Kentucky High School Athletic Association

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Due to the cancellation of spring sports at high schools across the country, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will not be publishing new rules (both print and digital) for 2021 in the sports of baseball, softball, track and field, girls lacrosse and boys lacrosse.

Because very few schools were able to compete in these sports prior to the March shutdown of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, competition in these sports in 2021 will be conducted under 2020 NFHS rules for baseball, softball, track and field, girls lacrosse and boys lacrosse.

“Since most schools were not able to practice or play a game in these sports, we thought it was best to carry the 2020 rules publications forward to next year,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “Our rules committees in these sports will conduct virtual meetings this summer but will not be approving any additional rules […]

05/18/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2020

Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to softball, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 693 licensed officials in softball, Ed Smith (Covington) and Nathan Hall (Pippa Passes) were chosen as finalists with Smith selected as the 2020 KHSAA Softball Official of the Year.

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

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation […]

04/29/20- Revised Covid-19 Policies and Guidance Issued, May 1 to May 31

THESE REVISIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY 1 to MAY 31.

THESE POLICIES WILL BE REVIEWED REGULARLY FOR EXTENSION AFTER THAT PERIOD OR REVISION DURING THAT PERIOD AS NECESSARY AS STATE, FEDERAL AND CDC POLICIES AND DIRECTIVES CHANGE

RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE CAMPUS OF ANY KHSAA MEMBER SCHOOL OR ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ANY MEMBER SCHOOL, OR ITEMS RELATED TO SPORT OR SPORT-ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION DURING THIS PERIOD-

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

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

04/21/20- Spring Sports Cancellation, Basketball Events Not To Be Resumed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2020

With the announcement yesterday of the recommended closure of all K-12 schools to in-person instruction throughout Kentucky for the remainder of the school year, the KHSAA Board of Control today approved the Commissioner’s recommendation and announcement by unanimous vote that the 2020 state basketball tournaments will not be resumed, while also approving the cancellation of all regular-season practices and contests as well as all postseason tournament championship events for all spring sports and sport-activities for the 2019-20 school year. This means the termination of the Archery, Bass Fishing, Esports, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, and Track & Field seasons. This will also result in the continuance of all provisions of the Coronavirus Dead Period provisions until further notice to the member schools from the Commissioner.

The KHSAA has worked closely and continuously with the Governor of our beloved Commonwealth, representatives of the Department of Public Health, Interim Commissioner Kevin Brown and […]

04/06/20 – Softball Nominations Sought for Female Midway Student-Athlete of the Year

While spring sports and sport-activities are currently suspended, Midway University is continuing with its recognition of the outstanding talents of student-athletes who participate in these programs. The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year among Softball participants for 2019-2020 is now open.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2019-2020 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.

The winner will be announced May 17 and will be recognized at a future function in coordination by Midway University. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2019-2020 Midway University/KHSAA Overall Student-Athlete of the Year and announced at the future […]

03/13/20- (revised 04/02/20 and 4/17/20)- Athletic Dead Period Instituted for Athletic Programs in All Sports and Sport-Activities Due to Covid-19

This information is in effect, as stated below, through April 30, 2020. Prior to that time, revised guidance and policy will be issued to be effective May 1 as we all collectively work to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus on our campuses and among our athletes and coaches. Updated 4/2/20 and 4/17/20 based on inquiries from member schools and revised orders from the Governor and CDC Guidance.

This impacts all KHSAA constituents and includes guidance from the Governor, Public Health Officials, the Kentucky Department of Education, and additional guidance from federal authorities. This original directive will continue to be updated regularly. This will be the sole site for information regarding interscholastic athletics in Kentucky involving rostered athletes or those that have participated in practices this year and coaches from KHSAA member schools, as well as the use of interscholastic facilities.

Effective Friday, March 13, all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to […]

03/30/20- Status of KHSAA Sponsored Events and Deadlines

Updated: 3/31/20, 8:00 a.m.

This information is solely a summary of KHSAA events. Other specific information concerning options including the required Coronavirus Shutdown Period is listed elsewhere on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/athletic-dead-period-instituted-for-athletic-programs-in-all-sports-and-sport-activities/. This list will be continually updated and potentially revised.

Tryout Period for Sport-Activities, including Cheer and Dance has been postponed. See the post at https://khsaa.org/03-19-20-spring-sport-activity-tryout-window-postponed-for-now/ for details.
All opportunities at KHSAA member schools and Kentucky middle schools for spring football practice have been eliminated for 2020. See the post at https://khsaa.org/spring-football-practice-eliminated-for-2020-for-high-and-middle-schools/ for details;
No final determination has been made regarding annual Title IX and roster reporting for 2019-20. Member schools will be updated if and when this is revised.
2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen (originally March 11-15) remains currently suspended. Will be continually reviewed as more data is available regarding school resumption or cessation, and activities being conducted in alignment with CDC and state and local […]
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03/23/20 – NFHS Part 2 Exam Now Online for Baseball & Softball Umpires

The NFHS Part 2 Tests for licensed officials in the sports of Baseball and Softball are now available online. Even during what we hope is a short time, while there are currently no games being played, officials may use this tool to increase their knowledge, brush up on the rules and situations or complete the exam to move to the various levels within the classification of officials.

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

The tests will be open until Monday, April 6 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test.

Thank you for being a licensed official and we appreciate your patience during such unprecedented times.

– KHSAA –

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage […]

03/16/20- Update on KHSAA Office Opening/Closing and Staff Availability

In partnership with our State Department of Education, the Governor’s office, our member schools, the NFHS and similar to many other state associations, KHSAA staff has been directed to work remotely from home until at least April 10 (revised 4/2/20). Administrators will available via email. Our hope is to return to the office for regular hours later in April, however, this is a very fluid situation and could change at any time. Updates will be posted online.

As of now and through at least May 1, all activity by rostered participants, coaches and those who have participated in at least one practice session for a middle or high school remain shut down as do all athletic facilities in control of our membership. As we all work together, everyone is hopeful to contain the spread of this virus. Staff will communicate any changes to future events through social media and the KHSAA website.

Closer to May […]

02/24/20 – Softball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The 2020 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Softball is now available. The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid or unpaid.

HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES

For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, log in to http://schools.khsaa.org and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link entitled “View Online Rules Clinics“.
February 24 – April 14 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.
April 15 – May 4 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.
May 5 – May 18 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will […]
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02/19/20 – Board of Control Votes to Keep Field Hockey as a KHSAA-Sanctioned Sport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2020

The Board of Control approved a motion during Wednesday’s meeting at the KHSAA Offices for the Association to continue offering Field Hockey as a sanctioned-sport. The vote followed a planned review and evaluation of the feasibility and growth of field hockey and preliminary discussion during the Board’s January meeting.

Included in the rationale for continuing to sanction field hockey were the facts that (1) there is no negative financial impact for the Association, and (2) the sport had been played for nearly 50 years when the KHSAA first adopted it as a sanctioned championship in 2014. In addition to continuing to sanction field hockey, the motion included a visible commitment from the Association to attempt to promote and monitor growth, and regular reporting to the Board, as well as an amendment to the sanctioning policy to be drafted to allow the Board to make an exception to its required […]

09/30/19 – Official KHSAA RPI Rankings Unveiled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2019

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

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

RPI Calculation Steps

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

RPI Background (all sports)

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2019

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

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

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

06/27/19 – New Definition for Damaged Bats Highlights High School Softball Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 27, 2019) —A new definition for a damaged bat is one of three high school softball rules changes for the 2020 season.

The three rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June 10-12 meeting in Indianapolis were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

A damaged bat will now be defined as a bat that was once legal, but is broken, cracked, dented, rattles or has sharp edges that might deface the ball (Rules 1-5-1, 7-4-2, 2-4-3).

Previously, a damaged bat was considered an illegal bat, with the penalty being an out when the batter entered the batter’s box. Now, damaged bats are simply removed from the game without penalty.

“This rule defines damaged bats and distinguishes them from non-approved and altered bats,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. “The committee […]

06/14/19 – State Softball Schedule Adjusted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2019

After nearly continuous consultation with a variety of media outlets and weather professionals, the KHSAA has revised the schedule for the final rounds of the State Softball Tournament.

The semifinals will be played Saturday starting at noon, with the finals scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday evening.

“We have talked to administrators at all eight schools this week to make them aware of the forecast and predictions we were hearing for the Lexington area for Saturday night and Sunday, along with the options we were considering,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The consensus of all the media weather professionals is that to play the finals on Sunday would very likely lead to weather delays and cancellations. The predicted inclement weather and rain, once it begins, is scheduled to be considerable for the better part of the next four days.

“In the interest of the student participants and their families and […]

06/10/19 – Final Logistics for 2019 KHSAA State Softball

Thanks for your great cooperation in getting final preparations set for the 2019 State Softball Tournament. While the weather didn’t cooperate with the original plan, we look forward to giving it another try this weekend!

The KHSAA wanted to publish updated details about the tournament, which is now scheduled to begin June 14th at 10:00 AM.

Game times for Friday, June 14th will not change with quarterfinal rounds scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at John Cropp Stadium at the University of Kentucky.
Due to scheduling conflicts in and around campus, the semifinal game times have been adjusted, with Semifinal #1 to begin at 1:00 PM and Semifinal #2 to begin at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 15th.
The Championship game is still slated for 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 16th.

An adjusted detailed time schedule is available on the KHSAA website.

A copy of these schedules […]

06/07/19 – KHSAA State Softball Postponed Till June 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2019

Due to this weekend’s long-range weather forecast in Lexington, the start of the 2019 KHSAA State Softball Tournament has been postponed to Friday, June 14. The quarterfinal games will be played in a continuous format on June 14 starting at 10 a.m. The order of games for the quarterfinals will remain the same and times for the other rounds will be finalized and assigned in the coming days.

“Though this was not an easy decision to make, it was one we reached after consulting with the University of Kentucky, our softball staff, and others in an effort to provide an optimal experience for the participants in the best interest of our member schools,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Postponing the games till next weekend will prevent our teams from having to wait out the weather on an hourly basis, while also incurring additional expenses through extended lodging and travel. […]

06/06/19 – Final Details for KHSAA State Softball Tournament

The KHSAA wanted to send some final reminders and clarifications about the 2019 KHSAA State Softball Tournament set to start this weekend.

SCHEDULE

A fully detailed planned time schedule has been developed for each game as was discussed in the team call. A copy of these schedules will be included in the team packets and are available by clicking the following link: Detailed Time Schedule

GAME REMINDERS

Teams are reminded that the team in the top half of the bracket will be the home team in all games and use the first base dugout.
The team in the bottom half of the bracket will be the visiting team in all games and use the third base dugout.
The home team will wear light colored jerseys and the visiting team will wear dark colored jerseys.
There is a restroom in each dugout and we have confirmed that they will be available for use […]
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06/04/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and KHSAA Softball State Tournaments Set For Lexington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2019

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

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

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

2019 State Softball Daily Schedule

2019 Softball Semi-State Managers

05/21/19 – Advance Tickets for Spring Championships Now Available

Advance tickets to the upcoming KHSAA Spring State Championships are now available for purchase at KHSAA.org. Purchasing tickets ahead of time online allows fans to avoid the lines and head straight into the venue to cheer on their team.

Tickets to the State Track & Field, Top Seed Tennis Club/KHSAA State Tennis, State Softball or Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament can be purchased online through the links below:

2019 KHSAA State Track & Field Championships
May 30 – June 1: UK Outdoor Track & Field Complex
https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA

2019 Top Seed Tennis Club/KHSAA State Tennis Championships
May 30 – June 1: Top Seed Tennis Club & UK Boone/Downing Tennis Center
https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA

2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament
June 5 – 8: Whitaker Bank Ballpark
https://khsaa.org/2019-whitaker-bankkhsaa-ticket-sales-information/

2019 KHSAA State Softball Tournament
June 7 – 9: John Cropp Stadium
https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA

-KHSAA-

The KHSAA staff […]

05/08/19 – Board Approves BA/FP Semi-State Sites, Adopts Spectator Conduct Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2019

The Board of Control conducted its final meeting of the 2018-19 academic year on Tuesday and Wednesday at the KHSAA Offices, approving sites for the upcoming baseball and softball semi-state games while also addressing a number of policy revisions.

Acting on a prior directive from the Board of Control, KHSAA staff has worked throughout the year to secure neutral venues for the baseball and softball semi-state rounds – with a preference given to collegiate sites if possible. The semi-state games will take place Saturday, June 1st, with the Board approving the following sites:

SOFTBALL
Semi-State 1 & 2 (Regions 2 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 3) – Western Kentucky University
Semi-State 3 & 4 (Regions 6 vs. 5 and 8 vs. 7) – University of Louisville
Semi-State 5 (Region 10 vs. 9) – Northern Kentucky University
Semi-State 6 & 7 (Regions 12 vs. 11 and 14 […]

04/22/19 – Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Baseball and KHSAA Softball State Tournament Draws Set for Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2019

The draws for the 2019 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball and KHSAA State Softball Tournaments will take place Tuesday, April 23 at 12 p.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.

The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament will be held June 5-8 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends, for the ninth-straight year. The tournament begins with quarterfinal action June 5-6, followed by the semifinals on Friday, June 7 and the championship game on Saturday, June 8.

The State Softball Tournament will take place June 7-9 at the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium, as the event transitions to a single-elimination format in 2019. The tournament begins with quarterfinal action on Friday, June 7th, followed by the semifinals on Saturday, June 8th and the championship game on Sunday, June 9th.

The Draw Show will be streamed live […]

04/18/19 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships (Archery, Bass Fishing, Tennis, Track & Field, Baseball and Softball) is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.

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

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. 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 […]

04/15/19 – Softball District/Region Instructions Available

CLICK HERE TO READ DISTRICT/REGION INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

Postseason instructions for the Softball District/Region Tournaments are now available on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link:

You can find additional information on the KHSAA website on the Softball page under “District Tournament Instructions and Information” and “Region Tournament Instructions and Information”, respectively.

Member schools and media members are reminded about the NFHS rule change for media areas:

NFHS Rule 1-1-7 states: “Media shall be prohibited from being in live-ball areas. The home team or game management may designate an area for the media in dead-ball territory.” You can read more about this rule change by clicking on the following link: Softball Media Area Rule Change

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/

Softball Postseason Site Specifications

04/01/19 – KHSAA.org Now Features Enhanced Stat Offerings for Baseball, Softball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2019

New for the 2019 season, box scores, cumulative team season statistics and state leaders for baseball and softball will be available at KHSAA.org. For the past two seasons, limited statistical information was available at KHSAA.org (only state leaders were offered in 2018) through an outsourced arrangement with a third-party vendor. Internalizing the stat entry process brings the statistical coverage for baseball and softball on par with soccer, football, basketball and field hockey on the KHSAA’s website and the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard.

Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. Failure to do so subjects the school to penalties from the Commissioner’s office, including fines and other actions, within the constraints of Bylaw 27. If a school or individual is omitted from the stat leaders report, or information is not current, that means the team in question did not enter its statistics prior to that morning’s […]

2019 KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

2019 State Softball All Tournament Team and Awards

2019 KHSAA State Softball
All-Tournament Team

Samantha Verst, Pendleton County
Lauren Spears, Ashland Blazer
Bailey Woodward, Madisonville-North Hopkins
Katy Grace Chadwell, Boyle County
Shelby Phillips, Clay County
Brianda Owens, Clay County
Kaci Goedde, Central Hardin
Peyton Beger, Central Hardin
Katie Gardner, Warren East
Shelby Trent, Warren East
Lucy Patterson, Warren East
Madison McCoy, Male
Kelsie Houchens, Male
Most Valuable Player – Jaelyn Sanders, Male

03/26/19 – Clarification on Softball Media Area Rule Change

The KHSAA has received a few inquiries from umpires, media members, and fans about the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rule change in softball regarding the placement of a designated temporary media area in live-ball territory. As the body that writes the playing rules for most high school sports and activities, the NFHS made a rule change in 2019 eliminating the option of designating such an area in softball (Rule 1-1-7; 2-22-4 tables 5-1; 5-1-1o).

As a reminder, this change was covered on slide 33 in the 2019 KHSAA Coaches & Officials Softball Rules Clinic. NFHS Rule 1-1-7 states “Media shall be prohibited from being in live-ball areas. The home team or game management may designate an area for the media in dead-ball territory.” Previously, the rule allowed for temporary media areas to be created in live-ball areas by home game management, however, we […]

03/19/19 – Softball Postseason Semi-State Rotation

The KHSAA wanted to send a few reminders and updates to Softball Coaches now that the season has started:

SEMI-STATE ROTATIONS/SITES
The rotation grid for the Semi-State Round of the Softball Postseason was published on the KHSAA website recently. To view, please use the link below:
https://khsaa.org/softball-semi-state-region-pairings-and-rotation/

Sites for Semi-State games are being finalized by the KHSAA and will be released once confirmed as the KHSAA Board of Control desires for these contests to be conducted on collegiate facilities.

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/news-and-information/sports-blogs/

03/18/19 – NFHS Part 2 Exam Online for Baseball and Softball Officials

NFHS Part 2 Tests for licensed officials in the sports of Baseball and Softball are now available online. The Part 2 exams, required for postseason eligibility, will be open until Monday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

The tests will automatically close at that exact time. 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.

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

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

Please keep in mind that there […]

Softball Semi-State Region Pairings and Rotation

02/11/19 – Nominations Sought for Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Softball

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Softball participants for 2018-19.

The award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one female participant from each 2019 team. Nominations must come from a member school but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards banquet at Midway University on June 3. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2018-2019 Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year at the banquet.

The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year in the sport of Softball is Friday, April 26, […]

02/11/19 – Softball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The 2019 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Softball is now available. The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid or unpaid.

HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES

For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, log in to http://schools.khsaa.org
and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link entitled “View Online Rules Clinics“.
February 11 – April 15 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.
April 16 – May 5 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.
May 6 – May 19 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will […]
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01/16/19 – Board of Control Sets Sites for State Softball and State Archery; Reviews Football Playoff Format

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2019

In its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Offices, the Board of Control finalized locations for two spring championships while addressing the future playoff structure for football and continuing its research for future revisions to state golf.

Following last year’s action by the Board to transition the state softball tournament from a double-elimination format to single elimination, create an eight-team state tournament and a semi-state round, KHSAA staff sent out information to prospective cities interested in hosting the event. After reviewing information and options from both Lexington and Louisville, the Board approved a recommendation to award the 2019 and 2020 State Softball Championships to the University of Kentucky’s John Cropp Stadium.

“The young ladies in the Commonwealth are so blessed to have great facilities interested in hosting the revised state tournament format,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “It will change many of the dynamics […]

10/31/18 – Cross Country and Soccer State Champions Decided This Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 31, 2018

Eight state championship trophies will be awarded this weekend in Lexington with the 2018 KHSAA Cross Country State Meet taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park and the culmination of the KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC at Frederick Douglass HS. Advance tickets for each event can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA

The 2018 KHSAA Cross Country Championships begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the Class 1A Boys’ race, followed by the Class 1A Girls at 10:15 a.m. The Class 2A meet is scheduled to begin with the boys at 11:30 a.m., with the Class 3A meet slated to start at 1:30 p.m. A full state meet schedule is available at http://khsaa.org/cross_country/2018/statemeettimetable.pdf

The 2018 KHSAA State Soccer Tournament sponsored by the U.S. ARMY ROTC continues Wednesday evening with girls’ semifinal action at Frederick Douglass HS, as West Jessamine takes on Sacred Heart at 6 […]

09/25/18 – Board of Control Addresses Future Championship Formats and Schedules in Several Sports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2018

The Board of Control conducted its first meeting of the 2018-19 academic year on Thursday, September 20 at the Association offices. Much of the day’s agenda involved ongoing discussion of the future format of several KHSAA championships. Among the action taken, the Board gave tentative approval to transitioning the State Softball and Baseball Tournaments to 8-team single elimination events, with the key provision of re-establishing semi-state play, preferably at non-high school sites. This builds upon last year’s decision to move away from the double-elimination format in Softball, in the interest of player safety and gender participation experience equity.

The tentative plan would transition these championships to 8-team events with first round, semi-state games, rotated in geographic pods and played at a neutral site. The Commissioner and staff were directed to develop site criteria for semi-state games for review at October’s Board meeting, with the goal to […]

07/09/18 – Equipment Rules Addressing Risk Minimization Focus of 2019 Softball Rules Changes

NFHS News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 9, 2018) — Equipment rules designed to reduce risk of injury, as well as a clarification that the media area must be located in dead-ball territory, are among the high school softball rules changes for the 2019 season.

The four rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its June 11-13 meeting in Indianapolis were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

With revisions in Rules 1-1-7, 2-22-4 and 5-1-1, the home team or game management may designate a media area in dead-ball territory if the facility dictates.

“Requiring the media area to be located in dead-ball territory minimizes risk and continues efforts to improve the safety of participants, officials, fans and other essential personnel,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison for softball.”

In another risk minimization change, Rule 1-8-4 permits an eye shield to […]

05/14/18 – Hieneman Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2017-18

2017-2018 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2018

The second annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated on the campus of Midway University on Monday as Russell High School’s Sara Hieneman (softball) was named the overall winner for 2017-18. Beginning in May of 2017 with the State Bass Fishing Championship, Midway University presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each of the KHSAA’s 15 girls’ state championship events, with an overall winner selected following the final championship of the timeframe (2018 State Archery).

The Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year award is based upon overall athletic performance (60%), academic achievement (20%) and community service (20%). Students must possess an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better to qualify, and must be academically eligible during the season in which they are nominated. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at KHSAA.org, and the nominees are voted upon by a […]

04/19/2018 – Softball Statistical Reporting

REQUIRED STATISTICS ENTRY

Now that the season is in full swing following spring break, the KHSAA will again be using MaxPreps to compile statistical leaders in the sport of softball.

Teams will be required to input their roster into MaxPreps. Rosters entered for statistical purposes are separate and apart from the required roster entry through the KHSAA website for eligibility purposes. Entering for statistics does not relieve the school of required entry on the KHSAA website and student-athletes not on the KHSAA online roster are not eligible to participate (freshman, JV or varsity).

This roster entry can be done by syncing your Game Changer account with your MaxPreps account. Since Game Changer syncs with MaxPreps, schools won’t have any additional data entry if this sync is turned on.

SIGNING UP FOR MAXPREPS

Coaches can go to www.maxpreps.com/join if they haven’t already signed up for a MaxPreps account.

New coaches will need an access code to reach the administrative pages […]

03/22/18 – NFHS Softball Part 2 Test Available

This is a reminder that the NFHS Softball Part 2 Test will be available online from March 19 until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday, April 2 The test will automatically close at that exact time.

Login at http://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.

Please keep in mind that there are no extensions or late fees to be able to take the exam outside of the window listed above.

Please also be mindful that the rules clinic remains free online through April 16. You will […]

2018 KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

02/21/18 – Owensboro Health Announced as New Title Sponsor for State Softball

2017-2018 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 21, 2018

The KHSAA State Softball Tournament will boast a new title sponsor in 2018, with Owensboro Health signing on to support an event which has called Owensboro’s Jack C. Fisher Park home for the last 10 years. Opening in June of 2013, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital serves the medical needs of 12 counties in Western Kentucky and two counties in Southern Indiana, delivering 1,900 babies, performing 200 open-heart procedures, 600 hip and knee replacements, with 65,000 Emergency Department visits and 1.2 million lab tests on average.

“Owensboro Health is proud to sponsor one of the state’s premier sporting events and to welcome softball fans from across Kentucky,” said Brian Hamby, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Owensboro Health. “By investing in […]

01/19/18 – Softball Umpire Advanced Camp Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2018 KHSAA Softball Umpires Advanced Camp is now open. This camp must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire in the postseason. Attendance at this camp will qualify through 2021. Attendance at Officiate Kentucky Day met the Advanced Camp requirement.

Camp Date

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Location

Owensboro High School – 1800 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301

Camp Fee

$46.00 registration before February 1.

Camp Staff

Paul Lewis

Kenny Clark

John Smart

Charles Standiford

JT Taylor

David Pentecost

Todd Harper

Tentative Topics & Agenda (Times are Central Standard Time)

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Plate Work
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Base Work
3:30-4:30 p.m. – 3 person mechanics / Q&A

You […]

05/31/17 – Softball State Instructions/Advanced Tickets

http://khsaa.org/sports/spring/fast-pitch-softball/

Instructions for teams participating in the 2017 KHSAA Softball State Tournament are posted on the KHSAA website. These instructions can be viewed by going to the following link, clicking on the State Information and Instructions, and clicking on 2017 State Participant Instructions:

Advanced tickets for the 2017 KHSAA Softball State Tournament can be purchased online by going to the following link:

https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA

Please be sure to share this information with all students, parents, spectators, and fans. Thank you.

05/05/2017 – Softball District/Region Instructions

District and Regions Instructions

Instructions for the 2017 KHSAA Softball DIstrict and Region Tournaments are posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by going to the following link and clicking on the DIstrict Tournament Information and Instructions tab or the Region Tournament Information/Instructions tab:

Please be sure to contact the KHSAA if you have any additional questions. Thank you.

05/05/17 – State Softball and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament Draws to be Held Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2017

The draws for the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament and the 2017 KHSAA State Softball Tournament will take place Monday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. The draw will be conducted at the KHSAA offices and can be viewed live online at KHSAA.tv.

In its first year under new title sponsor Whitaker Bank, the State Baseball Tournament begins June 8-10 with first round and quarterfinal action at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, home of the Lexington Legends. The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament resumes the following weekend with the semifinals and championship game, June 16th and 17th. The semifinals and finals will be played in the afternoon, followed by home games for the Legends both evenings.

The State Softball Tournament returns to Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro for […]

05/04/2017 – Reminder about New Procedure Maintaining Softball Stats for Kentucky Schools

The KHSAA has partnered with MaxPreps to manage softball (and baseball) stats for the 2017 playing season. MaxPreps works in combination with GameChanger (among other stat entry options) to manage on site entry if you so desire. GameChanger is the most popular on-site mechanism for stats collection used by more than half of the KHSAA member schools and is available at no charge. In addition to GameChanger, KHSAA member schools can utilize MaxPreps own stat entry options or seven other stat partners.

Beginning with the 2017 season, the KHSAA has been producing weekly statistics for baseball and softball teams using the data collected through MaxPreps. The production of compiled statewide statistics began April 19, 2017.

SIGNING UP FOR MAXPREPS

Coaches can go to www.maxpreps.com/join if they haven’t already signed up for MaxPreps.

New coaches will need an access code to reach the administrative pages for stat entry. Contact support@maxpreps.com or call (800) 329-7324 ext. 1 for access.

[…]

2017 KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

04/07/17 – Survey Related to Fastpitch Softball

A survey is being taken of the member schools at the request of the Commissioner’s Softball Advisory Committee. The survey link was e-mailed to the member school Principals and Athletic Directors.

The Commissioner meets annually with various Advisory Committees composed of Coaches, Athletic Directors, Principals and other key individuals in each sport and sport-activity to gather sport specific information from the membership. This information is reviewed as part of the normal operations of the Association and many times, serves as a valuable resource for both the staff and the Board of Control in considering issues related to the conduct of various championships.

For two years, the Commissioner’s softball advisory committee has discussed issues related to the game, and in particular, related to the continued evolution of the sport over the last twenty years since the conversion from slowpitch to fastpitch. Following this discussion, the Commissioner has authorized a survey to be conducted of the member schools […]

2017 Softball Stat Leaders

03/30/17 – KHSAA Revising Office Hours Effective April 3, 2017

Effective April 3, 2017, the KHSAA will have new office hours. The office will open each day at 7:30 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Logistical and traffic issues (both current and anticipated) in the surrounding area near the office, in particular, the opening of the new Frederick Douglass High School have created this necessity.

We appreciate the understanding of our membership and various constituencies.

03/21/17 – Softball Part 2 Test Now Available

The NFHS Softball Part 2 Test will be available online from Monday, March 20th, until Monday, April 3rd 11:59 p.m. EST. The test will automatically close at this time. Officials can login at http://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 in the postseason.

Please keep in mind that there are no extensions or late fees to be able to take the exam outside of the window listed above.

Please also be mindful that the Online Rules Clinic remains free through April 10th. You can login at […]

03/08/17 – Experimental Rule Implemented for KHSAA Softball Games

All fastpitch softball games in all games played by KHSAA member schools (in Kentucky), will utilize an experimental rule regarding the issuance of a base on balls. For all games played in Kentucky, the defensive coach, pitcher or catcher may request to the umpire that an intentional walk be issued without having to throw any pitches. The request can be made at any point in the count on a given batter.

Umpires, this experiment involves altering Rule 2-65-2, 7-1-2 (PENALTY) and 8-1-1c.

As requested by unanimous consensus of the Commissioner’s Softball Advisory Committee, an intentional base on balls may be given by the defensive team upon request of the pitcher, catcher or coach. This may be done before pitching to the batter or on any ball and strike count. The ball shall be declared dead before making the award.

In committee discussion, the members are aware that there is more awareness each year of the need […]

01/30/17 – Softball Rules Clinic Now Available Online

The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Softball is now online for all coaches (head and assistant) and licensed officials.

HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES

The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid or unpaid.
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to http://schools.khsaa.org and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
January 30 to April 10 – the Softball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
April 11 to May 7 – the Softball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
May 8 to May 21 – the Softball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($200) per the Bylaw […]
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01/12/17 – Board of Control Addresses Alignment Issues, Archery Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2017

During the course of its regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Thursday, the Board of Control addressed alignment issues and championship details in several sports, while also approving a requested new trial pilot program for the 15th Region Tournament.

Following the consolidation of South Floyd and Allen Central High Schools, changes were needed in the basketball alignment (and subsequently the alignments in baseball, softball and volleyball) for the 15th Region. KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett attended a meeting of the Superintendents in the impacted districts on January 9 to review options related to the region. Facing challenges like an imperfect geographically aligned region and a pattern of reduced sport offerings by some schools in the region, there were few obvious non-impactful options available. With that in mind, the Superintendents expressed an interest in a multi-year pilot program where their teams would play one less […]

12/12/16- Officiate Kentucky Day Information

OFFICIATE KENTUCKY DAY
Saturday, July 29
Marriott Downtown – Louisville

You are invited to the first-ever, Officiate Kentucky Day!

What is Officiate Kentucky Day?
Officiate Kentucky Day (OKD) is a one-day gathering of sports and sport activity officials from throughout the Commonwealth to celebrate the officiating industry. This event allows the KHSAA to partner with the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) as part of their “state day” program and will showcase nationally known collegiate and professional officials as well as high schools officials to share their knowledge, skills and expertise in officiating.

OKD will be a lead-in to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Summit that will follow July 30-Aug. 1, also at Marriott Downtown in Louisville.

Legendary sports officials and industry leaders including Jerry Markbriet, Billy Kennedy, Steve Shaw, Joe Crawford, Dean Blandino, Bill Carollo, Scott Green, Marcy Weston, Sandra Serafini, Steve Javie, Tom Lopes, […]

12/14/16 – 2017 Softball Advanced Umpires Camp with Officiate Kentucky Day

Softball Umpires planning their spring and advanced camp requirements are advised that for the 2017 season, advanced camp credit will be awarded for those in attendance at the KHSAA’s Officiate Kentucky Day on July 29th in Louisville.

There will not be any other advanced camp offered for 2017. Those that need camp attendance to be eligible for Region/State assignments in 2017 are required to attend Officiate Kentucky Day or to attend camp in the winter/spring of 2018.

Additional information on Officiate Kentucky Day (July 29, 2017) will be posted online at http://khsaa.org/officials/officiating-information as finalized. Information on the National Association of Sports Officials Summit (July 30-August 1, 2017) will be posted online at http://www.naso.org.

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/

11/16/16 – Board of Control Extends Sponsorship of Field Hockey For Three Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 16, 2016

On Wednesday, the Board of Control approved a recommendation from staff to continue the sponsorship of Field Hockey through the 2019 state championship. With Field Hockey just completing its third season as a KHSAA-sponsored sport in October, discussion during the course of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Offices stressed the importance of the field hockey schools and coaches to make progress in expanding the geographic reach of the sport, as that factor will be considered when the sport is re-evaluated in 2019 for further continuation. In addition to its continued sponsorship of Field Hockey, the Board will consider recommendations from staff during its January meeting regarding potential adjustments to the sport’s alignment and state championship format.

The Board also made a determination on Wednesday regarding the future alignment of the yet-to-be-named Fayette County High School, which will open during the 2017-18 academic year. Those placements […]

08/25/16 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Football, Soccer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2016

The first weekly statistical leader reports of the season for football and boys’ and girls’ soccer have been posted at KHSAA.org. Statistics are compiled weekly throughout the regular season and will be posted to the KHSAA website every Thursday.

As a reminder, member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline (12 p.m. each Thursday).

Member schools failing to meet the requirements to enter and maintain rosters, schedules and statistics subject themselves to penalties by the Commissioner, including fines and other actions, within the constraints of Bylaw 27.

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

FOOTBALL
Overall Stats Leaders
http://khsaa.org/football/2016/stats.htm

Class 1A Stats Leaders
http://khsaa.org/football/2016/stats1.htm

Class 2A Stats Leaders
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KHSAA Sports Contacts, 2016-2017 and beyond

Archery Blog Updates

Primary Event Contact Secondary Event Contact Primary Playing Rules Interpreter Secondary Playing Rules Interpreter Golf DB SB DB SB Field Hockey SB DB SB DB Volleyball BC DB BC DB Soccer MB CC CC MB Cross Country SB MB SB MB Football JT BC JT BC Competitive Cheer BC SB BC SB Bowling SB MB SB MB Swimming and Diving DB BC DB BC Wrestling MB SB MB SB Basketball JT BC JT BC Archery MB DB MB DB Bass Fishing DB SB DB SB Tennis MB BC MB BC Track and Field SB DB SB DB Softball DB MB DB MB Baseball BC SB BC SB Lacrosse MB DB N/A N/A Rifle Marksmanship DB MB N/A N/A Trap Shooting Study MB DB N/A N/A Dance BC SB BC SB

06/08/16 – Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball and Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournaments Begin Thursday

2015-2016 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2016

The 2016 Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball and Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournaments get underway Thursday at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington and Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro, respectively. The Rawlings/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament (June 9-11, 17-18) begins Thursday morning when Johnson Central takes on Highlands at 11 a.m. in the first of the day’s four opening round games. First round action continues with four games on Friday, followed by four quarterfinal games on Saturday. The state baseball tournament resumes the following weekend with semifinal action on Friday, June 17th and the championship game on Saturday, June 18th.

The Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament (June 9-11) opens at 5 p.m. (CT) tomorrow night in Owensboro, as the first four opening round games are played simultaneously at Jack C. Fisher Park. Thursday’s competition concludes with four more opening round games at 7 p.m., before the teams return to the park Friday morning at 9 a.m. to […]

2016-2017 Official Ball Adoptions

Reminder to school administrators about the primary points of the KHSAA and its ball adoption agreements.

In an effort to offset the services and events provided by the KHSAA and eliminate passing on a great deal of additional cost to the membership, the association has long entered into official ball adoption agreements. The provisions of these agreements are similar and official ball numbers are listed in the table below.

The following provisions are in place in each of the listed sports:

A brand specific requirement is in place. For example, the Select Sport soccer ball is required for all use in postseason play (all levels). However, the ball does NOT have to be the Royale model. Specific models are the choice of the member school, however, the administrators should be mindful that dealer price points will likely be in place to encourage the use of the specific model.
For all levels of postseason play, the brand specific requirement is in place.
- **Exception […]
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06/01/16 – Softball State Participant Information

State Softball Instructions

Instructions for the 2016 Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament are posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link:

After going to this link click on State Information and Instructions and then click on 2016 State Participant Instructions.

5/17/2016 – Nominations sought for Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Softball

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among softball participants for 2015-2016.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one female participant from each 2016 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner if present, will be recognized at the 2016 Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament on June 11 in Owensboro KY. In case the winner’s team does not qualify for the state tournament, representatives from Midway University will present the award at the recipient’s high school at a mutually determined later date.

From the winners selected for each championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2016-2017 Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the […]

04/25/16 – Draw Show For Baseball, Softball and Tennis Set For 12 PM Wednesday

2015-2016 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2016

The draws for the 2016 Republic Bank/KHSAA Tennis Team Championship, the Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament and the Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament will be determined Wednesday, April 27th at 12 p.m. when the Draw Show is conducted at the Association’s headquarters and webcast at KHSAA.tv.

This year will mark the first time Tennis is included in the spring Draw Show, as recommended changes from the Kentucky Medical Association’s Sports Medicine Committee led to the Board of Control approving a format change to the state Tennis tournament. The changes separated the team championship event from the singles/doubles competition, which were traditionally played together, in order to limit the number of matches a student-athlete could compete in each day. For more information on the recommendations that led to changes in the state Tennis tournament, visit http://khsaa.org/111915-tennis-tournament-format-changes/

The Draw Show will be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv, with complete brackets available on the KHSAA […]

2016 Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

3/03/16 – Softball Umpire Clinic

This is a reminder that the 2016 KHSAA Softball Umpire Clinic will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Franklin County High School. This clinic must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments, but will not replace the mandatory online clinic.

Camp Date

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Location

Franklin County High School, 1100 East Main Street Frankfort, KY. 40601

Umpires should park in the front of the school and go through the front doors and straight down the hall to the library on the right for registration. You should leave your gear in your cars.

Topics & Agenda (Times are EST)

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15-2:00 p.m. – Plate Work/Base Work
[…]

02/09/16 – Softball Umpires Camp Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2016 KHSAA Softball Umpires Advanced Camp is now open. This camp must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments.

Camp Date

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Location

Franklin County High School, 1100 East Main Street Frankfort, KY. 40601

Camp Fee

$46.00 early registration before February 26.
$71.00 late registration after February 27 until March 3.

Camp Staff

Paul Lewis

Kenny Clark

John Smart

Charles Standiford

JT Taylor

Tracy Spickard

Tentative Topics & Agenda (Times are ET)

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Plate Work
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Base Work
3:30-4:30 p.m. – 3 person mechanics / Q&A

You will need to bring all your plate gear. Everyone attending camp is required to be in approved KHSAA Umpire’s uniform.

For additional questions, contact Darren Bilberry at 859-299-5472 or dbilberry@khsaa.org

Registration
Click […]

02/02/16 – Softball Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The 2016 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Softball is now available.

Coaches Deadline
February 1 – March 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.

March 8 – April 4 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($100) during this period.

April 5 – May 22 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the late fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.

Officials Deadline
February 1 – March 21 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials at no charge during this period.

March 22 – April 25 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($30) during this period.

April 26 – May 7 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the late fee ($60) during this period. […]

10/01/15 – Riherds.com to Sponsor Above and Beyond Awards at All State Championship Events

2015-2016 News Releases

Riherds.com, a Kentucky-based company headquartered in Smiths Grove specializing in trophies, awards, name tags and signs, will provide the “Above and Beyond” award at each KHSAA state championship event for 2015-16. Riherds.com is proud to be the Official Supplier of Trophies and Awards to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

The award is given to a participant at each KHSAA championship event and will be awarded from the pool of candidates nominated by participating school representatives. The award is based on five attributes: Citizenship, Leadership, Athletics, Sportsmanship and Scholarship.

Nominated students should exemplify these five attributes by:

Playing the game/competition by the rules.
Treating game officials, coaches and competitors with due respect as fellow human beings.
Taking victory and defeat without undue emotionalism.
Controlling of tempers at all times on and off the playing field.
Being positive with officials, coaches and competitors, without criticism for things that occur during the contest.
Cooperating with the coaches, officials and fellow players in trying to promote good sportsmanship.
Being […]
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5/27/15 – Softball State Instructions

This is a reminder that the instructions for the 2015 Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament have been posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link and then clicking on State Information and Instructions:

State Instructions

05/04/15 – Softball District and Region Instructions

http://khsaa.org/fastpitchsoftball/2015/postseasontournamentinfowithforms.pdf

Instructions for District and Regional Tournaments in the sport of softball have been posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link:

04/29/15 – Baseball/Softball Game Ending Clarification

GAME COMPLETION

This is a reminder to Coaches, Officials and Administrators with regard to interrupted games. During the regular season, including district seeded games, for games that are interrupted due to weather or darkness and called (ended) by the umpire, the game is final if it meets NFHS rules requirements for a shortened game — at least 4 1/2 innings with the home team ahead or five full innings. (Baseball Rule 4-2-2, 4-2-3; Softball Rule 4-2-2, 4-2-3).

For postseason (District, Region and State), all games must be played to completion by rule.

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/

04/28/15 – Baseball/Softball Draw Show Tomorrow at 2 PM; Spring Championship Media Credentials

2014-2015 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2015

The annual Draw Show for the 2015 Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament and the Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament will be conducted at the Association’s headquarters on Wednesday, April 29 at 2 p.m. The Draw Show will be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv, with complete brackets available on the KHSAA website and the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard following the draw.

The 2015 Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament will take place June 1-6 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, while the Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament will be held June 4-6 at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro.

Spring Championship Media Credential Applications

Media members interested in applying for credentials to any of the KHSAA’s Spring Championship events can visit credentials.khsaa.org to submit an online application.

Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media that regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior […]

2015 Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

03/06/15 – Advanced Clinic for Softball Umpires Cancelled

The Softball Umpires Clinic scheduled for Saturday March 7, 2015 at Franklin County High School has been cancelled due to inclement weather. If you had planned on attending and did not receive my e-mail from earlier this morning, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thanks. Darren

02/22/15 – Softball Umpires Advanced Camp Early Registration

http://khsaa.org/2515-softball-umpires-advanced-camp-registration-now-open/

This is just a reminder that early registration for the Softball Umpires Advanced Camp will end on Saturday February 28th. After this date the cost will go from 46.00 to the late registration fee of 71.00. The late registration deadline is Thursday March 5th. Registration information can be found by clicking on the following link:

Also, as a point of clarification attendance at previous training clinics will still count in regards to the required attendance once every four years. However, beginning with this year attending the camp will not count as credit for the Online Softball Rules Clinic. This clinic is still available free of charge until Sunday March 1st. Information on how to access the clinic can be obtained by clicking on the following link:

http://khsaa.org/020215-online-softball-rules-clinic-now-available/

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

2/5/15 – Softball Umpires Advanced Camp Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2015 KHSAA Softball Umpires Advanced Camp is now open. This camp must be attended once every four years to be eligible for assignment to umpire region or state tournaments.

Camp Date

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Location

Franklin County High School, 1100 East Main Street Frankfort, KY. 40601

Camp Fee

$46.00 early registration before February 28.
$71.00 late registration after February 28 until March 5.

Camp Staff

Paul Lewis

Kenny Clark

John Smart

Charles Standiford

JT Taylor

Del Brantley

Julie Johnson – Chairperson NFHS Softball Rules Committee

Tentative Topics & Agenda (Times are ET)

8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Welcome, Introductions, Review Agenda
9:00-9:15 a.m. – KHSAA Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry
9:15-12:00 p.m. – Classroom Instruction
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
1:15-2:15 p.m. – Plate Work
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Base Work
3:30-4:30 p.m. – 3 person mechanics / Q&A

You will need to bring all your […]

02/02/15 – Online Softball Rules Clinic Now Available

The 2015 Online Rules Clinic that is required for all head and assistant coaches and licensed officials in the sport of Softball is now available.

Coaches Deadline

February 2 – March 8 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches at no charge during this period.

March 9 – April 5 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.

April 6 – May 17 – the Clinic may be viewed by coaches for the makeup fee ($200) during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.

Officials Deadline

February 2 – March 1 – the Clinic may be viewed by officials at no charge during this period.

March 2 – March 29– the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.

March 30 – May 17– the Clinic may be viewed by officials for the makeup fee ($300) during this period. After this time, […]

Current Fast Pitch Softball Alignment

08/16/14 – Reminder about Carryover Ejections from 2013-2014

In several unfortunate situations each year, coaches or athletes with eligibility remaining are ejected near the end of the season, or near the end of the season for violations of Bylaw 15, Sportsmanships. Please note that when that happens, the penalty carries to the next year if the student-athlete remains enrolled, and to the new school if the coach changes jobs/schools.

Please note all rules related to player/coach ejections, including the provisions for varsity and non-varsity ejections, are listed at http://khsaa.org/dq-policy-on-reinstatement-of-disqualified-apolicy-on-reinstatement-of-disqualified-athletes-coaches/, and a complete list from 2013-2014 is listed on the KHSAA website at http://khsaa.org/dq_list_public/. You will need to review this listing to ensure that you properly require athletes and coaches to miss the required contests if in fact they were ejected.

Also note that being ineligible for scrimmages (sitting out) does NOT satisfy any penalty, such must be served at the varsity contest level.

If you have specific questions, please contact Michael Barren (mbarren@khsaa.org) […]

08/11/14 – Reminder on “Fall Ball” and Facilities

With the start of a new school year, it’s a good time to remind schools about recent changes in KHSAA Bylaws, and we wanted to remind Administrators and Baseball/Softball Coaches about issues around offseason play (“Fall Ball”) and school facilities.

Bylaw 23, which defines the season and allowable play, was amended at the Annual Meeting in 2012 (approved by member school administrators by a vote of 194-12-1) and changes were approved through the regulatory process and published in the 2013-14 KHSAA Handbook. The primary element of this change was a restriction in the use of school facilities by enrolled student-athletes outside of the season.

This restriction is during the school year, but outside the defined limitation of season where coaches (head/assistant) may not coach players in organized competition on the campus of a member school if such competition involves at least fifty (50) percent of the normal playing squad (5 or more for baseball and […]

07/15/14 – Board of Control Recommends Use of Protective Head Gear in Softball; Makes Football Alignment Adjustment

2014-2015 News Releases

Board of Control Recommends Use of Protective Head Gear in Softball; Makes Football Alignment Adjustment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2014

The Board of Control conducted its first meeting of the 2014-15 academic year at the Bank of Kentucky Center in Northern Kentucky on Monday morning. Among the action taken during Monday’s meeting, the Board passed a proposal recommending the use of protective headgear for certain positions in fastpitch softball, finalized specific site selection for the 2014 state soccer tournament, and upheld an appeal by Hazard in regards to the 2015-18 football alignment.

With a growing concern to player safety in fastpitch softball, the Board addressed the issue of face/head protection. NFHS Rule 1-8-4 states that defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field. The Board of Control, based on a proposal from staff, a review of available injury data from the NFHS RIO […]

06/06/14 – Statement on Ending of Ashland Blazer-Johnson Central Softball Game

During the 7th inning of game 14 of the Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament (a consolation bracket elimination contest) a judgement call was made by the umpiring crew which in hindsight, and upon postgame review by the KHSAA staff, was in error. The situation occurred when Johnson Central’s Rachelle Fairchild hit an apparent game-winning home run, but following a brief conference, the crew of officials declared that the hit was a ground rule double instead of the game-winning home run.

“Following today’s game between Ashland Blazer and Johnson Central, KHSAA staff reviewed news footage of the at-bat which was ruled a ground rule double in the seventh inning. With the benefit of slow motion, high definition video, it is clear that the ball left the park on the fly, and a home run should have been ruled,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Unfortunately, our umpires don’t have technical access to slow motion, high definition video during […]

06/05/14 – Softball Title Sponsor Reminder

TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH WORTH
When referring to the softball state tournament, the tournament’s full name, the Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament should be used in all first references, without exception. In subsequent references, it is acceptable to refer to the tournament as the softball state tournament. KHSAA should not be used when referencing the event unless it is accompanied by Worth. Sponsorship of KHSAA state championship events is vital to the livelihood of the Association. Please help us thank our corporate sponsors by recognizing their commitment to the KHSAA with proper identification of our events in printed materials, broadcasts, etc.

The Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament has an event-specific tournament logo which should be used with any accompanying articles, graphics, newscasts, etc. The KHSAA will provide a logo for authorized uses on request.

– KHSAA –

About the Kentucky High School Athletic […]

05/28/14 – State Instructions for Softball

http://khsaa.org/fastpitchsoftball/stateteamparticipantinfo.pdf

Instructions for the 2014 Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament have been posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions be clicking on the link below:

State Softball History

Softball Tournament Results

2014 Worth/KHSAA State Softball Tournament Info and Results

05/13/14 – Board of Control Approves Future Championship Sites, Football Alignment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2014

During Tuesday’s scheduled meeting at the KHSAA Office, the Board of Control awarded the girls’ basketball state tournament to the Bank of Kentucky Center and Northern Kentucky University for 2016 and 2017, while extending the stay of the Worth/KHSAA Softball State Tournament at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro for four more years (2015-18). In addition, the Board approved a final draft of the football alignment for the 2015-18 seasons which can be found at this link: http://goo.gl/rZfNWC.

“It speaks volumes to the growth and progress of female athletics in this state that we received two very strong proposals for both championships, where in the past there might not have been much interest. It bodes very well for the future of female athletics in Kentucky,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “In terms of the girls’ basketball championship, the Board was of […]

05/06/14 – District and Region Information for Softball Now Posted

http://khsaa.org/fastpitchsoftball/2014/postseasontournamentinfowithforms.pdf

2014 District and Regional Instructions for softball are now posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link:

04/30/14 – Spring Sports Championship Media Credentials

The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships is now live. Media members can visit credentials.khsaa.org to apply for credentials online.

Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of his/her organization needing to attend an event. Credentials for freelance photographers and stringers must be requested by the sports editor/director at the outlet the freelancer will be representing. No credentials will be issued outside of the online credentialing system. The KHSAA reserves the right to limit the quantity of credentials issued to media outlets when space is at a premium.

Failure to adhere to the KHSAA policies and guidelines, […]

04/30/14 – Baseball/Fast Pitch Softball Draw Show This Thursday

Baseball/Fast Pitch Softball Draw Show This Thursday

The annual Draw Show for the 2014 Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament and the Worth/KHSAA Fast Pitch Softball State Tournament will be conducted at the Association’s headquarters on Thursday, May 1 at 2 p.m. The Draw Show will be streamed live online at KHSAA.org, with complete brackets available on the KHSAA website and the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard following the draw.

The 2014 Rawlings/KHSAA Baseball State Tournament will take place June 2-7 at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, while the Worth/KHSAA Fast Pitch Softball State Tournament will be held June 5-7 at Jack C. Fisher Park in Owensboro.

04/28/14 – Forcht Bank/KHSAA CLASS Regional Winners Announced; BA/FP Draw Show This Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2014

Regional Winners Announced For 2014 Forcht Bank/KHSAA CLASS Awards Recognition Program

Thirty-two regional winners have been selected as part of the 2014 Forcht Bank/KHSAA CLASS Awards Recognition Program. The 32 regional winners will each receive a $350 scholarship, an award from Forcht Bank and the KHSAA, and an invitation to the Awards Banquet on Sunday, May 4. One male and one female from the pool of regional honorees will be selected as the statewide winner at the Awards Banquet, with each individual receiving a $3,000 scholarship.

The Forcht Bank/KHSAA CLASS Awards Recognition Program (Citizenship, Leadership, Athletics, Sportsmanship, Scholarship) honors deserving senior student-athletes across the state. This is the 18th year the KHSAA has recognized student-athletes through a scholarship program, which is open to all seniors that have participated in athletics and/or sport-activities (competitive cheerleading, bowling, archery and bass fishing). One male and […]

03-27-14 Cold Weather Statement for Baseball, Softball and Track

Due to the ongoing cold temperatures, we have received several inquiries regarding postponing/canceling contests due to cold weather.

Prior to the officials assuming authority (jurisdiction) per the playing rules, it is the decision of home game management to determine whether or not a contest should be canceled or postponed due to cold temperatures. This decision should be made in consultation with all involved schools, but is ultimately the decision of the home team administration.

After a contest has started, or the officials have otherwise assumed authority per the playing rules, contest officials after consulting with coaches and home game management, shall determine whether play should be postponed or canceled.

There are rules contained in the Board of Control adopted policies in Section 32 (on page 34), relative to the payment of umpires/officials should the contest be postponed http://khsaa.org/handbook/20132014/policies.pdf.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any additional questions. […]

02/26/14 – Umpire Training Clinic Rescheduled