Football
08/05/13 – Reminder about Accurate Football Schedules
Many schools have not yet verified the accuracy of their football schedule. Please be sure your schedule online is accurate and complete. The following table shows game totals for this current season. Double check your school game count and login to http://schools.khsaa.org if you need to make any changes.
School
Games Playing
Adair County
10
Allen Central
10
Allen County-Scottsville
10
Anderson County
10
Apollo
10
Ashland Blazer
10
Atherton
10
Ballard
10
Ballard Memorial
10
Bardstown
10
Barren County
10
Bath County
10
Beechwood
8
Belfry
10
Bell County
10
Bellevue
10
Berea
9
Bethlehem
10
Betsy Layne
10
Bishop Brossart
10
Boone County
10
Bourbon County
10
Bowling Green
10
Boyd County
8
Boyle County
10
Bracken County
10
Breathitt County
10
Breckinridge County
10
Bryan Station
10
Bullitt Central
10
Bullitt East
10
Butler
10
Butler County
10
Caldwell County
10
Calloway County
10
Campbell County
10
Campbellsville
10
Carroll […]
07/23/13 – New Track/XC Alignment Approved; Football Draft Alignments; Tackett Receives New 4-Year Contract
New Track/XC Alignment Approved; Football Draft Alignments To Begin; Commissioner Receives Extremely Favorable Evaluation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 23, 2013
The Board of Control conducted its July meeting on Monday at the Bank of Kentucky Center on the campus of Northern Kentucky University. Among the various topics addressed was the finalizing of a new alignment for Track and Field/Cross Country for the upcoming 2013-14 season.
Following months of review, a survey of the member schools, and consideration of all of the suggested amendments, the Board of Control adopted a revised alignment for Track & Field/Cross Country to take effect for postseason competition in the fall of 2013. Originally, a draft alignment was developed which would have minimized differences in enrollment between the largest and smallest schools in Class 1A and Class 3A. However, the feedback from the membership was more favorable to the current system […]
07/23/13 – Football Playoff Survey Released, Board approves Results
At its July 22nd meeting, the KHSAA Board of Control received results from the latest playoff format survey completed by the membership. The survey was performed as the first step in beginning the process of aligning football for the 2015 through 2018 playing seasons. 210 of the 220 football playing schools responded, with 118 members (56.2%) favoring retaining the current format of bringing 4 teams from each district to the playoffs, 39 favoring bringing only three teams, and 53 favoring bringing only two teams from each district. The Commissioner applauded the membership for the outstanding rate of response.
This data will allow for the initial development of alignment drafts. The efforts will continue with more discussion at the November meeting of the Board of Control regarding an exact combination of enrollment data to be used and further discussion of the options in class 1A, where the schools were nearly evenly divided on a playoff format. […]
07/22/13 – Reminder about Adding Shoulder Pads to Helmet as allowable gear for Football
Case BL-23-19- When does contact football practice begin?
The first date of contact practice is based on the first full day of classes for the student body in each school. Contact practice begins seven days prior to the first official day (which is the first day prior to students). The following is the calendar for the next two years. The shoulder pad column is the date with shoulder pads can be added to helmet IF the weekend days are not used for any type of practice. Be mindful that if non-contact simulations are held (i.e. 7/24 in 2013), then no practice can be held. As an example, in 2013, if the first full pad practice is July 29, but the school chooses to practice on 7/27 (any type of practice), then the shoulder pads couldn’t be worn until 7/25.
2013
First day of School for the student body
First practice in full pads
Shoulder […]
07/17/2013 – NOCSAE Releases Additional Statement on Helmet Shell Attachments
7-16-2013 – NOCSAE STATEMENT DETERMINES THAT HELMETS MAY NOT HAVE AFTER MARKET ATTACHMENTS
(THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY COMMUNICATION FROM NOCSAE, AUGUST 2013, see http://khsaa.org/082713-nocsae-position-revised-again-helmet-attachments-clarification-for-coaches-and-officials/)
Based on a statement issued July 16, 2013 by NOCSAE, helmets with after market attachments may not be worn by KHSAA football competitors. This is not a KHSAA prohibition, but rather the result of information received from NOCSAE. Based on this information, the helmets do not meet the requirements under NFHS playing rules that the helmets be current with NOCSAE certification, and therefore, by playing rule, the helmet with such attachments is not legal per NFHS rule 1-5-3c9.
The full statement from NOCSAE stated – “NOCSAE helmet standards are specific to models which are identical in all aspects, except as to size. The testing required to support the certification is also specific to the model being certified. NOCSAE standards require that any change in […]
The Value of Football
THE VALUE OF FOOTBALL
Sports are a vital, cultural expression of America. Sports express the American way of life along with the right to vote, the freedom of speech, and the freedom to choose schools and churches. Participation is neither compulsory nor manda – tory and is not a graduation requirement. Sports do mirror the true character of America and they are filled with vitality, ideals and opportunity. Sports at the high school level have the greatest impact. Football alone attracts more than one million participants.
Traditionally, football has played a prominent part in high school athletic programs because it provides many experiences which contribute to better citizenship and to the development of desirable character and personality traits. Participation in practice and games provides players with the opportunity to learn how to cooperate and to sacrifice individual selfish interests for the good of the team. Through football, participants learn to cooperate as members of a […]
Current Alignment – Football – 2011-2014
APPROVED 2011-14 KHSAA FOOTBALL ALIGNMENT (updated July, 2012)
CLASS 1A
District 1 – Fulton City, Fulton County, Mayfield, Russellville
District 2 – Bethlehem, Caverna, Holy Cross (Louisville), Kentucky Country Day
District 3 – Bracken County, Eminence, Frankfort, Paris
District 4 – Beechwood, Bellevue, Dayton, Ludlow
District 5 – Berea, Campbellsville, Lynn Camp, Williamsburg
District 6 – Harlan, Hazard, Jenkins, Pineville
District 7 – Fairview, Nicholas County, Paintsville, Raceland
District 8 – Allen Central, Phelps, Pikeville, South Floyd
CLASS 2A
District 1 – Ballard Memorial, Caldwell County, Crittenden County, Murray
District 2 – Butler County, Hancock County, McLean County, Owensboro Catholic, Todd County Central, Union County
District 3 – Clinton County, Glasgow, Green County, Metcalfe County
District 4 – Bardstown, Christian Academy-Louisville, DeSales, Fort Knox, Shawnee, Thomas Nelson, Washington County
District 5 – Carroll County, Gallatin County, Owen County, Trimble County, Walton-Verona
District 6 – Bishop Brossart, Holy Cross (Covington), Lloyd Memorial, Newport, Newport Central Catholic
[…]
03/25/2013 – NAERA Statement on Helmets with After-Market Enhancements
STATEMENT FROM NAERA – 3/25/2013 –
The NFHS has been provided with a copy of a newly enacted policy by NEARA pertaining to after-market football helmet attachments. Under the policy, reconditioners would remove such attachments and either return them to the submitting high schools or destroy them, at the schools’ direction. The complete release is located at /football/naerapressreleasemarchregardingaftermarkethelmetattachments.pdf. Please note that if these devices are attached to a helmet submitted for recertification, the devices will be removed. If they (or replacement devices) are re-attached, the warranty / guarantee for the helmet recertification would be voided.
Coaches should also note that due to these after-market enhancements voiding any warranty and recertification, they cannot be worn in competition.
Contact your helmet manufacturer with questions.
Running Clock Provisions – KHSAA Football (all high school levels of play)
RUNNING CLOCK PROVISIONS
This point differential applies to all football contests. The National Federation’s Football Rules Committee has a provision in the playing rules that permits state associations to adopt a “running clock” when a point differential is attained. This provision is in place for all football-playing schools for all levels in Kentucky:
Any time the score differential reaches thirty-five (35) points or more, the following changes will be made regarding rules determining when the clock will be stopped and/or started. In addition, in keeping with the rules that allow for mutual agreement between coaches for period shortening, the running clock may be implemented at any time by mutual agreement of the coaches. Coaches’ choice may not supersede the automatic provisions with a 35-point differential.
1. Once the running clock provisions are implemented, the clock shall continue to run from the point that the differential occurs (without regard to a later return to less […]
02/23/13 – 2013 Spring Football Practice Schedules Released
As posted by the member schools, the 2013 Spring Practice dates have been posted online. Member schools failing to report the dates through the Principal or Athletic Director are not permitted to conduct spring practice. The compiled list can be found at /football/2012/springpracticesubmissionsforspring2013.htm
02/01/13 – Long Range Schedule – Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl
SCHEDULE OF RUSSELL ATHLETIC/KHSAA COMMONWEALTH GRIDIRON BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL FINAL GAMES
F, 11:00
F, 3:00
F, 7:00
S, 11:00
S, 3:00
S, 7:00
2014
3
2
5
1
4
6
2013
1
3
6
2
4
5
2012
1
3
4
2
5
6
2011
1
2
6
3
4
5
2010
1
2
4
3
5
6
2009
4
2
5
3
1
6
2008
1
3
5
2
4
6
2007
1
3
5
2
4
6
12/21/2012 – Reminders about what football gear/equipment can be worn throughout the year
Based on annual inquiries, the following is a reminder to all schools from the Handbook about the wearing of gear for football workouts/practice throughout the year.
What equipment can be worn, what activities can occur, and what restrictions are in place for football practice and the wearing of football gear? The following are the allowances and timelines for the wearing of pads and the conducting of practice based on specific time of the year:
(1) From the team’s elimination from postseason play through the end of the school year with the exception of the official spring practice period, the following stipulations are in place.
a. No football gear, including the helmet, can be worn. This does not preclude the issuance of protective gear to individual athletes for specific singular activities such as an all-star contest or to attend a skills combine; and
b. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this period.
(2) During […]
11/26/12 – Fans Invited to Participate in Russell Athletic Football Challenge!
Fans of the participating teams are invited to participate in the first Russell Athletic Football Challenge in conjunction with the 2012 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl. Fan voting will take place all week of the finals, with the school garnering the most votes having a fan selected to participate in an on field promotion. Full details on the KHSAA football page by clicking on this link and then participating in the poll! Good luck to all.
11/04/12 – Results of 2011-2012 Football Playoff Format Survey of Member Schools
In light of seemingly endless discussion about possible alternative formats for the football playoffs, it seems prudent to be sure the public is reminded of the results of a 2011-2012 survey of the membership regarding this issue. Clearly the consensus is that there is not consensus. Unfortunately, each respondent tends to look at the issue from the lens of their own situation. This data will continue to be reviewed, and alternatives will always be on the table for discussion. In the same way that what was right in 1985 is not likely right today, today’s system may not be the best for tomorrow.
The results are as follows:
Overall Compiled Results and Totals
Detailed School by School Responses
08/02/12- Reminder about Schedule for 2012 Russell Athletic/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl
At its April, 2012 meeting, the Board of Control confirmed the schedule for the six 2012 football championship games.
On Friday, November 30, the championships for Classes 1A, 3A and 4A will take place, at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
Classes 2A, 5A and 6A will determine its champions on Saturday, December 1 , at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
All games will take place at Houchens-L.T. Smith Stadium on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.
Past Football Playoff Financial Reports
Football Playoff Financial Reports (2010 to present, if and only if, filed by the managers)
10/03/12 – Reminder about Football Ticket Sales
Seems like only yesterday that school began and yet it is time for us to take orders for advance tickets to this year’s Russell Athletic/KHSAA State Football Finals. We hope we can count on your continued support. Here are some notes about this year’s finals.
- The games will be played on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 at Feix Field, Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.
- Game times will be 11:00 (1A), 3:00 (3A) and 7:00 (4A) on Friday, and will be 11:00 (2A), 3:00 (5A) and 7:00 (6A) on Saturday. All times are Central Time.
- Both the club level and VIP chairback will have access to the indoor area between and during the games for those that desire to be in there, but seating is limited. Ticketing in the club level sold out quickly last year.
- We will continue to have a limited […]
10/22/12 – 6A Bracketing Reminder
6A is the class that has a rotating cross-bracket chart listed in the Competition Rules (numbered page 16 of http://khsaa.org/handbook/competitionrules/fbcompetitionrules.pdf). District 2 was originally assigned only three teams to the district, and lost one of them (Nelson County) through a school split beginning this year.
In addition, be mindful that District 6 was permitted to have its 5th place team automatically become the 4th seed in District 2 for the playoff pairings purposes. This assurance that the 5th place team would always face a 1st place team was key in the approval of the experimental bracketing to prevent a team from District 6 from being sent to a geographically isolated part of the state for playoffs.
Districts 2 and 3 are paired for the playoffs this year. So the fifth place team in District 6 will be the fourth place team in District 2 for playoff purposes. Part of this issue is resolved for […]
09/07/12 – Reminder about Weather Interrupted Football Games
Based on the number of inquiries in the last few hours, it seems prudent to remind schools and officials about the required procedures involving interrupted football games.
Basically, there is no such thing as a no contest. Regardless of how long or short games go due to inclement weather, it cannot be treated as though it never happened. Once it starts, it starts.
Two valuable resources are laid out in the KHSAA policies. First, if you look at the Officials Guidebook, it clearly talks about the officials authority NOT being absolute on whether or not we resume. It says:
SEVERE WEATHER / HEAT ILLNESS POLICY FOR ACTIONS BY OFFICIALS AT OUTDOOR SPORTS
The Referee (Lead Official / Crew Chief) shall stop play in a contest or scrimmage at the first sound of lightning or thunder at the site. The playing site shall be cleared immediately of all persons. The contest or scrimmage may be resumed […]
08/15/12 – Reminder about Rosters and Stats
Now that contests have been completed and individual statistics can be entered, there are steps to be taken to open and initialize rosters. This step was clearly detailed in the August 7 blog entry available at http://khsaa.org/87-2012-2013-rosters-available-to-be-opened-and-edited/. Your AD will need to follow these steps prior to the entry of new players or editing of the current roster. All of this has to be done before stats can be entered on a game-by-game basis.
The first week of volleyball statistics will be published on Thursday, Aug. 23.
The first week of soccer statistics will be published on Thursday, Aug. 30
The first week of football statistics will be published on Thursday, Sept. 6
07/31/12 – Reminder about Nelson County, Thomas Nelson Placement
In the spring, I reported to you on the action taken relative to the split of Nelson County High School into two different schools (Nelson County and Thomas Nelson) relative to the football alignment.Nothing has changed since that notice, and neither school was part of the issues related to the required second year review that the Board of Control did at its July meeting. However, even though nothing has changed, I wanted to be sure with all of the turnover in administrators and coaches, that all were aware of the situation.
Nelson County High School – WILL be in District 4 of Class 4A along with Doss, Fairdale, Moore, Valley and Western. For 2012 only, there was a draw done to determine which existing Nelson County games would count as district […]
07/27/12 – Changes to Football Alignment Approved
Previously, football schools were sent information to withhold scheduling until after the Board of Control completed its required review of the current football alignment. Following their meeting on Monday, July 23, the following changes and alignment adjustments were approved:
07/27/12 – Reminders about Rules Clinics, Apps available, General Practice
Good morning. Hope all of you are doing everything you can to avoid the heat and are 100% complying with the Heat Index monitoring and reporting programs. For many of you, these days begin the new days with shoulder pads and helmets only, so reminders about heat are very important. Just a few general notes.
Practice Before Scrimmage
Many of you have very tight windows of preseason practice with the new revisions to the 5-3-5 requirements. I have had several inquiries about that 13th day and a scrimmage. Some have said they have 5 days helmets only, then 3 days with shoulder pads, then five days in full gear and on that 5th day, have a scrimmage. Keep in mind that because that fifth practice is full gear, you would need the full three hour break after the first practice, before scrimmaging could begin against an outside opponent. So it would likely not be possible […]
07/26/12 – Officials Manual Notes
Greetings to all. Hopefully you are all inside, out of the heat, but excited and getting ready for the 2012 season. Just a few mechanics notes.
Frankly, its been a little disappointing the last couple of years to watch our crews at the finals, not in terms of their judgement, but with mechanics inconsistencies. So, once again this year we have supplied all officials with the NFHS Officials Manual. Other than a VERY FEW deviations, that I will spell out below, there is to be no deviation. No matter how much pressure you get from veteran officials, particularly those that work other levels of football, these mechanics are to be used. You will hear more about it at the Rules Clinics when you watch them online, but until then, here’s a few highlights.
There have been LOTS of changes in the Manual. Many of the things that we were doing when we published our own […]
07/23/12 – 2012 Football Pre-season Equipment Reminders
THE INFORMATION IN THIS POST HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY ACTION OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SCHOOLS AND CLARIFYING INTERPRETATIONS BY THE COMMISSIONER AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED REGULATORY IN NATURE
As summer workouts draw to a close, and practice begins this week (or early next for most schools), a few reminders seem to be in order. First and foremost, if you have questions, contact Mr. Tackett at the office, although if you read this notice COMPLETELY, most of your questions will be addressed. Mr. Tackett’s email is jtackett@khsaa.org.
Secondly, peer coaches are likely the last and least desirable source for information and practicing in violation of the rules places you in a tremendously negative liability situation and it is NOT better to seek forgiveness than permission.
Nothing about what will be written here hasn’t been shared, in emails, meetings and conferences, but this will perhaps be the first time it has all been consolidated into […]
07/15/12 – Reminder about Case BL-25-14 (Open Gym/Field), Out of Season Restrictions
Case BL-25-14- What are the restrictions during the school year outside of the defined Limitation of Seasons (off-season) when the school’s team members are participants or school coaches are involved?
Coaching is defined as any activity by the coach at a time the athletes are participating in skills (either preparatory or specific to that sport) in a setting in which skills are taught, refined, or practiced. Coincident participation by a coach and an athlete in a sport such as a golf outing, where the coach and athlete(s) are not entered as a entry or group, or in an activity such as distance running with many runners but no direct coaching, would not specifically be considered coaching.
The “off-season” is the period during the school year for each sport or sport/activity that is outside the defined start and end dates for the sport or sport/activity as detailed in Bylaw 25. The restrictions begin on the first […]
General and Regular Season Football Information
2025-2026 Season Information Football General Football Information 2025 and 2026 Alignment Period General Football Information06/28/12 – NFHS Announces 2012 Football Playing Rule Changes
NFHS Announces 2012 Football Playing Rule Changes, Most dealing with risk minimization including removal of a player for the helmet coming off
Playoff Information / Instructions (Rounds 1-4)
2025-2026 Football Playoff Round 1-4 Information 2025-2026 Football Playoff Round 1-4 Results Football Playoff Round 1-4 InformationUK HealthCare Sports Medicine State Football Finals Information and Instructions
2025-2026 UK Healthcare State Football Finals Information 2025-2026 State Playoff Information Football Playoff Information Forms for State FinalsPast Football Staff Blogs/News
Archive of Past Staff BlogsFootball Records
Football RecordsFootball Forms
Football Forms05/01/12 – Reminder about 2013 and 2014 scheduling
Just a reminder to all football schools.
Have received four or five phone calls this week about scheduling for future years. Keep in mind the complete tournament and alignment rules are at http://www.khsaa.org/handbook/tournamentrules/fbtournamentrules.pdf on the KHSAA web site.
While it may seem advantageous to jump up and start scheduling for 2013, you are doing so at your own risk. As soon as second month enrollment numbers are received for the 2012-2013 school year for our new schools or those tremendously impacted by recent consolidations (Nelson County, Thomas Nelson, South Warren, Greenwood, Warren Central, Shelby County and Collins), we will be able to more accurately tell schools if anyone will be adjusting classes for 2013 based on enrollment. So there is a real possibility that at least one school will have to adjusting, just based simply on the law of averages.
Please understand if you sign contracts now, you will be liable for any contract […]
04/27/12 – 2012 Playing Rule Changes – Part 1 of several – Field markings
First thing I want to talk about with this year’s rule changes (2012) is the change in restrictions on what can go on a field. In a time when our schools are struggling to find the resources to manage their athletic programs, it seemed a bit outdated that we still prohibited logos on football fields. While I am a traditionalist at heart, I really don’t think the game is impacted by a few logos and marks on the field. So now, our schools are allowed to have corporate logos and other marks on their field. The only restriction is that these CANNOT block or cover up the required marks every five yards, as well as the nine yards marks, etc. This should allow our schools to have some source of revenue generated by the markings and still not impact the management of the game..
04/27/12 – 2012 Football Intro
OK, I hate to admit it. And most will deny it to be able to be true. I have always considered myself a fairly prolific talker, and probably a bit wordy in writing. So its interesting that Football, still my sport, is the one lagging behind in blog entries. Going to try and remedy that in the coming days with some important updates for football coaches, officials and fans.
Let me know if there is a subject you want to see as a blog topic by sending me a quick email to jtackett@khsaa.org
As time permits, I will try and answer your questions and perhaps, even expound a little (OK, the staff here would call it pontificate a little, about your subject.
Thanks!
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