Kentucky High School Athletic Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 18, 2024

As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, particularly for the season in question, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.

The complete list of 2023-24 honorees from Kentucky is below.

Baseball: Brad Burns, Pleasure Ridge Park
Boys’ Basketball: Ryan Perry, Lyon County
Boys’ Cross Country: Chris Davis, Bishop Brossart
Football: Mark Spader, Bowling Green
Boys’ Golf: Chris Cunningham, South Oldham
Boys’ Soccer: Chris Grimm, Lafayette
Boys’ Swimming & Diving: Jamie Palumbo; Bryan Station, Great Crossing, Lexington Catholic, Madison Central, Sayre, Scott County
Boys’ […]
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11/15/24 – Board of Control Approves Alignment for Lacrosse, Boys’ Volleyball; Revisions to Alignment for Field Hockey, Regions 6-7 Basketball, Region 1 Soccer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 15, 2024

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2024-25 academic year this week in Lexington, approving alignments for the upcoming inaugural seasons of lacrosse and boys’ volleyball, as well as a handful of alignment revisions across the sport of field hockey, Regions 6-7 of basketball and in Region 1 of soccer.

Lacrosse was approved for an eight-region format and an eight-team postseason state tournament, with the semifinals and finals of both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments culminating at Shelby County and Collins in Shelbyville on May 19-21. Both of these schools have unified lacrosse field markings, which gives the Association tremendous scheduling flexibility to assist with the contests in this first season.

Boys’ volleyball was also approved for an eight-region geographically based alignment with the winner and runner-up of each region advancing to a 16-team state tournament. The semifinals and championship match are scheduled […]

2024-25 Baseball Missing/Duplicate Games, Missing Stat Reports

10/01/24 – KHSAA Combined Participation Tops 115,000 for First Time in 2023-24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT. 1, 2024

More than 115,000 participants occupied roster spots in KHSAA sports and sport-activities in the 2023-24 school year, marking an all-time record and an increase of more than 5% from the previous year.

A total of 115,608 participants were on rosters for Kentucky high school competition in 2023-24, which is up 5,792 from the previous record of 109,816 set in 2022-23. The latest total includes 63,694 boys and 51,914 girls, a record high for both genders and the first time that girls’ participation has exceeded 50,000.

The 115,608 roster spots were comprised of 86,357 individuals, including 46,635 boys and 39,722 girls.

The 2023-24 total marks a third consecutive increase across KHSAA member schools after numbers briefly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, national participation eclipsed the 8-million mark for the first time last school year.

“We are extremely pleased with our compilation […]

09/26/24 – Board of Control Approves Bass Fishing Site Rotation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 26, 2024

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its second regularly scheduled meeting of the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday in Lexington, approving a four-year site rotation for the Operation UNITE Bass Fishing State Championships presented by UK HealthCare.

The Bass Fishing State Championships will debut at Lake Cumberland in Russell County in 2025 and 2027 and return to Kentucky Lake in Marshall County — where the event has been held for more than a decade since its inception — in 2026 and 2028.

“We have been blessed with tremendous growth since the bass fishing tournament first began in 2013,” said Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The fact that multiple entities are interested in hosting this championship is a testament to the great work of our schools, student-athletes and coaches, as well as our long-time partners at Major League Fishing. We are excited to see that growth continue in the coming years.”

Thursday’s […]

07/08/24 – Baseball Official of the Year Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 8, 2024

Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the 10 sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.

One official in each sport is named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for their sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers, coaches throughout the state and additional staff review.

The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2023-24 baseball season is Matthew Satterwhite of Frankfort. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.

With officiating numbers declining at the national level, the […]

06/27/24 – NFHS Announces Baseball Playing Rule Changes

Risk Minimization and Sportsmanship Addressed in 2025 Baseball Rules Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS – High school baseball players using non-wood bats will have greater flexibility in using substances to enhance their grip on the bat with a change that brings consistency to Rule 1-3-2.

This rule revision was one of two proposed by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee after its annual rules meeting held June 2-4 at The Alexander hotel in Indianapolis. The rules changes were accepted by the NFHS Board of Directors and are effective with the 2025 season.

Rule 1-3-2c1 addresses allowable grips on non-wood bats and now includes clarification that resin, pine tar or another drying agent can be applied to the bat, not to exceed beyond 18 inches from the base of the knob. In addition to allowing players more grip control on their bats, it makes the standards the same as wood bats.

[…]

06/05/24 – Baseball, Softball State Tournaments to Begin in Lexington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2024

The 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare and the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare are set to begin with first- and quarterfinal-round action in Lexington on June 6-8 before wrapping up with the final two rounds of each tournament on June 14-15.

The Baseball State Tournament will conduct its opening weekend at Legends Field, only to reconvene the following weekend at Kentucky Proud Park on the campus of the University of Kentucky.

The Softball State Tournament will be played entirely at UK’s John Cropp Stadium.

Tickets are available online only at khsaatickets.org. Live video of each game will be streamed on khsaa.tv to subscribers of the NFHS Network, while a free audio-only broadcast of each game will be available on khsaa.net.

2024 CLARK’S PUMP-N-SHOP BASEBALL STATE TOURNAMENT

06/04/24 – Thurmond, Germann Named 2023-24 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 6, 2024

The 2023-24 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated Tuesday on the campus of Midway University, as Carlie Thurmond of Bethlehem (Soccer) and Max Germann of Boyle County (Track & Field) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.

Beginning in May 2016, Midway has presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each KHSAA girls’ state championship event. The awards program was expanded in 2019-20 to include male student-athletes, with Midway honoring a deserving student-athlete in each KHSAA sport and sport-activity.

The awards are based on athletic and academic achievement, as well as community service and leadership, with Midway choosing one overall Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year each academic year. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes, and the nominees are voted upon by a closed panel consisting of representatives from Midway.

2023-24 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the […]

2024 State Baseball Semifinals and Finals Schedule of Events

2024 State Baseball First and Second Round Schedule of Events

05/30/24 – Times Set for First Rounds of Baseball, Softball State Tournaments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 30, 2024

Game times are officially set for the first round of both the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare and the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare in Lexington.

While the competition field continues to unfold as regional tournaments are played across the Commonwealth, the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament first-round game times are as follows:

All times Eastern

Thursday, June 6 (Legends Field)

10 a.m. | Russell County vs. Region 8
1:30 p.m. | Region 7 vs. Region 15
5 p.m. | LaRue County vs. Region 6
8:30 p.m. | Region 10 vs. Lexington Catholic

Friday, June 7 (Legends Field)

10 a.m. | East Carter vs. Region 9
1:30 p.m. | McCracken County vs. Region 12
5 p.m. | Owensboro Catholic vs. Region 13
8:30 p.m. | Region 14 vs. Hopkinsville

The competition field […]

05/14/24 – First, Second Rounds of Baseball State Tournament to Return to Legends Field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 14, 2024

The first and second rounds of the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare will return to the home of the Lexington Legends at Legends Field on June 6-8.

“We are thrilled to welcome the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament back to Legends Field,” said Lexington Legends General Manager Justin Ferrarella. “Hosting such a prestigious event highlights our commitment to promoting baseball excellence and community engagement here in Lexington.”

The ballpark previously served as the host site of the Baseball State Tournament from 2002-2021, as well as for the opening two rounds of the 2023 tournament.

Following its opening weekend, the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament is scheduled to conduct its semifinal and final rounds at Kentucky Proud Park on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington on June 14-15.

Tickets to all 15 games will be made available online only at […]

VisitLex 2024 KHSAA Championships Hotel Contacts

VisitLex 2024 Housing Suggestions – select tab at bottom to change sports

05/10/24 – Watch the Spring Draw Show May 14 on KHSAA.tv

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 10, 2024

The pairings for the 2024 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball and Softball State Tournaments presented by UK HealthCare, as well as the 2024 KHSAA Team Tennis State Tournaments presented by UK HealthCare, will be decided during the KHSAA’s annual Spring Championship Draw Show on Tuesday, May 14, at 2 p.m. ET from the KHSAA office in Lexington.

The Draw Show will be streamed live on the NFHS Network at no cost to viewers via khsaa.tv, determining which regions will be paired for first-round matchups.

Following the conclusion of singles and doubles competition the week prior, the newly formatted Boys’ and Girls’ Team Tennis State Tournaments will be conducted June 3-4 in the Lexington area.

The Baseball and Softball State Tournaments are currently scheduled to begin Thursday, June 6, on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Kentucky Proud Park will host three consecutive days of first-round and quarterfinal […]

05/09/24 – Board of Control Approves Final Football Alignment for 2025, 2026; Sets Tentative Season Parameters for Lacrosse, Boys’ Volleyball for 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 9, 2024

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its final regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, adopting a football alignment effective for the 2025 and 2026 playing seasons. A draft was approved at last February’s regularly scheduled meeting with an allowance for six weeks of feedback from the membership that was shared and publicly available.

The Board reviewed each of the concerns and suggestions brought forth by member schools and approved the following logistically and geographically verifiable moves:

Breckinridge County to move from District 2 to District 3 in Class 4A;
Taylor County to move from District 7 to District 2 in Class 4A;
Grant County to move from District 5 to District 4 in Class 4A;
Bardstown to move from District 3 to District 4 in Class 3A; and
LaRue County to move from District 4 […]
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04/10/24 – Media Credentials Now Available for Spring Championships

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for 2024 spring state championships (archery, esports, bass fishing, tennis, track, softball, baseball) is now live and can be accessed via credentials.khsaa.org.

Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their organization needing […]

04/08/24 – Initial RPI Rankings Released for Baseball and Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2024

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index rankings for the 2024 baseball and softball season have been posted.

Initial RPI rankings can be found through the links below:

RPI Background

RPI is a tool developed for all team sports using the official KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard data, modeled after, but not identical to, similar measurement tools. It is provided for a variety of reasons, including district tiebreaking and football bracketing, and as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion of interscholastic athletics. RPI is also used as a tiebreaking/contest-result mechanism to decide seeded district games that are not played by the deadline. RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis but are not calculated for teams with missing scores from the previous day. Therefore, it is essential for results to remain comprehensive for accuracy.

RPI Calculation Steps

Statistics and RPI Release

[…]

04/02/24 – Baseball Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year Award

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year among Baseball participants for 2023-2024 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. Nominations must come from a member school but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards ceremony at Midway University in early June. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2023-2024 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the recognition. All winners will receive their honors at that event.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in the sport of Baseball is April 25. We look forward to your participation!

04/01/24 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Available for Baseball, Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2024

The first official KHSAA statistical leader reports for the 2024 baseball and softball season have been posted.

Stat leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m. ET and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games in baseball or softball.

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’s office, including fines and other actions within the constraints of Bylaw 27.

Member schools are solely responsible for submitting and validating the accuracy of statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that likely means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the re-calculation deadline. When in doubt about statistics calculations, reference can be made to the NFHS Statisticians’ Manual.

The requirement […]

03/21/24 – NFHS Bat Compliance Update Warstic Bonesaber-3 Baseball Bat

The KHSAA received the following from the NFHS office regarding the Warstic Bonesaber-3 Baseball Bat.

FOLLOW-UP CLARIFICATION FROM THE NFHS TO THE BELOW POST

For clarification, the Warstic Bonesaber -3 non-wood baseball bat with the factory handle wrapping is compliant. However, please emphasize to your schools and umpires that the Warstic Bonesaber -3 baseball bat is a compliant non-wood baseball bat for high school varsity competition with factory handle wrapping.

Any baseball bat (wood or non-wood) from any bat manufacturer with a traditional or non-traditional knob is at risk of being rendered non-compliant when it is rewrapped in a manner that the wrapping is over the knob making the knob flush (level with) the handle. A simple solution to correct the non-compliant wrapped bat is to remove the existing wrapping and rewrap the handle.

The image of the red-wrapped bat below is an illegal bat because it was rewrapped
incorrectly. That wrapping eliminates the […]

03/07/24 – Baseball Online Rules Clinic Now Available for Coaches & Umpires

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Baseball is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen) regardless of whether or not the coach receives pay.

OFFICIALS

TO TAKE THE CLINIC, LOG IN TO YOUR ARBITERSPORTS.COM ACCOUNT

Go to https://officials.khsaa.org

OFFICIALS INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLINICS

As they are a condition of postseason eligibility, in the top black bar on the main page for https://officials.khsaa.org, select ELIGIBILITY
Select that you want the 2023-24 Baseball Postseason Eligibility by clicking on 23-24 Postseason
You will see a Blue Hyperlink that says Take Online Clinic
Go through the clinic following the instructions including any require
Please note it may be as much as 24 hours before your score is posted

DEADLINE FOR OFFICIALS

March 7 to April 4 (Officials) – the Baseball […]
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12/13/23 – Two KHSAA Coaches Tabbed as NFHS Section II Coaches of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 13, 2023

Two KHSAA coaches earned 2022-23 Section II Coach of the Year honors from the National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association. Whitley County baseball head coach Jeremy Shope and South Oldham girls’ soccer head coach Kenneth Burke became the KHSAA’s 39th and 40th NFHS Section II Coach of the Year selections since 2001-02.

The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through a comprehensive awards program since 1982, annually 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 from […]

10/06/23 – KHSAA Announces 2022-23 NFHS State Coaches of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT. 6, 2023

As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, particularly for the season in question, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.

The complete list of 2022-23 honorees from Kentucky is below.

Baseball: Jeremy Shope, Whitley County
Boys’ Basketball: Josh Cook, George Rogers Clark
Boys’ Cross Country: Brian Ruggles, North Oldham
Football: Keegan Kendrick, Bullitt East
Boys’ Golf: Kyle Congleton, Madison Central
Boys’ Soccer: Stephen Collins, Ryle
Boys’ Swimming & Diving: Mike Essig, Trinity (Louisville)
Boys’ Tennis: Al Hertsenberg, Covington Catholic
Boys’ Track & […]
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07/24/23 – Corresponding Calendar Reminders, Updates, References

At its most recent meeting, the Board of Control approved recommended changes to the Spring Corresponding Dates Calendar impacting Tennis, Track and Field, Softball and Baseball. Please understand that this communication will be more lengthy than normal to attempt to address any questions and concerns.

These changes were a result of significant membership feedback addressing the various issues around spring sports and the potential issues faced by the nearly 290 member schools and the association. This represents the first phase of an overall calendar review the Board has begun to start this school year with the second phase being discussed at later meetings to include issues around the integration of three additional championships (boys’ and girls’ lacrosse and boys’ volleyball) into the 2024-25 calendar.

Spring has always presented challenges around end-of-year activities including testing, graduations, recognition ceremonies and so many other schedule conflicts. While at some point, choices will have to be made by some […]

07/18/23 – Board of Control Conducts First Meeting of 2023-24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 18, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its first regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Tuesday in Newport, approving revisions to spring 2024 state championship dates, adopting “playing-up” rule changes for sports classified by size and adopting a new alignment for cross country and track & field.

Tuesday began with an orientation for new and returning Board members before launching into the full Board work session, followed by the full Board of Control meeting. The Board and staff welcomed new members Brandy Carver of Morehead and Mandi Hudson of Georgetown, while KHSAA Office Manager and Assistant to the Commissioner Kara Howard was formally announced as having accepted a newly created events services position on the KHSAA staff. After a favorable annual review by the Board, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett’s contract was once again renewed for another year.

The 2023-24 baseball and softball state tournaments were approved to […]

07/10/23 – NFHS Announces Baseball Playing Rule Changes

Electronic Communication Devices from Dugout to Catchers to be Permitted in High School Baseball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS – The use of a one-way communication device between a coach in the dugout and a team’s catcher for the purposes of calling pitches will be permitted in high school baseball beginning in 2024.

This change to Rules 1-6-2 and 3-2-5 was one of five rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June 4-6 meeting in Indianapolis. The recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The new rules prohibit coaches from communicating with any other player besides the catcher on defense and with any player while batting. The coach must also be in the dugout when using the communication device.

“This change is consistent with the growth of the game and is indicative of a measured and responsible approach to enable […]

06/30/23 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Baseball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 30, 2023

The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2022-23 baseball season is Scot Allison of Carlisle. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.

With officiating numbers declining at the national level, […]

06/08/23 – How to Watch Baseball, Softball State Tournaments on KHSAA.tv

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 8, 2023

The 2022-23 athletic season will officially come to a close this weekend as the semifinal and final rounds of the 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball and Softball State Tournaments presented by UK HealthCare wrap up on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

All six remaining games across both tournaments will be webcast live on KHSAA.tv to subscribers of the NFHS Network. Live audio from each webcast will be streamed for free on KHSAA.net.

A monthly pass to the NFHS Network costs $11.99 per month, billed immediately once per calendar month from the sign-up date, while an annual pass costs $79.99 per year. All passes include full access to live regular-season and postseason events, as well as immediate access to events when available On Demand, and can be canceled at any time. For more information on how to subscribe to the NFHS […]

06/06/23 – Johnson, Ferree Named 2022-23 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 6, 2023

The 2022-23 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated this week on the campus of Midway University, as Rafaella Johnson of Elizabethtown (Cross Country) and George Ferree of Trinity (Louisville) (Wrestling) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.

The awards are based on athletic and academic achievement, as well as community service and leadership, with Midway choosing one overall Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year each academic year. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at khsaa.org, and the nominees are voted upon by a closed panel consisting of representatives from Midway.

05/31/23 – Track & Field, Baseball, Softball to Wrap Up 2022-23 Championship Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 31, 2023

The final state championship events of the 2022-23 school year are set to kick off in Lexington this week.

The 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Track & Field State Championships, 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament and 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament, each presented by UK HealthCare, will run throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Track & Field State Championships and Softball State Tournament will be played entirely on the University of Kentucky campus, while the Baseball State Tournament will begin at Counter Clocks Field before finishing at UK’s Kentucky Proud Park the following weekend.

The Track & Field State Championships will start with 1A competition on Thursday and 2A competition on Friday before concluding with its 3A championships on Saturday. Baseball will play its first round over Thursday and Friday and its quarterfinals on Saturday at Counter Clocks Field, concluding with the final two rounds next weekend. Softball will […]

05/22/23- Update on Site for State Baseball First and Second Rounds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 22, 2023

The first and second rounds of the 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare will now be played at the recently renovated home of the Lexington Counter Clocks on June 1, 2 and 3. Games will be played at 10 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each day.

“We began discussions in late February with the University of Kentucky, the staff of the Lexington Counter Clocks and representatives of VisitLex about alternative options in the event that UK was selected to host the NCAA First Round,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett.

“We discussed several schedule alternatives that could have even included trying to blend the two events, but in light of the high school pitching restrictions, the other needs of our member schools and the needs of the University of Kentucky and its baseball program, to ensure they’re optimally prepared, it simply wasn’t […]

05/10/23 – Board of Control Accepts Reports of Member Survey Results, State Legislation, Officials Licensing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 10, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its final regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, accepting reports of several member surveys and ballots regarding both new and existing championship sports and sport-activities, as well as reports of Kentucky state legislation and officials licensing.

After officially approving the adoption of girls’ wrestling for the 2023-24 academic year during last February’s Board meeting, on Wednesday the Board approved the return of the KHSAA Wrestling State Championships to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington through 2024-25 to be held as a three-day event each year.

The Board approved the adoption of boys’ and girls’ tennis team state championships in the spring, along with the existing individually bracketed tennis tournament, beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. The Board also approved sponsoring a boys’ volleyball, boys’ lacrosse and girls’ lacrosse state championships beginning in 2024-25, following […]

05/10/23 – Baseball & Softball End of Season/Beginning of Postseason Updates

Staff managing Baseball and Softball have continued to receive inquiries regarding the ending of the regular season and the beginning of the postseason.

A variety of situations were shared with the KHSAA Board of Control at today’s meeting. After discussion and on behalf of the staff, the Commissioner proposed an interpretation allowing regular season games to be played up until the day before the district tournament begins in both sports. The Board unanimously concurred with that recommendation which will be the policy in all team sports going forward. This is in alignment with the end of the regular season in the individual sports that can play contests up until the day before the postseason begins.

For example:
1) The District Tournament is set to begin on Monday, teams could play on Sunday, the day before the postseason begins.
2) The District Tournament is set to begin on Saturday, teams could play on […]

05/08/23 – Baseball End of Season/Postseason Start

We have received some inquiries from baseball schools that have had issues with regard to the availability of the host facility scheduling district tournaments and contracted games for the end of the regular season.

Within Bylaw 23 it states that the opportunity to participate in regular season contests ends at all levels of play on the second day preceding the first KHSAA Tournament (District, Region, or State), with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA sanctioned tournament play.

While there were accommodations during COVID to allow play until the day prior to the first date of the tournament, those accommodations were only for the 2020-2021 school year. Traditionally the regular season ended on Saturday and the postseason began on Monday.

Given that schools are having scheduling conflicts with host sites and those conflicts are dictating the District Tournament to start earlier than the Monday of District week, […]

05/04/23 – Spring Draw Show Tabbed for May 9 on NFHS Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 4, 2023

The pairings for the 2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball and Softball State Tournaments presented by UK HealthCare will be decided during the KHSAA’s annual Spring Championship Draw Show on Tuesday, May 9, at 1:30 p.m. ET from the KHSAA office in Lexington.

The Draw Show will be streamed live on the NFHS Network at no cost to viewers via khsaa.tv, determining which regions will be paired for first-round matchups.

Both tournaments are currently scheduled to begin Thursday, June 1, on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Kentucky Proud Park will host three consecutive days of first-round and quarterfinal baseball action, while John Cropp Stadium will facilitate softball competition across the opening three-day span.

The semifinal rounds of each tournament will continue on Friday, June 9, followed by both championship games on Saturday, June 10.

The NFHS Network will produce a live webcast of all 30 games […]

04/28/23 – Baseball Season Reminders / Postseason Instructions

INTERRUPTED GAMES; GAME-ENDING PROCEDURES

Interrupted games that are not completed count toward your limit of season count (36 games) as well pitches thrown in the game count toward pitch count limitations (No change from past years).
If a district-seeded or other game with a written contract requiring completion is interrupted and cannot be resumed that day, three choices exist for completing the game
- If agreed by both teams, terminate the game with the score as it exists provided it is a complete game under the NFHS playing rules, including the KHSAA game-ending procedures surrounding 10- and 15-run margins. If such an agreement is reached at the site, it shall be considered final and is not reviewable for revision.
- If agreed by both teams, resume the game at a specified date and time, which must be done at the point of interruption. This option is only available if the date and time decision is […]
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04/13/23 – Media Credentials Now Available for Spring Championships

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for spring state championships (archery, esports, bass fishing, tennis, track & field, baseball, softball) is now live and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org

Credentials to each KHSAA State Championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their 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 number of […]

2023 State Baseball All-Tournament Team and Awards

2023 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare 2023 All-Tournament Team presented by Morgan & Morgan

Carson Shee, Eastern
Pierre Kauffmann, Lexington Catholic
Malachi Feeback, Harrison County
Ethan Reynolds, South Warren
Will Strode, Apollo
Noah Cook, Apollo
Brennan Cates, Henderson County
Dru Meadows, Henderson County
Jack Wills, Shelby County
Kemper Whisman, Shelby County
Hunter Cook, Shelby County
Mason Croley, Whitley County
Matthew Wright, Whitley County
Most Valuable Player presented by Morgan & Morgan: Grant Zehr, Whitley County

Logan Billings Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Andrew Stack, Whitley County

04/03/23 – Initial RPI Rankings, Stat Leader Reports Available for Baseball, Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 3, 2023

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) rankings and the initial stat leader reports for the 2023 baseball and softball seasons are now available. All data is based solely upon the statistical information officially submitted to the KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard by member schools.

The RPI is a tool developed for all team sports by using the official KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard data. It is provided for a variety of reasons, including district tiebreaking and football bracketing, and as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion. The KHSAA Board of Control has approved the RPI to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline.

The RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis but are not calculated for teams with missing […]

04/03/23 – Baseball Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year Award

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year among Baseball participants for 2022-2023 is now open.

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards ceremony at Midway University on Monday, June 6. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2022-2023 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the recognition. All winners will receive their honors at that event.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in the sport of Baseball is April 27. We look forward to your participation!

[…]

02/22/23 – Baseball Online Rules Clinic for Coaches & Officials Now Available

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Baseball is now available today, February 22. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman) whether or not the coach receives pay.

For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.

For officials, login to the officials’ subdomain at https://officials.khsaa.org/.

OFFICIALS

February 22 to April 6 (Officials) – the Baseball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
April 7 to April 21 (Officials) – the Baseball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
April 22 to May 6 (Officials) – the Baseball Clinic will be online […]
More

01/23/23 – Spring Sports Postseason Dates

As you plan for spring events in 2023, we would like to remind schools about the postseason dates for spring sports. Please make sure all parties involved in planning graduation dates, spring activities, etc. are aware of the postseason dates which should help fans, coaches and administrators avoid scheduling conflicts.

TRACK & FIELD

First Date of Practice: December 1
First Allowable Contest Date: January 9
Region Meets: May 12 – May 25
- As regions begin preparation, please remember that all scheduling is led by the regional host, but discussions and planning should include all schools involved.
The KHSAA State Track & Field Meet will return to the University of Kentucky on June 1-3, 2023.
- Class 1A will compete on June 1, followed by Class 2A on June 2, and Class 3A on June 3.

TENNIS

First Date of Practice: February 13
First Allowable Contest Date: March […]
More

01/18/23 – Board of Control Approves Football Realignment, RPI Revision, Jenkins Placement in Region 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 18, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving football realignment and revisions to the RPI calculations, as well as the placement of Jenkins in Region 14 for basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball.

The Board’s approved football realignment will be effective during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The current enrollment data used for the 2023 and 2024 classifications are from the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years. Following significant discussion, the Board elected to adopt a two-year alignment so that the realignment process could begin anew next year (in conjunction with the receipt of fall 2023 enrollment numbers) to allow completion by February 2024, giving schools more than one year to resolve scheduling issues for 2025 and beyond.

12/19/22 – KHSAA Announces NFHS State Coach of the Year Honorees for 2021-22 Seasons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 19, 2022

As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.

The complete list of 2021-22 honorees from Kentucky is below.

Baseball: David Rexroat, Russell County
Boys’ Basketball: William Unseld, Warren Central
Girls’ Basketball: Kristy Orem, Pikeville
Boys’ Cross Country: Ian Johnstone, Conner
Girls’ Cross Country: Tom Stickel, Lexington Christian
Field Hockey: Jody Schaefer, Assumption
Football: Noel Rash, Beechwood
Boys’ Golf: Greg Zimmerer, Christian Academy-Louisville
Girls’ Golf: Sam Westfall, Madisonville-North Hopkins
[…]

09/01/22 – NFHS Decertified Use of Matte Military Green Stinger Bat

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advised the NFHS that on the basis of the performance testing by Washington State University Sports Science Laboratory, the BBCOR decertification process has been implemented for the Matte Military Green bat with Black and Gold highlights (color) 33” model Stinger Bat Company Aluminum Missile II bat. The model number is MISL2233.

The bat will be removed from the BBCOR Approved Bat list that is housed on the Washington State University Sports Science Laboratory website. Since the Missile II no longer has the BBCOR designation, effective immediately, this bat (33″ length Stinger Bat Company Missile II aluminum bat) should be considered a non-compliant bat pursuant to NFHS Baseball Rules 1-3-2d and 7-4-1a.

Matte Military Green with Black and Gold highlights 33″ model Stinger Bat Company Aluminum Missile II Bat (Model MISL2233).

07/11/22- Prohibition of Jewelry Removed in High School Baseball Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 11, 2022) — High school baseball players and coaches will be permitted to wear jewelry in 2023 after the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee voted to remove its prohibition from the rules. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted by rule.

This change to Rule 1-5-12 was one of the rules changes approved by the committee at its June 5-7 meeting in Indianapolis. The rules were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

While most jewelry will be permitted, the Baseball Rules Committee noted that the current rules still state that any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to a player or opponent should be removed.

“The game of baseball has evolved and players have demonstrated that wearing a bracelet or a necklace does not impede their ability to play or increase any risk to themselves or their opponents,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the […]

06/28/22 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Winter, Spring Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 28, 2022

The Outstanding Officials of the Year for the 2021-22 winter and spring seasons are James Johns for basketball, Joseph Phillips for swimming & diving, Eric Friddle for wrestling, Ron Rawe for baseball, Randy Chapman for softball and Sadie Gambrel for track & field, while Paul Lewis was named the Larry G. […]

2022 State Baseball All Tournament Team and Awards

2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare All-Tournament Team

Jake Biggs, Boyd County
Jackson Roseburrough, Beechwood
Zakery Spurrier, Central Hardin
Evan Clark, Campbell County
Justin Baker, Woodford County
Bryce Patterson, Woodford County
Jack Bennett, McCracken County
Nate Lang, McCracken County
Nick Aaron, Russell County
Nathan Lawson, Russell County
Cody Luttrell, Russell County
Jacob Bennett, St. Xavier
Benjamin Tedesco, St. Xavier
More

06/11/22- Kopser, Gloyd Named 2021-22 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 11, 2022

The 2021-22 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated this week on the campus of Midway University, as Renae Kopser (Ryle) and Ben Gloyd (Mayfield) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.

Beginning in May of 2016, Midway University started presenting a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each KHSAA girls’ state championship event. The awards program was expanded in 2019-20 to include male student-athletes, with Midway honoring a deserving student-athlete in each of the 19 officially recognized KHSAA sports and sport-activities.

The awards are based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership, with Midway choosing one overall male and female student-athlete of the year each academic year. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at KHSAA.org, and the nominees are voted upon by a closed panel consisting of representatives from Midway University.

2021-22 Midway University/KHSAA […]

06/08/22 – 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball, Softball State Tournaments to Conclude This Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 8, 2022

The 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare and the 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare are each set to conclude at the Barnhart Family Athletics Complex on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington this weekend.

Tickets to every game are available for purchase solely online at khsaatickets.org. Live webcasts of every game will be available on khsaa.tv.

The quarterfinals of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament at John Cropp Stadium will begin Friday at 11 a.m. ET, scheduled in three-hour increments through 8 p.m. The semifinals will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., followed by the state championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m.

The semifinals of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament at Kentucky Proud Park are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The state championship will be decided on Saturday at 7 […]

06/02/22 – Track & Field, Baseball, Softball Set to Kick Off in Lexington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 2, 2022

The final state championship events of the 2021-22 school year are set to kick off on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington this week with the 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Track & Field State Championships, Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament and Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament, each presented by UK HealthCare.

Tickets to all three events are available for purchase online only at khsaatickets.org. Live webcasts will be available on khsaa.tv.

Track & Field will start with 1A competition on Thursday and 2A competition on Friday before concluding with its 3A championships on Saturday. Baseball will play its first round over Thursday and Friday and its quarterfinals on Saturday, concluding with the final two rounds next weekend. Softball will commence Friday and Saturday before completing its final three rounds next weekend.

2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Track & Field State Championships

Schedule: https://khsaa.org/2022-state-track-meet-time-schedule/
Program: https://khsaa.org/Publications/Programs/20212022/Track/issue1/index.html

05/17/22 – Baseball, Softball State Tournament Draw Show Set for Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 17, 2022

Pairings for the 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Baseball State Tournament Presented by UK HealthCare and the 2022 Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Softball State Tournament Presented by UK HealthCare will be revealed Thursday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. ET, live on KHSAA.tv from the KHSAA Office in Lexington.

The first round of the 2022 Baseball State Tournament will kick off Thursday, June 2, at Kentucky Proud Park on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. The opening round will wrap up the next day, followed by quarterfinal action on June 4. Both semifinal games will take place June 10, culminating with the state championship game on June 11.

The first round of the 2022 Softball State Tournament will start Friday, June 3, at UK’s John Cropp Stadium and conclude the following night. All four quarterfinal contests are scheduled for June 10, with the semifinal round tabbed for June 11 and the championship […]

05/10/22 – Baseball & Softball Season Clarification and Reminders

This communication is published to assist Athletic Directors, Baseball/Softball Coaches, and others in the member schools with regard to the end-of-season questions office staff has been receiving as we are approaching the end of the regular season during this first year with a revised schedule.

Prior to the beginning of the year, the Board of Control approved revisions to the structure of the beginning of the season (and the postseason in baseball) to maintain the nine-week regular season. There was no question, at the time, with regard to the last day of the regular season as it was to remain as published in Bylaw 23.

However, many schools tried to both utilize the earlier playing week and shift the end of regular season play. It is clear that in this first year of the adjusted calendar, some assumptions were made at the local level and there is some confusion at the local level on options […]

04/13/22 – Media Credentials Now Available for Spring Championships

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for spring sports championships (archery, esports, bass fishing, tennis, track & field, softball, baseball) is now live and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.

04/11/22 – Initial RPI Rankings, Stat Leader Reports Released for Baseball, Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 11, 2022

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings and the initial stat leader reports for the 2022 baseball and softball seasons have been posted at KHSAA.org.

The RPI (https://khsaa.org/rpi-ratings-percentage-index/) is a tool developed for all team sports by using the official KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard data. It is provided for a variety of reasons, including district tiebreaking and football bracketing, and as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion. The KHSAA Board of Control has approved the RPI to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline.

The RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis but are not calculated for teams with missing scores from the previous day or earlier.

RPI measures a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules (margin of victory is not a factor). RPI is calculated […]

04/11/22 – Baseball Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year Award

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year among Baseball participants for 2021-2022 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. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards ceremony at Midway University on Monday, June 6. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2021-2022 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the recognition. All winners will receive their honors at that event.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in the sport of Baseball is May 5, 2022. We look forward to your […]

03/07/22- UK HealthCare Expands Partnership with KHSAA, Continues Long-Term Commitment to State Championship Events

UK HealthCare and the KHSAA announced Monday that they have expanded their long-time partnership. UK HealthCare, the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky, will serve as the official health care provider for the KHSAA. This move will see UK HealthCare take its title sponsorship of the KHSAA State Football Championship and extend the term of that arrangement, become the title sponsor for the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® Basketball tournament and serve as presenting sponsor for other KHSAA sports and sport-activity championships.

“We’re honored to be the official health care provider for KHSAA,” said Mark F. Newman, M.D., UK executive vice president for health affairs. “At UK HealthCare, we are always looking to partner with organizations across the state to provide top-tier health care to every Kentuckian who needs it. We appreciate the opportunity to extend this care to the young athletes of Kentucky.”

UK HealthCare has […]

01/21/22- Board Adopts Change to Baseball Season for 2022

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Office and made some modifications to the playing and postseason schedule for Baseball.

The Board previously approved changing from four semi-state sites for the first round of the tournament to one site (Kentucky Proud Park, UK, Lexington) with all regional winners advancing to a single location for the State First Round Tournament. The change also enabled the blind draw to be conducted for Regions 1-16 for first-round matchups, and the second round to be played at the same site during the same weekend.

New action taken by the Board approved allowing the beginning of the season to be shifted one week earlier than the past couple of seasons. This start date returns the start of baseball play to the middle of March and will allow for districts to begin their postseason tournaments earlier as […]

01/19/22- Board of Control approves expansion of State Qualifiers and Teams, Realignment of Basketball Region 4, Declines to adopt Basketball Shot Clock and Expands Baseball and Softball Seasons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 19, 2022

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Office, approving changes to the golf playoff format, effective fall 2022. The changes will increase the number of golfers advancing beyond the Regional tournament, and create a State First Round of play to expand postseason opportunities.

After Regional play, an additional round of golf, deemed the State First Round, will be conducted across three locations. Each State First Round will include four defined Regions with each Region advancing advance 20 golfers to the State First Round for a total of 80 golfers at each site.

In contrast to the previous format that advanced the winning team and seven at-large qualifiers, the newly adopted format will advance the top two teams and the top 10 individuals from non-advancing teams.

Thirty golfers from each State First Round site will advance […]

12/08/21- KHSAA Announces NFHS State Coach of the Year Honorees for 2020-21 Seasons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2021

As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sport. These awards are announced during the late fall following the recognized year.

The complete list of honorees from Kentucky for 2020-21 is:

Boys Baseball- Richard Arnold, Trinity (Louisville)
Boys Basketball- Kevin Listerman, Highlands
Girls Basketball- Aaron Beth, Marshall County
Boys Cross Country- Joe Buechler, Holy Cross (Louisville)
Girls Cross Country- Brian Allesandro, Highlands
Girls Field Hockey- Amy Elliott, Kentucky Country Day
Boys Football (11-Player)- Justin Haddix, Boyle County
Boys Golf- James Chaney, Trinity (Louisville)
Girls Golf- Aaron […]

10/08/21- Changes in COVID-19 RTA/RTP Implemented Per SMAC Guidance

As they have done since the start of the pandemic, the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) composed of Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) member doctors has held multiple special meetings to continually review the Return to Play Guidance and Recommendations (RTA/RTP). As a result of those continued meetings and review of current and evolving literature, changes have been made to the RTA/RTP and RTA/RTP form and those changes are located at https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionofSports/ApprovedVersion/kma-covid-rtp-algorithm.pdf. For districts that have summarily adopted the “KHSAA” recommendations, these changes should be considered immediate.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, this group has been passionate advocates for the students being involved in sport due to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits, but also for safety in mitigating the spread of the virus. They are also keenly aware of the first priority of nearly everyone in the education community, that being a full year […]

07/13/21 – Spring Officials, Supervisor of the Year Winners Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2021

Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the 10 sports in which it licenses officials. 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 is 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 consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers, coaches throughout the state and additional staff review.

The Outstanding Officials of the Year for the 2021 spring season are Jerry Mohr for track & field, Ronnie McGuffey for softball and John Carroll for baseball. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an […]

07/09/21 – Adjustment Made to Pre-Pitch Sequence in High School Baseball

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — High school baseball pitchers who do not receive signals from the catcher must now simulate taking a sign with one foot on the pitcher’s plate before proceeding with a pitch.

This addendum to Rule 6-1-1 was the lone rule change forwarded by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee and was subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The baseball committee’s annual rules meeting was held June 6-8 in a virtual format.

A pitcher leaning forward to receive a sign from the catcher is fundamental to the pre-pitch phase of the game as it indicates to both the batter and the players in the field that the ball is about to be put in play and is the typical signal for any runners on base to begin taking their leadoffs.

Further, most high school baseball coaches deliver their defensive play calls – including pitch selections – […]

06/15/21 – State Baseball Tournament Resumes Wednesday at Legends Field

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2021

The KHSAA State Baseball Tournament (June 16-19) concludes this week in Lexington as the final eight teams visit Legends Field to contend for the 2021 state championship. Tickets to the event are only available for purchase online and can be found at khsaatickets.org. There will be no onsite cash or credit card sales, and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to expedite the admission process.

The state tournament resumes with quarterfinal action Wednesday evening as Collins takes on McCracken County at 5 p.m., followed by Danville vs. Lafayette at 8:30 p.m. The quarterfinals continue Thursday as Lyon County faces Whitley County at 5 p.m., and Hazard squares off against Trinity (Lou.) at 8:30 p.m. The semifinals are set for 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, with the championship game slated for 7 p.m. Saturday evening.

Each game will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv […]

05/25/21 – Baseball and Softball State Tournament Draws Set for Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2021

The pairings for the 2021 KHSAA State Baseball and KHSAA State Softball Tournaments will be revealed Thursday, May 27 at 1 p.m. as the Draw Show will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and streamed online at KHSAA.tv.

The 2021 KHSAA State Baseball Tournament begins Saturday, June 12 with semi-state games played at local host sites. The opening round matchups were carried over from last year after the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic. Four sites will host the semi-state matchups with Region 1 vs. 4 and 3 vs. 2 played at Western Kentucky University, 5 vs. 8 and 7 vs. 6 at Elizabethtown, 9 vs. 12 and 11 vs. 10 at the University of Kentucky, and 13 vs. 16 and 15 vs. 14 at Morehead State.

The eight teams advancing from the opening round will travel to Legends Field (June 16-19) for the remainder of […]

05/20/21 – Baseball & Softball Reminders

To assist administrators and coaches as we approach the postseason in baseball and softball, the office would like to provide the following reminders:

DISTRICT SEED GAMES
The last date to play a district-seeded game is Wednesday, May 26. For games that are not able to be played by this date, the winner/loser of the contest will be determined by the RPI as of May 26.

Baseball RPI Link
Softball RPI Link

TIE-BREAKER FOR DISTRICT SEEDS
We continue to get questions about seeding procedures and which game counts toward breaking a tie.

Since the January Board meeting, spring sports have been able to utilize the normal locally adopted seeding procedures. If after all of those locally adopted tie-breaking procedures are exhausted and there remains a tie, the COVID guidance shared states that the first game played would be the tie-breaking game.

[…]

05/11/21 – Baseball & Softball Reminders For Postseason

The KHSAA office has received several inquiries from member schools over the past few weeks on a variety of baseball/softball issues. We share with you the following reminders as we are approaching the postseason.

INTERRUPTED GAMES

All seeded district, district tournament, region tournament, and semi-state/state tournament games will be seven innings unless a run rule is in effect.
If the entire game cannot be played due to weather or other issues, it is a suspended game and shall be completed.
Any completion of a suspended game shall resume at the point of interruption including substitutions, ejections, etc.

DISTRICT SEEDING

All current seeding plans (including tie-breaking procedures) on file with the KHSAA for each district should be utilized.
Only in the case of COVID cancellations where the current seeding plan on file cannot be exercised, will the KHSAA policy in the COVID guidance be used.
As all are aware, the restrictions were much […]
More

05/10/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Additional Guidance Related to NCAA

Information specific to this topic is now included in the compiled SB128 SSYP Informational post at https://bit.ly/3dUJ9us

04/23/21 – Initial RPI Rankings, Stat Leader Reports Released for Baseball and Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2021

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings and the initial stat leader reports for the 2021 baseball and softball seasons have been posted at KHSAA.org.

The RPI (https://khsaa.org/rpi-ratings-percentage-index/) is a tool developed for all team sports by using the official KHSAA/Riherds Scoreboard data. It is provided for a variety of reasons including district tiebreaking and football bracketing, and as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion. The Board of Control has approved the RPI to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline.

The RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis, but are not calculated for teams with missing scores from the previous day or earlier. For the 2021 baseball and softball seasons, COVID cancellations are marked on a team’s schedule as a 0-0 tie but are not factored into the RPI calculations and rankings.

[…]

04/20/21 – Baseball Nominations Sought for Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Award

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year among Baseball participants for 2020-2021 is now open.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2020-2021 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards presentation at Midway University in early summer 2021. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2020-2021 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year overall and announced at the awards presentation. All winners will also receive their recognition at that event.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in the sport of Baseball is May […]

04/12/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Guidance for Sports and Sport-Activities

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE DOCUMENT

For a complete list of the provisions and information related to the implementation of SB128 and the SSYP, please see the following document-

03/22/21 – NFHS Officials Part 2 Exam Now Online for BA, FP, TR

NFHS Part 2 exams for licensed officials in the sports of Baseball, Fast Pitch Softball, and Track & Field are now available online. The Part 2 exams will be open until Monday, April 5 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). After not being able to be on the field or track last spring we know everyone is excited about this season.

The tests will automatically close on April 5 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). 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. The exam is also used for advancements in levels of classification.

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 […]

03/17/21 – Baseball Playing Rules COVID Guidance Clarifications

We have received inquiries about the COVID-related modifications to NFHS rules published within the Baseball Healthy at Sports Return to Competition Guidance as well as what was published in the online rules clinic that was finalized in mid-February. To assist administrators, coaches, and umpires in preparing for the first segment of the season we will address these below.

Since the pitcher may not put their hands to the mouth off of the mound and touch the ball, are there any options? Yes, a cloth dampened with water may be used and stored in the back pocket of the uniform.
What is the penalty if a pitcher forgets and puts their hands to the mouth while off the mound? You would provide a new ball that has been sanitized and simply discard the used ball to be sanitized.
Since the pitcher may not blow into their hands on a cold day, are there options? […]
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02/20/21- Interim Guidance Regarding Spring Sports Travel

Archery Blog Updates

While spring sports guidance is in final production, the office has received several inquiries regarding travel for spring sports. There will effectively be no changes from the winter sports guidance and each guidance document will include enhancements and sources available at the present time. The following represents the recommended guidance for the member schools and will be published in the guidance documents for all spring sports and sport-activities.

Restrictions/Recommendations On In-State Contests

While local decision-making is a hallmark relative to the management of Kentucky schools, there remain several recommendations relative to team travel in- and out-of-state. (CONSIDER)
This guidance is not intended to make local district decisions less or more difficult or provide an arbitrary decision path for such consideration, but rather to ensure that all issues are considered as travel is contemplated. (CONSIDER)
This guidance and similar guidance from the KHSAA, KDE and KDPH is aimed at mitigating the risk of COVID-19 exposure […]
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02/22/21 – Baseball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The 2021 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.

As a reminder, here are some important dates about the upcoming season:

First Practice: February 22
First Contest: March 29
Maximum Number of Scrimmages: 2
Maximum Number of Games: 36
District: May 31 – June 5 (play could begin on 5/29)
Region: June 7 – June 11 (play could begin on 6/5)
Semi-State: June 12
Tentative State Dates: June 16-19

CLINICS – 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 22 – April 20: the […]
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01/21/21 – Board of Control Reviews Status of Winter and Spring Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2021

The Board of Control held its fourth regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Thursday at the KHSAA Office, conducting a thorough status review of ongoing operations and championship plans. Staff provided an overview of all winter and spring sports and sport-activities, while outlining considerations and options for the winter events that will be presented for final review at the Board’s next meeting on Feb. 17.

“Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the Board of Control and our constituency on the various issues and COVID-19 mitigations facing each of our sports and sport-activities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Circumstances change rapidly during the pandemic but we hope to have a clearer picture for how we can proceed with our winter championships when the Board next meets in February.”

Included in the staff’s report on basketball, was a preliminary discussion on ticketing to the 2021 Boys’ and Girls’ […]

12/10/20- Board of Control Confirms Decision to Start Winter Sports Practice December 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2020

The Board of Control conducted a special meeting on Thursday morning, upholding its earlier decision by a 12-5 vote to begin practice for winter sports on Dec. 14th and regular-season competition on Jan. 4th. Prior to confirming the start of the winter sports season, the Board voted 12-5 to push back the dates for the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® to March 29-April 8 after narrowly defeating other alternative dates, with the event schedule and format to be finalized at a later date in consultation with Rupp Arena.

“These are extremely complex issues. Our Board has spent an extraordinary amount of time examining every aspect surrounding the resumption of sports, particularly those that are indoors and have extreme concerns from public health officials,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “At the same time, there is significant data being shared about the need for students to be engaged with one another […]

07/27/20 – Student-Athlete Participation Rises for the 3rd Straight Year to New Record Totals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2020

Student-athlete participation increased for the third-straight year in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities to reach record levels in 2019-20. A total of 107,166 rostered participants competed across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and six sport-activities according to information submitted by the membership, surpassing last year’s then-record total of 106,931. Football was one of 12 offerings to show an increase from the previous year, breaking a trend of declining participation for the last three years by adding 202 new student-athletes [freshmen, JV, varsity] during the 2019-20 season to remain the state’s most popular sport with 13,277 rostered participants.

“The continued rise in student-athlete participation the last three years emphasizes the importance of school-based athletics in the fabric of the educational experience for these young adults,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The importance of these coach-to-student and student-to-student relationships is only amplified in these uncertain times, as we strive […]

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 […]

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 […]

05/11/20 – 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 […]

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-

Facilities on school-owned property including competition and practice facilities, weight rooms and similar, as well as those facilities managed or in any way owned by the school or school system (all schools grades 6-12) shall remain closed for use related to sports or sport-activities in any manner through at least May 31;

These steps may sunset earlier if allowed by the Governor’s orders related to the phase-in steps of resuming activity, which will likely […]

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 […]

04/06/20 – Baseball Nominations Sought for 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 Student-Athlete of the Year among baseball 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 at the future […]

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 […]

03/30/20- 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 […]
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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 […]

03/16/20- 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 […]

03/03/20 – 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 […]

02/25/20 – 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 […]
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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 […]

09/30/19 – Official KHSAA RPI Rankings Unveiled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2019

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings are now available on the Association’s website (https://khsaa.org/rpi-ratings-percentage-index/) following a thorough development and implementation process. Approved by the Board of Control in January of 2018, the RPI will be incorporated into the football competition rules as a means of seeding Rounds 3, 4, 5. The RPI is simply an informational tool in the other team sports and is provided as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion.

“It has been an important period the last few weeks experimenting with output formats and screen layouts, while determining what documents were needed to ensure both transparency and replicability. We have continually stressed that as the only official results source, any other data outside of our website should be regarded with skepticism,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We are very thankful to our friends with the Colorado High School Athletic Association […]

RPI Calculation Steps

RPI calculation example using 2018 Ashland Blazer football regular season, which is subject to revision given revisions approved for any RPI parameter. This long-published example of the calculations on the KHSAA website at https://ly.khsaa.org/uynq.

RPI Background (all sports)

RPI stands for Ratings Percentage Index.
RPI is used for district tiebreaking and football third, fourth and fifth-round bracketing, as well as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion of interscholastic athletics.
RPI is also used as a tiebreaking/contest-result mechanism to decide seeded district games that are not played by the deadline.
The KHSAA is uniquely positioned to be the sole and authenticated source of RPI data due to the maintenance of required score reporting and scoreboard data for baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, soccer, softball and volleyball for more than two decades.
RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis but are not calculated for teams with missing scores from previous or multiple contests.

09/23/19- KHSAA and Midway University Expand Student-Athlete Awards Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2019

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association and Midway University are expanding their partnership in the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year Awards program to include recognition for males beginning in the fall of 2019. The program originally began in the spring of 2016 as a way for Midway University to honor female student-athletes, and will now include male and female student-athletes for all KHSAA-sanctioned sports and sport-activities.

“We value our partnership with the KHSAA as we expand our on-campus offerings to include male students and male sports and look forward to continuing to get our message out across the Commonwealth to even more student-athletes and potential students,” said Midway University President John P. Marsden, Ph.D.

“It is exciting to expand our relationship with Midway University to coincide with its own expansion of sports offerings,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “This was already a tremendous partnership through its effort to […]

06/27/19 – Expanded Designated Hitter Role Coming to High School Baseball

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 27, 2019) — The role of the designated hitter in high school baseball has been expanded to give coaches an additional option for the 2020 season.

The revision to Rule 3-1-4 was the only change recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis. The change was subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The game is in the best shape it has ever been in the history of high school baseball,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “This has allowed coaches to coach, players to play and umpires to umpire. This change, which was organic and intuitive, expands the role of the designated hitter and meets the desires of the high school baseball community.”

There are now two scenarios in which a designated hitter may be […]

06/06/19 – First Logan Billings Scholarships Awarded

2018-2019 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2019

The KHSAA is proud to announce the recipients of the first Logan Billings Memorial Scholarships. Hazard’s Bailey Blair and Rowan County’s A.J. Hacker received the scholarships by virtue of their selection as Most Outstanding Player in the Baseball Semi-State games at Morehead State this past weekend. Each individual will receive a $500 scholarship payable to their enrolled institution of higher learning.

Logan Billings, the son of KHSAA Board of Control member Darrell Billings and his wife Jennifer, died unexpectedly in July, 2018. Following his untimely death, the family approved an initiative from the Association to establish a scholarship in Logan’s name, funded by private donations earmarked for that cause.

“Darrell, Jennifer, Logan and the entire Billings’ family have given a lifetime of service to the folks in Eastern Kentucky and the rest of the state. Long before Darrell was a member of our Board of Control, he and his […]

06/04/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and KHSAA Softball State Tournaments Set For Lexington

2018-2019 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2019

The 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and 2019 KHSAA Softball State Tournaments will be held this week in Lexington, with the state baseball tournament returning to Whitaker Bank Ballpark while the state softball tournament heads to the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium for the first time.

Tickets for each event are available for purchase online with links available on the homepage at KHSAA.org. Re-entry is not permitted at either event, however, as is customary with all KHSAA General Admission events, the stands will not be cleared following the conclusion of any single game (with the exception of the reserved seating areas behind the plate) and fans are free to stay within the stadium confines.

The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament (June 5-8) begins Wednesday evening when Beechwood takes on Breckinridge County at 5:30 p.m., followed by Tates Creek versus Pleasure Ridge Park at 8:30 p.m. Quarterfinal action resumes Thursday […]

2019 Baseball Semi-State Managers