Kentucky High School Athletic Association

For those who have printed copies of the draft and want to preserve that copy with any changes that have been made.

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

In “INTRODUCTION” Change “collaboration” to “consultation” in fifth paragraph

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Revise bullet 6 under “SCREENING OF ALL…” to include “F” after 100.4

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Add bullet 10 under “SCREENING OF ALL…” to say “The name and contact information should be recorded at each practice (REQUIRED)”

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Revise bullet 11 under “SCREENING OF ALL…” to say “The name and contact information should be recorded where feasible and practical at all competitions (RECOMMENDED).”

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Revise first bullet under “GENERAL AREAS…” to say “to review” after health department and add “-21” to the end of “2020”

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Revise third bullet under (PRE-WORKOUT SCREENING…” to say “greater than” and add “F” after 100.4

“ALL SPORTS GUIDANCE”

Change first bullet under “IN AND […]

08/27/20 – Field Hockey Return to Play Guidance

Draft guidance for a return to play was published on the KHSAA website yesterday under the COVID-19 Information tab and shared with school administrators. Keep in mind that this guidance is draft as the situation remains fluid as it has been since March and the information is subject to revision.

Coaches should review rules modifications and protocols to assist in preparation for competition and should be flexible throughout this entire process and realize the goal is a safe and healthy return to play for everyone.

Field Hockey specific guidance
https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionFallSports/fieldhockeycombined.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – All sports
https://bit.ly/2YDUbNQ

Contact Assistant Commissioner Michael Barren for any Field Hockey specific questions at mbarren@khsaa.org

– KHSAA –

About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association

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

08/27/20 – Soccer Return To Play Guidance

Draft guidance for a return to play was published on the KHSAA website yesterday under the COVID-19 Information tab and shared with school administrators. Keep in mind that this guidance is only a draft as the situation remains fluid as it has been since March and the information is subject to revision.

Soccer specific guidance
https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionFallSports/soccercombined.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – All sports
https://bit.ly/2YDUbNQ

Contact Primary Sport Contact Chad Collins for any soccer specific questions at ccollins@khsaa.org

– KHSAA –

08/27/20 – Football Return To Play Guidance

Draft guidance for a return to play has been published on the KHSAA website under the COVID-19 Information tab and shared with school administrators. Keep in mind that this guidance is draft as the situation remains fluid as it has been since March and the information is subject to revision.

Coaches and officials should review playing rules modifications and protocols to assist in preparation for competition and should be flexible throughout this entire process and realize the goal is a safe and healthy return to play for everyone. Keep in mind, just because practice has started, doesn’t mean we relax our emphasis on pandemic health and safety.

And remember that what the kids and all involved with the team AFTER practice and activities will likely have a huge impact on the ability to finish a season. Keep telling all around you, we hope 2021-22 looks more like 2018-19. But 2020-21 will likely look like nothing […]

08/27/20 – Cross Country Return to Play Guidance

Draft guidance for a return to play was published on the KHSAA website yesterday under the COVID-19 Information tab and shared with school administrators. Keep in mind that this guidance is a draft and the situation remains fluid, as it has been since March and is subject to revision.

Coaches should review rules modifications and protocols to assist with safety, health, and social distancing and should be flexible throughout this entire process and realize the goal is a safe and healthy return to play for everyone.

Cross Country specific guidance: https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionFallSports/crosscountrycombined.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – All Sports: https://bit.ly/2YDUbNQ

Any Cross Country specific questions shall be sent to Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org).

– KHSAA –

About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association

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

08/27/20 – Volleyball Return To Play Guidance

Volleyball specific guidance
https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionFallSports/volleyballcombined.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions – All sports
https://bit.ly/2YDUbNQ

Contact Associate Commissioner Butch Cope for any volleyball specific questions at bcope@khsaa.org.

– KHSAA –

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

08/27/20 – Volleyball & Field Hockey Scheduling Clarification Contests Per Week

The KHSAA office has received several inquiries on the Healthy at Sports guidance approved by the KHSAA Board with regard to the maximum contests per week in the sports of Volleyball and Field Hockey and tournament participation.

Volleyball – The limit of matches for the season (not including postseason) is 24 with no more than four (4) matches in a given week. (Sunday to Saturday)

Field Hockey – The limit of matches for the season (not including postseason) is 16 with no more than four (4) matches in a given week. (Sunday to Saturday)

If a school, due to participation in a regular-season multiple-game event (i.e. tournament) exceeds the limit of matches in a given week, such shall not be considered a violation of Bylaw 23 provided the preceding or succeeding week(s) are adjusted to create an appropriate average number of contests of four (4) per week.

(Example: School A plays one (1) contest on […]

08/25/20- Covid-19 Resumption Documents (8/20, Revised 8/20, 9/20, 10/20, 11/20, 12/20, 2/21, 3/21)

COVID-19 KHSAA Blog Posts and Information COVID-19 State, KDPH and National Data and References Click for KMA Covid-19 Return to Play Algorithm/Matrix and Form Click for Related Links and Reference Sources for Healthy at Sports Click for Healthy at Sports-Stage 1 Return to Personal Interaction, 6/1/20 to 6/14/20 Click for Healthy at Sports-Stage 2 Return to Preparation, 6/15/20 to 8/23/20 Click for NFHS COVID-19 Rules Considerations

Complete Guidance for Fall Sports, Documents by Sport and Section, Healthy at Sports
Stage 3-Performance, Return to Practice and Competition: Fall Sports, 8/24 and beyond

Fall Sports
Winter Sports and Sport-Activities

Spring Sports and Sport-Activities

08/25/20- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Resumption of Sport and Sport-Activities (Updated 10/13)

UPDATED 10/13/20

Are there Limitations on Competitors in Various Sports?

Yes. In an effort to help ensure appropriate social distancing, the following restrictions and adaptations were approved for the fall sports, in most cases matching existing postseason restrictions. This will be an aid as game guidance is developed to help ensure that the bench areas contain fewer players, and more social distancing is implemented. There will likely be limitations on non-uniformed competitors in the final game guidance once approved.

- The limitation for field hockey, soccer, and volleyball is established at the region and state limitations. Field hockey and soccer may have 24 players in uniform and participating in warm-ups and competition while volleyball will be permitted 15 players in uniform and participating in warm-ups and competition.
- Cross Country will be permitted a team entry not to exceed 10 runners, the current postseason roster limitation. Additional runners, as have […]
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08/21/20- Restart of the Opportunity to Practice and Play Sports

This is being sent to all KHSAA member schools through the Principal and Athletic Director. It is also as a courtesy, copied to Superintendents. Good afternoon. As most of you are aware, the KHSAA Board of Control voted yesterday to stay on course with allowing practice for fall sports to begin in the member schools beginning on August 24 followed by fall sports contests (other than Golf) being allowed on September 7 (September 11 for football). The vote was 16-2 to continue to accept Option 1 as the allowances for fall sports. To see the breakdown of that option, see the link at https://bit.ly/31haSAh. As of today, there is no prevailing order governing practice for these sports of which we are aware. The current Commonwealth Youth Sports Order only impacts teams below middle school per guidance received in writing by the KHSAA staff on May 14 […]

08/20/20- Board of Control Upholds Decision to Begin Fall Sports September 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2020

The Board of Control held a virtual Zoom meeting Thursday morning, affirming its July position by a 16-2 vote to begin practice for fall sports on August 24th with competition starting the week of September 7th. The Board considered two other motions during the meeting, both of which would have delayed the start of the fall seasons to varying degrees, but neither motion received enough support for adoption.

The fall sports of Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football can begin official practice August 24, with a restriction of 7.5 hours of practice during the first week (as previously approved by the Board) and full practice starting Monday, August 31.

“We hope to submit practice revisions early Friday following the Board’s approval, which will hopefully be relatively minimal. If approved to expand numbers and activity, it will hopefully bring a more normal look to some practices while still […]

8/18/20 – Soccer Online Rules Clinic for Coaches and Officials Now Available

As coaches and officials begin to prepare for hopefully the beginning of the season, the mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Soccer was available beginning yesterday, August 17. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman) whether or not the coach receives pay.

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

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

OFFICIALS

August 17 to September 14 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 15 to October 3 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this […]

08/18/20-2020 Football Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches

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

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

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

Below is additional information:

OFFICIALS

August 17 to October 5 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will […]

08/04/20- The Planned Return of Interscholastic Athletics Challenges Us All

As the start of the school year approaches, there has been a lot of focus on whether students should go back to school and if interscholastic athletics should return. Some think we should just stay inside our homes for months at a time. Others seemingly refuse to acknowledge that the virus exists.

These topics have been discussed repeatedly and one thing seems clear: There is no one-size-fits-all answer that will satisfy (in no particular order) school administrators, teachers, coaches, parents, and students.

As the state athletics and activities associations that oversee high school athletics in eight states, however, we know the importance of getting our student-athletes back on the courts and playing fields as soon as it is safe to do so. We must safely exhaust every effort and alternative possible to prevent a repeat of the sacrifices made by spring 2020 participants and those in some 2020 State Basketball events.

It has been well […]

08/03/20- Middle School Interscholastic Athletics Reminders and Interim Guidance for 2020-21

This document is as of August 3, 2020, and in effect until further altered, revised, or superseded. Senior high school administrators in receipt of this notice should ensure that this information is forwarded to those involved in middle school athletics as direct contact is difficult from this office. Certainly, every district administrator should be concerned about these provisions from a risk and liability standpoint as they have the force of law within state regulation. We would ask that recipients widely distribute this information.

Recently, the KHSAA Board of Control addressed high school fall sports with regard to the current COVID-19 pandemic (dates, restrictions, competition limits, etc). The KHSAA Board of Control has control over those levels, however, the jurisdiction for middle school interscholastic athletics is assigned to the KHSAA through its Commissioner through 702 KAR 7:065 Section 4.

The Commissioner, therefore, issues the following directives that apply to middle school athletics, which are in congruence […]

07/31/20- Bylaw and Policy Revisions/Waivers Due to Covid-19

THIS POST IS OBSOLETE AS OF THE CONCLUSION OF THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR AND IS MAINTAINED ONLY FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES

The following Bylaw and policy considerations and revisions were reviewed by the Commissioner and approved by the Board of Control during the current pandemic emergency.

Bylaw 3 – Maximum Number of Years
- There will be no waiver of the maximum number of semesters or additional eligibility for those students whose seasons are canceled due to Covid-19 and subsequent actions. For details and review, see the link at Click Here for Complete Details
Bylaw 4 – Eligibility to participate by being enrolled.
- State regulations (not just KHSAA rules) set a minimum participation standard. In short, a student who is considered full-time enrolled (as verified through Infinite Campus or comparable system for those that do not use Infinite Campus) is eligible to represent a member school.
- A district may always place […]
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08/03/20- Questions and Answers Regarding NFHS Network Pixellot Program

This document represents questions received from KHSAA member schools and districts since the start of the Pixellot donation program. This program was first announced in a post and email from the KHSAA on July 14, 2020. That post is archived at https://khsaa.org/07-14-20-pixellot-offer-webcasting-webinar/

As more are received and answered, this document will be expanded. Answers were provided by the staff at PlayOn Sports (the NFHS Network partner distributing the cameras).

1. Does this contract have any impact on radio rights to our games?

It could have a tremendous positive impact as you can add an audio mixture to the computer that comes with the system and add play by play commentating. Nothing in the contract prohibits or limits radio broadcasting in any way.

2. The contract allows for local TV to broadcast a game at our discretion. Can they live stream it as well, as long as we still stream on NFHS?

07/31/20- Update for Member Schools Regarding Fall Sports and Current Activity

THIS POST IS OBSOLETE AS OF THE CONCLUSION OF THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR AND IS MAINTAINED ONLY FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES

Greetings to all related constituents and constituent groups. While Joe Angolia from our office previously distributed a summary of this week’s Board actions to the membership and the public, I thought it a good idea to get additional information out to you. In the process this week, we have also received several inquiries and we can try to ensure those are answered as well. Everyone reading this though has to be mindful that things could change at a moment’s notice, and all information should be considered as of July 29. I apologize in advance for the length of this communication.

Schools should keep in mind the Board is currently composed of 8 Superintendents, 1 Principal, 1 AD/Coach, a Guidance Counselor, 3 Other District administrators, in addition to 2 Superintendents and 1 Principal on the Board […]

08/03/20 – ACT Releases Additional Test Dates for 2020-21

Recently, the ACT released information about adding additional testing dates for the 2020-21 school year. As you plan for the upcoming year, it is important to note these dates. Administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and parents should record these additional dates in order to avoid possible conflict. The KHSAA cannot possibly avoid conflicts with all of these dates (including postseason dates). It is recommended that all involved plan accordingly to mitigate any conflicts for the student-athlete in a postseason event. Below is a list of the dates (as provided by the ACT) and deadlines for registration.

Test Date

Registration Deadline

September 12, 2020

September 13, 2020 (Sunday)

September 19, 2020

August 14

October 10, 2020

October 17, 2020

October 24, 2020

October 25, 2020 (Sunday)

September 17

December 12, 2020

07/21/20 – ‘First Aid, Health and Safety’ Revisions Provide Updated Content for Learning Center Core Course

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 21, 2020) — Revisions to “First Aid, Health and Safety” – one of two core courses in the NFHS Learning Center – have been completed to provide relevant, up-to-date content to the 10-unit course. The other core course is “Fundamentals of Coaching.”

From its inception, “First Aid, Health and Safety” was designed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the American Red Cross to offer coaches and administrators an overview of first aid. Included in that overview are best practices for the numerous situations in which medical attention may be required.

“The NFHS and the American Red Cross have partnered together on a first aid course since the NFHS Learning Center platform launched in 2007,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services. “In that time, nearly 300,000 first aid courses have been accessed via the NFHS Learning Center. Over the past year, the NFHS and […]

07/14/20- Pixellot Offer-Webcasting/Webinar

As you may have heard last week, the NFHS Network announced the “High School Support Program” that will enable its member schools that currently lack webcast production capabilities to stream athletic contests. We are excited to not only ensure that you are aware of this great program but to encourage you to dig deep and decide if it benefits your school. In these trying times when upcoming contests could face attendance restrictions, a streaming option is certainly worth considering. Especially one that will potentially yield income to your athletic program instead of benefitting an outside entity. Details about an informational webinar for this program are at the end of this email.

Basically, this program allows each school to receive up to two free Pixellot automated production units for use in their primary sports venues. These units were previously priced at more than $4,000 per unit, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your school.

[…]

07/14/20 – NFHS-AMSSM Guidance for Assessing Cardiac Issues in High School Student-Athletes with COVID-19 Infection

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — An expert medical task force appointed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has issued guidance for assessing potential cardiac issues in high school student-athletes with COVID-19 infection.

The guidance is included in the “Cardiopulmonary Considerations for High School Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: NFHS-AMSSM Guidance Statement” published in Sports Health (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1941738120941490), an online journal of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).

“COVID-19 has raised many concerns regarding the health and safety of athletes,” said Jonathan Drezner, M.D., director of the University of Washington Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology, past president of the AMSSM and co-chair of the NFHS-AMSSM task force. “The risk of heart and lung involvement is likely related to the severity of the illness. This guidance statement addresses important cardiac considerations and the suggested evaluation of high school student-athletes with past or new COVID-19.”

[…]

07/13/20- NFHS Network Pixellot Offer/Program/Webinar

Dear Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors,

As you may have heard last week, the NFHS Network announced the “High School Support Program” that will enable its member schools that currently lack webcast production capabilities to stream athletic contests. We are excited to not only ensure that you are aware of this great program but to encourage you to dig deep and decide if it benefits your school. In these trying times when upcoming contests could face attendance restrictions, a streaming option is certainly worth considering. Especially one that will potentially yield income to your athletic program instead of benefitting an outside entity. Details about an informational webinar for this program are at the end of this email.

Basically, this program allows each school to receive up to two free Pixellot automated production units for use in their primary sports venues. These units were previously priced at more than $4,000 per unit, so this […]

07/07/20 – NFHS Network Offers Schools Two Free Production Units to Stream Events Through “High School Support Program”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 7, 2020) — As high schools nationwide continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19 and make plans for the restarting of activities this fall, the NFHS Network – the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports – has announced an unprecedented offer for schools that are facing possible attendance restrictions at events during the 2020-21 school year.

Through its High School Support Program, the NFHS Network is offering up to two free Pixellot automated-production units for schools that lack production capabilities to stream events on the NFHS Network.

The offer of two Pixellot units – one for indoor events and the other for outdoor contests – has been extended to all 19,500 high schools in the 51 NFHS member state associations. The NFHS Network is a joint venture of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports.

In addition to receiving […]

07/06/20 – ‘COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators’ Course Now Available from NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 6, 2020) — In an effort to address the challenges of returning to high school athletics and activities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center has collaborated with the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) to develop a new free online course “COVID-19 for Coaches and Administrators.”

The course includes information from the “Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities” document that was released by the NFHS in May for its 51 member state high school associations to consider in restarting high school athletics and other activity programs across the nation.

Additionally, the new Learning Center course offers vital information on COVID-19 for coaches and school administrators on conducting workouts, practices and contests as safely as possible, according to Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services.

“While we know states – and communities within states – are in different […]

07/06/20 – High School Field Hockey Eyewear Rule Altered for 2020 Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In response to longstanding concerns regarding the wearing of goggles in high school field hockey, the NFHS Board of Directors approved a change in the eyewear rule that will take effect with the upcoming 2020 season.

Rule 1-6-5 in the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Book, which currently states that “All field players shall wear eye protection that met the ASTM standard for field hockey (2713) at the time of manufacture,” will now state that “Goggles may be worn by all field hockey players.”

In addition to the current rule, an additional note was due to take effect in 2020 as follows: “Beginning in the 2020 fall season, all eye protection shall be permanently labeled with the ASTM 2713 standard for field hockey at the time of manufacture.”

Since goggles were mandated by the NFHS Board of Directors in 2011 with the intent to lessen the risk of catastrophic eye injuries, there have […]

06/25/20 – NFHS Learning Center’s ‘The Collapsed Athlete’ Explains Development, Implementation of EAPs

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 25, 2020) — “The Collapsed Athlete,” a free online course centered around developing and practicing Emergency Actions Plans (EAP), is the most recently launched course from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center.

“The Collapsed Athlete” dives into more than just the importance of EAPs and assigning vital responsibilities to team members. The course also explores how the three H’s – heart, heat and head – factor into potentially fatal injuries and illnesses.

High school students incur serious, life-threatening medical emergencies on a yearly basis while participating in athletics and activities. While the causes of those situations are many and varied, they may be a result of pre-diagnosed medical conditions. Others, however, may be a consequence of the activity, environmental conditions or an unrecognized medical condition.

Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services, considers “The Collapsed Athlete” to be one of the “most critically important courses” to […]

06/18/20 – NFHS to Halt Printing of Spring Sports Rules Publications; 2020 Rules to be Used in 2021 Season

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 […]

06/12/20 – NFHS National Student Leadership Summit Going Virtual for 2020

KHSAA member schools are once again invited to select student-athletes to participate at no cost in the National Federation of High School Associations’ National Student Leadership Summit.

This is a great opportunity for students from all backgrounds and levels of participation from all over Kentucky and the rest of the nation and Canada to come together for expanded leadership training that they can then share and execute back within their local school and community.

The NFHS hopes to reach thousands of high school students from across the nation July 20-22 with its first virtual National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS). The deadline to register is July 3.

06/10/20 – NFHS Learning Center Unveils School Honor Roll Program

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has created the NFHS School Honor Roll, a national recognition program designed to promote professional development for high school coaches through the completion of specific courses through the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

“Education-based programs provide ongoing learning for participating students, and the NFHS School Honor Roll program provides a pathway for coaches within schools to be honored for their involvement in professional development,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services.

After filling out an online application, schools can achieve three levels of merit within the NFHS School Honor Roll, which are obtained once 90 percent of a school’s coaches – excluding volunteer coaches – complete various course combinations. Participating institutions that earn Level 1, 2 or 3 distinctions receive a large display banner commemorating their accomplishments and their dedication to professional development and education-based athletics.

Three free offerings from the […]

06/05/20 – NFHS to Host First Virtual National Student Leadership Summit

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 4, 2020) — The NFHS hopes to reach thousands of high school students from across the nation July 20-22 with its first virtual National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS).

This year’s summit marks the 13th national conference for high school student leaders sponsored by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) since the inaugural event in 2001. The NFHS planned to host the NSLS in Indianapolis this summer; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit will be broadcast in a virtual setting on the NFHS Network, which annually streams more than 100,000 high school events online at www.NFHSNetwork.com.

“The NFHS is excited and thrilled to be able to offer leadership training in a virtual setting for our students who participate in athletics and performing arts,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports, sanctioning and student services and coordinator of the National Student Leadership Summit. “This is obviously an unusual […]

05/12/20 – Financial Aid Report Postponed until Fall

Annually, in compliance with Bylaw 11, a Financial Aid Report is required to be submitted by all KHSAA member schools. The submissions for the 2019-20 school year will not be required until later this summer as school resumes. With the current global pandemic, many schools still have too many unknown situations regarding the end of the school year and the required data likely would not be accurate or comprehensive. Therefore, this survey will be revised by the KHSAA Staff and sent to the Designated Representative in the Fall of 2020 to report on the 2019-20 year.

-KHSAA-

05/11/20 – Game Forfeiture Process Clarified in 2020-21 High School Basketball Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 11, 2020) — Beginning next year, high school basketball rules will further clarify when a contest is to be forfeited, including if a qualified individual is not present to coach.

A proposal for a national rule mandating a shot clock as well as a proposal to allow a shot clock by state adoption were not approved.

“Information was given to the Basketball Rules Committee that shared the votes in individual states on how coaches and officials voted in support of or non-support of the shot clock rule,” said Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “The conversation among the committee members explored the pros and cons of enacting the proposal as a rule for all states and likewise for state adoption. The committee will continue to explore the shot clock issue.”

These were among the topics discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations […]

04/30/20- Covid-19 End-of-Year Resources and Guidance

Click here to see the Revised Guidance for End-of-Year Procedures.

04/30/20- Recommended Guidance issued by the Kentucky Department of Education on end-of-year procedures.

Several schools have requested information on best practices for return of school-issued sports equipment, uniforms, and other important material from student-athletes. In establishing a means of getting materials back, KHSAA member schools are bound and shall be guided by this document issued by KDE in any area related to interscholastic sports or sport-activities.

04/30/20- Recommended Guidance issued by the Kentucky Department of Education COVID-19 Emergency Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies and Related Year-End Activities

Many schools have contacted the Association about best and permitted practices for holding ring ceremonies, awards opportunities, and other means to honor participation. In holding such ceremonies, KHSAA member schools are bound and shall be guided by, the procedures detailed from KDE for graduation ceremony opportunities in any area related to interscholastic sports or sport-activities.

Click […]

04/30/20- Reminder about 2019-2020 Title IX and Participation List Submission, Deadline Extended to May 31

This should present a summary for each school to complete the required Participation Report as well as the Title IX report for 2019-20.

The deadline has been extended to May 31, 2020.
The online system is currently available for entry.
If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, our office should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org) can assist you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system.
Our field audit staff is NOT available at this time as we have temporarily suspended the work of all part-time employees for the current period. You will be advised then those individuals are back in the office and available.

Exceptions and Procedures Only for 2019-20

Obviously, Covid-19 has altered […]

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 […]

04/28/20 – 2020-21 High School Wrestling Rules Changes Address Weigh-In Procedures, Hair-Length Restrictions

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 28, 2020) — As the result of a concerted effort to accommodate the growing number of female wrestlers, the 2020-21 high school wrestling rules changes are headlined by significant adjustments to weigh-in protocol and appropriate hair-length requirements.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee met April 5-6 and recommended 11 rules changes to take effect next school year. In accordance with current health safety guidelines, the rules meeting was held in an online format. All rules revisions recommended by the Wrestling Rules Committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“These rule changes are some of the most prolific modifications in the history of high school wrestling,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “The rules committee made necessary, drastic changes to attract more young people to our sport without sacrificing the health and safety of […]

04/14/20 – High School Swimming/Diving Rules Changes Clarify Proper Race Finish, Official Timing Procedures

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 14, 2020) — Providing more clarity on a proper race finish and official timing procedures are among the noteworthy high school swimming and diving rules changes for the 2020-21 school year.

These topics were among those discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee at its annual meeting March 22-23, where a total of six rules changes were recommended for approval. The rules meeting was held in an online format to comply with current health safety guidelines. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 1-1-1 was edited to profile the end wall in more detail. Previously described as “the walls perpendicular to the race course,” the new definition broadens the term to include “the vertical portion of the pool, contiguous surface of the deck and overflow gutter, the front of the starting block or platform, or the touchpad at […]

04/06/20 – Esports Nominations Sought for Male and 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 Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among esports 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 […]

04/06/20 – Bass Fishing Nominations Sought for Male and Female Midway Student-Athlete of the Year

03/26/20 – Risk Minimization Remains Theme of 2020-21 High School Spirit Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 26, 2020) — High school spirit rules changes for the 2020-21 school year remain centered on increasing safety for cheerleading and dance teams across the country.

This year, minimizing injury risk for stunting personnel and during inversions and releases were among the 16 rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Spirit Rules Committee, which met February 10-11 in Orlando, Florida. All changes recommended by the committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The committee has been working for years to make spirit activities safer for our student participants, while maintaining a high level of competition and crowd leading,” said James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports. “This will continue to be a primary focus of the Spirit Rules Committee.”

Stunting personnel safety was addressed in Rule 3-2-1c, a new addition to the NFHS Spirit Rules Book. The rule states that bases may […]

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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03/25/20 – Officiating Courses Available for Free Through July 1 on the NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 25, 2020) — Current high school sports officials, as well as individuals interested in joining the officiating ranks, will be able to access online education courses on the NFHS Learning Center for free through July 1.

Since many individuals are at home for an indefinite period of time due to the current worldwide health crisis, the NFHS has decided to make its 11 sports officiating courses available for free on the Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

“Everyone is looking for positive things to do at home during this difficult period of time, so we thought it would be a good opportunity for officials to take courses on the Learning Center to brush up on their skills,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “As a means of encouraging more people to take advantage of this time at home, the NFHS is offering officiating courses for free until July 1.

“In addition to […]

03/19/20- Spring Sport-Activity Tryout Window Postponed

The KHSAA was made aware of communication sent to member schools from Varsity Spirit (specifically Universal Cheer Association and Universal Dance Association) about “virtual tryouts”. This notification was not approved by the KHSAA and as a reminder, the Athletic Dead Period that has been instituted for all sports and sport-activities in Kentucky because of the Covid-19 virus would preclude this type of tryout. No matter where held, this would then implicitly or explicitly imply mandatory participation by students and evaluation by coaches.

As previously stated, “all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to be in a dead period.” In consultation with the Governor, Public Health Officials and the Kentucky Department of Education, an evaluation will be made for the period going forward.” No tryouts or “virtual tryouts” may take place until further notice.

The information related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) is ever-evolving, and changes happen quickly. We will inform all stakeholders if there […]

03/18/20- Refund Options, 2020 Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments

Today (March 18) should have been a day of celebration. Newly crowned Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA girls’ state tournament champions and other participants should have been celebrating in their local communities. Downtown Lexington and the entire state should have been abuzz as the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ State Basketball Tournament played its first round. But such was not to be the case. Events totally beyond the control of everyone involved led to the determination that it would not be safe to conduct the remainder of the Mingua Beef Jerky girls’ event or conduct any of the Whitaker Bank boys’ event.

We know that many of you are as disappointed as we are. You had planned for months on the annual celebration of basketball in our Commonwealth. And while the cancelation (Ticketmaster term becessary to permit refunds) represents nothing less than a financial disaster for the Association, finances certainly could not be the determinant in our action steps. […]

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 […]

02/17/20 – Dropped Ball Procedure Amended in High School Soccer

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 14, 2020) – Beginning next season, changes to the conditions and procedure for restarting play with a dropped ball will take effect in high school soccer.

The dropped ball procedure was among 15 rules changes made by the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee at its January 20-22 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

When a ball is caused to go out of bounds due to a simultaneous touch, Rules 9-2-2 and 9-2-3 now stipulate a referee will restart play with a dropped ball to one player of the team that last possessed the ball before going out of play. Previously, simultaneous touch resulted in any number of players contesting a dropped ball to restart play.

Additionally, if play is stopped with the ball in the penalty area or the last touch – by either team – was in the penalty area, the ball is dropped to the […]

02/13/20 – Board of Control Election Procedures

BOARD OF CONTROL BALLOT – BOARD OF CONTROL ELECTIONS – INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BALLOT:

Balloting is ONLY done online for these positions.
All schools have at least one election in which to ballot, except for public schools in regions 9, 10, 11, and 12. Those schools may disregard this notice.
Only non-public schools may vote in the Region 9-16 non-public election.
Balloting is available per the Constitution beginning on February 15. For 2020, due to the opening being on Saturday, the balloting will open on February 14, 2020.
Only the Principal or Designated Representative may vote. The names on file as verified by the KHSAA website at the time of this ballot distribution are listed on the school directory page at http://khsaa.org/general/resources/member-school-directory/.
If the wrong individual is listed as the Designated Representative, the correction may be made by anyone with Athletic Director system rights (Principal, AD) prior to the ballot […]
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02/06/20 – Additional Timing Changes on Play Clock Approved in High School Football Rules

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 6, 2020) — In an effort to eliminate a potential timing advantage gained by the defensive team in high school football, the play clock will be set to 40 seconds – effective with the 2020 season – when an official’s time-out is taken for an injury to a defensive player or a defensive player has an equipment issue.

This change was one of six rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 12-14 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Last year, in an effort to establish a more consistent time period between downs, the play clock was expanded from 25 seconds to 40 seconds in many cases, although the play clock remained at 25 seconds in most cases following an official’s time-out. However, this coming season, the play clock will be set […]

02/06/20 – High School Field Hockey Moves from Halves to Quarters in 2020 Season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 6, 2020) — High school field hockey games will be played in four quarters instead of two halves beginning with the 2020 season.

This significant change was one of several rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 13-15 meeting in Indianapolis. All rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee continues to strive to find ways to improve the ease and use of the rules for officials and coaches, which is evident in many of the changes made for the 2020 field hockey season,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee.

The rules committee’s change moves the game to four 15-minute periods from two 30-minute halves. The committee believes this will allow teams to maximize their play for the entire match. […]

01/30/20 – Roster Submissions a Focus for 2020-21 High School Volleyball Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 30, 2020) — Revised rules for roster submissions and penalties assessed to the team bench are among the most prominent high school volleyball rules changes for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

At its annual meeting January 5-7 in downtown Indianapolis, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee recommended six rules changes that were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“High school volleyball is in a great place, which is reflected in the small number of both rules proposals and rules changes this year,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee continues to be dedicated to finding ways to improve the administration of the game as is evident in the changes made for the 2020-21 volleyball season.”

The first notable change pertains to the consequences for late roster submissions and changes made to the roster […]

01/23/20 – NFHS Releases “Beyond The Scoreboard,” Second Video Resource for Adult Fan Behavior at Events

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 23, 2020) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has released “Beyond The Scoreboard,” the second installment of its new video series centered on correcting negative adult fan behavior at high school events.

Competitive high school events can be a highly emotional experience for the parents of participants and other invested adults, especially during the intense moments when winning and losing hangs in the balance. “Beyond The Scoreboard,” which follows “The Parent Seat” as the second non-course production housed on the NFHS Learning Center website (www.NFHSLearn.com), utilizes a list of 10 “life lessons” fostered by athletics and activities participation that are often forgotten by adult fans during the heated battle for victory.

“There are times when the scoreboard may indicate a loss, but there is actually a whole lot of winning going on,” said NFHS Director of Educational Services Dan Schuster. “As cliché as that sounds, we’re trying to […]

11/22/19-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 19-20

When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. She felt this was a chance for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service. The award process for 2019-2020 is now underway.

Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, February 29, 2020. The award winners will be announced in conjunction with the boys’ state basketball tournament in March. Two grants, each in the amount of a one-time scholarship of $2,000 payable to an institution of higher learning, will be awarded. The scholarship is not renewable and is not endowed for expansion. Minimum criteria is a 3.5 (converted to 4.0 scale) grade point average; involvement in varsity sports or sport-activities; involvement in other school activities, a record of community service/involvement and a member of the […]

11/21/19 – NFHS Announces Plans to Launch “Center for Officials Services”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 21, 2019) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will be launching an online platform for high school officials, effective with the 2020-21 school year.

The NFHS Center for Officials Services, with its technology platform created by DragonFly Athletics of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will offer a variety of services for officials, including registration, assessment, assignments and payments. In addition, NFHS Officials Association members will be able to access NFHS rules exams, NFHS digital rules books and case books, insurance information, video content and sport-specific officiating courses on the NFHS Learning Center.

In time, it is anticipated that the NFHS Center for Officials Services database would include all registered officials in NFHS member state associations. As a result, this new technology would assist the NFHS as it continues to recruit new officials through its #BecomeAnOfficial program as well as ongoing efforts to retain individuals who officiate high school contests.

“We are […]

11/19/19- First Phase (T35 Report) Open for Title IX Reporting Entry for 2019-20

The initial phase of entry for the 2019-2020 Title IX Reports, the ability to enter the financial information from 2018-19 to be entered on the form T-35, is available and online at schools.khsaa.org. There have only minimal changes based on the great cooperation and feedback from the membership.

T35 EMPHASIS POINTS

There has been a continual effort to eliminate inconsistent information that has been entered on that form, and the following points are emphasized:

Entry for the T35 is now open. Login to http://schools.khsaa.org and begin entry when you are ready.
The T35 requires you to enter 2018-2019 expense information, as it has been audited within your school and district.
Your previous Annual Reports can be quickly reviewed in the KHSAA School Subdomain (the login page) by clicking on the tab labeled Past Title IX Annual Reports, in case you want to review past submissions.
The T35 is to be entered with all KHSAA sanctioned […]
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11/01/19- UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athletes of the Year

UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athletes of the Year. This year, winners will be named for both male and female comeback athletes. Athletes should meet the following criteria:

The nominee must have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports.
The nominee must have returned to their sport(s) and demonstrated excellence and achievement beyond expectations.
The nominee must consistently demonstrate good sportsmanship and ethical behavior on and off the playing field.
The nominee must be in verified good academic standing with their school.
The nominee must have participated and been a member of an athletic team during the 2018-2019 academic year.
Nominations shall be submitted by January 15, 2020, to the KHSAA through the link at http://khsaa.org/ge36-uk-healthcare-comeback-athlete-of-the-year/.

Nominees will be automatically forwarded to UK HealthCare and the Sports Medicine Staff for review and selection.

[…]

11/06/19- High School Football Playoffs—A Community Happening

By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Many people would agree that their years in high school were some of the best years of their lives—particularly those individuals who were members of a sports team or participated in other activities such as the marching band or debate team.

In many cases, team members become lifelong friends. Reunion parties are held from time to time as teammates return to remember the fun—more so than the outcome of games or events—they had while participating in high school activities. Quite often, reunions for sports teams are staged during the highlight of each sports season—the state playoffs.

And as the calendar turns to November, there is nothing like the excitement of high school football playoffs in cities across Kentucky and throughout the nation every Friday night as the fall sports season […]

10/11/19 – NFHS Understanding Copyright and Compliance Course Required for Cheer & Dance Coaches

This is a reminder that all KHSAA Cheer and Dance Coaches (Head and Assistant, paid or unpaid) must complete the NFHS Music Copyright Course “Understanding Copyright and Compliance”. This course is free and 100% online and is required whether or not a team competes in KHSAA competition. This course from the NFHS is geared toward music teachers, spirit coaches (cheer and dance) and school administrators. Understanding Copyright and Compliance is available through the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

The course explores copyright laws and how those laws impact the interscholastic community and the course was produced with the assistance of NAME (National Association for Music Education) and USA Cheer. It also expands on topics such as fair use, public domain, copyright infringement penalties and much more. Spirit squads, as well as Dance teams, are increasingly met with copyright infringement claims and this course is a tool to assist cheer and dance coaches in education on […]

Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show

The Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show airs every Friday night starting at 10 p.m. (ET). The Scoreboard Show recaps all of the night’s action from across the Bluegrass. The show can be heard online at WLAP.com, or via WLAP Radio 630 through the IHeart radio app.

You can listen to the Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show at any time on any device by downloading the podcast. Simply go to WLAP.com, click “On Demand Podcast”, and scroll down to Kentucky High School Scoreboard hours 1 and 2.

CALLS CITY FREQUENCY WCLU AM/FM GLASGOW 1490/102.3 WHOP AM/FM HOPKINSVILLE 1230/95.3 FM WLAP AM LEXINGTON 630 WKRD LOUISVILLE 790 WMSK AM/WMSK FM MORGANFIELD 1550/101.3 More

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 […]

09/19/19 – Board Approves Next Steps for Potential Lacrosse Sanctioning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2019

The Board of Control approved a recommendation on Thursday to appoint a sport-specific focus group to study the sanctioning of boys’ and girls’ lacrosse following a survey of the membership. Earlier this month, the Association asked the designated representative for each member school to provide feedback on the possibilities of adding lacrosse as a sanctioned sport in either the fall or the spring. The membership responded positively that they would have a team and enter championship competition if the KHSAA were to conduct a spring lacrosse championship for both boys (56 votes) and girls (54 votes). Interest for a fall championship failed to meet the required 50-school threshold for further consideration.

Following review of the survey, the Board approved a recommendation from staff to form a focus group to confirm genuine interest in schools adding lacrosse should the KHSAA sanction a spring championship, with the earliest implementation being for […]

09/05/19- Interest Survey-Championship-KHSAA Lacrosse

As we have detailed in the regional meetings, the Board of Control desires additional feedback and clarification from schools on a prior triennial survey. This survey deals with LACROSSE and one response will be accepted per school. Duplicate responses will be deleted and the response from the Principal will take precedence over the Athletic Director in the event of duplication. It is an individual school administrator determination if other individuals are consulted prior to response. The deadline for submission is TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019.

The survey is located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lacrosse2019

The KHSAA relies heavily on its triennial survey to determine the interest of its membership in adding a new sport or sport-activity. However, there are times in the interim when the Board of Control and the Commissioner receive enough interest in a particular sport or sport-activity that additional research is need.

The Board has asked the Commissioner to poll the schools about the membership […]

09/05/19- State Tennis Team Championship Survey Information

As we have detailed in the regional meetings, the Board of Control desires additional feedback and clarification from schools on a prior survey. This survey deals with TENNIS and one response will be accepted per school. Duplicate responses will be deleted and the response from the Principal will take precedence over the Athletic Director in the event of duplication. It is an individual school administrator determination if other individuals are consulted prior to response. The deadline for submission is TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019.

Before you complete the survey, you will need to know how many singles players and doubles teams were entered from your school last spring.

The survey is located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TeamTennisFormat2019Survey

The Board of Control has received requests from members of the recently formed Kentucky High School Tennis Coaches Association to replace the current format with a team vs. team, school vs. school format, or to conduct both the […]

09/03/19 – Reminders about Required Title IX Student Interest Survey During 2019-20, KHSAA Assistance Available

For all KHSAA member schools, 2019-2020 is the year for the biennial student interest survey related to Title IX. None of the basic survey requirements have changed, as you are to survey your students in grades 9 through 11, as well as the identified 8th graders within the feeder pattern of your school system. Only minimal changes have been made to the survey instrument, KHSAA Form T61.

T61 Student Interest Survey Assistance is now available as a membership benefit from the KHSAA. If you have specific questions about the survey requirement or other Title IX specific information, contact Assistant Commissioner Darren Bilberry at the KHSAA at 859-299-5472 or via email at dbilberry@khsaa.org. If you desire the KHSAA to setup and tabulate your survey for you via our electronic system and need assistance, contact Information Technology Director Rob Catron via email at rcatron@khsaa.org to request your survey.

The required target response rate for survey validity remains […]

08/29/19 – First Time “Coaching Cross Country” Course Now Available in NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 29, 2019) — For the first time, cross country coaches now have a learning resource through “Coaching Cross Country,” an online education course available through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center at www.NFHSlearn.com.

Cross country is both a team and individual sport that demands great fitness, endurance and a drive to compete.

“We are excited to offer this course for cross country coaches,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services. “For the first time, cross country coaches now have a course in the NFHS Learning Center.”

Created in association with USA Track and Field, the course is designed to help coaches learn more to teach the skills of cross country to their students.

“Our goal is to assist coaches with courses that are specifically tailored to the needs of their students,” Schuster said. “We have had a track and field course available for a few […]

08/24/19- Parents and Adult Fans: The Biggest Challenge Facing High School Sports Today

By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Inappropriate adult behavior at high school athletic events in Kentucky and across the United States has reached epidemic proportion.

When more than 2,000 high school athletic directors were asked in a recent national survey what they like least about their job, 62.3% said it was “dealing with aggressive parents and adult fans.”

And the men and women who wear the black and white stripes agree. In fact, almost 80% of officials quit after the first two years on the job, and unruly parents are cited as the reason why. As a result, there is a growing shortage of high school officials here in Kentucky, and in some sports like wrestling, swimming, and track and field, the shortage is severe. No officials means no more games.

If you […]

08/21/19- KHSAA to Host Middle School AD Workshop

For the first time, the KHSAA will conduct a workshop specifically designed for Middle School Athletic Administrators (ADs). The workshop will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington, 2280 Executive Drive, on Monday, September 16. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. and should conclude by 2:30. There is no fee to register.

Registration for the meeting will be limited to the first 125 middle school administrators that register. In order to register, visit the link at https://khsaa.org/ms02-middle-school-athletic-administrator-workshop-registration/

The content of the meeting will be a thorough review of 702 KAR 7:065, Section 4, which is the state regulation governing middle school play. In addition, helpful guidance will be presented to ensure proper interpretation and application of the provisions of the regulation.

KHSAA Staff, including the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bridenbaugh who currently serves as the designated representative on staff related to this regulation, will be present to offer both explanation and […]

08/21/19- Reminder about KHSAA Annual Meeting, Newer Athletic Administrators Workshop

As was noticed in two July 31 memos to our membership, registration for both the newer Athletic Administrators Workshop on September 17 and the KHSAA Annual Meeting on September 18. For those that desire housing, there is a block of rooms being held at the Hyatt Regency for September 17 but those rooms must be reserved by August 27 using the instructions in the original memo.

NEWER ADMINISTRATORS WORKSHOP INFORMATION
The complete memo with links to register etc. for the newer athletic director institute is located at https://khsaa.org/07-30-19-advanced-athletic-director-training-institute/

The registration form for the newer athletic director institute is located at https://schools.khsaa.org/ge47-advanced-athletic-administrators-institute-form/

The list of those registered thus far for the Newer Administrators Workshop is at https://khsaa.org/2019-2020-newer-athletic-administrators-workshop-listing/

ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
The complete memo with links to register etc. for the Annual Meeting (Delegate Assembly) is located at https://khsaa.org/07-30-19-2019-khsaa-annual-meeting-reminder/

The registration form for the Annual Meeting is located at https://schools.khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/

[…]

08/21/19- Reminder about Title IX Specific Workshops

As was previously announced at our Regional Meetings, the KHSAA will be conducting two Title IX Workshops for 2019-20. The first will be on Friday morning, September 13 at Caldwell County High School in Princeton at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. The second will be on Friday morning, September 20 at Rowan County High School in Morehead at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

This workshop should be extremely beneficial for all member schools, especially as schools prepare for revisits during the coming years. Registration will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the venue. EILA credit has been applied for in order to help the appropriate administrators who attend and in addition, this meeting will count three (3) hours toward the Bylaw 25 required hours for Athletic Directors. The meetings should conclude by 12:30 p.m. The focus of this meeting will be the elements of Title IX as it relates to the management of the […]

06/21/19- Ferguson tabbed Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2018-19

2018-2019 News Releases

Ferguson tabbed Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year for 2018-19

June 21, 2019

The third annual Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program concluded when the award winners from the past year were invited to campus for a ceremony to announce the overall winner for 2018-19. It was announced at the ceremony that Maci Ferguson (tennis) of Russell High School was named the overall winner for 2018-19.

A 2018 graduate of Russell High School, Ferguson left a lasting impact in her time as a standout for the Red Devils. A two-time Doubles State Champion and a four-time All-State Tennis Team Selection, Ferguson helped lead the Red Devils to five consecutive Region Championships. She also is a three-time Region 16 Player of the Year who also won the 2017 Wendy’s Heisman Award.

Ferguson not only excelled on the court, but also in the classroom. While putting in many hours with lessons and travel on […]

08/20/19- 2019-2020 Regional Meeting Attendance Listing

08/15/19- CPR of Indiana again offers KHSAA Members Rare Discounted AED program

The KHSAA is proud to again partner Bill Callahan and the CPR Institute of Indiana to offer the chance for KHSAA member schools to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at a deeply discounted price for a limited time. The program has been accepted by the KHSAA Sports Medicine Committee (member doctors of the KMA) and the price is the product of great work between CPR Institute and the NFHS Foundation.

A product flier with complete details is located on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/sportsmedicine/Kentucky%20Document%20for%20Philips%20AED%20Units.pdf. Those units are currently selling on Amazon.com for just under $1300 not including a nearly $100 carrying case.

Through this offer from CPR of Indiana, the cost of the units is only $700 per unit (including a wall mounting unit), plus applicable shipping. For those schools that desire, tell Bill you want the unit delivered to the KHSAA Annual Meeting on September 18 in Lexington and your delegate can pick up […]

08/09/19- Football Contact Practice Reminder

This notice to all schools that offer football within the Association in response to a variety of inquiries.

Per Bylaw 23 (Limitation of Seasons), coaches should note that per the bylaw, once the first interscholastic activity occurs in pads (scrimmage or contest), Level “3” Thud or Level “4” Live Action (which are both considered contact) is limited to ninety-minutes per week (not including contests or scrimmages). Specifically within the bylaw, subsection 12 on the third page of the regulation, it states “Beginning Monday of the week the first scrimmage is played by the school, each school may participate in “Thud” or “Live Action” drills and game time simulations (not including contests or legal scrimmages) for no more than ninety-minutes per team, per week.“

This important rule is not new and applies to both middle and high school play.

For the complete regulation on practice and play, see the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/handbook/bylaws/bylaw23.pdf.

08/09/19- Final Reminder, 2019-2020 Regional Meetings of the Membership

As was noticed on the July 17 memo, the regional meetings of the membership begin on Monday, August 12. This meeting is one of the very few requirements for maintaining membership in good standing with the KHSAA.

The first meeting will be held at Glasgow High School beginning at 8 a.m.

The schedule of meetings is as follows:
Monday, August 12, 2019, Glasgow HS
Tuesday, August 13, 2019, Hopkins County Central HS, Madisonville
Monday, August 19, 2019, KHSAA Offices, Lexington
Tuesday, August 20, 2019, Letcher County Central HS, Whitesburg
Thursday, August 22, 2019, Boyd County HS, Ashland
Monday, August 26, 2019, Pulaski County HS, Somerset
Tuesday, August 27, 2019, Owen County HS, Owenton
Thursday, September 12, 2019, Valley High School, Louisville

The complete memo with links to register etc. is located at https://khsaa.org/071719-2019-2020-regional-athletic-administrators-meetings-of-membership/

The registration form for the meeting is located at https://schools.khsaa.org/ge45-regional-meeting-registration/

The list of those registered thus far is at More

08/08/19 – Reminder about Schedules, Stats Collection Requirement and Renewed Penalties for Noncompliance

Entering the 2019-20 academic year, the Association will have an increased emphasis on the collection of statistical data in its team sports and the requirement of member schools to submit information in a timely manner. During the course of the 2018-19 season, enhancements were made to the Association’s statistical entry software at a significant cost, including the addition of volleyball, field hockey, baseball and softball.

As further enhancements are rolled out in the coming weeks and months, the requirement of member schools to submit their information will be more stringently enforced. As has been the case for several years, statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats have long been subject to penalties within the constraints of Bylaw 27. For 2019-20, these penalties will involve fines levied for failure to submit statistics, with the first application of these sanctions to occur during the latter weeks […]

08/07/19 – HYPE Student Leadership Conferences Registration Now Open

Advanced Workshop 2019-2020

Registration is now open for the 2019 KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences.

DATES
Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30 (two separate individual one-day conferences)

LOCATION
Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St., Lexington, next to Rupp Arena) – Bluegrass Ballroom

COST
There is no charge to attend. Schools are responsible for transportation and any meals.

LUNCH
Lunch will be “on your own”.

ATTENDEES
Each school may select up to 18 individuals to attend. Registration is first-come-first-served and the Lexington Conferences are traditionally at capacity. Those that have attended a conference previously are not eligible to attend.

SCHEDULE
8:15-8:40 a.m. – Registration
8:45-9:05 a.m. – Opening Session
9:15-10:05 a.m. – Breakout Session #1
10:15-11:05 a.m. – Breakout Session #2
11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m. – Breakout Session #3
12:15-12:55 p.m. – Featured Speaker Harvey Alston “Be the […]

07/30/19- Advanced Athletic Director Training Institute

This is intended for all KHSAA member school Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors and the links can be forwarded as needed.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INSTITUTE

The 2019 KHSAA Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington on Tuesday, September 17. Designed for ADs of all experience levels, this meeting will begin with registration around 8:30, conclude before 3:00. A light lunch (sandwich box, etc.) will be provided by the KHSAA for those who register prior to September 12. There will be a short break following this meeting and then those who optionally choose to do so may choose to attend the expanded training being offered by the KHSADA that evening.

The KHSAA staff will conduct the first portion of the meeting which should afford our newer and veteran ADs an in-depth review of all 27 KHSAA Bylaws, a review of required forms and procedures and other vital segments to allow for continuous […]

07/30/19-Reminder about NCAA Recruiting Windows and KHSAA Bylaw 9

We have received several inquiries about upcoming “recruiting” events being held during the month of August. With various start dates for school in Kentucky, Bylaw 9 can impact the eligibility of students and in many cases, without their advance knowledge, if events are held at the “wrong” time of the month and their school happens to start very early compared to others.

Keep in mind that Bylaw 9 restricts basketball players (and does not apply to any sport other than basketball or football) who have BOTH been enrolled in the 9th grade and THEN subsequently has played for the school (freshman, junior varsity or varsity) in a contest. The complete text of the rule is located at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/handbook/bylaws/bylaw9.pdf.

There are two exemptions for both boys and girls that have been approved by the membership during the period beginning with the first day of school and October 14.

The first is an exemption for […]
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07/30/19- 2019 KHSAA Annual Meeting Reminder

This is intended for all KHSAA member school Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors and the links can be forwarded as needed.

ANNUAL MEETING

This reminder that the 2019 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 18 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level, adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). Final agenda is being published as it becomes final in the coming weeks, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 12:30 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/

ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATE DESIGNATION

The Annual Meeting has continuous improvement/leadership training opportunities throughout the morning as members work to carve out the best plan of action for the future and then the meeting […]

07/17/19- 2019-2020 Regional Athletic Administrators Meetings of Membership

This reminder is for all member school Superintendents, Principals and Athletic Directors within the KHSAA.

For the fall of 2019, the KHSAA will again conduct a series of eight regional meetings to help our athletic administrators meet the membership requirement of attending this type of meeting once per year.

Per the membership guidelines, attendance is required of each school but is no longer specific to the principal or principal certification. The Principal or the Designated Representative listed on the KHSAA website will count toward each requirement. Also, this workshop is on the list of those items that satisfy the requirements for the continuing improvement hours for each Athletic Director per Bylaw 25. There is no registration fee.

The content for the segments will include sessions on managing the coach and player data for your school, a review of the KHSAA Bylaws, an update on the operations and projects around the KHSAA and many required reports and […]

07/17/19- Heat and Humidity Reminders for Member Schools Representatives

With temperatures rising across the state and predictions for record temperatures in the coming days, now is a good time to remind all of our school administrators and coaches of the requirements of the Heat Index and Heat Illness prevention program. The complete program is detailed at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/handbook/policies/policies-heatilllnesspolicy.pdf

No game or plan for a game or practice for a game is worth short-cutting this required procedure that is now more than fifteen years old. Nothing about the program has changed with the exception of the inclusion of the ability to use the wet bulb globe to monitor conditions, but with the turnover in coaches (and administrators) perhaps a few heat index and illness reminders are helpful:

Heat index requirements and restrictions apply (and have always applied) to outdoor and indoor sports. In many cases during the summer, indoor practice areas (including gymnasiums) are set to be electronically controlled in terms of temperature and coaches […]
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07/16/19 – “Coaching Field Hockey” Course Added to NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 16, 2019) — Field hockey coaches can now take advantage of a new coaching resource, “Coaching Field Hockey,” an online education course available through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center at www.NFHSlearn.com.

Created in association with USA Field Hockey, the course is designed to help coaches teach the individual and team skills of field hockey.

“We’re pleased to offer this course for high school field hockey coaches,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services. “This course is full of skills videos to teach coaches how to properly demonstrate the skills of field hockey.”

“The two new online courses, Coaching Field Hockey and Coaching Field Hockey: Goalkeeping, were created to help high school coaches and their athletes and teams to succeed,” said Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey director of coach education and learning. “Both courses are intended to support development of the technical and tactical aspects […]

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 […]

06/27/19 – Assisting Injured Athletes, Expansion of Exchange Zones Among Rules Changes in Track and Field/Cross Country

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 27, 2019) — The expansion of exchange zones in short relay events, which does not require tracks to be repainted/resurfaced, as well as assisting injured athletes, are among the rules changes for high school track and field and cross country.

Seven rules changes were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee at its June 10-12 meeting in Indianapolis, and all changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The first change amends notes in Rule 4 (Competitors and Competition) and Rule 8 (Cross Country) which reads, “A competitor who provides assistance to an injured or ill competitor should not be disqualified if neither the individual competitor providing the assistance nor his/her team gains an advantage as a result of providing the assistance.”

“Previous changes to the NFHS rules created the exception that allows a competitor to assist an […]

06/27/19 – Expanded Designated Hitter Role Coming to High School Baseball

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 27, 2019) — The role of the designated hitter in high school baseball has been expanded to give coaches an additional option for the 2020 season.

The revision to Rule 3-1-4 was the only change recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis. The change was subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The game is in the best shape it has ever been in the history of high school baseball,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee. “This has allowed coaches to coach, players to play and umpires to umpire. This change, which was organic and intuitive, expands the role of the designated hitter and meets the desires of the high school baseball community.”

There are now two scenarios in which a designated hitter may be […]

06/13/19 – Field Hockey Goalkeeping Course Added to NFHS Learning Center

Academic All-State 2018-19

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 13, 2019) — “Coaching Field Hockey: Goalkeeping,” an online education course produced in partnership with USA Field Hockey, has been added to the available courses on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSlearn.com.

“Coaching Field Hockey: Goalkeeping” is a sport-specific course that demonstrates the skills, techniques and tactics of playing the goalkeeper position in field hockey. As the last line of defense, goalkeepers require unique and supportive teaching and training.

“We’re excited to offer this professional development opportunity for field hockey coaches and look forward to expanding coaches’ knowledge of the game,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services.

“Teaching, developing, motivating and including goalkeepers in training is an important part of team development and a common challenge, especially for coaches who have never played the position,” said Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey director of coach education and learning. “This course focuses on the basic techniques and includes simple exercises to […]

05/29/19 – Triple Threat, Academic All-State Honorees Finalized for 2018-19

2018-2019 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2019

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association today announced final counts for its “Triple Threat Award” and “Academic All-State” recognition programs for the 2018-19 academic year. In its second year of existence, the Triple Threat Award was presented to a total of 1,878 student-athletes for 2018-19, while 151 KHSAA member schools recognized a total of 10,046 students as First Team Academic All-State and 5,772 students as Academic All-State Honorable Mention.

“We are very pleased with the participation level of our membership with the Triple Threat and Academic All-State programs,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Both of those processes have been automated to help our membership and make the recognition more readily available to our great student-athletes.”

Created by the Commissioner’s office in May of 2018 as a way to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Triple Threat Award […]

Academic All State Honoree Listing Announced

Initiated in 1985, the KHSAA annually awards to students in the state of Kentucky “Academic All-State” recognition in conjunction with a corporate partner. The awards, in the form of certificates, are presented to students who have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on a four-point scale. Those students are awarded “Honorable Mention” recognition. Students maintaining a 3.75 cumulative average on a four-point scale are designated “First Team.” The awards are based on cumulative grade point averages from the time of enrollment in ninth grade, are given only to varsity participants, and only to participants who are enrolled in grades nine through twelve.

For 2018-19, 151 KHSAA member schools recognized a total of 10,046 students as First Team and 5,772 as Honorable Mention. The count of schools and awards are based solely on the participation of the member schools and the certificates are a function of the member school login site provided by the Association. For 2017-18 and for reference, the KHSAA reported a […]

05/15/19 – Several Equipment Changes Highlight High School Basketball Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 15, 2019) — Five of the seven rules changes in high school basketball concern player equipment, including new uniform provisions that will be required in the 2024-25 season.

All seven rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its April 23-25 meeting in Indianapolis were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Effective with the 2024-25 season, the number on the jersey can no longer be the same color as the jersey itself. Currently, the number can be the same color as the jersey if it is bordered by a contrasting color. Despite the contrasting-color border, the committee said the number is still difficult to see in many cases. The other two options in Rule 3-4-3e regarding the color of the number remain in effect.

A five-year implementation date was approved to allow schools time to budget for purchasing new uniforms.

Four […]

2019-2020 Approved KHSAA J-1/F-1 Exchange Agencies

Case BL-7-2- What are the approved J-1 VISA programs for Foreign Exchange Students?
Students holding a J-1 VISA issued by the U.S. Department of State and placed in KHSAA member schools through a CSIET approved agency may be declared eligible by the Association. For more information, contact the CSIET website by going to http://www.csiet.org/. An agency may be removed from the listing at any time for noncompliance with the basic rules regarding random placement of students and other Federal provisions.
At this time, this list contains the following approved J-1 Inbound Programs agencies:
AFICE*
AFS-USA*
American Councils
ACES
AIFS Foundation
Amicus International Student Exchange
Aspect Foundation
ASSE and World Heritage International
ASSIST
ATAD
Ayusa International
Borderless Friends Forever
CASE
Children of All Nations
CETUSA
CIEE
Cultural Homestay International
Educational Merit Foundation
ERDT/SHARE!*
Education […]

04/29/19- Getting Smart but Acting Foolishly: There is a Solution (Op-Ed Column)

2018-2019 News Releases

By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

We communicate on smartphones, drive smart cars, make purchases using smart cards and even drink smart water. But, really, how smart are we?

Between college admission and internet privacy scandals, sexual misconduct investigations, stolen trade secrets and the growing concern about how we communicate and connect with each other, technology seems to be outpacing our capacity to understand the most responsible way to use it.

In other words, how are tomorrow’s leaders being groomed to make decisions that provide the perspective, balance, and strength of character that today’s advanced world needs?

The answer is by participating in high school sports like the ones offered by the high schools in Kentucky.

Most researchers agree that leaders are made, not […]

04/25/19 – Additional Time Given to Evaluate Head, Neck Injuries in High School Wrestling

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 25, 2019) — In an ongoing effort to minimize the risk of injury in high school wrestling, additional time will be given to evaluate head and neck injuries when an appropriate health-care professional is present at a match.

In addition to the 1½ minutes of injury time allotted for each wrestler, an appropriate health-care professional will have a maximum of five minutes to evaluate injuries to the head and neck involving the cervical column and/or nervous systems. At that point, the wrestler would have to continue or default the match.

This revision in injury time in Rule 8-2-4 is one of 17 rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 3-5 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

A second injury to the head and neck involving cervical column and/or central nervous system in […]

Ball Adoptions for 2019-2020 and Beyond

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.

There is no change in the balls adopted for 2019-2020 and beyond when compared to 2018-2019.

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 […]
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04/22/19 – Six Rules Changes Approved in High School Swimming, Diving

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 22, 2019) — Effective with the 2019-20 high school season, a legal finish now requires the competitor to contact either the touchpad or the finish end coinciding with the individual stroke of the race. With this change, swimmers can legally complete a race by touching the finish end (end wall), regardless of whether the touchpad is activated.

This rules revision, which affects the finish of all strokes used in swimming, was one of two swimming and four diving changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee at its March 24-26 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 8-1-7 now will require swimmers to contact the finish end in the manner prescribed by the individual strokes. Descriptions of the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle finishes in Rule 8-2 state that a legal finish requires contact with […]

04/01/19 – List of Items for Annual Required Financial Aid Report

It is once again that time of year for ALL KHSAA member schools to complete the required annual financial aid report in compliance with Bylaw 11. This report is required of ALL KHSAA member schools. In an effort to assist Principals and Athletic Directors in preparing for this report, this checklist of information is provided so that you can spend a few days gathering the required data and information prior to the request for report completion.

The link to enter the required report will open for completion on April 15. Gathering this information before the link is sent on April 15 should allow you to quickly complete the report in expedited fashion. Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org) will be the contact for sending out the request for submissions and should be able to address any of your questions.

The following is a list of information you should have available when submitting the 2018-2019 Financial Aid Report:

[…]

03/19/19- Reminder about 2018-2019 Title IX and Participation List Submission

With spring sports in full swing and most schools getting ready to take some form of spring break, it is time to remind each of you that the annual reports for Title IX and the Participation List are due on April 30.

If you have specific questions about Title IX and the law itself, our office should be able to help get you some assistance. Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) is our primary contact for your questions related to the law and its interpretations.
Information Technology Director Rob Catron (rcatron@khsaa.org), as well as almost any of our support staff, can help you with electronic issues including login and report preparation using the online system. The online system is currently available for entry.

Roster and Team Requirements

All teams that compete interscholastically (against other schools) at any level (freshmen, JV or varsity) in the eighteen sports and sport-activities in which the offers a championship shall be […]

03/19/19- Golf Realignment and Format Status

September, 2018 – Board begins discussions surrounding golf realignment and tournament qualification.

Realignment was viewed as long overdue and the Board and staff have spent a great deal of time discussing the state golf tournament and the best way to qualify teams and individuals.
The membership through its Principals and Designated Representatives had expressed a desire through various meetings to have the boys and girls in golf in the same region.
For several years, golf had twelve regions for boys and eleven for girls.
In addition, the Kentucky Golf House had worked with staff and participants to emphasis pace of play at the state tournament in a variety of ways. The staff and Board of Control were aware of this concern, but primarily to the extent that the rounds of golf could be completed each day and not require stayovers to finish incomplete rounds.

November, 2018 – Board further discusses issues surrounding golf […]

01/28/19- Preliminary Information About Calculating the RPI

PRELIMINARY BASICS ABOUT THE RPI (Based on the CHSAA model, final details will be released by KHSAA when the RPI is released)

NOTE: As of September 30, 2019, this information is superseded by the final release by the KHSAA of official information and details.

RPI will be implemented in all sports as a publicity tool.
In Football, the RPI will be incorporated into the tournament rules as a means of seeding Rounds 3, 4 and 5
RPI stands for “Ratings Percentage Index”. In short, it is a way to measure a team’s strength relative to other teams, based largely on the strength of their schedules.
The RPI formula is used by both the NCAA and NAIA, along with many high school associations and among other organizations, as part of their postseason system.
Final details will be released with the first RPI calculations in September, 2019.

What percentages are being used in the formula?

[…]

Basic Explanation and Plan, the New RPI to be used for Football

More Details about the Use of the RPI (Football Only)

The RPI will be published beginning following football week 6. Publishing prior to that date will likely lead to incomplete data.
Football RPI is frozen after Week 11, the end of the regular season. Hereinafter, the totals will be referred to as “Playoff RPI”
Future consideration includes using RPI to break three-way ties within districts, but for 2019, the conventional tiebreaker remains in place.
Third round playoff games, for the purpose of determining the home team, will be based on Playoff RPI in all classes.
- Highest remaining seed in regions 1-4 will host the fourth-highest remaining in regions 1-4;
- 2nd highest remaining seed in regions 1-4 will host the third-highest remaining seed in regions 1-4;
- Highest remaining seed in regions 5-8 host the fourth-highest remaining in regions 5-8;
- 2nd highest remaining seed in regions 5-8 host the third-highest remaining seed in regions 5-8.

02/15/19 – Board of Control Election Procedures