AAA-Non-Sports Blogs
09/18/18 – 2018 Annual Meeting of Delegates This Wednesday At Lexington Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2018
The KHSAA Annual Meeting of Delegates will be held Wednesday, September 19th at the Lexington Center, starting at 8 a.m. with three information and continuous improvement sessions for athletic administrators. The day’s agenda begins with a workshop on The Changing Resources Available to Athletic Directors (NFHS Network, Huddle/Go Fan, Arbiter Sports), followed by a presentation on the Latest Information on NCAA Eligibility Requirements (Heather McAtee, University of Kentucky), and a segment on Preserving Interscholastic Athletics (Phil Rison, NIAAA).
The business meeting is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. in Bluegrass Ballroom 2, with four proposals up for consideration at this year’s meeting:
- Amend Bylaw 6 to remove the restriction on transfer in sports for which the student has no previous participation record.
- Amend Bylaw 6 to create an exception to the one-year period of ineligibility when evidence is submitted with the original request for eligibility that […]
09/13/18- Reminder about Annual Meeting
With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools next week, this reminder about designating the delegate for your school.
DELEGATE DESIGNATION AND OTHER DETAILS
If you haven’t already done so, please be sure and designate your school’s delegate. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://khsaa.org/082818-2018-khsaa-annual-meeting-reminder/ gives complete instructions.
Please contact the Commissioner’s office if you need further instructions.
For a copy of the most up to date information, including the latest list of delegates and a copy of the proposals, visit the KHSAA website and select Annual Meeting from the Day to Day menu at the top of the page.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2018-19 KHSAA Board of Control Meeting Dates
2018-2019 APPROVED BOARD OF CONTROL MEETING SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 19 (KHSAA Annual Meeting)
Thursday, September 20 – Board of Control, Lexington
Wednesday, October 24 – Board of Control, Lexington
Wednesday, November 14- Board of Control, Lexington
Thursday, January 16 – Board of Control, Lexington
Tuesday, February 19 – Board of Control, Lexington
Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8 – Board of Control, Lexington
09/06/18 – “Protecting Students from Abuse” Online Course Available Through NFHS Learning Center
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 6, 2018) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), in collaboration with the U.S. Center for SafeSport (The Center), has developed an online education course titled “Protecting Students from Abuse,” which is available at no cost on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.
In an effort to assist schools in creating an enjoyable and safe environment for students, the course presents definitions of several types of abusive behaviors and misconduct, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse, and the ways in which someone can report these behaviors. The course also includes some “DOs and DON’Ts” for making a report.
The “Protecting Students from Abuse” course was developed from the training offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, whose vision is “to make sure that athletes are safe, supported and strengthened through sports.” The organization addresses bullying, harassment, hazing, as well as physical, emotional and sexual abuse […]
09/05/18 – Midway University/KHSAA Field Hockey Female Student-Athlete of the Year Nomination Now Open
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for Field Hockey 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 female participant from each 2018-2019 team.
Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/
The winner will be presented her award at a banquet at Midway University in May 2019.
Deadline for nominations for Field Hockey will be Sunday, September 30, 2018
-KHSAA-
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/news-and-information/sports-blogs/
08/31/18 – Midway University/KHSAA Golf Female Student Athlete of the Year Nomination Now Open
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for girls’ golf 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 female participant from each 2018-2019 team.
Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/
The winner will be presented her award at a banquet at Midway University in May 2019.
Deadline for nominations for girls’ golf will be Friday, Sept. 14.
-KHSAA-
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/news-and-information/sports-blogs/
08/28/18 – Competitive Cheer Online Rules Clinic Now Available for Coaches
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sports activity of Competitive Cheer was available beginning Monday, Aug. 27. The clinic is required of all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman) and whether or not the coach receives pay.
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
August 27 to September 29 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 30 to October 19 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
October 20 – November 2 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($200) per the Bylaw […]
08/28/18- Advanced Athletic Director Training Institute
This is intended for all KHSAA member school Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors and the links can be forwarded as needed.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INSTITUTE
The 2018 KHSAA Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington on Tuesday, September 18. Designed for ADs of all experience levels, this meeting will begin with registration around 8:30, conclude before 3:00. A light lunch (sandwich box, etc.) will be provided by the KHSAA for those who register prior to September 13. There will be a short break following this meeting and then those who optionally choose to do so may choose to attend the expanded training being offered by the KHSADA that evening.
The KHSAA staff will conduct the first portion of the meeting which should afford our newer and veteran ADs an in-depth review of all 27 KHSAA Bylaws, a review of required forms and procedures and other vital segments to allow for continuous improvement. […]
08/28/18- 2018 KHSAA Annual Meeting Reminder
This is intended for all KHSAA member school Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors and the links can be forwarded as needed.
ANNUAL MEETING
This reminder that the 2018 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 19 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level, adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). Final agenda is being published as it becomes final in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 12:30 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/
ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATE DESIGNATION
The Annual Meeting has continuous improvement/leadership training opportunities throughout the morning as members work to carve out the best plan of action for the future and then the meeting concludes as delegates convene to […]
08/27/18- KHSAA Partners with CPR of Indiana and KMA to Promote Rare Discounted AED program
As has been noted to the attendees at the fall Regional Meetings, the KHSAA is proud to partner with the CPR Institute of Indiana to offer the chance for member schools to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a deeply discounted price for a limited time. The program has been accepted by the KHSAA Sports Medicine Committee (member doctors of the KMA) and the price is the product of great work between CPR Institute and the NFHS Foundation.
A product flier with complete details is located on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/sportsmedicine/Kentucky%20Document%20for%20Philips%20AED%20Units.pdf.
The cost of the units is $700 per unit, plus applicable shipping. For those interested in comparing prices, you can see the same package at https://americanaed.com/products/complete-aed-packages/philips-heartstart-onsite
The Philips On-Site Kits Include:
- Philips On-Site AED with carrying case
- Alarmed Wall Cabinet
- Adult Pads
- Pchat Rescue Kit
- Peds Pads * ( if the facility has children under 50lbs) Additional cost.
- Five (5) year Lithium-Ion […]
08/27/18 – KHSAA Participation Numbers Reach Record Levels In 2017-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2018
Student-athlete participation in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities reached record levels in 2017-18 with 106,214 rostered participants across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and five sport-activities. Participation has increased by 6.6% since the 2012-13 season, with an increase of 6,571 rostered participants over the last five years, buoyed by the addition of five sport-activities (Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer and Dance) and the sport of Field Hockey. KHSAA participation in 2017-18 was also boosted by the continued growth of the Unified Track & Field and Unified Bowling programs.
Despite a drop in 463 rostered participants from 2016-17 to 2017-18, Football remains the most popular sport in the state in terms of participation with 13,304 student-athletes across all levels (33 females) playing for 221 schools. At the varsity-only level, football participation dropped 214 student-athletes between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Part […]
08/24/18- Reminder about Title IX Specific Workshops
As was previously announced at our Regional Meetings, the KHSAA will be conducting a Title IX Workshop on Thursday, September 6, at 8:30 a.m. ET at Valley High School in Louisville and Tuesday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. ET at Somerset High School. The focus of this meeting will be the elements of Title IX as it relates to the management of the interscholastic athletic program. To register for the workshop, please visit http://khsaa.org/ge67-regional-meeting-registration/. There is no charge for attendees.
The workshop should be extremely beneficial for all member schools, especially as schools prepare for revisits during the coming years. Registration will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. EILA Credit has been applied for in order to help the appropriate administrators who attend and in addition, this meeting will count three (3) hours toward the Bylaw 25 required hours for Athletic Directors.
Covered in the workshop will be a review of Title IX […]
08/24/18 – KHSAA To Host Annual HYPE Student Leadership Conferences Next Week In Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2018
The 18th Annual KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences will take place next week, with both sessions taking place at the Lexington Convention Center (Aug. 27-28). The conferences are a free service provided by the Association for student-athletes to learn teamwork exercises and sportsmanship initiatives, and discuss current issues.
The first conference will be held Monday, Aug. 27 at the Lexington Convention Center in the Bluegrass Ballrooms. Tuesday’s conference will also be at the LCC, but will take place in the Heritage Ballroom and Elkhorn Meeting Rooms (A/B & C/D).
Assisting with this year’s conference will be a group of eight student-athletes that represented the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in July: Ethan Barnett (St. Mary), Hannah Heile (Assumption), Connor (CJ) Johnson (Marshall County), James Kalso (Muhlenberg County), Rhiona Marshall (Bryan Station), Misty Thompson (Fort Campbell), Brooklyn Willis (Muhlenberg County) and Seth Wright (Lewis […]
08/24/18 – High School Sports Participation Increases for 29th Consecutive Year (NFHS)
FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018 (7:45 AM EST)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 24, 2018) — Led by an additional 15,009 participants in girls sports programs, the overall number of participants in high school sports increased for the 29th consecutive year in 2017-18, according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The number of participants in high school sports in 2017-18 reached an all-time record high of 7,979,986, according to figures from the 51 NFHS member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia. The number of girls participating in high school sports reached an all-time high of 3,415,306, and boys participation also set a new standard at 4,564,680.
While the number of additional participants this year (16,451) was not as substantial as the previous year (94,635), a steady increase in several boys and girls sports extended the streak to a record-breaking 29th […]
08/22/18- Basketball Interpretation Relative to Bylaw 9 Due to Changes in NCAA Women’s Recruiting Calendar
Due to changes in the NCAA recruiting calendar for women, an interpretation is necessary to KHSAA Bylaw 9 and this interpretation supersedes Case Situation BL-9-6 from the 2017-18 KHSAA Handbook.
Bylaw 9 states that athletes who have previously BOTH been enrolled in grade nine and then subsequently represented a KHSAA member in a contest or scrimmage, cannot play in an organized basketball game from the first day of classes for the student body through the first day of practice (October 15).
There are two exceptions for females. The relative provisions are contained in Bylaw 9. These provisions state –
(3) Permissible competition by females during this period shall include:
a. permitted evaluations held at nonscholastic women’s basketball events during the weekend designated for evaluation by NCAA coaches; and
b. attendance at a one-day exposure event during the period beginning with the first date of the NCAA women’s recruiting period (contact and evaluation periods) […]
05/18/18- Hieneman Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2017-18
Hieneman Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2017-18
May 18, 2018(Midway, Ky.) – The second annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated when award winners from the previous academic year were invited to campus for a ceremony to announce the overall winner for 2017-18. Russell High School’s, Sara Hieneman (softball) was named the overall winner for 2017-18.
Hieneman graduated from Russell High School in 2017 after leaving a lasting mark in her time with the Red Devils. She made the varsity team as a seventh grader and became a starter as an eighth grader. She played all nine positions at some point in her career at Russell High School. She was also named the 2017 Softball Max Preps Team Player of the Year.
Hieneman is not only a great athlete on the field, but she is an even better student in the classroom. She was Co-Valedictorian in her […]
06/06/18 – Three Revised Online Courses, Including “Concussion in Sports,” Available for Free on NFHS Learning Center
NFHS NEWS RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 6, 2018) — In an ongoing effort to educate high school coaches, student-athletesand parents regarding all aspects of concussions, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revised the free “Concussion in Sports” online course available on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.
The “Concussion in Sports” course, which was originally launched in 2010, has been the most popular course on the Learning Center, with more than 2.2 million courses delivered in the past eight years. The free course aims to educate coaches and others on the significance of concussions, how to recognize their signs and symptoms, how to respond to a suspected concussion and the proper steps to help players return safely after recovering.
The revision to the course, which is hosted by Michael Koester, M.D., chair of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), provides updated […]
Internship Opportunities at the KHSAA
Interns at the KHSAA have the unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience and knowledge regarding the management of state tournaments and special events. The KHSAA provides interns with the ability to work closely with staff members and tournament managers. In addition to working state events, interns will assist in the KHSAA office to gain personal experience in social media/marketing, tournament preparation and publication development.
These internship opportunities are fitting for individuals looking to gain experience in the field of athletic event management and become more knowledgeable of athletic association work.
The KHSAA accepts one intern for each season (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).
Requirements and Qualifications:
- High school diploma
- Enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year institution
- Seeking a career in athletics
- Experience with basic computing software
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Attentive to details, well-organized, able to work independently, able to develop and implement short and long-range plans to meet association needs […]
08/13/18 – HYPE Student Conference Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2018 KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences.
DATES
Monday, August 27 – Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St., Lexington, next to Rupp Arena) – Bluegrass Ballroom
Tuesday, August 28 – Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St., Lexington, next to Rupp Arena) – Heritage Ballroom (downstairs)
COST
There is no charge to attend. Schools are responsible for transportation and any meals.
REGISTER
To register, use the following link: https://schools.khsaa.org/ge48-2018-hype-conference-registration/
LUNCH
Lunch will be “on your own”.
ATTENDEES
Each school may select up to 18 individuals to attend. Registration is first-come-first-served and the Lexington Conference traditionally is at capacity. Those that have attended a conference previously are not eligible to attend.
SCHEDULE
8:30-8:55 a.m. – Registration
9-9:20 a.m. – Opening Session
9:30-10:20 a.m. – Breakout Session #1
10:30-11:20 a.m. – Breakout Session #2
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – Breakout Session […]
08/13/18 – Field Hockey Part 2 Exam Notice to Officials
The NFHS Field Hockey Part 2 Test is available to be taken online between midnight Eastern Time on August 13 and 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 27. The test will automatically close exactly at that time even if tests are in progress.
Login at https://officials.khsaa.org to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
First-year officials are NOT required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
There will be no late administration of the Part […]
08/13/18 – Volleyball Part 2 Exam Notice to Officials
The NFHS Volleyball Part 2 Test is available to be taken online between midnight Eastern Time on August 13 and 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 27. The test will automatically close exactly at that time even if tests are in progress.
Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play.
First-year officials are NOT required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
There will be no late administration of the Part […]
08/01/18- Memo and Update to KHSAA Football Assigning Secretaries
7-PERSON MECHANICS
- I have waited on the NFHS for most of the summer, originally expecting their new 7-person manual back in May only to find last week at our meeting that the publication likely won’t be ready until September. It is somewhat of a long story, but suffice it to say that re-formatting the drafts from the Manual Committee into the standard NFHS format has taken a lot longer than they expected. However, the fundamentals are included in the attached document.
- Consider that the front sections, etc. are the same as the four and five-person manuals, let’s focus on field coverage.
- Attached you will find the framework from the TSSAA that the committee was using for the development of their mechanics.
- We will use these mechanics without deviation with the exception that we will switch sidelines at half.
- No local experiments, no adjustments, straight by this publication.
- You have attached a copy of the mechanics […]
07/31/18 – Reminder About Bylaw 9 Restrictions
As the summer comes to a close, the KHSAA wanted to remind Athletic Directors, coaches, student-athletes, and parents about Bylaw 9, which has been in place for many years. Bylaw 9 restricts student-athletes in basketball and football, who after enrolling in grade nine (9) and have subsequently been a contestant in either sport at some level, from playing in outside competition once the school year begins and until the end of the season. This bylaw places a restriction on nonschool athletic participation in an attempt to protect students who choose to participate on their school’s athletic teams from exploitation by those who seek to capitalize on their skill and/or reputation.
Recent changes in the bylaw do allow permissible competition by student-athletes across the Commonwealth. Please make yourself comfortable with the bylaw and read it in its entirety here: https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw9.pdf. The bylaw outlines what is permissible for student-athletes.
Please contact Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) if you have […]
07/23/18 – Eight Student-Athletes Headed to NSLS; Three Staff Members Appointed to NFHS Committees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2018
Eight student-athletes from across the state will represent the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit, July 23-25, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, Ind. The eight student-athletes will form the KHSAA’s Student Advisory Committee for the 2018-19 school year and will assist in the planning and execution of the Hype Student Leadership Conferences in August.
The KHSAA delegates for 2018 are:
Ethan Barnett (St. Mary)
Hannah Heile (Assumption)
Connor (CJ) Johnson (Marshall County)
James Kalso (Muhlenberg County)
Rhiona Marshall (Bryan Station)
Misty Thompson (Fort Campbell)
Brooklyn Willis (Muhlenberg County)
Seth Wright (Lewis County)
This year’s National Student Leadership Summit is the fourth national conference since the program was revived in 2015 (it had been discontinued in 2010). The student-athletes selected to represent their states will split into groups and work through topical discussions on relevant and contemporary issues. The […]
07/17/18- Reminder about Bylaw 24 and Organized Boys’ Basketball Play in July
There were several inquiries today concerning boys’ basketball events in July. Schools are reminded that due to the provisions of Bylaw 24, there can be no organized play by boys’ basketball teams during July. This restriction does NOT apply to girls basketball. The complete bylaw is online at https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw24.pdf
Per the Bylaw, “Students shall not participate in any organized team activity or organized or semi-organized team competition in boys’ basketball between the end of the dead period and July 31. During this period, students may participate in activities such as weight training, skill development, individual camps (with per team limits on participation) and accepted open gym/field activities where no inter-school competition is involved.”
In essence, if more than two players are together on a school campus from the same boys’ team, there cannot be organized competition. The same would apply outside of the school grounds in summer leagues, etc. if three or more players are together in organized play (more than […]
07/17/18- 2018-2019 Regional Athletic Administrators Meetings of Membership
This reminder is for all member school Superintendents, Principals and Athletic Directors within the KHSAA.
For the fall of 2018, the KHSAA will again conduct a series of eight regional meetings to help our athletic administrators meet the membership requirement of attending this type of meeting once per year.
Per the membership guidelines, attendance is required of each school but is no longer specific to the principal or principal certification. The Principal or the Designated Representative listed on the KHSAA website will count toward each requirement. Also, this workshop is on the list of those items that satisfy the requirements for the continuing improvement hours for each Athletic Director per Bylaw 25. There is no registration fee.
The content for the segments will include sessions on managing the coach and player data for your school, a review of the KHSAA Bylaws, an update on the operations and projects around the KHSAA and many required reports and […]
07/10/18- Rosters Open for Entry for 2018-19
Good afternoon. On behalf of our entire staff, we hope many of you as building and athletic administrators are back and ready to go after taking advantage of the only two “down” weeks of the athletics year with dead period!
This year, there have been only minor changes to the required KHSAA online roster and the school management system. Rosters have been rolled from the previous year, and may now be edited for the coming seasons as well as sport and sport-activity offerings. Though there are minor enhancements being fine-tuned, there is no reason for a delay in entering and editing rosters. We will again conduct a thorough review of the system through demonstrations at the regional meetings and staff is available to assist at any time.
STUDENTS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITION (including scrimmages and contests), AND SUCH SCRIMMAGES AND CONTESTS CANNOT BE HELD BY MEMBER SCHOOLS WITHOUT A VALID ROSTER BEING ONLINE! The KHSAA […]
06/19/18 – Soccer Officials Camp
Registration is now open for the 2018 KHSAA Soccer Officials Advanced Camp. This year’s camp will be held July 27-28 in Lexington.
Tentative Agenda
Friday – 12 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Classroom Topics and Review – KHSAA Office
Saturday – 8 a.m. until TBD – On-field evaluation (schedules will be passed out Friday night – no guarantee of scheduled evaluation time) – Site TBD
Camp Fees
$50 Advanced Registration (until July 15)
$75 Late Registration (until July 16 to July 25)
To register and pay (must be done individually), use the link below:
Register/Pay for Camp Click Here
Bluegrass State Games
Please note that you must also register to officiate games for the Bluegrass State Games. For directions on how to register for the Bluegrass State Games, click the link below:
http://media-3.gameofficials.net/Directions_to_Apply_to_Officiate_BGSG_1.pdf
Housing
Housing is available through the Bluegrass State Games when you officiate. Ensure you have reserved your housing as a part of […]
06/15/18- Reminders about Off Season Football Practice, Workouts and Equipment
Recently, the KHSAA office staff has received several inquiries about football camps and other activities. As the summer vacation period continues, it seems prudent to issue a few reminders to keep everyone informed. None of these procedures have changed (with the exception of the scrimmage limits once contact begins), but with the massive turnover in coaches and the plethora of inquiries and perhaps spreading of misinformation, these reminders are essential.
This is not intended to be all-inclusive as to the myriad of rules and regulations related to football practice. The complete regulations for football including per-day and per-week limitations are contained in the KHSAA bylaws at http://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw23.pdf
June 1-24
- This is a period where no activity can be required of a student in the sport of football as it is outside of the season as defined in Bylaw 23.
- No official team-based activities may be mandated or conducted (referenced in both Bylaw 23 and […]
06/15/18 – Cheer Competition Clarification/Survey Notes
The staff at the KHSAA has been made aware of a survey that has been distributed to selected cheer coaches regarding a possible new statewide competition to be conducted by the State Coaches Association (KAPOS). It is likely that this survey information is being gathered with input from your coaches that is allegedly representing your school, and you as an athletic administrator are not yet aware. It is also our understanding that this survey has been orchestrated by a small segment of the members of that association and not by the entire Board of Directors of that organization, and as such, athletic administrators should be sure and make comprehensive inquiries about the situation from that organization.
The distribution of this survey is NOT being done by the KHSAA but has resulted in a number of inquiries to the office about KHSAA cheer and cheer championships. For that reason, as Commissioner, I am distributing a few clarifications […]
Hall of Famer Brian Brohm: Multi-sport athlete cover boy
BY MIKE FIELDS (June 12, 2018)
When Brian Brohm was inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame a couple months ago, most people remembered him as a mega-star quarterback who led Trinity to three consecutive state football championships.
But he was much more than that.
Brohm was a multi-sport cover boy, an athlete for all seasons, whose last go-around at Trinity was nothing short of spectacular.
“My senior year was very important to me. I wanted to have the best year I could possibly have,” he said last week. “And we pretty much did that. I definitely cherish all those memories.”
Brohm’s versatility earned him national notice. As a junior, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated (November, 2002) for a story titled “The Vanishing Three-Sport Athlete.”
As a senior, Brohm put an exclamation point on his high school sports career:
- In football, he quarterbacked Trinity to its three-peat by completing 22 of […]
06/06/18- Sport Activity Specific Dead Period Reminders
As the dead period approaches, it is important to remind all coaches about sport-activities (bowling, competitive cheer, dance, archery, bass fishing) during the dead period. The sport-activity specific contacts at the KHSAA are Michael Barren (mbarren@khsaa.org) for Archery; Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) for Bass Fishing, Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org) for Bowling and Dance; and Butch Cope (bcope@khsaa.org) for Cheer.
Any participation by student-athletes during the dead period would be a violation of Bylaw 24 if the school were to be involved in any way, including coaching, transportation, funding, providing uniforms, use of school facilities, entering or using the school name or all other specifics mentioned in Bylaws 23, 24 or 25.
Though individual participation itself by a student-athlete in a non-school or school-team based activity may not necessarily be a violation of KHSAA rules, the dates from June 25 – July 9, preclude any Kentucky school representative from participating in an event during […]
06/05/18 – Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) Reminders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2018
The KHSAA has received several inquiries from various parts of the state relative to the potential transferring of student-athletes among and between KHSAA member schools. With the end of the school year upon us, a few reminders concerning the rules and regulations should be highlighted.
- The rules that govern students and their play are made by the member schools. The 280 member schools across the state comprise the KHSAA, not its 14 full-time staff members.
- These rules have been approved as state regulation (therefore having the force of law) and are incorporated by reference as part of 702 KAR 7:065.
Transfer rule
- The transfer rule is listed on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw6.pdf
- Bylaw 6 contains restrictions relative to students changing schools after they have BOTH been in grade nine AND played for a member school at the varsity level.
- A […]
‘Triple Threat’ Danville twins Jenna & Lara Akers ‘just like being Admirals’
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 30, 2018)
DANVILLE – If the KHSAA is looking for somebody to promote its “Triple Threat Award”, which recognizes multi-sport athletes who compete in the fall, winter and spring, Jenna and Lara Akers would be perfect ambassadors.
The Danville High School identical twins just finished their freshman year, during which they were actually quadruple threats: they competed in soccer, basketball, swimming and tennis.
If that wasn’t enough, they plan on adding to their sports repertoire next school year by also running cross country and/or track.
“I don’t like sitting around,” Jenna said. “I do like my phone, but I can put it down for sports.”
Ditto for Lara: “We were home the last week and were bored to death. We didn’t know what to do. We like being busy.”
Their mom will attest to that.
“They’re super active and social,” Leann Akers said of the twins. “They’re just full of life, very […]
05/20/18- eKnowledge SAT/ACT prep Project
For 14 years, eKnowledge SAT/ACT Prep Project have teamed up to donate over 225,000 programs worth over $55,000,000 to students and families in over 40 countries. The resource is available and they can get it at your landing page: www.eknowledge.com/KHSAA
We wanted everyone to have access to the full array of SAT/ACT prep materials and we didn’t want money to be the reason why a student did not have access. Our goal: help families and student obtain superior SAT/ACT preparation programs for little or no cost. We constantly remind ourselves that without you, we have nothing.
We would like to thank you for your continuous support in making the eKnowledge SAT/ACT Prep Project accessible to all your members and families. Please note that this resource can also be shared to friends or people you know who might benefit from this through your organization.
Also, we would like to let you know that the SAT/ACT Sponsorship […]
05/18/18- Background and Criteria for Triple Threat Award
In an effort to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Commissioner’s office launched the “Triple Threat Award” program in May of 2018 to recognize those students who participate in high school athletics year round.
The award, which is given to student-athletes who participate in a KHSAA sport or sport-activity on the varsity level during each season of the academic year (fall/winter/spring), will be presented to a total of 1,814 student-athletes for 2017-18, and 1,878 student-athletes for 2018-19.
To be considered for the award, the student must compete be on the varsity roster of a sport or sport-activity for a team in each of the three sports seasons. For this award, the fall sports are Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, and Volleyball; Winter sports are Basketball, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance, Esports 1st half, Swimming and Diving, and Wrestling and Spring Sports are Archery, […]
What exactly is the Triennial Survey?
Per the Board of Control adopted policy (https://goo.gl/54F38G ), the Board surveys the member schools every three years to determine interest in sports and sport-activities.
The Board is strong in its feeling that while the Board must decide many issues for the schools, membership desires are extremely critical in this area.
The following are key provisions of the policy:
- The KHSAA shall survey its membership every three (3) years to measure desire for a new offering or elimination of an existing offering.
- The KHSAA Limitation of Seasons shall not address a specific sport or sport-activity unless and until it meets the desired participation threshold to allow for the maximum opportunity to expose the sport to growth.
- Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Control to address specific previously underrepresented populations, in order for the KHSAA to begin discussions concerning the possible sponsoring of a state championship in a new sport or sport-activity, there […]
Recalling Randy Wyatt’s sprint to glory for Paducah Tilghman
BY MIKE FIELDS (May 17, 2018)
Lyman Brown still laughs when he recalls his first encounter with Randy Wyatt.
It was the spring of 1986 and Brown, who had coached Paducah Tilghman to seven consecutive state track and field championships (on his way to 11 in a row), was getting ready for another season.
“Bill Bond was the head track coach at Paducah Middle School and he said, ‘I’ve got this kid I think you can use,’” Brown recounted. “I said, ‘You mean an eighth-grader? Send him over and I’ll see if he can make our freshman relays.’”
A week or so later, when Brown was getting ready to hold time trials before the first meet of the season, he told Bond to send the eighth-grader over so he could take a look at him.
“Little did I know the kid was going to have to run from the middle school to the high […]
05/16/18 – State Tennis Site Adjustment for May 17
Due to expected rain tomorrow morning, the sites for tomorrow’s 2018 KHSAA State Tennis Championships have been adjusted. Please note the following changes for Thursday:
BOYS’ MATCHES
All Singles & Doubles 1st and 2nd Rounds will play at Top Seed Tennis Center (777 E Brannon Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356)
GIRLS’ MATCHES
Singles top half of bracket (lines 1-32) will play at UK
Singles bottom half of bracket (lines 33-64) will play at Lexington Tennis Club
All 2nd Round singles matches will play at UK
All 1st Round Girls’ Doubles matches will play at Lexington Tennis Club
2nd Round top half of bracket for Girls’ Doubles (lines 1-32) will play at Lexington Tennis Club
2nd Round bottom half of bracket for Girls’ Doubles (lines 33-64) will play at Top Seed Tennis Center
COACHES
Boys’ Coaches should report directly to Top Seed
Girls’ Coaches should report FIRST to UK […]
05/16/18 – State Tennis, Track and Field Championships Begin Thursday in Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Tennis Championships and the 2018 KHSAA Track and Field State Meet will be contested this weekend in Lexington on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The State Tennis Championships (May 17-19) begin Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with boys’ matches at Shillito Park and the girls’ competition at the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex.
All remaining matches will move to the UK Boone/Downing Tennis Complex after the first day, with Friday’s competition starting at 8 a.m. Saturday’s action opens with the boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles semifinals at 9 a.m. Championship matches for boys’ and girls’ doubles are slated for 12 p.m., with the finals for the boys’ and girls’ singles set for 2 p.m.
Team champions will be determined through an accumulation of points throughout the tournament, with each singles player and doubles team receiving one point for each match victory. Brackets for […]
05/14/18 – Hieneman Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2017-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2018
The second annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated on the campus of Midway University on Monday as Russell High School’s Sara Hieneman (softball) was named the overall winner for 2017-18. Beginning in May of 2017 with the State Bass Fishing Championship, Midway University presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each of the KHSAA’s 15 girls’ state championship events, with an overall winner selected following the final championship of the timeframe (2018 State Archery).
The Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year award is based upon overall athletic performance (60%), academic achievement (20%) and community service (20%). Students must possess an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better to qualify, and must be academically eligible during the season in which they are nominated. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at KHSAA.org, and the nominees are voted upon by a […]
05/14/18 – New Triple Threat Award Recognizes Three-Season, Multi-Sport Athletes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2018
In an effort to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Association recently launched the “Triple Threat Award” program to recognize those students who participate in high school athletics year round.
The award, which is given to student-athletes who participate in a KHSAA sport or sport-activity on the varsity level during each season of the academic year (fall/winters/spring), will be presented to a total of 1,814 student-athletes for 2017-18.
The awards are based solely on each member school’s rosters that were submitted through the KHSAA’s online system, as that is the only permitted determinant for athletic eligibility (including team eligibility).
A closer look at the breakdown of honorees for the 2017-18 academic year shows that:
- 266 of the 280 member schools have at […]
05/10/18 – Board Approves Changes to Dance Championships
The KHSAA Board of Control, at its May Meeting, approved changes to the Dance postseason as well as approved the date and site for the 2018 State Dance Championships.
Following the Oct. 1 declaration by participating schools, there will be four Sectional Competitions (Regions 1-4; 5-8; 9-12; 13-16) to qualify for the State Competition. Based upon the number of teams in each section, an overall total of 16 teams from those sections will advance to the state competition.
The Board approved the elimination of the Kick Division (only two squads entered last year) and will offer championships for the following Divisions:
Jazz – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)
Hip Hop – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)
Pom – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)
The 2018 KHSAA State Dance Championships will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington.
05/10/18 – Board Finalizes Cheer Postseason
The KHSAA Board of Control, at its May meeting, finalized changes to the structure and advancement to the competitive cheer postseason. To assist in the prevention of automatic qualifiers at Region/State for cheer, the 16 regions will be combined to 8 sectional competitions. Per board action, Regions will be combined accordingly:
1&2; 3&4; 5&6; 7&8; 9&10; 11&12; 13&14; 15&16.
Sections can alternate host sites (Region 1 one year and Region 2 site the next) or choose to have a permanent site based upon facility abilities and availability. The competition rules will stipulate the odd region listed in the alternation table would recommend the region site in the odd year, and the even region in the even year. Sites selected must be able to accommodate the historic crowds, similar to the criteria for the current basketball site selection.
Athletic Administrators from both combined regions are responsible for making decisions such as ticket price, expenses and division of […]
05/01/18 – Owensboro Health/KHSAA Softball and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament Draws Set for Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2018
The draws for the 2018 Owensboro Health/KHSAA State Softball and 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournaments will take place Thursday, May 3 at 11 a.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament begins with first round and quarterfinal action June 7-9 and will be held at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, for the eighth-straight year. The State Baseball Tournament resumes the following weekend with the semifinals and championship game, June 15th and 16th.
In its first year under new title sponsor Owensboro Health, the State Softball Tournament returns to Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro for the 11th-consecutive year in 2018, and will be held June 7-9. The state tournament begins with first round games on Thursday night, followed by a full slate of action on Friday leading into […]
04/24/18 – KHSAA State Archery Championships Set For Thursday at KBA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2018
The 2018 KHSAA State Archery Championships get underway Thursday morning at the Kentucky Basketball Academy in Lexington, with the first of six flights starting at 9:30 a.m. The last flight of the day is set for 2:30 p.m., with awards presentations tentatively scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
This year’s state Archery Championship will be the first to award a girls’ team championship, following action taken by the Board of Control in January. The event was previously treated as a coed sport-activity with one overall team championship awarded. Team trophies will be presented to the top four boys’ and top four girls’ teams at this year’s event, with medallions presented to the top five individuals for each gender.
In 2017, Madison Central posted a team score of 3,442 to edge state runner-up Lafayette by two points (3,440) and repeat as state champions. Model’s Joshua Smith captured the boys’ individual state championship […]
04/18/18 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system (credentials.khsaa.org).
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to media outlets when space is at a premium.
Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and guidelines, as well as unauthorized use of the media […]
04/18/18 – Nominations For Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Track & Field
The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Track & Field participants for 2017-18.
The 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 female participant from each 2018 team. Nominations must come from a member school but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.
The winner, if present, will be recognized during the KHSAA Track & Field State Meet (May 17-19) in Lexington, Ky. In case the winner does not qualify for the state meet, representatives from Midway University will present the award at the recipient’s high school at a mutually determined later date.
From the winners selected for each championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2018-2019 Midway University/KHSAA […]
Shon Walker’s Hall of Fame game wasn’t just the long ball
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 17, 2018)
CYNTHIANA — Shon Walker still looks like he could step up to the plate and, with that sweet, smooth left-handed swing of his, send a baseball flying to the hinterlands.
Except . . .
“I tore a ligament in my leg playing kickball at our company picnic,” he said with a laugh.
Walker confessed his injury — and his concession to age — on a recent spring evening at River Road Park where he was helping instruct his son Donovan’s Little League team in practice.
Walker, 43, played his last minor league baseball game 20 years ago, but he still feels drawn to the diamond.
“The fresh-cut grass, getting the chalk out, I love all of it,” he said.
Walker’s love for the game, his talent for playing it, and his remarkable accomplishments at Harrison County High School, will be recognized when he’s inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of […]
Hall of Famer Angela Payne Starnes loves teaching as much as running
BY MIKE FIELDS (April 9, 2018)
Angela Payne Starnes will be retiring at the end of this school year, giving up her duties as an elementary school physical education teacher.
And her duties as a high school/middle school athletic director.
And her duties as a track & field coach.
And her duties as a cross country coach.
And her duties as a school bus driver.
With all the running she does to keep up with five jobs, it should come as no surprise that Starnes was a championship runner in her younger days.
As a high school track star at Todd County Central, Angela Payne won seven state titles.
As a sophomore in 1978, she was the 440-yard champ and part of the winning 4×100 relay.
As a junior she captured the 400-meter dash and another 4×100 victory.
As a senior she swept the 400, 200 and 100 sprints.
Payne’s winning time of :12.20 in […]
04/09/18 – NFHS Music Copyright Course Required for Cheer/Dance Coaches
At its July Board of Control meeting, the Board approved a recommendation that would require completion of the new NFHS Music Copyright Course for KHSAA Cheer and Dance Coaches (Head and Assistant). Because of delays in rolling the course out this year, the course will be required for 2018-19 for those all coaches in all Cheer and Dance squads at KHSAA member schools. This requirement is in place whether or not a team competes in KHSAA competition. The course is free, and totally online, and must be completed prior to the declaration date for Cheer and Dance (October 1, 2018).
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has added an online education course – Understanding Copyright and Compliance. This free course from the NFHS is geared toward music teachers, spirit coaches (cheer and dance) and school administrators. Understanding Copyright and Compliance is available through the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.
The course explores copyright […]
03/27/18- Reminder about 2017-2018 Title IX and Participation List Submission
With spring sports in full swing and most schools ready to take some form of spring break, it is time to remind each of you that the annual reports for Title IX and the Participation List are due on April 30.
- If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, our office should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
- Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org), as well as almost any of our support staff, can help you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system. The online system is currently available for entry.
Roster and Team Requirements
CovCath celebrates another Sweet 16® title
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 18, 2018)
A few years ago C.J. Fredrick couldn’t even start for Covington Catholic’s freshman basketball team because, in his own words, he was “a skinny little stand-still shooter.”
Sunday afternoon under the bright lights in Rupp Arena, Fredrick was the star of the show as CovCath claimed its second state championship in five years.
The 6-foot-4 senior poured in 32 points as the Colonels swamped Scott County 73-55 to win the 101st Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® in front of 12,637 fans.
CovCath, which also beat Scott County in the 2014 finals, is only the second private school to win more than one boys’ championship. St. Xavier is the other, having taken the title in 1926, ’35, ’58 and ’62.
“C.J.’s special; he’s got special talent,” Coach Scott Ruthsatz said. “If you want to write a book, C.J.’s the one to write about. He was the sixth or seventh man on our […]
It wasn’t a hero shot; it was a team being a team
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 16, 2018)
Hero?
Travis Henderson said no thanks to that label after he hit a three-pointer with :05 left to give Oldham County a 56-55 victory over Campbell County in the quarterfinals of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16 in Rupp Arena Friday night.
Asked about the game-winning three that sent the Colonels to the state semifinals, Henderson deflected all personal glory. Instead, he sounded as if he was just lucky to be in the right spot at the right time and his shot just happened to go in.
“The play wasn’t necessarily designed for me,” he said. “I knew they’d be helping in hard, and that (ballhandler) Jackson (Gibson) would make the right call.”
Oldham County Coach Coy Zerhusen said Gibson was supposed to “attack the paint” and look for a shot, or pass to Zach Larimore rolling free, or Henderson getting open in the left corner.
“They collapsed down on […]
Brewers’ unbeaten Redmen have stood the test of time
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2018)
Barney Thweatt, who will be 88 in a few weeks, is still feisty as all get-out when it comes to reveling in the fact that he played on the last undefeated boys’ basketball team in Kentucky.
That was 70 years ago.
Thweatt started for Brewers (in Marshall County) when Coach McCoy Tarry’s Redmen went 36-0 and won the Sweet 16 in 1948.
“When it happened, we didn’t think much about it,” said Thweatt, who was in Rupp Arena last night when his Brewers team was recognized. “We thought, well, it might happen pretty often. But it hasn’t.”
Brewers, in fact, is the only boys’ team to own a spotless record since Ashland went 37-0 in 1928.
That means the Redmen are the lone undefeated state champs in the last 90 years.
Thweatt said he’s had a few scares, including […]
Happy (or sad) Sweet 16® anniversary for Clem Haskins
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2018)
Happy anniversary, Clem Haskins.
Or maybe a not so happy anniversary.
It was 55 years ago today (March 15, 1963) that Haskins played his last high school game for Taylor County. He and his Cardinals lost to Lexington Dunbar 65-64 in the Sweet 16® quarterfinals in front of 17,000 fans in Freedom Hall.
“It was one of the saddest days of my life because it was the last time I put on that uniform,” Haskins said Thursday afternoon in Rupp Arena while he and his wife Yevette took in this year’s state tournament.
Haskins scored 25 points for Taylor County against Dunbar, but S.T. Roach’s Bearcats pulled out the victory in the closing minute.
“It was a great basketball game,” Haskins said. “And it was a great tournament for pure talent, Division I talent, NBA talent.”
The 1963 Sweet 16® had remarkable star power. Besides Haskins the roll call […]
Pikeville’s never-say-die Panthers survive 3OT thriller
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 15, 2018)
This is the 101st Boys’ Sweet 16, which means there have been close to 1,500 state tournament games played over the last century.
I’d argue that none have been any better than Pikeville’s first-round, triple-overtime, heart-stopping 72-69 victory over John Hardin in Rupp Arena Wednesday night.
Pity those fans among the 10,233 in attendance who trickled out of Rupp Arena before it was over.
“That’s one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” said Panthers Coach Elisha Justice, who was the star of Shelby Valley’s run to the state title in 2010.
“You go three overtimes . . . I mean the amazing plays these guys made, they fought and never gave up.”
The underdog Panthers — some people rated them last in the 16-team field — showed incredible resiliency by coming up with clutch play after clutch play to stay alive.
First, there was Wyatt […]
Travis Ford back in Rupp, scouting not shooting
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2018)
Travis Ford has accomplished a lot in his basketball career, as a player and a coach.
He was a deadly three-pointer shooter for Kentucky in the early 1990s. He’s coached at EKU, Massachusetts, Oklahoma State and St. Louis, winning more than 300 games and taking 8 teams to the NCAA Tournament.
But Ford still considers his high school days at Madisonville, when he helped the Maroons reach the Sweet 16 three years in a row, as a career highlight.
“It’s still one of the biggest deals, one of the greatest things, be it coaching or playing, that I enjoyed in basketball,” Ford said Wednesday afternoon as he took in the 101st Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16 in Rupp Arena.
Ford, who just finished his second season at St. Louis, has a strong interest in this year’s state tournament. John Hardin star Mickey Pearson, who has signed with the Billikens, was […]
‘Cool Hand’ Cooper saves Scott County
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2018)
Just call him “Cool Hand” Cooper.
Scott County senior guard Cooper Robb nailed a three-pointer from the left corner with :09 left to give his Cardinals a 54-53 lead over Trinity in the first round of the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16 Wednesday afternoon in Rupp Arena.
Trinity called a timeout with :05.8, then got the ball to senior star Jay Scrubb, who made a a furious drive down the court, drew some contact, then missed an off-balance shove-shot from the left of the free-throw lane.
No whistle, and Scott County survived an epic opening-round game in this 101st state tournament in front of 15,271 fans.
Did Robb sweat those final few seconds as Scrubb scrambled down the floor?
“It seemed like a pretty long time,” he confessed.
Robb wasn’t supposed to get the ball for the decisive shot. It was supposed to go to teammate Michael Moreno, who had […]
These 5 guys played in Sweet 16®, now coaching in it
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2018)
Steve Barker played for Apollo in the Sweet 16® in 1976 and 1978.
Barker, now 58, is in his fourth year coaching Apollo and has the Eagles in the state tournament for the first time since 2012.
Does it seem forever ago that he played in the Sweet 16®?
“It was forever ago,” Barker said with a laugh. “It’s been 40 years . . . 40 years!”
Barker would be in my starting lineup among coaches in this 101st Sweet Sixteen who also played in the state tournament.
He’d be joined by Corbin Coach Tony Pietrowski, Estill County Coach Jon Bentley, Oldham County Coach Coy Zerhusen and Pikeville Coach Elisha Justice.
— Steve Barker: started for Apollo in the 1976 and 1978 state tournaments. He had 21 points, 8 rebounds in a first-round loss to Shelby County in ’76, and 23 points, 7 rebounds in a first-round loss to […]
Scott County vs. Trinity reminiscent of past first-round showdowns
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 14, 2018)
As the 101st Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16 gets ready to tip off at high noon, much ado is being made of today’s first-round matchup between Scott County and Trinity.
The hype is justified.
Scott County (34-1) and Trinity (30-3) are two of tournament favorites. They’re both loaded with talent, both are led by coaches who’ve won state championships.
Billy Hicks led Scott County to titles in 1998 and 2007, and Mike Szabo guided the Shamrocks to the top on St. Patrick’s Day in 2012. (They beat Scott County in the finals.)
But this isn’t the first time the Sweet 16 has featured such a tantalizing first-round showdown.
Two of the best I remember:
— In 1978, No. 1 Apollo, sporting a 35-0 record, faced No. 2 Shelby County in front of 17,000 fans in Freedom Hall. Apollo, coached by Wayne Chapman, had a pair of four-year starters and Division […]
03/12/18 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information, 98.5 FM To Air Games Locally
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2018
The 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Corbin takes on Estill County at 12 p.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 across 51 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the games airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s “The Bull Icons at 98.5 FM”.
All 15 games of the Boys’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/). Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $9.95 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating state associations. Viewers who […]
Mercer County celebrates back-to-back state titles
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 11, 2018)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS — Oh, to have been in the Mercer County locker room at halftime of the girls’ state basketball finals at NKU’s BB&T Arena on Sunday afternoon when the defending champion Titans led Mercy by the unfathomable score of 52-14.
Instead of getting a lecture and X’s and O’s strategy from Coach Chris Souder, the Titans were surely high-fiving, giggling and figuring out who would get to kiss the championship trophy first.
“We were laughing,” Souder admitted.
“It was crazy,” said senior leader Seygan Robins. “We were celebrating a lot at halftime.”
With a mercy-rule running clock in effect the rest of the way, Mercer County wound up winning 74-34 and putting an exclamation point on its back-to-back championships.
The Titans claimed this St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Sweet 16 title in record-setting style, too, by hitting 16 three-pointers, breaking their own state tournament mark of 14 that they made […]
RIP, Gene Rhodes, who won state titles as player and coach
Gene Rhodes, who coached Louisville St. Xavier to the Sweet 16 title 60 years ago, died early Friday morning. He was 90. This is the story of his 1958 champs.
BY BILLY REED (March 10, 2018)
They were a team without a home because the old gym at St. Xavier High School, then located at 118 West Broadway, had a running track above the court, making shots from the corner impossible. So Gene Rhodes, the driven young coach with the perpetual 5 o’clock shadow, scheduled “home” games at Male, Central, Gottschalk Junior, and other schools that had normal gyms.
Rhodes wasn’t about to have his team practice at home, either, but since the other schools in Louisville were practicing in their home gyms, he decreed that the Tigers would practice at night, in a gym that wasn’t being used, sometimes as late as 7 to 9 p.m. The only starter who had a car was […]
Nicholas County’s run to glory 25 years ago
BY MIKE FIELDS (March 9, 2018)
Kim Denkins is a social worker at a nursing home in Nicholas County, and more than occasionally she’ll be reminded of her basketball celebrity.
“It’s funny. Like when I’m doing orientation, somebody will say, ‘Are you Kim Denkins?’ And I’ll say, ‘Yes, I used to play ball.’”
Denkins’ modesty keeps her from telling folks she did much more than just “play ball.”
Twenty-five years ago she was the shining star on a high school basketball team that brought unprecedented glory to Nicholas County, and a sense of community pride that endures to this day.
Barbara Kenney, who guided the Bluejackets to the All “A” state title and the Sweet Sixteen championship in 1993, still cherishes the memories of those girls who proved that a small school could make big dreams come true.
“It was quite a feat,” she said, “but we knew we had something special.”
Kenney and several […]
Girls’ Sweet 16 champs by regions since 1975®
GIRLS’ SWEET SIXTEEN® CHAMPS BY REGIONS (SINCE 1975)
1st Region: Marshall County (1982, 1984)
2nd Region: Union County (1996)
3rd Region: None
4th Region: Warren Central (1983)
5th Region: Elizabethtown (1998); Marion County (2013)
6th Region: Butler (1975, 1980, 2008, 2014, 2016); Southern (1988); Iroquois (2009)
7th Region: Sacred Heart (1976, 2002, 2003, 2004); Mercy* (1992, 2010); Manual (2012)
8th Region: Oldham County (1986); Scott County* (1995)
9th Region: Covington Holy Cross (2015)
10th Region: Nicholas County (1993)
11th Region: Lexington Catholic (1999, 2001, 2005, 2006); Henry Clay (1990); Lexington Christian (2007)
12th Region: Laurel County (1977, 1978, 1979, 1987, 1991); Pulaski County (1981); Rockcastle County (2011); Mercer County (2017)
13th Region: Whitley County (1985); Clay County (1989)
14th Region: M.C. Napier (1994); Hazard (1997)
15th Region: None
16th Region: West Carter (2000)
*Mercy moved to the 6th Region before the 2011-12 season
*Scott County moved […]
03/06/18 – St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Broadcast Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2018
The 2018 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® gets started Wednesday afternoon at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights when Johnson Central faces Owensboro Catholic at 12 p.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 across 46 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network.
All 15 games of the Girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/). Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $9.95 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 40 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Girls’ Sweet 16® will also be able to watch […]
02/22/18 – 2018-2019 NFHS Soccer Rule Changes
Soccer teams will be reversing their home and visiting uniforms next year. Effective for the 2018-2019 school year, the home team will now wear dark jerseys and socks while the away team will now wear solid white jerseys and socks.
The uniform change was among the new rules announced by the NFHS last week, which can be viewed at: http://www.nfhs.org/articles/homevisiting-uniforms-to-switch-in-high-school-soccer/
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
02/21/18 – Owensboro Health Announced as New Title Sponsor for State Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2018
The KHSAA State Softball Tournament will boast a new title sponsor in 2018, with Owensboro Health signing on to support an event which has called Owensboro’s Jack C. Fisher Park home for the last 10 years. Opening in June of 2013, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital serves the medical needs of 12 counties in Western Kentucky and two counties in Southern Indiana, delivering 1,900 babies, performing 200 open-heart procedures, 600 hip and knee replacements, with 65,000 Emergency Department visits and 1.2 million lab tests on average.
“Owensboro Health is proud to sponsor one of the state’s premier sporting events and to welcome softball fans from across Kentucky,” said Brian Hamby, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Owensboro Health. “By investing in […]
02/20/18 – Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships Start Thursday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2018
The 2018 Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships (Feb. 22-24) begin Thursday afternoon with the boys’ and girls’ diving preliminaries at the Ralph Wright Natatorium on the University of Louisville campus. Boys’ diving prelims are slated for 12:30-3 p.m. followed by the girls’ diving prelims from 6:30-9 p.m.
Competition resumes Friday morning with the boys’ swimming prelims starting at 10 a.m., followed by the girls’ swimming prelims at 4:30 p.m. Saturday’s championship finals get started at 11 a.m. with the boys’ competition, and conclude with the girls’ championship finals, which are slated to start at 5:15 p.m.
Tickets go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. on Friday for the morning session, and 3:30 p.m. for the afternoon session. On Saturday, ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. for the boys’ finals and 4:15 p.m. for the girls’ championship.
A complete schedule of events, the official championship […]
02/15/18 – Board of Control Election Procedures
BOARD OF CONTROL BALLOT – BOARD OF CONTROL ELECTIONS – INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BALLOT:
- Balloting is ONLY done online for these positions.
- Balloting is available beginning on Wednesday, February 15.
- Only the Principal or Designated Representative may vote. The names on file as verified by the KHSAA website at the time of this ballot distribution are listed on the school directory page at http://khsaa.org/general/resources/member-school-directory/.
- If the wrong individual is listed as the Designated Representative, the correction may be made by anyone with Athletic Director system rights (Principal, AD) prior to the ballot being submitted. For support in making these changes, contact Rob Catron or Marilyn Mitchell at the KHSAA offices.
- Those that have multiple system roles (coach, AD, etc.) be sure you select that you are logging in as the Designated Representative
- Please clearly vote for one of the following school candidate(s) for the KHSAA Board of Control by logging in […]
02/02/18 – Sweet Sixteen® Online Media Credentialing System
The media credentialing system for the 2018 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments is now available online, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. The St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ State Tournament will take place March 7-11 at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights, followed by the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® March 14-18 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to each respective tournament – March 5 for the Girls’ Sweet 16® and March 12 for the Boys.
OWNERSHIP OF RIGHTS
The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of social media streaming […]
01/30/18 – KHSAA Partners With Kentucky Department of Agriculture to Create Ag Athlete of the Year Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2018
The KHSAA has teamed with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to create new college scholarship opportunities for student-athletes involved in agriculture. As part of the 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® (March 14-18), the KHSAA and the Department of Agriculture will award six $1,000 scholarships to three male and three female senior student-athletes, with the honorees recognized as the 2018 Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year.
“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is honored to be partnering up with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association to provide this scholarship opportunity for students who balance agricultural and athletic interests,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles. “It is my hope that the 2018 Kentucky Ag Athletes will be able to use these $1,000 scholarships to further their education and ultimately give back to their communities.”
The one-time scholarships, payable to an institution of higher learning, will be awarded to […]
01/24/18 – Sweet 16® Draw Show To Air January 31st on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2018
Pairings for the 2018 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® and the 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® will be revealed on Wednesday, January 31st at 1 p.m. (ET) when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and CWKYT.
The 2018 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® will be held March 7-11 at BB&T Arena on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, with the 2018 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® taking place March 14-18 at Rupp Arena in Lexington. 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 could watch all 30 games of the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® for just $9.95.
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