 4th-year members (2020)
BOARD
Adkins, Reed
Billings, Darrell *
Bumps, Donna
Clines, Mike *
Evans, Mark
Galloway, Pete
Miller, Marlon
Saylor, Jeff
Smith, Kirby
Wyman, Jerry
DESIGNATED EXECUTIVE STAFF MEMBERS
Angolia, Joe (Permanent)
Bridenbaugh, Sarah
Collins, Chad
Cope, Butch (Permanent)
Mitchell, Marilyn
Tackett, Julian (Permanent)
MEDIA
(A minimum of 5 media representatives)
Hall-of Fame Screening Committee -1st-year members (2022) and 3rd-year members (2020)
BOARD
Barnes, Bonnie *
Beichler, Debbie
Hawkins, Scott
Howard, Greg *
Lovett, Trent *
Moore, Lucy
Parker-Brown, Kim
Wilhoite, Matt *
STAFF
Angolia, Joe (Permanent)
Barren, Mike
Bilberry, Darren
Cope, Butch (Permanent)
Tackett, Julian […]
Father & sons & their LexCath basketball legacy
BY MIKE FIELDS (Feb. 20, 2020)
After Lexington Catholic junior star Ben Johnson poured in 42 points to power the Knights past Madison Central 78-75 in overtime last week, Indians Coach Allen Feldhaus Jr. confessed to having seen just about enough of Ben and his brothers, Tanner and Luke.
“I think every one of them has had a game against us where they’ve had at least 30-something,” Feldhaus said with a smile.
He’s got a good memory.
In 2015, Tanner hit nine three-pointers on his way to 43 points in a win over Madison Central.
In 2016, Luke put up 31 points in a loss to the Indians.
Last year, Ben had 40 points in a loss to Feldhaus’ team. Last week he topped that in Lexington Catholic’s OT escape.
“Thank goodness he’s the last one,” Feldhaus said of Ben and his brothers.
Lexington Catholic Coach Brandon Salsman, on the other hand, doesn’t want to even […]
02/19/20 – Board of Control Votes to Keep Field Hockey as a KHSAA-Sanctioned Sport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2020
The Board of Control approved a motion during Wednesday’s meeting at the KHSAA Offices for the Association to continue offering Field Hockey as a sanctioned-sport. The vote followed a planned review and evaluation of the feasibility and growth of field hockey and preliminary discussion during the Board’s January meeting.
Included in the rationale for continuing to sanction field hockey were the facts that (1) there is no negative financial impact for the Association, and (2) the sport had been played for nearly 50 years when the KHSAA first adopted it as a sanctioned championship in 2014. In addition to continuing to sanction field hockey, the motion included a visible commitment from the Association to attempt to promote and monitor growth, and regular reporting to the Board, as well as an amendment to the sanctioning policy to be drafted to allow the Board to make an exception to its required […]
02/19/20 – Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships Head to UK Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2020
The Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships will have a different look this year, with the event moving to the Lancaster Aquatic Center on the University of Kentucky campus. The state swim meet was last held at the Lancaster Aquatic Center in 2006 and spent the last 13 years at the University of Louisville’s Ralph Wright Natatorium.
Fans attending this week’s Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships should be advised that backpacks may not be brought into the Lancaster Aquatics Center by the general public per campus policy (http://bit.ly/38IVMou).
On Thursday, parking will only be available in the Purple Lots located on Wildcat Court next to the Softball and Soccer Complex. After 2 p.m. ET, parking will also be available in the Green Lot next to Kroger Field off Cooper Drive.
On Friday and Saturday, fans will be able to park in the Green […]
02/18/20 – 2020 Sweet 16® Online Media Credentialing System
The media credentialing system for the 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments is now available online, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. Both of this year’s events will be held at Rupp Arena, with the girls playing March 11-15, followed by the boys’ tournament March 18-22.
The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to each respective tournament – March 9 for the Girls’ Sweet 16® and March 16 for the Boys.
OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of social media streaming platforms such […]
02/17/20 – Dropped Ball Procedure Amended in High School Soccer
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 14, 2020) – Beginning next season, changes to the conditions and procedure for restarting play with a dropped ball will take effect in high school soccer.
The dropped ball procedure was among 15 rules changes made by the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee at its January 20-22 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
When a ball is caused to go out of bounds due to a simultaneous touch, Rules 9-2-2 and 9-2-3 now stipulate a referee will restart play with a dropped ball to one player of the team that last possessed the ball before going out of play. Previously, simultaneous touch resulted in any number of players contesting a dropped ball to restart play.
Additionally, if play is stopped with the ball in the penalty area or the last touch – by either team – was in the penalty area, the ball is dropped to the […]
02/13/20 – 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 have at least one election in which to ballot, except for public schools in regions 9, 10, 11, and 12. Those schools may disregard this notice.
- Only non-public schools may vote in the Region 9-16 non-public election.
- Balloting is available per the Constitution beginning on February 15. For 2020, due to the opening being on Saturday, the balloting will open on February 14, 2020.
- 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 […]
02/11/20 – KHSAA.tv to Carry State Wrestling Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2020
The 2020 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships, which begin Friday morning at Alltech Arena, will be broadcast by Trackwrestling this year and available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Tickets to the State Wrestling Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA, including a discounted online-only $30 all-session pass.
Gates open for fans at 8:30 a.m. on Friday with the first round matches commencing at 9:30 a.m. Friday’s opening session will continue through the third round of the championship bracket (bouts 1-616). Saturday’s opening session begins with third round consolation bracket matches at 9 a.m., and continues through the sixth round consolation bracket matches (bouts 785-812).
The medal round session is scheduled to begin with the KWCA awards at 3 p.m. followed by the consolation bracket finals for third, fifth and seventh place. Upon conclusion of the consolation bracket finals, the competitors in the finals will […]
02/06/20 – Additional Timing Changes on Play Clock Approved in High School Football Rules
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 6, 2020) — In an effort to eliminate a potential timing advantage gained by the defensive team in high school football, the play clock will be set to 40 seconds – effective with the 2020 season – when an official’s time-out is taken for an injury to a defensive player or a defensive player has an equipment issue.
This change was one of six rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 12-14 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Last year, in an effort to establish a more consistent time period between downs, the play clock was expanded from 25 seconds to 40 seconds in many cases, although the play clock remained at 25 seconds in most cases following an official’s time-out. However, this coming season, the play clock will be set […]
02/06/20 – High School Field Hockey Moves from Halves to Quarters in 2020 Season
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 6, 2020) — High school field hockey games will be played in four quarters instead of two halves beginning with the 2020 season.
This significant change was one of several rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 13-15 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“The NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee continues to strive to find ways to improve the ease and use of the rules for officials and coaches, which is evident in many of the changes made for the 2020 field hockey season,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee.
The rules committee’s change moves the game to four 15-minute periods from two 30-minute halves. The committee believes this will allow teams to maximize their play for the entire match. […]
02/06/20- Deadline Extended for 2019-2020 Seeded Basketball District Games
It goes without saying that many schools have missed many days of school recently. While little has been for the weather, when we have likely half of our school districts out of school at various points these last two weeks for illness, it is obvious that basketball has taken a second seat.
For that reason, and based solely on these extenuating circumstances this season only, the deadline for playing in seeded district games has been extended to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20. This will no doubt cause hardship on some of our managers who will only have one business day for final arrangements, including brackets. However, it is apparent that this is a necessary step.
Any game not played by February 20 is to be counted as both a win and a loss for both teams in figuring the winning percentages for district seeding. This procedure has long existed in the Competition rules and was designed for […]
02/04/20 – State Bowling Championships Begin Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2020
The ninth-annual KHSAA State Bowling Championships begin Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare in Louisville with the Unified, Adapted and Singles competitions. The Unified Championship, which is in its fourth year as a KHSAA offering, and the second Adapted Championship open the day’s festivities at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles Championship at 11:30 a.m. Advanced tickets to the event can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The Unified Championship will consist of one qualifying game for seeding followed by baker’s doubles matches throughout a 16-team bracket. The Adapted Championship will feature one qualifying game for seeding prior to head-to-head competition. For the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles Championship, each competitor will bowl three games before the field is trimmed to the top eight individuals. The top eight will then roll two additional games, with the top four boys’ and top four girls’ performers advancing to the step […]
01/30/20 – Roster Submissions a Focus for 2020-21 High School Volleyball Rules Changes
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 30, 2020) — Revised rules for roster submissions and penalties assessed to the team bench are among the most prominent high school volleyball rules changes for the upcoming 2020-21 season.
At its annual meeting January 5-7 in downtown Indianapolis, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee recommended six rules changes that were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“High school volleyball is in a great place, which is reflected in the small number of both rules proposals and rules changes this year,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee continues to be dedicated to finding ways to improve the administration of the game as is evident in the changes made for the 2020-21 volleyball season.”
The first notable change pertains to the consequences for late roster submissions and changes made to the roster […]
01/30/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Football
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2020
Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Football season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 938 licensed officials in football, Shaun Williams (Lewisport), Jordan Tarrence (Lexington) and Gary Wise (Louisville) were chosen as finalists with Williams selected as the 2019 KHSAA Football Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]
Greg Buckner goes from underappreciated to KHSAA Hall of Fame
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 29, 2020)
Who is the most underappreciated Kentucky high school basketball star of the last 30 years?
I’d go with a guy who as a sophomore helped his team win a state title, and as a senior averaged 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and got back to the Sweet Sixteen; who went on to start 122 consecutive college games for a Power Five conference school; and who played in the NBA for 10 years and served as an assistant coach for two NBA teams.
I’d go with Greg Buckner.
Buckner didn’t get the recognition he deserved from his home-state fans when he was in high school (or thereafter) because he played at University Heights Academy.
But he’s getting his just dues now. Buckner will be inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame this spring.
To say he appreciates the honor would be an understatement.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said in a […]
01/28/20 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air February 11th on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2020
Pairings for the 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® and the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® will be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 1 p.m. (ET) when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com.
The 59th Girls’ Sweet 16® will be held March 11-15 with the 103rd installment of the boys’ basketball state tournament taking place the following week (March 18-22). Both tournaments will be played at Rupp Arena for the second year, with ticket information available at KHSAA.org in the coming days.
Each game of the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at khsaa.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. By purchasing a month pass to the NFHS Network, fans can watch all 30 games of the girls’ and boys’ Sweet 16® […]
01/27/20 – PlayVS/KHSAA Esports Winter State Championship Decided Thursday at UK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2020
State Champions will be crowned in Rocket League and League of Legends on Thursday, Jan. 30 when the PlayVS/KHSAA Esports Winter State Championship takes place at the Gatton Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus.
The Rocket League finals are set for 4 p.m. and will feature Shelby County’s “Rockets Gold Squad” taking on Graves County’s “Leverage Esports” team. The League of Legends championship will follow at 5:30 p.m., with Elizabethtown’s “E-Town Panthers” squaring off against Lafayette’s “Generals (A)”.
Admission is free to the esports state championship, which will be held in Ballroom B&C at the Gatton Student Center. Those unable to attend Thursday’s championship can watch the event live online through the NFHS Network or Twitch.tv (https://www.twitch.tv/playvs).
This is the second year esports has been a KHSAA-sanctioned sport activity. Boyle County claimed the inaugural League of Legends state title during the 2019 winter season, with […]
Stan Steidel’s All ‘A’ legacy lives on and prospers
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 26, 2020)
RICHMOND — Stan Steidel, the founding father of the All “A” Classic, passed away a few months ago, but his legacy is very much alive, and still providing athletic and educational opportunities for high school athletes across Kentucky.
The state-wide small-school basketball tournament celebrated its 30th anniversary this week, capped by the girls’ and boys’ finals in front of cheering crowds under the bright lights in EKU’s McBrayer Arena Sunday afternoon.
Stan Steidel would have loved it.
He was involved in high school sports in a myriad of ways for more than 50 years, in roles ranging from coach to athletic director to superintendent, but his signature accomplishment was the All “A”.
“This was his baby, this was his heart,” said Louise Steidel, Stan’s wife of 56 years.
Louise, along with daughters Jennifer Jones and Melanie Pelle, and several other family members, were recognized during tributes to Stan at […]
01/23/20 – NFHS Releases “Beyond The Scoreboard,” Second Video Resource for Adult Fan Behavior at Events
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 23, 2020) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has released “Beyond The Scoreboard,” the second installment of its new video series centered on correcting negative adult fan behavior at high school events.
Competitive high school events can be a highly emotional experience for the parents of participants and other invested adults, especially during the intense moments when winning and losing hangs in the balance. “Beyond The Scoreboard,” which follows “The Parent Seat” as the second non-course production housed on the NFHS Learning Center website (www.NFHSLearn.com), utilizes a list of 10 “life lessons” fostered by athletics and activities participation that are often forgotten by adult fans during the heated battle for victory.
“There are times when the scoreboard may indicate a loss, but there is actually a whole lot of winning going on,” said NFHS Director of Educational Services Dan Schuster. “As cliché as that sounds, we’re trying to […]
01/23/20 – Winter Sports Championship Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Winter Sports Championships (Bowling, Wrestling, Swimming & Diving) is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system (credentials.khsaa.org).
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to […]
01/16/20 – 2018-19 National Coaches of the Year Selected by NFHS Coaches Association
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 16, 2020)— Twenty-three high school coaches from across the country have been selected as 2019 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 2018-19 school year.
Recipients of this year’s national awards for boys sports are: Glenn Cecchini, baseball, Lake Charles (Louisiana) Alfred M. Barbe High School; J.R. Holmes, basketball, Bloomington (Indiana) South High School; […]
01/16/20 – Board Approves Site and Date for Esports Championship, Approves Extensive Survey of Officials’ Fees, Reviews Ongoing Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2020
The Board of Control addressed several operational issues at its meeting at the KHSAA offices on Thursday. Among the actionable items on the agenda, the Board approved an offer from the University of Kentucky to host the upcoming esports state championship and approved the movement of five schools in Track & Field, as well as Cross Country, for the 2020-21 school year.
The University of Kentucky has offered to host the upcoming esports state championship on Jan. 30 and the Board accepted that proposal. UK has made a substantial investment into its Gatton Student Center as it expands its involvement in the world of competitive gaming.
“We are grateful to UK for reaching out to us to host a championship event in esports this year, allowing our competition and its participants to continue to receive outstanding support, ” said Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Their new facility is outstanding and will […]
01/09/20 – Mingua Beef Jerky Becomes Title Sponsor of KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2020
Mingua Beef Jerky, family-owned in Kentucky since 1994, has become the title sponsor of the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® beginning with the 2020 tournament. The agreement expands the existing corporate partnership between Mingua and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association which started last year when the Bourbon County-based company came on as a Silver Level partner. The increased corporate support moves Mingua to Gold Level status with the KHSAA, another symbol of their commitment to interscholastic athletics and Kentucky’s young people.
As a company that takes pride in its tasty Kentucky jerky that includes no preservatives or nitrates and uses real meat that is never chopped or formed, Mingua is showcasing its Kentucky pride even further by becoming the title sponsor of the state’s highest level of girls’ basketball competition.
[…]
Ashland Tomcats basketball ‘is our community’
BY MIKE FIELDS (Jan. 8, 2020)
ASHLAND – The bounce is back in Ashland basketball. For Tomcat fans of all ages, that means all is right in the world of high school hoops.
We’re talking about a symbiotic relationship here. The city and its hardwood heroes feed off one another. There’s a livelier vibe around this northeast Kentucky town when the Tomcats are winning, and the team seems to step up its game when the gym is loud and proud.
That’s the way it’s been for more than 100 years.
Ashland’s boys’ basketball history includes a state runner-up finish in 1920; state and national championships in 1928; back-to-back state titles in 1933 and ’34; a fourth state crown in 1961, and a fourth state runner-up in 1996.
The Tomcats have won more state tournament games — 49 – than anybody.
And — trumpets, please — just a few weeks ago Ashland became the first high […]
12/19/19 – Initial Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2019
The first statistical leader reports of the 2019-20 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 […]
New coaches, old hands take reins at pressure-packed programs PRP & Scott County
BY MIKE FIELDS (Dec. 19, 2019)
When Billy Hicks and Dale Mabrey – the two winningest coaches in the history of Kentucky high school basketball – retired after last season, they left high-profile but pressure-packed positions to fill at Scott County and Pleasure Ridge Park.
In 25 years at Scott County, Hicks guided the Cardinals to two state championships, five state runners-up, and 13 region titles. (Overall, in 37 years as a head coach, he won 1,013 games.)
In 38 years at PRP, Mabrey’s Panthers won a state championship, were state runners-up twice, claimed 13 region titles, and won 937 games.
Talk about tough acts to follow.
But long-time assistants Tim Glenn and Larry Kihnley were willing and able to step into the breach. One jumped at the chance while the other balked at first.
Glenn, who has been in the Scott County system since 1995 and joined Hicks’ varsity staff in 2001, didn’t hesitate […]
12/18/19 – KHSAA State Dance Championships Set for Saturday at Valley HS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2019
The third KHSAA State Dance Championships will take place Saturday at Valley High School in Louisville, with the Jazz Small, Hip Hop Large, Pom Large and Jazz Large divisions competing at 9 a.m. The second session will feature the Hip Hop Small and Pom Small divisions and is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. Advance tickets to the event are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.
The KHSAA State Dance Championships will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month and entitle users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations.
Results will be posted to the Dance page at KHSAA.org upon the conclusion of each session. Following the event, fans can purchase DVD copies of the event and official championship photos at KHSAA.org.
12/11/19 – Competitive Cheer Championships Head to Alltech Arena Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2019
The eighth annual KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships begin Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. with the All-Girls Small, All-Girls Medium and Game Day Divisions at Alltech Arena. The afternoon session is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. with the All-Girls Large, All-Girls Super and Coed competitions.
Tickets to the KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA. Doors will open for fans at 8 a.m. and those planning to attend should be advised that the Kentucky Horse Park charges $5 for parking.
The KHSAA Competitive Cheer Championships will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state […]
Mountain football battle hymn has championship ring(s)
BY MIKE FIELDS (Dec. 6, 2019)
Mine eyes have seen the glory of mountain football over the past few decades, including Pikeville’s three consecutive state titles under Hillard Howard, Tim Couch’s national record-setting career at Leslie County, and the blossoming of Belfry, Bell County, Breathitt County and Johnson Central into championship programs.
But mine eyes witnessed the zenith of mountain football on Friday at Kroger Field: All four teams in the KHSAA title games hailed from Eastern Kentucky, and one of the matchups featured the two winningest coaches in state history.
Pikeville pounded Paintsville 43-0 to win the Class A championship, and Belfry beat Bell County 30-20 to claim the 3A trophy.
The two games drew more than 16,000 fans to Kroger Field.
Never before in KHSAA playoff history had two mountain teams won state titles on the same day. (In 2015, Pikeville was crowned champ on a Thursday, and Belfry was crowned on a […]
12/04/19 – UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Broadcast Info
For Immediate Release: December 4, 2019
The 2019 UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl gets underway Friday afternoon at Kroger Field when the first of six championship games slated for this weekend kicks off at 2 p.m. Live webcasts of all six games will be available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network, with a free audio broadcast available at KHSAA.net. Single-game tickets are available for purchase online at http://bit.ly/2DDfFj4.
Championship action begins Friday when Paintsville (11-3) takes on Pikeville (13-0) in the 1A Championship at 2 p.m., followed by Bell County (14-0) versus Belfry (10-3) in the 3A Championship at 7 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule opens with the 2A Championship at 1 p.m., as Mayfield (13-1) squares off against Somerset (13-1). The second game of the day will pit Boyle County (14-0) against Johnson Central (14-0) in the 4A Championship at 4:30 p.m., with Covington Catholic (14-0) facing Frederick Douglass (14-0) in […]
11/27/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Volleyball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2019
Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Volleyball season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 559 licensed officials in volleyball, Mike Wooten (Paducah) and Doug Grinnell (Elizabethtown) were chosen as finalists with Wooten selected as the 2019 KHSAA Volleyball Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following […]
11/26/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Soccer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019
Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Soccer season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 525 licensed officials in soccer, Terry Linscott (Radcliff) and Gustavo Turmero (Madisonville) were chosen as finalists with Linscott selected as the 2019 KHSAA Soccer Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following […]
11/26/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Field Hockey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019
Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 43 licensed officials in field hockey, Megan McGrath (Louisville) and Jamie Gatewood (Louisville) were chosen as finalists with McGrath selected as the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey Official of the Year.
The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]
11/25/19 – NFHS Part 2 Exam Now Online for BK, SW/D & WR Officials
NFHS Part 2 Tests for licensed officials in the sports of Basketball, Swimming & Diving and Wrestling are now available online. The Part 2 exams, required for postseason eligibility, will be open until Monday, December 9 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
The tests will automatically close at that exact time. Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
First-year officials are not required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
Please keep […]
11/22/19-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 19-20
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 2019-2020 is now underway.
Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, February 29, 2020. 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 […]
11/21/19 – NFHS Announces Plans to Launch “Center for Officials Services”
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 21, 2019) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will be launching an online platform for high school officials, effective with the 2020-21 school year.
The NFHS Center for Officials Services, with its technology platform created by DragonFly Athletics of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will offer a variety of services for officials, including registration, assessment, assignments and payments. In addition, NFHS Officials Association members will be able to access NFHS rules exams, NFHS digital rules books and case books, insurance information, video content and sport-specific officiating courses on the NFHS Learning Center.
In time, it is anticipated that the NFHS Center for Officials Services database would include all registered officials in NFHS member state associations. As a result, this new technology would assist the NFHS as it continues to recruit new officials through its #BecomeAnOfficial program as well as ongoing efforts to retain individuals who officiate high school contests.
“We are […]
11/19/19 – Board Reviews Fall Sports Championships and Ongoing Operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2019
The Board of Control conducted a lengthy review of the recently completed fall sports and each respective championship, while also discussing ongoing operations and issues during the course of its meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Tuesday. Among the actionable items in the meeting, the Board addressed the format of the Swimming & Diving postseason meets and the future placement for Sayre football.
Over the last few years, staff received multiple requests to restructure region diving competitions due in part to facility issues and a shortage of qualified judges without a connection to a specific school. The situation was exacerbated by the expansion to 40 qualifiers in the state diving competition, with 22 at-large participants potentially leading to competitive issues if there is a perception that the judges are not consistent and objective at each meet.
Following a survey of the membership, 75% of respondents voted in favor of […]
Current Year Hall of Fame Information
Scores Powered by Riherds.com
Visit Our Official KHSAA Sponsors
