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 […]

11/04/24- Required Rules Clinic Available for Licensed Officials in Basketball

This message is being sent to all Licensed KHSAA Basketball Officials. Our apologies for any duplicate notification; however, during our transition with the movement of our school data system, we are trying to ensure that notice is sent through a variety of means.

The online KHSAA Rules Clinic for officials in the sport of basketball is available through Arbitersports at khsaaofficials.org. Please excuse the production delay as there have been issues with planned elements and video review that have now resulted in those being removed and the clinic posted. This clinic is a part of the requirements for postseason eligibility in basketball for 2025.

For full instructions on how to access your Eligibility options to complete the Online Rules Clinic, see the following:

Go to More

11/04/24- Required Rules Clinic Available for Coaches in Basketball

This message is being sent to all Athletic Directors (including assistants), Coaches in the sport of Basketball, and anyone with the role of District Admin in Arbitersports.

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is available through your KHSAA360/ArbiterSports Eligibility Dashboard. Please excuse the production delay as there have been issues with planned elements and video review that have now resulted in those being removed and the clinic posted.

The clinic is required of all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen), regardless of whether or not the coach receives pay.

New for the 24-25 school year: You no longer log into the KHSAA Member School Portal to view your rules clinic or complete your other Bylaw 25 requirements. All Coaching functions have been migrated to the newly developed KHSAA360 System (in ArbiterSports).

If you have yet to log into the KHSAA360 (Arbitersports.com) system, you will need to set your password on the More

2024-25 Basketball Girls 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 […]

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 […]

05/14/24 – NFHS Announces Basketball Playing Rule Changes

Flopping Addressed in 2024-25 High School Basketball Rules Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS – A new definition and subsequent warning for faking being fouled (flopping) has been added to the NFHS Basketball Rules Book for the 2024-25 season.

This revision to high school basketball rules was one of 12 changes approved by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee at its April 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The committee approved changes addressing a variety of different areas,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS Director of Sports. “Maintaining a focus on player safety, fairness, balance and rules that officials can effectively adjudicate continue to be the focus of the committee.”

Faking being fouled is defined in Rule 4-49-1 as when a player simulates being fouled or makes theatrical or exaggerated movements when there is no illegal contact. Examples include, but are not limited to, embellishing the impact of incidental […]

04/10/24 – Basketball Official of the Year Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 10, 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 Basketball season is Tyrone Fields. 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 KHSAA is […]

03/11/24 – Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® to Tip Off at Rupp Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 11, 2024

The 2024 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington starting Wednesday, March 13, at 11 a.m. ET.

All 15 games of the tournament will be broadcast live on khsaa.tv to subscribers of the NFHS Network. Fans can listen to live audio of each game for free on khsaa.net. The games will also be carried statewide through the Morgan & Morgan/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network.

Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet

The 2024 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington starting Wednesday, March 13, at 11 a.m. ET.

02/21/24 – Sweet 16® Media Credential Applications Now Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 21, 2024

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the 2024 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the 2024 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® 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 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. […]

02/20/24 – Board of Control Approves Draft of 2025, 2026 Football Alignment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 20, 2024

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Tuesday in Lexington, approving an initial draft football realignment that would be effective for two years starting with the 2025 season.

With the approval of an initial draft, a survey of all member schools will be conducted to determine postseason participation for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Pending member school feedback upon distribution of the alignment draft, any appeals and potential adjustments will be finalized at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting in May.

Each year, Board members are reminded that the officers for the following year are elected at the fifth meeting of the year. The Board annually elects a president-elect from its membership to serve the following year and then transition to the role of president in the second year following. On Tuesday, the Board selected Warren County Public Schools […]

02/05/24 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air Feb. 12 on NFHS Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 5, 2024

Pairings for the 2024 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® will be unveiled on Monday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. ET on the KHSAA’s annual Sweet 16® Draw Show.

The 2024 Sweet 16® Draw Show will air on KHSAA.tv via the NFHS Network at no cost to viewers. The broadcast will originate from the KHSAA offices in Lexington, hosted by Dave “Buzz” Baker and Brian Milam of WKYT.

Both basketball tournaments will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the 63rd installment of the Girls’ Sweet 16® taking place March 13-16 and the 106th Boys’ Sweet 16® scheduled one week later on March 20-23.

Each game of the 2024 Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet 16® will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network to subscribers. A monthly subscription to the NFHS Network entitles users to every broadcast […]

01/24/24 – Basketball Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student Athlete-of-the-Year among boys’ and girls’ basketball 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 from each 2023-2024 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

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at […]

01/02/24 – Initial RPI Rankings Released for Basketball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 2, 2024

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index rankings for the 2023-24 basketball 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 […]
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12/18/23 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Basketball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 18, 2023

The first official KHSAA statistical leader reports for the 2023-24 basketball 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 basketball.

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 to […]

11/15/23 – Board of Control Adopts Changes to State Formats For Swimming, Indoor Track & Field, Girls’ Wrestling; Sets State Archery Site, Accepts Results of Bylaw 9 Amendment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 15, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving changes to the Swimming State Championship format and event implementation plans for the inaugural Indoor Track & Field and Girls’ Wrestling State Championships.

The Board approved the selection of Russell County High School (Regions 1-3), the University of Louisville (Regions 4-6) and Scott High School (Regions 7-9) as 2024 State First Round sites for Swimming and approved revisions to relay card procedures for the regional and state meet rounds to help address facility deck and crowd capacity concerns.

The Board also approved the increase of the total number of qualifiers advancing from the swimming & diving region meets to the State First Round to 48 per event statewide, including approval of the format structure for those three first-round events. This will result in a total of a total […]

11/14/23 – Basketball Roster/Schedule Entry/Prime Date Reminder

This reminder to Athletic Directors and Basketball Coaches to have your rosters and schedules entered through the school login page of the KHSAA website.

With regard to girls’ schedules, schools are reminded of the KHSAA Prime Date Board Policy that was revised significantly for the 2023-2024 school year as detailed in the rules clinic and communication with member schools.

To meet the Association requirements, at least 40% percent of your games are required to be played on a prime date. This can be accomplished in one of two methods.

Method 1 – Play at least forty (40) percent of its girls’ home basketball games on a prime date, defined as Friday night, Saturday or Sunday, wherein tournaments shall only count as one game played toward this requirement; or
Method 2 – Play at least forty (40) percent of its girls’ basketball schedule (all games) on a prime date, defined as Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, […]
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10/11/23 – Basketball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and 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://khsaaofficials.org

OFFICIALS INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLINICS

As they are a condition of postseason eligibility, in the top black bar on the main page for https://khsaaofficials.org, select ELIGIBILITY
Select that you want the 2023-24 Basketball 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

Oct. 12 to Jan. 11 […]
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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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09/13/23 – Board of Control Approves Distribution of Bylaw 9 Referendum, Adjusts Swimming & Diving Starting Date

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 13, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its second regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving the distribution of a member school referendum regarding Bylaw 9, an adjustment of the starting date for the swimming & diving season and an implementation plan for the KHSAA Swimming & Diving State Championship First Rounds, as well as the distribution of a member school survey regarding girls’ wrestling weight classes and a timetable for implementing the details of the inaugural KHSAA Indoor Track & Field State Championships.

The Board’s approval to distribute a referendum regarding Bylaw 9 paves the way for distribution to member schools following the 2023-24 KHSAA Annual Meeting in Lexington on Sept. 14. The referendum will include the yes/no option of removing Section 1(a) from the Bylaw, which restricts basketball players who have been in grade nine(9) and then played a contest for the […]

08/17/23 – Additional Reminder for Schools – Bylaw 9 Basketball Organized Play Prior to Practice

We have had several inquiries about multiple events in the fall for boys’ and girls’ basketball players who have both been enrolled in grade nine and subsequently represented the school at any level, therefore being subject to Bylaw 9.

A student is NOT subject to Bylaw 9 and its restrictions if they have not been enrolled in grade nine and subsequently played in a contest representing the school OR their school year has not begun.

Students who are subject to Bylaw 9 and for whom the academic year has begun are prohibited from attending events outside of the NCAA collegiate live periods when coaches can attend per Bylaw 9.

For 2023-24, the dates when our students subject to Bylaw 9 can attend recruiting events for males at September 7 to October 14.
For 2023-24, the dates when our students subject to Bylaw 9 can attend recruiting events for females from September 7 to October […]

08/11/23- Reminders about Approved Amendments to Bylaw 9 for 2023-24 (Basketball Organized Play Prior to Practice)

At the September 22, 2022, Annual Meeting of the membership, the delegates approved an amendment to Bylaw 9 of the KHSAA related to the play of basketball players in competition prior to the start of the season. This change is now in effect. The entire text as approved is listed at the end of this information.

The key provisions

In summary, basketball players (who have been in grade 9 and subsequently represented a member school in a contest) can now attend true recruiting opportunities that meet very specific criteria, between the start of school and October 14.
The opportunity to attend these activities ends October 14, and there is no outside organized play after the first date for allowable practice for those students who have been in grade 9 and subsequently represented a member school in a contest.
During the period from the first day of school through October 14, the delegates defined what […]
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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.

05/15/23 – NFHS Announces Basketball Playing Rule Changes

Free Throw Procedures and Foul Administration Amended in 2023-24 High School Basketball Rules Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS – Beginning next year, high school basketball teams will shoot two free throws for common fouls when in the “bonus.” This change to Rule 4-8-1 eliminates the one-and-one scenario and sets new foul limits each quarter for awarding the bonus free throw.

Rules changes were approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its annual meeting April 24-26 in Indianapolis. The recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In addition to awarding two foul shots for all common fouls, teams will reach the bonus when their opponent commits five fouls in each quarter and team fouls will reset at the end of each quarter. Previously, teams were awarded the one-and-one bonus when their opponents committed seven fouls in a half and two foul shots when […]

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 […]

03/29/23 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Basketball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 29, 2023

The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2022-23 basketball season is Jason Wilkins of Central City. 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 […]

03/23/23- Basketball Scheduling and Corresponding Dates Reminders for 2023-24 and 2024-25

Nearly two years ago, the Board of Control approved revisions to the corresponding date calendar for basketball necessitated by the annual rollover of calendar dates, the periodic movement of the NCAA championships calendar and the availability of postseason championship facilities. In order to impact as few post-season sites as possible, the association adjusts its calendar periodically to allow for the incongruence of NCAA and NFHS planning calendars but so as not to lessen any competition season. This information was shared in detail during past regional meetings of the membership and the Designated Representatives and Principals in attendance.

Schools are reminded that the periodic “rollover” of corresponding dates occurs during 2023-24 and will result in an additional week of play for 2023-24 that is not available in 2024-25 and was not available in 2022-23. Whether you view the last week as the “extra week” or the first week (labeled Week 0 below), is a matter for […]

03/13/23 – UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16® to Tip Off at Rupp Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 13, 2023

The 2023 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington starting Wednesday, March 15, at 11 a.m. ET.

2023 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16®

All times Eastern
Wednesday, March 15 (First Round)
11 a.m. Jeffersontown vs. Woodford County
1:30 p.m. Elizabethtown vs. McCracken County
6 p.m. Warren Central vs. Pulaski […]

03/07/23 – Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® to Tip Off at Rupp Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 7, 2023

The 2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington starting Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m. ET.

2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16®

All times Eastern
Wednesday, March 8 (First Round)
11 a.m. Owensboro Catholic vs. Bowling Green
1:30 p.m. Sacred Heart vs. Lawrence County
6 p.m. Mercer County vs. George Rogers Clark
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02/22/23 – Board of Control Approves Adoption of Girls’ Wrestling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 22, 2023

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving the adoption of girls’ wrestling, the solicitation of a site to hold the boys’ and girls’ wrestling tournaments consecutively, specifications for KHSAA Golf State First Round sites and the election of the 2023-24 Board President-Elect.

The adoption of girls’ wrestling will be effective in the 2023-24 academic year. As a result of the Board’s approval, the KHSAA Commissioner has been tasked with finalizing logistics for a state championship in girls wrestling with two or four state-managed qualifying sites, as well as finalizing negotiations to find, if possible, a potential consolidated site following a survey of the membership on scheduling implications.

“We look forward to gathering data from our school athletic administrators on this important site selection,” said Commissioner Julian […]

02/20/23 – Sweet 16® Media Credentials Now Available

The media credentialing system for the 2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the 2023 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® is now available online and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org

This year’s events will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the Girls’ Sweet 16® taking place March 8-11 and the Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 15-18. The deadline to apply for credentials to the Girls’ Sweet 16® is March 7 at 3 p.m. ET. The deadline to apply for credentials to the Boys’ Sweet 16® is March 14 at 3 p.m

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

OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND […]

02/03/23 – Sweet 16® Draw Show Set for Feb. 15 on NFHS Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 3, 2023

Pairings for the 2023 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® will be drawn Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. ET on the KHSAA’s annual Sweet 16® Draw Show.

The draw is scheduled for live broadcast on the NFHS Network at no cost to viewers and can be accessed through khsaa.tv. The 2023 Sweet 16® Draw Show will be hosted by Dave “Buzz” Baker and Brian Milam from WKYT in Lexington, where it will originate from the KHSAA office.

Both tournaments will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the 62nd installment of the Girls’ Sweet 16® taking place March 8-11 and the 105th Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 15-18.

As part of its annual anniversary recognitions, the KHSAA will honor the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Sweet 16® titles for both the girls (Elizabethtown) and […]

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.

01/04/22 – Basketball Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Boy/Girl Student Athlete-of-the-Year Award

The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year among boys’ and girls’ basketball participants for 2022-2023 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 2022-2023 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 event at Midway University in early summer 2023. 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 announced at the event. All individual winners will also receive their recognition awards at that time.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Boy/Girl Student-Athlete of the Year in the […]

12/20/22 – Initial RPI Rankings, Stat Leader Reports Released for Basketball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 20, 2022

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings and the initial stat leader reports of the 2022-23 boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons are now available.

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 bracketing in specific sports, as well as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion. The Board of Control has also approved the RPI to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline.

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.

Initial statistical leader reports can be found through the links below:

Statistical […]

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
[…]

11/21/22 – NFHS Part 2 Exam for Officials in BK, SW & WR Now Online

NFHS Part 2 Exams for licensed officials in the sports of Basketball, Swimming, and Wrestling are now available online.

The Part 2 Exams will be open until 11:59 p.m. (ET) based on the following schedules:

Swimming & Diving: Monday, Jan. 23
Wrestling: Monday, Jan. 30
Basketball: Monday, Feb. 13

Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 35 questions correct out of 50 is required for a passing score.

First-year officials are not required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.

Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.

Please keep in […]

11/17/22- Rupp Arena Signs Multi-Year deal to Continue Partnership with KHSAA

Lexington, KY (November 17, 2022) – The OVG360 managed Rupp Arena is proud to partner with KHSAA to extend the contract to host KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 Tournament and KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Tournament, keeping the tournament in Central KY for at least 3 more years. Tickets, including entire tournament season tickets, will be available for purchase in December during the holiday season. With this announcement, the nationally recognized and award nominated Rupp Arena keeps its commitment to showcase the greatest athletes in the state along with the great entertainers that visit Lexington on an annual basis.

“We are delighted to extend our formal hosting agreement with Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center through the 2025 season. I know our Board of Control, staff and our member schools are delighted with the chance to continue showcasing our girls’ basketball tournament in the venue that has hosted our boys’ event for the better part of […]

11/16/22 – Board of Control Approves Items Passed at Annual Meeting, Distribution of Enrollment Information, Wrestling State First Round Site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 16, 2022

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving items passed at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Schools and the authorization to distribute enrollment information to be used in classification upon receipt from Kentucky Department of Education, as well as the recommendation for Atherton to host the 2023 Wrestling State First Round for Regions 1-4.

On Sept. 22, the KHSAA conducted its Annual Meeting at the Central Bank Center in Lexington. Delegates in attendance voted on proposals submitted by the Board for consideration, as required by 702 KAR 7:065 and the annual review of Association rules. The passing of Proposal 2022-01 to amend Bylaw 9 to remove basketball pre-practice restrictions on students in grade 9 and above who have already represented a school was officially approved for 2023-24 adoption by the Board at Wednesday’s meeting. The change […]

10/05/22- Basketball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball has been available since October 5. Remember, the clinic is required of all coaches at the varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen levels, and whether or not the coach receives pay. And the clinic is to be viewed by those that desire to be considered for postseason basketball assignments.

Below is additional information:

OFFICIALS

October 5 to January 12 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
January 13 to January 27 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
January 28 to February 11 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 may apply.

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. […]

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 […]

05/12/22 – Board of Control approves girls’ basketball hosting extension, volleyball schedule adjustment, state first-round golf format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 12, 2022

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its final regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year this week at the KHSAA Office, approving a variety of items that affect 2022-23 and beyond.

The Board agreed in principle to extend the Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® host site agreement with Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center through 2028, matching the venue’s current agreement to host the Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® through the same season.

Rather than directly author any proposed Bylaw changes for this fall, the Board directed the Commissioner to assist member schools in such authorship if so desired by the membership.

The Board adjusted the schedule of dates for the 2022 Volleyball State Championship to assist schools with travel costs in light of weekend housing costs surrounding the 2022 Breeders’ Cup, with the quarterfinal through finals rounds being played on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 3-4.

The Board approved the […]

05/03/22- Hair Adornment Use Clarified; Shot Clock Guidelines Adjusted in Basketball Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 3, 2022) — The allowance of hair adornments made of hard material has been clarified in high school basketball. Adornments made of hard material are permitted provided they are securely fastened close to the head and do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates or opponents.

This change to Rule 3-5-4d was approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its annual meeting April 11-13 in Indianapolis. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The committee adjusted the rule to be inclusive of hair styles while maintaining that the risk of injury to the athlete and others not be compromised.

“It was extremely important to the rules committee to create rules language that supported diversity of hair trends while minimizing the risk of injury to the athlete, teammates and opponents,” said Lindsey Atkinson, director of sports and liaison to […]

03/16/22 – UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16® set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 16, 2022

The 2022 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center starting Wednesday, March 16, at 11 a.m .ET.

Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. The games will also be carried statewide through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet 16® Radio Network.

All 15 games of the Boys’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), with subscription plans available for $10.99 per month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Boys’ Sweet 16® will also be able to watch all 15 games of the Boys’ Sweet […]

03/09/22 – Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 9, 2022

The 2022 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® is set to return to Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center starting Wednesday, March 9, at 11 a.m .ET.

All 15 games of the Girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), with subscription plans available for $10.99 per month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Girls’ Sweet 16® will also be able to watch all 15 games of the Boys’ […]

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

Baseball Blog Updates

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 […]

02/25/22- UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16® Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets for the 2022 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16® State Basketball Tournament are on sale NOW. Go to www.khsaatickets.org to place your order. The bracket for the tournament is at the end of this post.

Working closely with our partners at Rupp Arena, tickets are now on sale for this year’s tournament. Thank you for your patience throughout the pandemic and throughout the current challenging process.

TICKETING

Past (2020) ticket holders have been given several weeks to renew tickets.
Any unclaimed renewals are now for sale.
As with all other Rupp events and all KHSAA events since the resumption following the pandemic, ticketing will ONLY BE BY ELECTRONIC TICKETING including arena access.
Complete instructions including an instructional video on how to save, redeem and transfer your seats to other customers are detailed below.
At this time, ONLY COMPLETE SETS OF TICKETS FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT ARE ON SALE.
Single games seats will […]
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02/20/22 – Sweet 16® online media credential system now live

The online media credentialing system for the 2022 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the 2022 UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® is now available online and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. Both of this year’s events will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the girls playing March 9-12, followed by the boys’ tournament March 16-19.

The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. ET on the Monday prior to each respective tournament: March 7 for the girls’ tournament and March 14 for the boys’.

OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a […]

02/19/22- Girls’ Sweet 16® Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets for the 2022 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® State Basketball Tournament are on sale NOW. Go to www.khsaatickets.org to place your order. The bracket for the tournament is at the end of this post.

TICKETING

As with all other Rupp events and all KHSAA events since the resumption following the pandemic, ticketing will ONLY BE BY ELECTRONIC TICKETING including arena access.
Complete instructions including an instructional video on how to save, redeem and transfer your seats to other customers are detailed below.
At this time, ONLY COMPLETE SETS OF TICKETS FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT ARE ON SALE.
Single games seats will be sold at a later time.
Member schools (and others) may want to “whitelist” two email addresses to […]
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02/18/22- Reminder – Boys State Basketball Ticket Renewal

This notice is being sent to individuals listed as of yesterday as having tickets on hold for this year’s boys’ Sweet 16® for which the payment does not show as completed. You will receive notices through Friday, February 18, which is the extended deadline to complete the purchase. Unrenewed seats are subject to release and re-sale to other patrons.

Notice has been emailed about your tickets on multiple occasions. This reminder is also be sent via SMS text in case of email changes. FIRST – CHECK YOUR TICKET ACCOUNT FOR YOUR TICKETS Below is a list of instructions. If you prefer, a video tutorial is online and can be viewed BY CLICKING THIS LINK Here are the step by step instructions-

Go to the website rupparena.com/account on your mobile browser
In the top right of that page, you will see a button to sign in, which is a person […]
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02/08/22 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air Feb. 11 on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 8, 2022

Pairings for the 2022 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and the UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® will be revealed Friday, Feb. 11, at 12:30 p.m. ET when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com.

Both tournaments will be held inside Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, with the 61st installment of the Girls’ Sweet 16® taking place March 9-12 followed by the 104th Boys’ Sweet 16® on March 16-19.

The KHSAA will honor its annual anniversary recognitions in addition to the 2020 and 2021 anniversary teams that were not recognized in person in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 25th anniversaries of the 1995, 1996 and 1997 Sweet 16® titles will be celebrated on both the girls’ and boys’ side, as will the 50th […]

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 […]

12/21/21 – Basketball Schedule Maintenance Updates

As of this morning, access and permissions have been restored for team schedules so that Athletic Directors and Coaches can modify, add and remove games at any time. Any removed game by either Athletic DIrectors or Coaches must include the reason for cancellation.

Member schools must remain diligent by accurately reporting COVID-19 cancellations. The data from those cancelations plays a huge role in seeing how the virus is affecting sports, and frankly, helps ensure our ability to continue to play. We hope this data will be accurate as we move through the winter and vaccinations, including booster shots, increase to help slow the spread and reduce quarantine time.

Contracted games canceled due to COVID are subject to being recorded as forfeits as there was no blanket waiver of Bylaw 22 for this season. The result of the original game will be noted as a COVID cancellation whether or not the opponents reschedule and play later […]

12/21/21 – Initial Basketball RPI Rankings, Stat Leaders Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2021

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings and the initial stat leader reports of the 2021-22 basketball season are now available on the Association’s website.

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 bracketing in specific sports, as well as a means to increase publicity, interest and promotion. The Board of Control has also approved the RPI to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline due to the pandemic or other reasons.

Stat leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games. The boys’ leaders can be found at https://khsaa.org/2021-22-boys-basketball-stat-leaders/, with the girls’ leaders available at https://khsaa.org/2021-22-girls-basketball-stat-leaders/.

[…]

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 […]

11/19/21- Continued Supply Chain Issues Related to Basketballs and Delivery

This information was shared by our Kentucky rep for Spalding and wanted to be sure we updated our schools. This week, communication was sent to all dealers with timelines and information. Each of us are familiar with the supply chain issues plaguing so much of our economy and visible each night on the news.

Pete Latkovic, our rep, met many of our ADs at this year’s annual meeting in September and has been a strong supporter of all of your programs. Here was his message –

I wanted to give you an update on our current basketball shortages. Similar to most companies, global supply chain disruptions have resulted in extended delays. I have just been informed that we will be out of stock on our NFHS stamped balls, LEGACY TF-1000 and PRECISION TF-1000 until January. We have a limited number of balls due in early January but they will not fully cover all the backorders. […]

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 […]

10/05/21- Basketball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is available beginning October 5. Remember, the clinic is required of all coaches at the varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen levels, and whether or not the coach receives pay.

Below is additional information:

OFFICIALS

October 6 to January 15 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
January 16 to February 4 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
February 5 to February 11 (Officials) – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 may apply.

COACHES

October 6 to January 16 – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may […]
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08/31/21 – 2021 Bylaw 9 Reminder

While there will be an Annual Meeting proposal from the Board regarding Bylaw 9, the provisions remain in place for 2021-22. Please forward as necessary. It is imperative that there be good communication within each school and school system prior to the Annual Meeting as this rule and any revisions will be decided by the member schools.

As out-of-season fall basketball events continue being held, member school administrators must watch the outside activity of students who have previously been on high school basketball teams and keep those athletes informed to prevent violations.

Bylaw 9, Sec. 1(a)(1) (https://bit.ly/325L5ej) states that athletes who have previously BOTH been enrolled in grade nine and then subsequently represented a KHSAA member school in a contest as defined in Bylaw 23(3)(d) may not play in an organized basketball game from the first day of classes for the student body through the first day of practice (October 15).

Bylaw 9, Sec. 1(a)(2) lists the […]

07/07/21 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Winter Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 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 2020-21 winter season are John Eschan for wrestling, Terri Tonges for swimming & diving and Hannah Reynolds for basketball. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an […]

05/12/21 – Shot Clock Allowed by State Adoption for High School Basketball in 2022-23

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Beginning with the 2022-23 season, a 35-second shot clock will be permitted in high school basketball games by state association adoption. A proposal for a national rule mandating a shot clock was not approved.

A shot clock was among the topics discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its annual meeting April 20-22 held virtually this year. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 2-14 states that each state association may adopt a shot clock beginning in the 2022-23 season — according to guidelines outlined in the Basketball Rules Book — to encourage standardization among states. Guidelines include displaying two timepieces that are connected to a horn that is distinctive from the game-clock horn, and using an alternative timing device, such as a stopwatch at the scorer’s table, for a shot clock malfunction. The guidelines also allow for corrections […]

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

04/12/21- 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-

04/11/21- Reminders about Off-season Team Sport Allowances and Restrictions

With the conclusion of basketball season, member schools are reminded of the regulations regarding off-season play. There have been no additional adjustments enacted, considered or contemplated at this time by the Commissioner’s office or the Board of Control for play by students and participation by coaches. While member schools are expected at all times to adhere to sport mitigation strategies as detailed in the COVID-19 documentation, no further adjustments to Bylaw 23 have been made.

The Bylaw references are Bylaw 23, listed in its entirety at https://bit.ly/2RGO1ZE, Section 1 of this bylaw applies to all sports and sport-activities.

Keep in mind the following references:

Bylaw 23, Sec. 1 (c) – Defines the end of school. The rules prior to the end of school are somewhat more restrictive than the rules after the conclusion of the school year. Per Bylaw 23, the end of school is defined – For all interpretations and regulations concerning […]
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04/06/21 – Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® Begins Wednesday at Rupp Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2021

The 2021 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® gets underway Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. when Knott County Central takes on Sacred Heart at Rupp Arena. The Valkyries played in the final game of last year’s Girls’ Sweet 16® before the event was postponed, and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, falling to South Laurel, 58-57, on March 12, 2020.

Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. The games will also be carried statewide across 40 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the championship game airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s The Bull ICONS 98.5 FM.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in place in conjunction with the Governor’s orders and Department for Public Health guidelines, seating is limited and online purchases are sold in sets of 2 to […]

03/30/21 – Boys’ Sweet 16® Returns Wednesday at Rupp Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2021

The 2021 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® presented by UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine makes its return to Rupp Arena on Wednesday afternoon when Knott County Central squares off against Elizabethtown at 11 a.m. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of the 2020 state tournament, Wednesday’s opening game will be the first Boys’ Sweet 16® game played since Trinity (Lou.) defeated Scott County, 50-40, in the championship game on March 10, 2019.

Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. The games will also be carried statewide across 46 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the championship game airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s The Bull ICONS 98.5 FM.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in place in conjunction with the current Governor’s orders and Department for Public Health guidelines, […]

03/23/21 – Interim Advisory to Basketball Ticket Holders, Rupp Arena Ticket Transfer Process, Between Games and Clear Bag Policy

ELECTRONIC TICKETING

This is the first year of a permanent change where the events (and nearly all Rupp Arena and major venue events) will be using electronic ticketing, and no more commemorative or traditional paper tickets will be issued.
We know that can cause issues as we all learn more about the options, so our friends at the Rupp Arena box office, who handle all of our ticket records and fulfillment, have produced a helpful, short video on how to transfer one or more tickets to someone else.
Though our office is still involved in assigning specific seats to specific individuals, these professionals have gone out of their way to be of assistance. That video is located at https://youtu.be/3liwBnciSJU, you should take a look if you desire to use send any of your tickets to someone else.

TICKETS AND SCHEDULE

Keep in mind this year that the tournament this year is […]
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03/22/21 – Last Call for Complete Sets of Tickets to KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Presented by UK HealthCare & Orthopaedics

A limited number of sets of tickets (books of seats for the entire tournament) are available for the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Tournament presented by UK HealthCare and Orthopaedics. The tournament will be held from March 31 to April 3. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in place in conjunction with the current Governor’s orders and Department for Public Health guidelines, seating is limited and online purchases are sold in sets of 2 to 6 seats for the entire tournament. Adjust the Qty in the top left portion of the screen and then click on the illuminated section(s) to see available inventory in the desired quantity. The available sets of tickets for all fifteen games will be sold through Friday, March 26 after which time, all seats will be single tickets for each game.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER COMPLETE SETS OF TICKETS FOR THE ENTIRE […]
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03/19/21 – Fan Cutouts Available for Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2021

The Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® is back!!! Commemorate the return of the Greatest Show in Hoops to Rupp Arena by recognizing yourself or your loved ones with this once in a lifetime opportunity. Celebrate your fandom by showing your school spirit or pay tribute to your favorite student-athlete, by purchasing a fan cutout to be displayed during the boys’ and girls’ tournaments.

Purchased fan cutouts will be displayed in Rupp Arena during both the Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen®. The 2021 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® presented by UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine will be held March 31-April 3, followed by the 2021 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® on April 7-10.

To claim your spot at Rupp Arena, visit https://shop.fancutouts.com/products/kentucky-high-school-athletic-association-cutouts

Purchase by […]

03/19/21- Welcome Back Media to Winter Championships

From Commissioner Julian Tackett and the staff of the KHSAA.

Hello to all of the members of both the Kentucky Press Association and Kentucky Broadcasters Association. When we gathered and then adjourned abruptly at Rupp Arena last March, most of us had no idea what the next 12 months would hold. We left that fateful afternoon hopeful for a short pause and then the “normal” completion of the tournaments, followed by a complete spring season. Little did we know.

First, thank you. Thank you for your faithful service to our Commonwealth and, most importantly, to our member schools and communities and their most important asset, the students in our schools. We know you value each of them, whether or not they participate in sports and sport-activities, but we also know that the participants in sports and activities hold a place near and dear to so many of you.

Thank you also for your tremendous work […]

03/17/21 – Boys’ Sweet 16® Adds UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine as Presenting Sponsor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2021

The KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® and event participants around the Commonwealth received a boost this week as UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine reached an agreement to become the presenting sponsor of this year’s event. One of the Association’s two Platinum Level corporate partners, along with Spalding, UK HealthCare Orthopaedics became the title sponsor of the state football finals in 2019 – the first of a four-year deal.

“UK HealthCare Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine is proud to sponsor the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen Basketball tournament,” said Cynde Estep, UK HealthCare Senior Market Development Manager. “We have a long history of expert care of high school and collegiate athletes, and with the largest and most experienced sports medicine group in the area, we look forward to caring for all of the athletes of the KHSAA to keep them in the game.”

UK HealthCare Orthopaedics, which has been a […]

03/09/21- Seeded District Reminders

Over the last couple of days, we have had several questions regarding district seeding and it is best that we summarize a few things before the deadline to play those games tomorrow. Nothing about this information is new, but these do represent the number of questions that have been received.

All of this relates solely to seeded district games.

From the January 15 notice to the schools-
TIEBREAKING GAMES-WHICH GAME
A reminder from the guidance document, if a district has voted to play multiple times for seeding, the first game played shall be the tiebreaking game in the seed pattern, regardless of previous decisions. Much like decisions to have senior night activities very early, as many are doing, there is no guarantee of the second game, and this will ensure that as much as possible, ties are broken on the court. In specific districts, those schools voted again after the original guidance was issued and […]

03/05/21 – Change in Attendance Limitation Recommendation

We have confirmed that officially, effective today, all of the guidance limitations within the Governor’s orders on a variety of venues have been changed. The venue recommendations for limitation have been changed throughout the state increasing by ten percent each. Therefore the recommended maximum attendance threshold is increased to 25% of capacity effective today for indoor events hosted by our member schools. While this remains guidance, it is obviously in the best interest, legally and otherwise, of our member schools. Universal masking remains required, social distancing is to be consistently applied to the fullest extent possible.

It is certainly not required to change current procedures, but this does give them some planning time for upcoming events week. Guidance documents for spring outdoor events will be revised in the coming days to reflect this change.

From talking to so many of you, there remains considerable confusion in our membership as to the differences between “venues” as […]

03/02/21 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air March 10th on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2021

Pairings for the 2021 Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® and the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® will be revealed on Wednesday, March 10th at 12:30 p.m. (ET) when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com.

Both tournaments will be held at Rupp Arena, with the 103rd installment of the Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 31-April 3, followed by the 60th Girls’ Sweet 16® on April 7-10. Ticket availability will be limited in light of COVID-19 attendance restrictions, with more information available in the coming days.

Each game of the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at khsaa.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. By purchasing a month pass to the NFHS Network, fans can watch all 30 games of the girls’ and boys’ […]

02/21/21- District and Region Basketball Scheduling of Games

As we continually review public health data, consult with the Department for Public Health, and refer to our own “Healthy at Sports” guidance document, a standard minimum time between the start of contests at the district and regional postseason events has again been established as was the case in the fall. These minimum times and spacing guidelines will also be utilized in planning KHSAA State Championship Events, likely to an even greater extent.

Per the KHSAA’s “Healthy at Sports” guidance document, in events where more than two schools are involved, it is required for there to be time between contests for egress of fans and participants, sanitization of equipment and restrooms, and ingress of the teams for the next game. In considering this requirement, a realistic standard has been developed.

When developing brackets for basketball, there should be a minimum of two hours between the start of contests being held on the same […]

02/05/21 – Blocking Below the Waist in Free-Blocking Zone Addressed in High School Football Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The rule regarding blocking below the waist in the free-blocking zone in high school football has been revised for the upcoming 2021 season.

This rule change was recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 10-12 meeting, which was held virtually this year. This change to the 2021 NFHS Football Rules Book was subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

As a result of numerous interpretations of current language regarding blocking below the waist in the free-blocking zone, the committee approved another condition in Rule 2-17-2 that must be met for a legal block below the waist in the free-blocking zone, which is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yards either side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage.

The new requirement (2-17-2c) is that the block must be an immediate, initial action following the […]

02/01/21 – Initial Basketball RPI Rankings Available

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2021

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) Rankings of the 2020-21 basketball season are now available on the Association’s website (https://khsaa.org/rpi-ratings-percentage-index/).

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 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 2020-21 basketball season, COVID cancellations are marked on a team’s schedule as a 0-0 tie but are not factored into the RPI calculations and rankings.

RPI measures a team’s strength relative to other […]

01/27/21 – Three KHSAA Coaches Receive Section II Coach of the Year Honors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2021

Three KHSAA coaches were chosen as Section II Coach of the Year winners for 2019-20 by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association as part of its annual recognition program. Oldham County’s Kirk Thomas was the Section II honoree in girls’ cross country, while Elizabethtown’s Karen Henson was selected for girls’ tennis. Sacred Heart’s Donna Moir was the Section II award winner in girls’ basketball, where she was also the recipient of the National Coach of the Year award from the NFHS Coaches Association.

01/27/21 – Initial Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2021

The first statistical leader reports of the 2020-21 season for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. The leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games.

Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties from the Commissioner, including fines and other actions within the constraints of Bylaw 27. Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline.

The requirement to enter statistics, which has been in place for several years, was reiterated to coaches during the online rules clinic. Statistical entry has the benefit of […]

01/25/21 – 2019-20 National Coaches of the Year Selected by NFHS Coaches Association

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Twenty-three high school coaches from across the country have been selected as 2020 National Coaches of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.

The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports (by participation numbers), and in two “other” sports – one for boys and one for girls – that are not included in the top 10 listings. The NFHS also recognizes a spirit coach as a separate award category. Winners of NFHS awards must be active coaches during the year for which they receive their award. This year’s awards recognize coaches for the 2019-20 school year.

Recipients of this year’s national awards for boys sports are: Ron Murphy, baseball, Rio Rancho (New Mexico) High School; Jerry Petitgoue, basketball, Cuba City (Wisconsin) High School; Kevin Ryan, cross country, […]

01/21/21 – Board of Control Reviews Status of Winter and Spring Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2021

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

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

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

01/19/21 – Dates Announced for Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2021

The dates for the 2021 Boys’ and Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments have been set, with the boys’ tournament taking place March 31 through April 3, followed by the Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Sweet 16® on April 7-10. Each tournament will be played over four days at Rupp Arena, with the semifinals and championship played on the final day, as a one-year accommodation due to the events being scheduled around Easter Sunday. The four-day format was standard for the state basketball tournament for several years prior to the 2013 Boys’ Sweet 16® when a statewide legislatively-initiated panel recommended separating the prior semifinal/championship Saturday schedule into two days.

At this time, attendance for both tournaments will be restricted to 15% of capacity within the areas of the arena in-use. Details will be announced in February regarding the ticketing process, but all-session tickets will be limited for 2021 in order […]

01/15/21- Early Season Basketball Reminders- Masks, Seeding, Attendance, Media

This is being sent to all KHSAA member school Principals and Athletic Directors, as well as the Head Coaches of record and the licensed officials.

After our first couple of weeks, it appears a couple of reminders are in order related to the basketball season during the pandemic. We have been blessed by an opportunity to play when so many other states do NOT have that opportunity. But that privilege comes with responsibilities to help ensure public safety and the continued opportunity.

FACE COVERINGS
It is REQUIRED not recommended that all bench personnel wear masks/face coverings. Local policy cannot override this requirement. We all sincerely hope for relief from some of the extra requirements, but such will likely not come this season.

For non-uniformed personnel (coaches, managers, trainers, non-dressed players), it is unsportsmanlike conduct to not wear the face-covering during the contest. Period. It is a technical foul (direct if it is the […]
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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 […]

11/23/20 – NFHS Officials Part 2 Exam Now Online for BK, SW, WR

We hope our officials continue to be safe and healthy as we look forward to a return to winter sports.

Please note that the NFHS Part 2 exams for licensed officials in the sports of Basketball, Swimming, and Wrestling are now available online. The Part 2 exams will be open until Monday, December 7 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

The tests will automatically close on December 7 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 […]

11/19/20 – Board of Control Pushes Back Start of Winter Sports Season to January 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2020

The Board of Control conducted its third regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Wednesday and elected to postpone the start of the winter sports season to January 4th by unanimous vote. In congruence with the Governor’s order issued later the same day, official practice for all indoor interscholastic winter sports shall cease on Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. and is planned to resume on Monday, December 14. This cessation will apply to all indoor interscholastic sports at all school levels, including but not limited to basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, dance, indoor track and field, swimming, and wrestling.

Details regarding any allowances for indoor interscholastic sports, which will be restricted prior to December 14, will be distributed to the membership prior to the Governor’s ordered shutdown of school-related in-person activity on Friday, November 20. The season calendar for each winter sport, as well as current virus data […]

10/16/20- COVID Basketball Information and Update

As we prepare for the start of official practice on October 26, reminders are in order for all involved. This was previously distributed to all schools earlier this month, but all representatives would be advised to be sure you are familiar. The guidance document is posted on the KHSAA website at https://bit.ly/3ib7pc5.

We have received a few inquiries recently regarding the start of basketball practice and the guidelines that have been issued. Keep in mind that the season is divided into segments for a purpose, and that gives natural opportunities for consideration of revisions based on what is happening with the pandemic.

Here are a few reminders based on the questions that have come into the office. This material is and was contained in the guidance document. It is imperative that coaches be familiar with the entire contents of the guidance document and realize that as everything with this pandemic, things […]

10/1/20-2020 Basketball Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches

The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches, varsity, junior varsity and freshman, and whether or not the coach receives pay.

Because of the nature of current events as well as rules changes, coaches you are likely placing your team at a competitive disadvantage if you delay/put off/procrastinate the completion of this clinic. Officials, your failure to stay on top of these key provisions will likely lead to administrative errors.

Please ensure that you have read the COVID guidelines posted on the KHSAA website. Many restrictions on scheduling, out of state travel, and rules modifications are detailed in that document. See the various links at /covid-19-fall-resumption-documents-8-25-20-revised-8-31-20/

For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section […]

08/31/20- Clarifications Around Board of Control Approved Waiver of Bylaw 9

REVISED 9/16/20 PER BOARD ACTION REGARDING BASKETBALL PRACTICE STARTING

As most school representatives are aware of information already distributed by this office following the meeting, the Board of Control approved a waiver of certain parts of Bylaw 9 for this fall. Normally, Bylaw 9 would normally preclude a student who had played basketball at any level (freshman, JV, or varsity) after enrolling in grade nine from participating in an outside organized contest in basketball from the first day of school until the end of the high school basketball season.

Due to the pandemic, students lost the ability to attend potential recruiting events during the summer with events either not being held or with college coaches not being able to attend. Bylaw 9 previously made exceptions for both boys and girls’ basketball team members to attend one-day events on an NCAA campus with specific restrictions.

For the 2020-21 school year, the restrictions have been […]

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 […]

05/06/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Basketball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020

Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Basketball season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 1,782 licensed officials in basketball, Raymond Lightfoot (Frankfort), Hannah Reynolds (Island), Rian Craft (Burkesville) and Brian Johnson (Jenkins) were chosen as finalists with Lightfoot selected as the 2020 KHSAA Basketball Official of the Year.

The KHSAA will honor the top licensed officials for the 2019-20 season during the course of the year, with the honorees for each sport chosen in the weeks immediately following each respective sport’s championship. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field/court performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across […]

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 […]

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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03/19/20 – Sweet 16® Apparel Available