Serving Kentucky's Schools and Student Athletes Since 1917

Football Blog Updates

02/22/24- Football Draft Realignment for 2025 through 2026 seasons Released

Football Blog Updates

Football Alignment Update and Opportunity to Play Into a Higher Class and Withdraw from District
 
TO: Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors and Designated Representatives of Football Playing Schools
 
FR: Commissioner Julian Tackett
 
RE: Update on the Drafting of 2025 and 2026 Football Alignment, Opportunity to Withdraw From District Play or Make Other Notes for Consideration
 
At its meeting in January, the KHSAA Board of Control discussed and confirmed the parameters surrounding an alignment of teams in football for the 2025 and 2026 playing seasons. This communication is solely about classification and geographic alignment development. The needed information was received from the KDE around the mid part of January, and has been formatted in accordance with the Board’s approved process. Information about the realignment, including drafting maps, is available online on the khsaa.org/football website, by selecting the “Football Alignment/Realignment Information” pull-down menu.

Your response to the linked form is due on or before APRIL […]

More

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

2023-2024 News Releases

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 […]

More

02/08/24 – NFHS Announces Football Playing Rule Changes

2023-2024 News Releases

Home Team Uniform Requirements Clarified in High School Football Rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS – Language in the 2024 NFHS Football Rules Book will be changed in an effort to ensure consistent interpretation of the rule regarding requirements for home team uniforms in high school football. Next season, all home team jerseys must be the same dark color(s) that clearly contrasts with white. 

This uniform change in Rule 1-5-1b(3) was recommended by the NFHS Football Rules Committee at its Jan. 14-16 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The Football Rules Committee is composed of one member from each NFHS member state association that uses NFHS playing rules, along with representatives from the NFHS Coaches Association and NFHS Officials Association.

Previously, the rule regarding home team jerseys stated that the jerseys of the home team “shall be a dark color that clearly contrasts to […]

More

01/17/24 – Board of Control Looks Ahead to Winter State Championships

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 17, 2024

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving status reports regarding upcoming winter state championships and items for possible action at a later meeting.

Following a data review conducted by KHSAA staff, the inaugural Girls’ Wrestling State Championships in February will be preceded by multi-region meets at Caldwell County (Regions 1-2), Central (Regions 3-4), Bryan Station (Regions 5-6) and Montgomery County (Regions 7-8). Due to the difference in participation numbers of teams and individuals, the pattern of regions and sites will differ between girls’ and boys’ competitions. Girls’ wrestling participation is on the rise in the first year of sanctioning a state championship, however, growing from 378 registered girls’ wrestlers in 2022-23 to 586 participants this season.

The Board also discussed a staff review of member schools’ requirements to submit individual and team roster entries unique […]

More

12/15/2023- Spring Football Practice Dates for 2023-2024

Football Blog Updates

More

12/11/23 – Football Official of the Year Announced

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 11, 2023

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 football season is PD Harris of Grayson. 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 […]

More

12/6/23- Football Schools Reminded to Submit Spring Practice Date Options

Football Blog Updates

Per KHSAA Bylaw 23, each school must submit its spring practice dates on or before December 15, 2023, for the spring, 2024 spring practice period.

Each football school may conduct ten (10) spring practice periods of not more than two (2) hours in length and not more than one practice per day over ten (10) days during three consecutive calendar weeks, which shall be chosen by the school on or before December 15.

Failure to submit the schedule by this date will result in a loss of the ability to conduct spring football practice.

Upon appeal of the member school Principal, dates may be selected for a school not submitting them on time, with the latest available start being the Monday following the original published Spring Break for the school.

THE SETTING OF THESE DATES IS A FUNCTION OF THE SCHOOL CALENDAR AND NOT PERSONNEL IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE SPRING SPORTS CONFLICTS.

Go to this […]

More

11/29/23 – UK HealthCare Sports Medicine Football State Finals to Kick Off at Kroger Field

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 29, 2023

The 2023 UK HealthCare Sports Medicine Football State Finals will kick off this weekend with all six championship games at Kroger Field on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

Action gets underway on Friday, Dec. 1, with the Class 1A final at noon ET, featuring Raceland (11-3) vs. back-to-back reigning champion Pikeville (11-2) in a rematch of last year’s state championship game.

Friday’s competition continues with the Class 2A final at 4 p.m., featuring undefeated Owensboro Catholic (14-0) vs. 2022 state runner-up Mayfield (12-1).

Friday night will conclude with the Class 4A final at 8 p.m., featuring Covington Catholic (14-0) vs. three-time reigning champion Boyle County (14-0) in a clash of undefeated titans that have combined for 19 state titles overall.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the Class 3A final will commence at noon with reigning champion Christian Academy-Louisville (13-1) vs. Bell County (13-1).

On Saturday at 4 p.m., […]

More

2023 Team Benches, Lockers, Seating

Football Blog Updates

More

2023 Football Championship Timetable

Football Blog Updates

More

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

2023-2024 News Releases

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 […]

More

2023 KHSAA Football Third-Round Playoff Pairings Released

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 11, 2023

Matchups for all six classes have been set for the third round of the 2023 KHSAA Football Playoffs, which concluded the opening two rounds of regionally based play last Friday.

Third-round matchups, formatted within a re-bracketed field of remaining teams based on the final KHSAA RPI rankings of the regular season, can be found on the KHSAA website: https://khsaa.org/2023-football-third-round-football-pairings/

Kickoff times will be announced on Monday.

 

– KHSAA –

About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage high school athletics in the Commonwealth. The Association is a voluntary nonprofit 501(c)3 organization made up of 290 member schools, both public and non-public. The KHSAA awards 229 state championships to 59 teams and 178 individuals in 13 sports and six sport-activities, funds catastrophic insurance […]

More

2023 Football Championship Timetable

Football Blog Updates

More

10/28/23- Football Update 10/28/23

Football Blog Updates

INFORMATION UPDATE

  • Apologies in advance for the delay in getting this information to you. Everything was ready just after midnight but there was one single non-submitted score that delayed finalizing everything, including tiebreakers, etc. That score wasn’t received until early this morning. But all should be accurate now.

OFFICIALS AVAILABILITY AND GAME SCHEDULING

  • THANK YOU to those schools that cooperated and either voluntarily scheduled on Thursday or Saturday. We could not manage this week without cooperation.
  • From this point, ANY Friday night game will only have five officials. If you desire 7, select Thursday or Saturday.
  • Most of the matchups were determined more than a week ago, and thanks to the nearly 65% of you who got your information submitted this week.

PLAYOFF INSTRUCTIONS

  • Though the instructions have been on the KHSAA website for several weeks, some are just now realizing they need them. 
  • See the complete fall instructions link […]

    More

10//24/23- Football Playoffs Update

Football Blog Updates

The following is to update schools regarding the 2023 Football Playoffs, with particular emphasis on Rounds 1-4.   

OFFICIALS AVAILABILITY AND GAME SCHEDULING

Last week, we held a conference call with our assigners, with the following data gleaned from that call. 

  • Clearly, they feel comfortable with assigning, at most, between 85 and 88 crews for the first round if all contests had five officials. We have 95 games currently scheduled. 
  • Simply put, we will need to have some schools play on Thursday night or Saturday night if we are going to be able to ensure that full crews of officials are assigned. 
  • And be mindful that last year, we had 20 schools desire a full crew of seven officials for the first round. 
  • Simply put, the supply/demand equation is not balanced right now. 
  • We have around 80 first-year officials and for the most part, the assigners are not as comfortable with those officials in […]

    More

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

2023-2024 News Releases

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 & […]

    More

10/06/23- Football Playoff Schedule Request and Football RPI Clarification and Clean-up

Football Blog Updates

FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULING REQUEST

As teams start qualifying for the playoffs, we are asking for schools’ help in scheduling, especially in the first round. As all are aware, our supply of officials is not at the levels we were during the early 2000s when we had abundant numbers. Many of our associations, including some of our larger groups, have struggled to return to even their pre-COVID legals in terms of numbers. As such, staffing that first round which is always difficult, is likely very problematic, especially if all teams insist on trying to play on the same Friday night. Our assigners are very conscious of the need to only use those that feel are “playoff ready”, and really need your help on these dates.

There are distinct advantages to playing on Thursday or Saturday that negate the usual concerns about different preparation weeks, etc. Teams seem to be very adept at moving games during fall […]

More

2023 Football Championship Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2023 Football Fourth Round Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2023 Football Third Round Football Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2023 Football District Three-Way and Two-Way Ties

Football Blog Updates

FINAL FOR 2023 REGULAR SEASON
NO RPI CHANGES ONCE POSTSEASON BEGINS

More

2023 Football Bracket Builder

Football Blog Updates

FINAL FOR 2023 at of 6 a.m., 10/28

 

More

2023 RPI Running Bracket Helper – Rounds 3/4

Football Blog Updates

RPI VALUES FINAL FOR 2023
List of remaining teams updated weekly with remaining teams ranked in RPI order by class
Values for RPI remain unchanged after regular season is complete.

More

10/02/23- Football Nominations Sought For Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards

Football Blog Updates

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Football participants for 2023-2024 Midway University previously expanded its partnership to include both male and female nominations.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 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 https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and current plans call for the winners to be recognized at an awards banquet at Midway University in early summer 2024. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2023-2024 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the banquet. All […]

More

09/22/23 – Media Credentials Now Available for Fall Championships

2023-2024 News Releases

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for fall state championships (golf, field hockey, soccer, cross country, volleyball, football) is now live and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org

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

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the number of credentials issued […]

More

09/13/23 – Board of Control Approves Distribution of Bylaw 9 Referendum, Adjusts Swimming & Diving Starting Date

2023-2024 News Releases

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 […]

More

09/12/23 – Initial RPI Rankings Released for Football, Volleyball, Field Hockey

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 12, 2023

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index rankings for the 2023 football, volleyball and field hockey seasons have been posted on KHSAA.org.

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 […]

More

09/05/23 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Football, Volleyball, Field Hockey; RPI Rankings Released for Soccer

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 5, 2023

The first official KHSAA statistical leader reports for the 2023 football, volleyball and field hockey seasons, as well as the initial KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index rankings for the 2023 soccer season, have been posted at KHSAA.org.

Initial soccer stat leader reports were unveiled on Aug. 28.

Stat leader reports for all fall sports are updated every day at approximately 3 a.m. ET, including only teams missing stats for no more than two games in soccer, volleyball and field hockey and teams missing stats for no more than one game in football.

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 […]

More

08/23/23- Review Complete for End of Somerset-Perry County Central Football Contest

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2023

A statement from the Commissioner’s Office:

This information issues football playing rules interpretations and approved administrative remedies proposed by the local assigning secretary involving a crew of seven football officials following a misapplication of the playing rules in the first regular season contest last week between Perry County Central and Somerset on August 18. This review over the last couple of days and action by the local assigning secretary will result in an adjustment to the schedule for at least one future contest and future playoff assignments for the local association involved.

The review of the Somerset official team video is clear and indisputable as to the actions on the final play of the contest.

  • Somerset attempted a field goal with the ball snapped at approximately the five-yard line, with the score 22-21 in favor of Perry County Central.
  • On the play, Perry Central blocked the attempt which […]

    More

08/15/23 – Reminder about Shortened and Interrupted Football Games

Football Blog Updates

As a new season begins and with the vast amount of turnover in athletic administrators and coaches, a reminder about the Competition Rules is in order for Football. Interrupted games are not new and have a defined procedure for football.

Within the football playing rules, in an emergency (such as inclement weather where advisories are placed against travel or to seek shelter), teams can mutually agree to shorten any remaining period or terminate the game at any point. If such termination is mutually agreed to, the game shall be recorded as the current score and the game cannot be replaced on the schedule.

Just a couple of reminders and probably the last sentence in the tournament rules is the main point to keep in mind, “All involved shall remember that this situation is caused by elements such as weather that are uncontrollable by anyone, and keep the discussions in that perspective.”

  • Per the playing rules, there is […]

    More

08/15/23- Roster/Schedule/Score/Photo, Etc. Reminder for Fall Sports

Athletic Department Blog Updates

With fall sports back in full swing, this is a reminder to all coaches and athletic administrators concerning your varsity team schedules, scores, statistics and team photos in the team sports of Field Hockey, Football, Soccer and Volleyball, as well as your rosters (in all sports at all levels).

ROSTERS:

  • Students may not participate in interscholastic competitions (including scrimmages and contests) without a valid roster online. The KHSAA system for roster and schedule entry is the only system that meets KHSAA rules and requirements in all sports.
  • Athletic Directors (and coaches if your AD has assigned you those rights):
  • Please enter your full roster (including freshman, junior varsity and varsity) in the KHSAA School Subdomain. Rosters are required to be submitted to the KHSAA (no other third-party roster system is accepted) prior to any scrimmage or contest.
  • To enter your rosters (if you have those rights assigned by your school), log into the […]

    More

08/07/23- Football Online Rules Clinic for Officials Now Available

Athletic Department Blog Updates

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

TO TAKE THE CLINIC, LOG IN TO YOUR ARBITERSPORTS.COM ACCOUNT NOT THE KHSAA WEBSITE

Go to https://khsaaofficials.org

Login using your arbiter name and password

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 Football 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

DEADLINES FOR OFFICIALS

  • Through September 21 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only […]

    More

8/7/23- Football Online Rules Clinic for Coaches Now Available

Athletic Department Blog Updates

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Football is now available.  We appreciate your patience while clarifications were compiled regarding one of the rule changes for 2023. The clinic is required of all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman) whether or not the coach receives pay.

FOR COACHES
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“.

  • Until Sept. 28 (Coaches) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period through the school subdomain.
  • September 29 to October 13 (Coaches) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
  • October 14 to Oct. 28 (Coaches) – the Football Clinic will be […]

    More

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

2023-2024 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 18, 2023

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

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

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

More

07/11/2023- Fall Sports Tryout Reminders

Athletic Department Blog Updates

Good afternoon to all member schools. This message is intended for all member schools based on multiple inquiries received in the last few days. Please share this with all members of your fall sports coaching staff, and the coaches of Competitive Cheer and Dance. This post is not intended to be comprehensive regarding all aspects of Bylaw 23, but intended to highlight areas around tryouts.

References for this information come from the Bylaws of the Association, online as part of the KHSAA Handbook. There is not (and has never been) a separate tryout period for fall sports prior to the start of practice. Recently, we have been made aware that several schools have posted “tryouts” for fall sports that are being held prior to the first date of practice. This is not permitted.

SPORTS OF CROSS COUNTRY, FIELD HOCKEY, GOLF, SOCCER AND VOLLEYBALL

  • Required activity (including tryouts) can begin for Cross Country, Field Hockey, […]

    More

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

2022-2023 News Releases

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.

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 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.

 

More

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

2022-2023 News Releases

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 […]

More

03/22/23- Off Season Football Activity and Practice Reminders

2022-2023 News Releases

Based on a series of inquiries in the last day or so, a couple of reminders are necessary for our football schools in an effort to prevent inadvertent violations of the bylaws surrounding football practice and off-season activity. NONE OF THESE PROVISIONS ARE NEW but with large turnover in many areas, a reminder seems prudent.

HELMETS AND EQUIPMENT

  • Helmets are part of the player equipment spelled out in the NFHS playing rule 1-5. As such, the use of a helmet is restricted by Bylaw 23, just as all other playing equipment is restricted.
  • Helmets may only be issued to players prior to July 10 in the following cases:
    • An activity explicitly approved by school administration that is held on campus and involves only enrolled students at the school between the end of the 2022 playing season and July 10, not including the approved and reported spring practice dates. This activity may not […]

      More

02/02/23- NFHS Announces Football Playing Rule Changes

2022-2023 News Releases

Changes in Basic Spot for Penalty Enforcement Headline 2023 High School Football Rules Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 2, 2023) – A notable change to Rule 10 of the NFHS Football Rules Book will eliminate the excessive penalty enforcements for offensive fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage in high school football.

This change in Rule 10-4 (Basic Spots) is one of seven revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 8-10 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for the 2023 high school football season.

In a move to achieve one of the committee’s fundamental tasks of maintaining a balance between offense and defense, this revision stipulates the basic spot for enforcement of fouls behind the line of scrimmage is the previous spot rather than the spot of the foul. Current penalties for illegal […]

More

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

2022-2023 News Releases

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.

2023 Approved Final Football Alignment for 2023 and 2024 Playing Seasons

2022-2023 News Releases

Class 1A
1- Ballard Memorial, Caverna, Fulton County, Russellville
2- Bethlehem, Campbellsville, Holy Cross (Louisville), Kentucky Country Day
3- Bellevue, Dayton, Newport, Newport Central Catholic
4- Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross (Covington), Ludlow, Trimble County
5- Berea, Eminence, Frankfort, Sayre
6- Fairview, Nicholas County, Paris, Raceland
* 7- Harlan, Lynn Camp, Middlesboro, Pineville, Williamsburg
* 8- Hazard, Paintsville, Pikeville
* – The fifth place team in District 7 will become the fourth place team
   in District 7 for the purpose of playoff cross-bracketing

Class 2A
1- Caldwell County, Crittenden County, Mayfield, Murray
2- Edmonson County, Fort Campbell, Owensboro Catholic, Todd County Central
3- Clinton County, Green County, Metcalfe County, Monroe County
4- Fort Knox, Lexington Christian, Shawnee, Washington County, WEB DuBois**
5- Beechwood, Bracken County, Carroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Walton-Verona
6- Breathitt County, Danville, Leslie County, Somerset
7- Floyd Central, Knott County Central, Martin County, Prestonsburg
8- Betsy Layne, East Ridge, Pike County […]

More

2023 DRAFT Football Alignment for Final Consideration

2022-2023 News Releases

Class 1A
1- Ballard Memorial, Caverna, Fulton County, Russellville
2- Bethlehem, Campbellsville, Holy Cross (Louisville), Kentucky Country Day
3- Bellevue, Dayton, Newport, Newport Central Catholic
4- Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross (Covington), Ludlow, Trimble County
5- Berea, Eminence, Frankfort, Sayre
6- Fairview, Nicholas County, Paris, Raceland
7- Lynn Camp, Middlesboro, Pineville, Williamsburg
8- Harlan, Hazard, Paintsville, Pikeville

Class 2A
1- Caldwell County, Crittenden County, Mayfield, Murray
2- Edmonson County, Fort Campbell, Owensboro Catholic, Todd County Central
3- Clinton County, Green County, Metcalfe County, Monroe County
4- Fort Knox, Lexington Christian, Shawnee, Washington County, WEB DuBois**
5- Beechwood, Bracken County, Carroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Walton-Verona
6- Breathitt County, Danville, Leslie County, Somerset
7- Floyd Central, Knott County Central, Martin County, Prestonsburg
8- Betsy Layne, East Ridge, Pike County Central, Shelby Valley

Class 3A
1- Hancock County, Hopkins County Central, McLean County, Trigg County, Union County, Webster County
2- Adair County, Butler County, Franklin-Simpson, […]

More

2023 Football Realignment – Responses from Membership on Class Boundaries

2022-2023 News Releases

More

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

2022-2023 News Releases

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
[…]

More

12/07/22-Spring Practice Dates for Football Schools for 2022-2023

Football Blog Updates

More

12/07/22 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Football

2022-2023 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 7, 2022

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 2022-23 football season is Steve Hendley of Mayfield. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.

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

More

12/05/22- Update – Football Realignment for 2023 through 2026 seasons

Football Blog Updates

Football Alignment Update and Opportunity to Play Into a Higher Class and Withdraw from District   TO: Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors and Designated Representatives of Football Playing Schools   FR: Commissioner Julian Tackett   RE: Update on the Drafting of 2023 through 2026 Football Alignment, Opportunity to Withdraw From District Play or to Play in a Higher Class   At its meeting in November, the KHSAA Board of Control discussed and again agreed on parameters surrounding an alignment of teams in football for the 2023 through 2026 playing seasons. This communication is solely about classification and geographic alignment development. The needed information was received from the KDE around the first of December, and has been formatted in accordance with the Board’s approved process. Your […]

More

12/01/22 – UK HealthCare Sports Medicine Football State Finals Return to Kroger Field

2022-2023 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 1, 2022

The 2022 UK HealthCare Sports Medicine Football State Finals will kick off the first of six championship games at Kroger Field on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington on Friday.

Reigning Class 1A state champion Pikeville (11-2) will face Raceland (13-1) at noon ET in Friday’s opener. At 4 p.m., back-to-back Class 2A champion Beechwood (13-1) will take on undefeated Mayfield (14-0), as Corbin (14-0) looks to remain perfect in the Class 4A nightcap against back-to-back state champion Boyle County (12-2) at 8 p.m.

Play will resume with the same timetable on Saturday, starting with Christian Academy-Louisville vs. Bardstown in a showdown of 14-0 Class 3A squads at noon. At 4 p.m., Male (10-4) is set to make its fifth consecutive Class 6A state final appearance in a matchup with 13-1 Bullitt East. The weekend will come to a close with unblemished Frederick Douglass (14-0) vs. Bowling Green […]

More

2022 Team Benches, Lockers, Seating

Football Blog Updates

More

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

2022-2023 News Releases

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 […]

More

11/16/22- Football Schools Reminded to Submit Spring Practice Date Options

Football Blog Updates

Per KHSAA Bylaw 23, each school must submit its spring practice dates on or before December 15, 2022, for the spring, 2023 spring practice period. Failure to submit these dates by December 15, per the Bylaw, results in the school not being permitted to conduct spring practice. 

Once submitted, these dates cannot be changed without the request of the member school Principal, and only then, to a period starting with the Monday following the last date of the originally adopted Spring Break for the school. There will be NO extensions due to coaching vacancies, etc. THE SETTING OF THESE DATES IS A FUNCTION OF SCHOOL CALENDAR AND NOT PERSONNEL IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE SPRING SPORTS CONFLICTS.

Go to this link —
http://khsaa.org/fb103-spring-practice-dates-designation/ and submit your dates for 2023 on or before December 15, 2022.

The Spring Practice regulations are reprinted below–

Each football school may conduct ten (10) spring practice periods of not more […]

More

11/14/22- Information to Order Football Finals Tickets

2022-2023 News Releases

It is again time for us to turn on orders for the 2022 UK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals.

Here are some notes about this year’s finals and ticket sales:

  • The games will again be played at Kroger Field at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
  • Advance ticket purchases INCLUDE parking charges. There will be no additional parking charge for those holding a pre-purchased ticket as any price is included in the ticket fee.
  • All ticketing is digital-only through GoFan, the official ticket system for the KHSAA.
  • There will be no walk-up cash option for purchasing tickets, the event is digital only!
  • The schedule for this year’s event has games scheduled as follows (All times Eastern):
    Friday, December 2nd – 1A – 12 PM, 2A – 4 PM, 4A – 8 PM
    Saturday, December 3rd – 3A – 12 PM, 6A – 4 PM, 5A – 8 PM

For ticketing details, see […]

More

2022 Football Championship Timetable

Football Blog Updates

More

10/03/22- Football Nominations Sought For Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards

Football Blog Updates

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Football participants for 2022-2023 Midway University previously expanded its partnership to include both male and female nominations.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 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-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and current plans call for the winners to be recognized at an awards banquet at Midway University in early summer 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 and announced at the banquet. All […]

More

2022 Football Championship Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2022 Football Third Round Football Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2022 Football Fourth Round Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2022 RPI Running Bracket Helper – Rounds 3/4

Football Blog Updates

RPI VALUES FINAL FOR 2022 PLAYING SEASON
Values for RPI remain unchanged after regular season. List of remaining teams updated weekly with remaining teams ranked in RPI order by class

More

2022 Football District Three-Way and Two-Way Ties

Football Blog Updates

FINAL FOR 2022

More

2022 Football Bracket Builder

Football Blog Updates

FINAL FOR 2022

More

2022 NFHS Football Participation Comparison

Football Blog Updates

More

09/23/22 – Media Credentials Now Available for Fall Championships

2022-2023 News Releases

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for fall sports championships (golf, soccer, field hockey, cross country, volleyball, football) is now live and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org

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

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. Media outlets are responsible for the actions of all individuals representing their organization, including compliance with KHSAA policies and procedures. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the number of credentials issued […]

More

09/19/22 – Initial RPI Rankings Released for Football

2022-2023 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 19, 2022

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) rankings for the 2022 football season have been posted for all classes at KHSAA.org.

Due to the limited number of contests for football compared to the other sports and the application of RPI data on a much more extensive basis, as the KHSAA office maintains the district standings, and the fact that football is divided into classes, there are additional clarifications and operations in football that are not necessary for other sports, as follows:

  • A team is eligible to play 10 contests during the 11-week season.
  • All games played, including forfeits, count as normal with RPI.
  • A seeded district game unable to be played without forfeit attribution will be decided by comparative RPI following the last regular-season game.
  • Any calculation involving an out-of-state team will be assigned a .51060 winning percentage, which is the average value of opponents’ opponents’ winning […]

    More

09/07/22 – Initial RPI Rankings, Stat Leader Reports Released for Volleyball, Soccer, Field Hockey; Stat Leader Reports Released for Football

2022-2023 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 7, 2022

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) rankings and the initial statistical leader reports for the 2022 volleyball, soccer and field hockey seasons, as well as the initial statistical leader reports for the 2022 football season, have been posted at KHSAA.org.

As detailed to school administrators during recently concluded regional meetings, the first official football RPI rankings will be released at the start of week 6.

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 locally increase publicity, interest and promotion. The RPI is also to be used as a tiebreaking/contest result mechanism to decide seeded district games not played by the deadline. RPI rankings are updated on an hourly basis but are not calculated for teams with missing scores.

RPI measures […]

More

08/08/22 – NFHS Part 2 Exams for Licensed Officials in FH, FB, SO & Now Available

Field Hockey Blog Updates

NFHS Part 2 exams for licensed officials in the sports of Field Hockey, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball are now available online.

The Part 2 Exams will be open until 11:59 p.m. (ET) based on the following schedules.
Soccer – Monday, September 26
Field Hockey – Monday, October 3
Volleyball – Monday, October 10
Football – Monday, October 24

There are no extensions or opportunities to pay a late fee and complete the exam outside of the window listed above. 

Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the exam.  A minimum of 35 correct answers out of 50 is required to be considered passing.  The exam is also used for advancement in levels of officiating.  First-year officials are not required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed the licensing requirements, the test may be taken.

Any official […]

More

08/03/22- Football Clinic Availability Reminder for Officials and Coaches

Football Blog Updates

Though the clinic has been online for access since July 27, the mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Football is officially available today, August 3.  The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity and freshman) whether or not the coach receives pay. Those that took the clinic before August 3 have already received credit for completion.

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

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

OFFICIALS (Football)

  • July 27 to September 22 (Officials) – the clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
  • September 23 to October 7 (Officials) – the clinic will be online only and […]

    More

07/25/22- Reminders About Realignment/Reclassification Processes for 2023-24 and beyond (FB, TR, XC)

2022-2023 News Releases

As discussed at the 7/22/22 Board of Control meeting, the process for realignment in the classified sports remains unchanged from various updates since 2021. The new alignments will be completed during the 2022-23 school year, to be implemented for 2023-24 and beyond.

Enrollment

The KHSAA receives from KDE electronically, the by-grade membership numbers of all common schools. These numbers are submitted as part of the “second-month” report, and these numbers are subject to audit for accuracy. These numbers are usually received in the last part of October or the first part of November.

During the pandemic, there has been no collection of this data by KDE for 2020-21 or 2021-22 as the districts were permitted to use 2018-19 or 2019-20 numbers for that key report which forms part of the ADA equation and is considered by KDE to be the most accurate. The same data (second month) is collected from all other schools.

The Board […]

More

07/10/22- Reminders about Playoff Bracketing

Football Blog Updates

As practice and play begins for 2022, these reminders about the construction of the playoffs for 2022 and beyond. These may of course be altered in future years, however, schools will be notified if changes are made.

Playoff Games – Dates, Sites, Times
Dates

  • Playoff competition is scheduled to begin on the weekend of November 3, 4 and 5.

Times

  • All playoff contests shall be held on Friday at 7 p.m. unless there exists a mutual agreement between the schools to hold the game on another day due to field conditions or availability, availability of officials, or with the mutual agreement of the competing teams.
  • In the case of multiple consecutive games, games are to be scheduled with not less than three hours between starting times.

Brackets

  • A complete bracket of each Class is regularly updated and posted on the KHSAA website.
  • The parameters for developing the playoff brackets are […]

    More

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

2021-2022 News Releases

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 […]

More

04/11/22 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Fall Sports

2021-2022 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 11, 2022

 

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 Officials of the Year for the fall 2021 season are Deborah Hartlage for field hockey, Toby Durham for football, Gustavo Turmero for soccer and Jennifer Craven for volleyball. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the […]

More

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 […]

More

02/18/22- Football First 2 Rounds of Playoffs, Glove Reminder, Rules Changes

Athletic Department Blog Updates

At its regular meeting this week, the Board of Control approved a recommended change in first and second-round playoff bracketing. This change will revise the originally planned start date for adjacent district pairings in those rounds from 2023 to 2022. The recommendation and approval were based on gathering data when 207 or the 222 football schools responded to a recent survey. In that survey, 2/3 of the Bylaw 1 Designated Representatives favored implementing the previously approved change in 2022 vs. waiting until 2023. Thanks to the coaches and administrators who responded to resolve this lingering issue. A summary of the Board meeting is online at https://khsaa.org/02-18-22-football-first-2-rounds-of-playoffs-glove-reminder-rules-changes/

Secondly, the NFHS recently announced its rule changes for 2022, including a couple of potentially significant ones. Following several years of debate, the NFHS Football Rules Committee approved allowing an additional exception to intentional grounding in certain conditions. This change will allow to team to “trade” a down […]

More

02/17/22- Revised Intentional Grounding, Chop Block Rules Headline 2022 High School Football Rules Changes

2021-2022 News Releases

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 17, 2022) – A new rules exception that allows a passer to intentionally throw an incomplete forward pass for the purpose of conserving yardage, and the redefining of the term “chop block” – both of which are intended to minimize risk of injury – are the two most notable rules changes coming to high school football for the 2022 season.

These changes stand out among the seven total recommendations brought forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee, which held its annual rules meeting January 23-25 at the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors subsequently approved all seven of the committee’s suggestions.

“With this year’s rules changes, the committee once again showed its focus on minimizing risk in high school football,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS Director of Sports and Sports Medicine and liaison to the NFHS […]

More

02/17/22 – Board of Control approves football bracketing adjustments, new President-elect; Reviews potential amendments to Bylaws

2021-2022 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 17, 2022

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year this week at the KHSAA Office, approving adjustments to football bracketing and selecting its 2022-23 President-elect.

The Board reviewed feedback from designated representatives of the football-playing schools regarding playoff bracketing for the first two rounds after months of review on the topic.

“Almost two-thirds of our football school representatives were in favor of playing outside of the district in those early rounds,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Clearly with such a limited schedule of 10 games, there is strong desire to play teams other than their in-district opponents in those early rounds regardless of travel logistics.”

The Board accepted the results of the survey in which over 93% of the football schools submitted a response and more than two-thirds of responders preferred an immediate adjustment to the bracketing for […]

More

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

2021-2022 News Releases

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 […]

More

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

2021-2022 News Releases

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 […]

More

12/08/21- Spring Practice Reminder Before 12/15/21

Football Blog Updates

Schools are reminded to submit spring practice dates prior to December 15 per Bylaw 23. Failure to submit those dates prior to that date will result in the school NOT being permitted to conduct practice sessions with equipment being worn.

If you have questions about whether or not your dates have been submitted, see the information at https://khsaa.org/12-7-21-spring-practice-dates-for-football-schools-for-2021-2022/

If you have questions about the required structure of the dates, see the information at https://khsaa.org/11-24-21-football-schools-reminded-to-submit-spring-practice-date-options/

If you have not submitted and need to submit your dates, submit them using the online form at https://khsaa.org/fb103-spring-practice-dates-designation/. No other method of date submission will be accepted.

– KHSAA –

About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage high school athletics in the Commonwealth. The Association is a voluntary nonprofit 501(c)3 organization made […]

More

12/07/21-Spring Practice Dates for Football Schools for 2021-2022

Football Blog Updates

More

12/01/21 – 2021 UK Orthopaedics State Football Finals Begin Friday at Kroger Field

2021-2022 News Releases

For Immediate Release: December 1, 2021

The 2021 UK Orthopaedics State Football Finals begin Friday morning at 12 p.m. with the first of the weekend’s six championship games as Russellville (12-1) takes on Pikeville (13-2) in the 1A title bout at Kroger Field. Live webcasts of all six games will be available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network, with a free audio broadcast available at KHSAA.net. Tickets for the 2021 UK Orthopaedics State Football Finals are available online only and must be purchased in advance of the event at khsaatickets.org.

Friday’s schedule continues at 4 p.m. as Lexington Christian (14-0) faces Beechwood (14-0) in the 2A Championship, followed by Boyle County (13-1) versus Johnson Central (12-2) in the 4A Championship at 8 p.m. Saturday’s slate gets underway at 12 p.m. with Belfry (8-6) squaring off against Paducah Tilghman (8-6) in the 3A title game, followed by South Warren (13-1) versus […]

More

2021 Football Championship Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2021 Team Benches, Lockers, Seating

Football Blog Updates

More

11/24/21- Football Schools Reminded to Submit Spring Practice Date Options

Football Blog Updates

Per KHSAA Bylaw 23, each school must submit its spring practice dates on or before December 15, 2021, for the spring, 2022 spring practice period. Failure to submit these dates by December 15, per the Bylaw, results in the school not being permitted to conduct spring practice. 

Once submitted, these dates cannot be changed without the request of the member school Principal, and only then, to a period starting with the Monday following the last date of the originally adopted Spring Break for the school. There will be NO extensions due to coaching vacancies, etc. THE SETTING OF THESE DATES IS A FUNCTION OF SCHOOL CALENDAR AND NOT PERSONNEL.

Go to this link —
http://khsaa.org/fb103-spring-practice-dates-designation/ and submit your dates for 2022 on or before December 15, 2021.

The Spring Practice regulations are reprinted below–

Each football school may conduct ten (10) spring practice periods of not more than two (2) hours in length and […]

More

11/22/21- Information to Order Football Finals Tickets

Football Blog Updates

It is again time for us to turn on orders for the 2021 UK Orthopaedics State Football Finals. Here are some notes about this year’s finals and ticket sales:

    • The games will be played at Kroger Field at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
    • Advance ticket purchases INCLUDE parking charges. There will be no additional parking charge for those holding a pre-purchased ticket as any price is included in the ticket fee.
    • All ticketing is digital-only through GoFan, the official ticket system for the KHSAA.
    • There will be no walk-up cash option for purchasing tickets, the event is digital only!
    • The schedule for this year’s event has games scheduled as follows (All times Eastern):
      • Friday, December 3rd – 1A – 12 PM, 2A – 4 PM, 4A – 8 PM
      • Saturday, December 4th – 3A – 12 PM, 5A – 4 PM, 6A – 8 PM
    • Tickets […]

      More

2021 Football Fourth Round Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2021 Football Third Round Football Pairings

Football Blog Updates

More

2021 RPI Running Bracket Helper – Rounds 3/4

Football Blog Updates

Updated 11/12/21

>

More

2021 Championship Timetable

Football Blog Updates

More

10/22/21- FB Update and Playoff Information

Football Blog Updates

Just a quick reminder on a couple of key items as we wind down the regular season.

FIRST-ROUND SCHEDULING AND OFFICIALS

Right now, it looks like we will have 94 first-round playoff games. Even with only five-person officiating crews, it is possible our assigners will have difficulty staffing 94 crews if every one of you insists on playing Friday night.

Please as you consider your game schedules, consider a game date of Thursday or Saturday for at least that first week, particularly if your matchup needs a seven-person crew. We would hate to be in a position of moving those games from this office and feel that you are each aware of the shortage situation going on at this time and can make accommodations due to the situation.

We had a meeting this week with our assigners and to a person, they are trying to limp into the postseason with very short staffing situations. They […]

More

2021 Football Bracket Builder

Football Blog Updates

Updated after October 29 games.
OFFICIAL

More

10/30/21- 2021 Final Adjusted Standings (after tie-breakers)

Athletic Department Blog Updates

More

Tie-Breaking Game Results-Non-Played 2021 District Football Contests Due to COVID

Football Blog Updates

To be Updated after October 22 games.
UNOFFICIAL UNTIL ALL REGULAR SEASON GAMES ARE COMPLETED

More

2021 Football District Three-Way and Two-Way Ties

Football Blog Updates

Updated after October 29 games.
FINAL AS OF 10 A.M. 10/20/21

More

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

2021-2022 News Releases

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 […]

More

10/01/21- Football Nominations Sought For Midway Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards

Football Blog Updates

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Football participants for 2021-2022. Midway University previously expanded its partnership to include both male and female nominations.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2021-2022 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-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and current plans call for the winners to be recognized at an awards banquet at Midway University in early summer 2022. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2021-2022 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete-of-the-Year and announced at the banquet. All […]

More

09/20/21 – Initial RPI Rankings Released for Football

2021-2022 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2021

The first official KHSAA Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) standings for the 2021 football season have been posted at KHSAA.org for all classes.

Due to the limited number of contests for football compared to the other sports and the application of RPI data on a much more extensive basis, as the office maintains the district standings, there are additional clarifications and operations in football that are not necessary for other sports, as follows:

  • At the end of the season, each school will have eleven RPI observations. 
    • With an eleven (11) slot grid, the number of games being considered (and for team record) will be 11 times 11 times 11, or a total of 1,331 games and records. This lessens the overall impact of a specific single game in the OWP and OOWP columns, particularly over the course of the season, and ensures competitive comparative equity while still affording […]

      More

09/01/21 – Stat Leader Reports for Field Hockey, Football, Soccer and Volleyball Now Available

2021-2022 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 1, 2021

The first statistical leader reports of the season for field hockey, football, boys’ and girls’ soccer and volleyball are available to view at KHSAA.org. The reports include all teams missing stats for no more than two games (one in football) and will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m. ET.

All sports available on the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard have the ability for member schools to add statistics. Volleyball rounded out the group when its stat entry interface debuted in 2019.

Statistical entry has multiple benefits, including giving member schools an avenue to highlight and promote the accomplishments of their student-athletes, which should be a goal for all involved in school-based sports.

The reports are also a valuable tool for local, statewide and national media to report on the outstanding talent found throughout the state of Kentucky.

Given its importance, statistical entry is required of all member schools. Those failing […]

More

08/09/21 – NFHS Officials Part 2 Exam Now Online for FB, FH, SO & VB

Field Hockey Blog Updates

Please note that the NFHS Part 2 exams for licensed officials in the sports of Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball are now available online. The Part 2 exams, required for postseason eligibility consideration, will be open until Monday, August 23 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).  

The tests will automatically close on Aug. 23 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 taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be […]

More

08/04/21- Football Online Rules Clinic Now Available

Football Blog Updates

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Football is available beginning today, August 4. 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

  • August 4 to September 27 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
    September 28 to October 24 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
    October 25 to Oct. 1 (Officials) – the Football 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 will apply.

COACHES

  • August 4 to September 27 – the Football Clinic will be online only and […]

    More

06/23/21 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Fall Sports

2020-2021 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 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 fall season are Jamie Gatewood for field hockey, Michael Samaan for soccer, Jim Nunley for volleyball and Burney Jenkins for football. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the […]

More

06/22/21 – Seven Former Standout High School Athletes Headline 2021 Class of National High School Hall of Fame

2020-2021 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2021

Former Leslie County High School standout Tim Couch will become the 10th individual from Kentucky to be inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame next week in Orlando, Fla. The induction ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. EST on July 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, and will be streamed live on the NFHS Network at: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/nfhs/evtfb1ffdd8eb

Couch will become just the fourth athlete from Kentucky, and the first overall individual honoree since 2013, when he is inducted on July 1st. The NFHS will conduct a press conference with the hall of fame class at 12 p.m. on the day of the banquet that will also be streamed on the NFHS Network.

Kentucky in the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame
Athlete – Cliff Hagan (Owensboro) 1988; Paul Hornung (Flaget) 1989; […]

More

« Previous Posts

icon-angle icon-bars icon-times