Kentucky High School Athletic Association

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:

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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?

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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

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

Balloting is ONLY done online for these positions.
Balloting is available beginning on February 15.
Only the Principal or Designated Representative may vote. The names on file as verified by the KHSAA website at the time of this ballot distribution are listed on the school directory page at http://khsaa.org/general/resources/member-school-directory/.
If the wrong individual is listed as the Designated Representative, the correction may be made by anyone with Athletic Director system rights (Principal, AD) prior to the ballot being submitted. For support in correcting these entries, contact Rob Catron or Marilyn Mitchell at the KHSAA offices, however the change will be for all items related to Bylaw 1 and for the remainder of the school year.
Those that have multiple system roles (coach, AD, etc.) be sure you select that you are logging in as the […]
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2/14/19- Reminder to Schools about Esports Rosters and Information

For the 2018-2019 school year, KHSAA member schools participating in the sport-activity of esports through the KHSAA/PlayVs partnership are required to enter and maintain their teams, coaches and participants in the KHSAA member school database. THIS STEP DOES NOT REPLACE THE NECESSITY OF REGISTERING COACH AND PARTICIPANT SPECIFIC INFORMATION WITH PLAYVS. If you are participating in esports through another entity (not through PlayVS), please disregard this notice and do not enter your school information.

DECLARING THAT YOU PARTICIPATED IN KHSAA ESPORTS SEASON ZERO OR SEASON ONE DURING 2018-19

As with any other sport/sport-activity, the first step the AD (or other designated administrator) will need to do is update the school’s Sport Participation Information grid to add the team(s) to the database, which will then allow entry of participants and coaches. (Direct link: https://schools.khsaa.org/schools_update/)
On this grid, you will now see both of the newly added esports seasons (Esports – Fall and Esports – […]
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02/12/2019-Commissioner’s Statement on NFHS Football Rule Change Related to Replay

KHSAA staff is aware of the rule change and thankfully, we were part of the discussion. At this point, there are no plans to implement replay for our state football championship games, which is likely the only round in which we would consider it at this time. There is also no current plans to implement replay in other sports as well. It would take considerable research into costs, facility equipment, and needed manpower before stepping into this area. We applaud our peer states for their experimentation in this area and are equally proud that they were able during an experimental period to try the rule at minimal cost. We are also aware that for the future, that “minimal cost” will be changing to market pricing and again, have to ask the question of practicality.

While we all desire the best possible outcomes and all officials strive to “get it right”, this is truly a case where […]

02/05/19 – Esports Spring Season Participation Deadline February 8

GET STARTED ON PLAYVS TODAY

Season Zero ended last week with Boyle County High School taking home the first KHSAA esports state title. Congratulations to Coach Laymon and the BoCo Gold team. The livestream of the state championship match is available at https://www.khsaa.tv

The deadline to join the esports Spring 2019 season is this Friday, February 8th. If your school is interested in participating, please be sure to create an account on PlayVS.com by the deadline to get started. You can still complete your profile and fill out your computer specifications afterward. Players have until February 22nd to sign up and finalize teams.

SPRING 2019 REGULAR SEASON STRUCTURE

The regular season will run from the week of February 25th – April 22nd.
Matches will be played at 4 p.m. EST on the following days for each league:
- Tuesdays: League of Legends – Two consecutive […]
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02/01/19 – 2019-20 High School Volleyball Rules Changes Impact Uniforms, Prematch Protocol

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 1, 2019) — An overhaul of uniform-related rules and an adjustment to team roster submissions were among the most notable rules changes identified for the 2019-20 high school volleyball season.

All rules changes were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Volleyball Rules Committee at its January 6-8 meeting in Indianapolis and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The sport of volleyball continues to be in a really good place,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee. “The rules committee focused its changes this year on improving the administration of the match by taking into account the feedback it received via the 2018 NFHS Volleyball Rules Questionnaire.”

The changes in uniform rules are a part of Rule 4-2, which reorganizes the uniform rule to improve understanding and eliminate solid-colored uniform requirements.

Rule 4-2-1, which permits teammates to wear like-colored […]

01/31/19 – Criteria for Completing Penalty Corner Among 2019 High School Field Hockey Rules Changes

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 31, 2019) — Rules regarding the completion of a penalty corner were among the changes for the 2019 high school field hockey season.

All rules changes were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 7-9 meeting in Indianapolis, and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The Field Hockey Rules Committee continues to examine current trends of the game and work on overall consistency in the rules book,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Field Hockey Rules Committee. “While the sport continues to prosper, there are areas such as eye protection where the committee feels it is best to continue to research options for the betterment of the sport.”

Regarding eye protection, the committee voted to delay the requirement for all eye protection to be permanently labeled with the ASTM 2713 standard for field […]

1/24/19- Dear Mom and Dad, and in some cases, School Personnel: Cool it (Op-Ed Column)

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.

If you are the mother or father of a high school athlete here in Kentucky or one of the key school administrators in a member school or member school district, this message is primarily for you.

When you attend an athletic event that involves your son or daughter, or the members of your student body, cheer to your heart’s content, enjoy the camaraderie that high school sports offer and have fun. But when it comes to verbally criticizing game officials or coaches, it’s time for everyone to cool it. “The time has come for everyone involved in the game to “pump the brakes” as it relates to conduct at games, particularly, the parents who attend,” noted NFHS Executive Director Karissa Niehoff.

Make no mistake about it. Your passion is admired, […]

01/11/19 – Esports Season Zero Playoff Info, Spring Season Update

The playoffs for Esports Season Zero are underway! Congratulations to Wolves Blue from Wolfe County High School for an undefeated regular season. They will face off against BoCo Black from Boyle County High School in the semifinals next week.

A huge congratulations to all of the following schools for making it into the Top 8:

Cardinals 1 from Nelson County
SDHS from St. Henry District
Titans from Collins
Paarthurnax from Warren Central
BoCo Gold from Boyle County
Eagle Level 7 from Johnson Central

Schools and students alike have seen the tremendous benefits of participating in esports.

“Collins High School esports has given a select group of students the chance to get out of their comfort zone and be a part of something with our school. It’s fun to see them interact with students they wouldn’t have without this opportunity. Win, lose, or draw this is a success!” – Powell Miller […]

12/14/18 – Swimming & Diving Updates & Reminders

There are a variety of reminders and updates included below for Swimming & Diving Coaches and participants. The information below supersedes any previous communication/interpretation issued.

Regular Season Schedule for Both Swimming and Diving
The Association has been communicating with Invitational meet hosts in an attempt to update the KHSAA website listing. Please review and email Kara Howard (khoward@khsaa.org) with any details if you are hosting any type of swim meet, including a diving invitational. Please include details such as the use of electronic relay equipment, use of wedges and if diving is part of the meet. To report your meet, go to https://khsaa.org/invitational-regular-season-swimming-and-diving-meets/

Diving Coach Designation
Administrators, please make sure the information on your diving coach (name and email address) has been entered in the school personnel area through the KHSAA website to assist these coaches in getting proper communications from the office. Even if your swimming coach is also the diving coach, […]

12/11/18 – New ACL Injury Prevention Course Available on NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (December 11, 2018) — A new online education course regarding ACL injury prevention is now available on the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Learning Center, thanks to a partnership between the NFHS and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

The “ACL Injury Prevention” course is part of a sponsorship agreement between the NFHS and the NFHS Network, and HSS, the leading orthopedic hospital in the United States located in New York City. HSS is ranked No. 1 in orthopedics for the ninth consecutive year in 2018-19 by U.S. News & World Report. The course is available free of charge on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

While the course is designed to help coaches reduce the risk of ACL injuries to their student-athletes, it can be beneficial for administrators, students, parents and others as well. The course deals with the causes of ACL injuries, how to identify and correct movement […]

12/12/18 – Reminder about Stats Collection REQUIREMENT and Penalties for Noncompliance

Starting next week, the KHSAA will begin compiling daily statewide statistical leader reports for boys’ and girls’ basketball. The reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., allowing for more current and up-to-date information to be displayed at KHSAA.org.

Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties from the Commissioner, including fines and other actions within the constraints of Bylaw 27. Based upon recommendations from the Basketball Advisory Committee in 2016, the fine for schools not in compliance was doubled, as it creates a competitive imbalance for those that do participate.

The requirement to enter statistics, which has been in place for several years, was reiterated to coaches during the online rules clinic. Statistical entry has the benefit of allowing member schools to highlight and promote the accomplishment of their student-athletes, which should be a priority for all involved […]

12/10/18- Early Season Basketball/Wrestling Interpretations

This is being posted on the KHSAA basketball and wrestling web pages, as well as being distributed to all schools, basketball officials, and basketball assigners via email.

As we begin the basketball and wrestling seasons, three issues have been consistently discussed with communication to and from the KHSAA offices and various association representatives.

EJECTIONS AND BYLAW 21

All receiving this communication are reminded that there is no appeal of a judgment call by an official, including ejection of a player or coach. Bylaw 21 is explicit in that not only may protests not be granted, but they may not even be considered. This is not to say that coaches and school representatives should not give feedback to the local assigning secretaries.

As independent contractors, it is important that the assigners receive feedback as such not only helps the development of the officiating staff in that association but also helps the assigner determine future assignments. But this review […]

12/04/18- Football Schools Required to Submit Spring Practice Date Options

Per KHSAA Bylaw 23, each school must submit its spring practice dates on or before December 15, 2018, for the spring, 2019 spring practice period. Failure to submit these dates by December 15 will result in the school not being permitted to conduct spring practice. This deadline is to be rigidly enforced for 2018-19 so do not delay in submitting.

Once submitted, these dates cannot be changed. There will be NO extensions due to coaching vacancies, etc. The selection of spring practice is solely a function of the school calendar and not personnel.
THE SETTING OF THESE DATES IS A FUNCTION OF SCHOOL CALENDAR AND NOT PERSONNEL.

Go to this link —
http://khsaa.org/fb103-spring-practice-dates-designation/ and submit your dates for 2019 on or before December 15, 2018.

The Spring Practice regulations are reprinted below–

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

12/03/18- First Phase (T35 Report) Open for Title IX Reporting Entry for 2018-19

The initial phase of entry for the 2018-2019 Title IX Reports, the ability to enter the financial information from 2017-18 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 2017-2018 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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11/20/18- Kentucky Student-Athletes Invited to Apply for 2019 Kentucky Ag Athletes of the Year

Kentucky senior student-athletes with ties to agriculture may apply for one of six scholarships and the honor of being recognized as a 2019 Kentucky Ag Athlete of the Year.

The program is a partnership of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).

“Students who participate in athletics and work in agriculture must juggle work, sports, and studies to achieve their goals,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This program is a way we can recognize their hard work and sacrifice while helping them continue their education.”

“Our office is always looking for more ways to honor and recognize the hard work of student-athletes, and we are certainly appreciative of the Department of Agriculture for its sponsorship of this program,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “We realize agriculture students have a lot of responsibilities to balance, and we are thrilled to be able to highlight them for their accomplishments.”

To […]

11/20/18-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships for 18-19

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 2018-2019 is now underway.

Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, January 12, 2019. 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 […]

11/18/18- Update on Golf Alignment and Tournament Format Project

It is recommended that this information is shared with all those that are interested, including coaches while realizing that any official response from the member school should come from the Designated Representative per Bylaw 1.

For its last two meetings, and beginning with discussion during the 2017-18 school year, the Board of Control has been reviewing the golf program within the Association. Realignment is 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 current system has been in place for many years, and certainly merits review.

Following this latest Board meeting, it is evident that the membership needs to be updated on the progress and processes going forward.

First and foremost, it is IMPERATIVE that the membership complete the survey that was submitted to the schools in early November. To complete the survey, go to […]

11/09/18- Growing Up in the Digital Age (Op-Ed Column)

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

From the Greatest Generation to Baby Boomers, Generation X to Millennials, teenagers in every era have had challenges growing up.

In today’s digital world, high school students are being tested in unique and demanding ways. The Washington Post confirms that 73 percent of all American teenagers own their own smartphone and, on average, spend almost nine hours a day texting, chatting, gaming, blogging, streaming and visiting with friends online.

Although conclusive research showing a direct correlation between the mental health of teenagers and smartphone usage won’t be complete for years, it isn’t a great confidence builder for a student to discover online that everyone else seems to have more friends.

In addition, recent figures indicate that more than […]

10/24/18- New Feature in School System to Create Academic All State Certificates

After receiving considerable positive feedback at this year’s regional meetings, the feature has been added to the school login system to create the Academic All-State Certificates at your school. This will allow member schools to print these awards at the school and not have to worry about maintaining stock in pre-printed certificates, etc.

The feature has been added to the menu on the school login page where the Athletic Director, Principal or Designated Representative maintains the overall Athletic roster for the school (not the sport specific roster maintenance occasionally assigned to coaches). Simply login to the school system at https://schools.khsaa.org/

On the school login page, third menu group from the top on the left, select Maintain/View/Print Rosters, then select Maintain Overall Athletic Roster, and in the top part of the screen, select Generate Academic All-State Certificates. You will then select the team, and designate whether the student is First Team (cumulative 3.75 or better on a 4.0 scale) […]

10/08/18- UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year

UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year, meeting 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 2017-2018 academic year.
Nominations shall be submitted by December 30, 2018, 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.

The selection committee, consisting of athletic trainers from each region across the state, will […]
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10/08/18- 2018-2019 Basketball Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches

The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Basketball is now available following a minimal delay for system maintenance. 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 this year’s rules changes and especially, points of emphasis, coaches you are potentially 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 changes will likely lead to administrative errors. It is an unusual year with minimal rules changes, but those that were made impact game administration.

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, […]

10/01/18 – Soccer District/Region Instructions

CLICK HERE TO READ DISTRICT/REGION INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

Instructions for the KHSAA Soccer District/Region Tournaments are now posted on the KHSAA website. You can view these instructions by clicking on the following link:

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

– KHSAA –

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

09/28/18 – National High School Activities Month to Spotlight Benefits of High School Activity Programs

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 28, 2018) — The annual celebration of National High School Activities Month begins next week for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its 51 state high school associations. The month-long celebration in October offers the NFHS membership and the nation’s schools an opportunity to recognize the contributions and benefits young people experience by participation in sports and performing arts.

Each week of the October celebration places an emphasis on vital aspects of high school activity programs. Those areas include National Sportsmanship, Fan Appreciation and Public-Address Announcers Week (October 1-6), National Performing Arts Activities Week (October 7-13), National Coaches/Sponsors/Advisors/Officials Week (October 14-20) and National Community Service/Youth Awareness Week (October 21-27).

National High School Activities Month serves as a reminder to students, parents, coaches, officials and others in communities across the country about the values and benefits of high school activity programs. Additionally, the month-long celebration assists in addressing society’s […]

Regional BK Officials Rotation (Updated 7/31/18)

09/13/18- Reminder about Annual Meeting

With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools next week, this reminder about designating the delegate for your school.

DELEGATE DESIGNATION AND OTHER DETAILS

If you haven’t already done so, please be sure and designate your school’s delegate. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://khsaa.org/082818-2018-khsaa-annual-meeting-reminder/ gives complete instructions.

Please contact the Commissioner’s office if you need further instructions.

For a copy of the most up to date information, including the latest list of delegates and a copy of the proposals, visit the KHSAA website and select Annual Meeting from the Day to Day menu at the top of the page.

We look forward to seeing you there!

09/06/18 – “Protecting Students from Abuse” Online Course Available Through NFHS Learning Center

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 6, 2018) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), in collaboration with the U.S. Center for SafeSport (The Center), has developed an online education course titled “Protecting Students from Abuse,” which is available at no cost on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

In an effort to assist schools in creating an enjoyable and safe environment for students, the course presents definitions of several types of abusive behaviors and misconduct, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse, and the ways in which someone can report these behaviors. The course also includes some “DOs and DON’Ts” for making a report.

The “Protecting Students from Abuse” course was developed from the training offered by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, whose vision is “to make sure that athletes are safe, supported and strengthened through sports.” The organization addresses bullying, harassment, hazing, as well as physical, emotional and sexual abuse […]

08/28/18 – Competitive Cheer Online Rules Clinic Now Available for Coaches

Advanced Workshop 2018-2019

The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sports activity of Competitive Cheer was available beginning Monday, Aug. 27. The clinic is required of all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman) and whether or not the coach receives pay.

August 27 to September 29 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 30 to October 19 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
October 20 – November 2 – the Competitive Cheer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($200) per the Bylaw […]

08/28/18- Advanced Athletic Director Training Institute

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

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INSTITUTE

The 2018 KHSAA Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington on Tuesday, September 18. Designed for ADs of all experience levels, this meeting will begin with registration around 8:30, conclude before 3:00. A light lunch (sandwich box, etc.) will be provided by the KHSAA for those who register prior to September 13. There will be a short break following this meeting and then those who optionally choose to do so may choose to attend the expanded training being offered by the KHSADA that evening.

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

08/28/18- 2018 KHSAA Annual Meeting Reminder

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

ANNUAL MEETING

This reminder that the 2018 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 19 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level, adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). Final agenda is being published as it becomes final in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 12:30 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/

ANNUAL MEETING DELEGATE DESIGNATION

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

08/27/18- KHSAA Partners with CPR of Indiana and KMA to Promote Rare Discounted AED program

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

A product flier with complete details is located on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/sportsmedicine/Kentucky%20Document%20for%20Philips%20AED%20Units.pdf.

The cost of the units is $700 per unit, plus applicable shipping. For those interested in comparing prices, you can see the same package at https://americanaed.com/products/complete-aed-packages/philips-heartstart-onsite

The Philips On-Site Kits Include:

Philips On-Site AED with carrying case
Alarmed Wall Cabinet
Adult Pads
Pchat Rescue Kit
Peds Pads * ( if the facility has children under 50lbs) Additional cost.
Five (5) year Lithium-Ion […]
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08/27/18 – KHSAA Participation Numbers Reach Record Levels In 2017-18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2018

Student-athlete participation in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities reached record levels in 2017-18 with 106,214 rostered participants across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and five sport-activities. Participation has increased by 6.6% since the 2012-13 season, with an increase of 6,571 rostered participants over the last five years, buoyed by the addition of five sport-activities (Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer and Dance) and the sport of Field Hockey. KHSAA participation in 2017-18 was also boosted by the continued growth of the Unified Track & Field and Unified Bowling programs.

Despite a drop in 463 rostered participants from 2016-17 to 2017-18, Football remains the most popular sport in the state in terms of participation with 13,304 student-athletes across all levels (33 females) playing for 221 schools. At the varsity-only level, football participation dropped 214 student-athletes between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Part […]

08/24/18- Reminder about Title IX Specific Workshops

As was previously announced at our Regional Meetings, the KHSAA will be conducting a Title IX Workshop on Thursday, September 6, at 8:30 a.m. ET at Valley High School in Louisville and Tuesday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m. ET at Somerset High School. The focus of this meeting will be the elements of Title IX as it relates to the management of the interscholastic athletic program. To register for the workshop, please visit http://khsaa.org/ge67-regional-meeting-registration/. There is no charge for attendees.

The workshop should be extremely beneficial for all member schools, especially as schools prepare for revisits during the coming years. Registration will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. EILA Credit has been applied for in order to help the appropriate administrators who attend and in addition, this meeting will count three (3) hours toward the Bylaw 25 required hours for Athletic Directors.

Covered in the workshop will be a review of Title IX […]

08/22/18- Basketball Interpretation Relative to Bylaw 9 Due to Changes in NCAA Women’s Recruiting Calendar

Due to changes in the NCAA recruiting calendar for women, an interpretation is necessary to KHSAA Bylaw 9 and this interpretation supersedes Case Situation BL-9-6 from the 2017-18 KHSAA Handbook.

Bylaw 9 states that athletes who have previously BOTH been enrolled in grade nine and then subsequently represented a KHSAA member in a contest or scrimmage, cannot play in an organized basketball game from the first day of classes for the student body through the first day of practice (October 15).

There are two exceptions for females. The relative provisions are contained in Bylaw 9. These provisions state –
(3) Permissible competition by females during this period shall include:
a. permitted evaluations held at nonscholastic women’s basketball events during the weekend designated for evaluation by NCAA coaches; and
b. attendance at a one-day exposure event during the period beginning with the first date of the NCAA women’s recruiting period (contact and evaluation periods) […]

06/06/18 – Three Revised Online Courses, Including “Concussion in Sports,” Available for Free on NFHS Learning Center

NFHS NEWS RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 6, 2018) — In an ongoing effort to educate high school coaches, student-athletesand parents regarding all aspects of concussions, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have revised the free “Concussion in Sports” online course available on the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

The “Concussion in Sports” course, which was originally launched in 2010, has been the most popular course on the Learning Center, with more than 2.2 million courses delivered in the past eight years. The free course aims to educate coaches and others on the significance of concussions, how to recognize their signs and symptoms, how to respond to a suspected concussion and the proper steps to help players return safely after recovering.

The revision to the course, which is hosted by Michael Koester, M.D., chair of the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC), provides updated […]

08/13/18 – HYPE Student Conference Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2018 KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences.

DATES
Monday, August 27 – Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St., Lexington, next to Rupp Arena) – Bluegrass Ballroom

Tuesday, August 28 – Lexington Convention Center (430 W. Vine St., Lexington, next to Rupp Arena) – Heritage Ballroom (downstairs)

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

LUNCH
Lunch will be “on your own”.

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

SCHEDULE
8:30-8:55 a.m. – Registration
9-9:20 a.m. – Opening Session
9:30-10:20 a.m. – Breakout Session #1
10:30-11:20 a.m. – Breakout Session #2
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. – Breakout Session […]

08/01/18- Memo and Update to KHSAA Football Assigning Secretaries

7-PERSON MECHANICS

I have waited on the NFHS for most of the summer, originally expecting their new 7-person manual back in May only to find last week at our meeting that the publication likely won’t be ready until September. It is somewhat of a long story, but suffice it to say that re-formatting the drafts from the Manual Committee into the standard NFHS format has taken a lot longer than they expected. However, the fundamentals are included in the attached document.
Consider that the front sections, etc. are the same as the four and five-person manuals, let’s focus on field coverage.
Attached you will find the framework from the TSSAA that the committee was using for the development of their mechanics.
We will use these mechanics without deviation with the exception that we will switch sidelines at half.
No local experiments, no adjustments, straight by this publication.
You have attached a copy of the mechanics […]
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07/31/18 – Reminder About Bylaw 9 Restrictions

As the summer comes to a close, the KHSAA wanted to remind Athletic Directors, coaches, student-athletes, and parents about Bylaw 9, which has been in place for many years. Bylaw 9 restricts student-athletes in basketball and football, who after enrolling in grade nine (9) and have subsequently been a contestant in either sport at some level, from playing in outside competition once the school year begins and until the end of the season. This bylaw places a restriction on nonschool athletic participation in an attempt to protect students who choose to participate on their school’s athletic teams from exploitation by those who seek to capitalize on their skill and/or reputation.

Recent changes in the bylaw do allow permissible competition by student-athletes across the Commonwealth. Please make yourself comfortable with the bylaw and read it in its entirety here: https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw9.pdf. The bylaw outlines what is permissible for student-athletes.

Please contact Asst. Commissioner Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) if you have […]

07/17/18- Reminder about Bylaw 24 and Organized Boys’ Basketball Play in July

There were several inquiries today concerning boys’ basketball events in July. Schools are reminded that due to the provisions of Bylaw 24, there can be no organized play by boys’ basketball teams during July. This restriction does NOT apply to girls basketball. The complete bylaw is online at https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw24.pdf

Per the Bylaw, “Students shall not participate in any organized team activity or organized or semi-organized team competition in boys’ basketball between the end of the dead period and July 31. During this period, students may participate in activities such as weight training, skill development, individual camps (with per team limits on participation) and accepted open gym/field activities where no inter-school competition is involved.”

In essence, if more than two players are together on a school campus from the same boys’ team, there cannot be organized competition. The same would apply outside of the school grounds in summer leagues, etc. if three or more players are together in organized play (more than […]

07/17/18- 2018-2019 Regional Athletic Administrators Meetings of Membership

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

For the fall of 2018, the KHSAA will again conduct a series of eight regional meetings to help our athletic administrators meet the membership requirement of attending this type of meeting once per year.

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

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

07/10/18- Rosters Open for Entry for 2018-19

Good afternoon. On behalf of our entire staff, we hope many of you as building and athletic administrators are back and ready to go after taking advantage of the only two “down” weeks of the athletics year with dead period!

This year, there have been only minor changes to the required KHSAA online roster and the school management system. Rosters have been rolled from the previous year, and may now be edited for the coming seasons as well as sport and sport-activity offerings. Though there are minor enhancements being fine-tuned, there is no reason for a delay in entering and editing rosters. We will again conduct a thorough review of the system through demonstrations at the regional meetings and staff is available to assist at any time.

STUDENTS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC COMPETITION (including scrimmages and contests), AND SUCH SCRIMMAGES AND CONTESTS CANNOT BE HELD BY MEMBER SCHOOLS WITHOUT A VALID ROSTER BEING ONLINE! The KHSAA […]

06/15/18- Reminders about Off Season Football Practice, Workouts and Equipment

Recently, the KHSAA office staff has received several inquiries about football camps and other activities. As the summer vacation period continues, it seems prudent to issue a few reminders to keep everyone informed. None of these procedures have changed (with the exception of the scrimmage limits once contact begins), but with the massive turnover in coaches and the plethora of inquiries and perhaps spreading of misinformation, these reminders are essential.

This is not intended to be all-inclusive as to the myriad of rules and regulations related to football practice. The complete regulations for football including per-day and per-week limitations are contained in the KHSAA bylaws at http://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw23.pdf

June 1-24

This is a period where no activity can be required of a student in the sport of football as it is outside of the season as defined in Bylaw 23.
No official team-based activities may be mandated or conducted (referenced in both Bylaw 23 and […]
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06/15/18 – Cheer Competition Clarification/Survey Notes

The staff at the KHSAA has been made aware of a survey that has been distributed to selected cheer coaches regarding a possible new statewide competition to be conducted by the State Coaches Association (KAPOS). It is likely that this survey information is being gathered with input from your coaches that is allegedly representing your school, and you as an athletic administrator are not yet aware. It is also our understanding that this survey has been orchestrated by a small segment of the members of that association and not by the entire Board of Directors of that organization, and as such, athletic administrators should be sure and make comprehensive inquiries about the situation from that organization.

The distribution of this survey is NOT being done by the KHSAA but has resulted in a number of inquiries to the office about KHSAA cheer and cheer championships. For that reason, as Commissioner, I am distributing a few clarifications […]

06/06/18- Sport Activity Specific Dead Period Reminders

Archery Blog Updates

As the dead period approaches, it is important to remind all coaches about sport-activities (bowling, competitive cheer, dance, archery, bass fishing) during the dead period. The sport-activity specific contacts at the KHSAA are Michael Barren (mbarren@khsaa.org) for Archery; Darren Bilberry (dbilberry@khsaa.org) for Bass Fishing, Sarah Bridenbaugh (sbridenbaugh@khsaa.org) for Bowling and Dance; and Butch Cope (bcope@khsaa.org) for Cheer.

Any participation by student-athletes during the dead period would be a violation of Bylaw 24 if the school were to be involved in any way, including coaching, transportation, funding, providing uniforms, use of school facilities, entering or using the school name or all other specifics mentioned in Bylaws 23, 24 or 25.

Though individual participation itself by a student-athlete in a non-school or school-team based activity may not necessarily be a violation of KHSAA rules, the dates from June 25 – July 9, preclude any Kentucky school representative from participating in an event during […]

06/05/18 – Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) Reminders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2018

The KHSAA has received several inquiries from various parts of the state relative to the potential transferring of student-athletes among and between KHSAA member schools. With the end of the school year upon us, a few reminders concerning the rules and regulations should be highlighted.

The rules that govern students and their play are made by the member schools. The 280 member schools across the state comprise the KHSAA, not its 14 full-time staff members.
These rules have been approved as state regulation (therefore having the force of law) and are incorporated by reference as part of 702 KAR 7:065.

Transfer rule

The transfer rule is listed on the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/handbook/bylaws/20172018/bylaw6.pdf
Bylaw 6 contains restrictions relative to students changing schools after they have BOTH been in grade nine AND played for a member school at the varsity level.
A […]
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05/20/18- eKnowledge SAT/ACT prep Project

For 14 years, eKnowledge SAT/ACT Prep Project have teamed up to donate over 225,000 programs worth over $55,000,000 to students and families in over 40 countries. The resource is available and they can get it at your landing page: www.eknowledge.com/KHSAA

We wanted everyone to have access to the full array of SAT/ACT prep materials and we didn’t want money to be the reason why a student did not have access. Our goal: help families and student obtain superior SAT/ACT preparation programs for little or no cost. We constantly remind ourselves that without you, we have nothing.

We would like to thank you for your continuous support in making the eKnowledge SAT/ACT Prep Project accessible to all your members and families. Please note that this resource can also be shared to friends or people you know who might benefit from this through your organization.

Also, we would like to let you know that the SAT/ACT Sponsorship […]

05/18/18- Background and Criteria for Triple Threat Award

In an effort to continue the national emphasis and the KHSAA’s own efforts to de-emphasize sports specialization in the athletic culture, the Commissioner’s office launched the “Triple Threat Award” program in May of 2018 to recognize those students who participate in high school athletics year round.

The award, which is given to student-athletes who participate in a KHSAA sport or sport-activity on the varsity level during each season of the academic year (fall/winter/spring), will be presented to a total of 1,814 student-athletes for 2017-18, and 1,878 student-athletes for 2018-19.

To be considered for the award, the student must compete be on the varsity roster of a sport or sport-activity for a team in each of the three sports seasons. For this award, the fall sports are Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, and Volleyball; Winter sports are Basketball, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance, Esports 1st half, Swimming and Diving, and Wrestling and Spring Sports are Archery, […]

05/10/18 – Board Approves Changes to Dance Championships

The KHSAA Board of Control, at its May Meeting, approved changes to the Dance postseason as well as approved the date and site for the 2018 State Dance Championships.

Following the Oct. 1 declaration by participating schools, there will be four Sectional Competitions (Regions 1-4; 5-8; 9-12; 13-16) to qualify for the State Competition. Based upon the number of teams in each section, an overall total of 16 teams from those sections will advance to the state competition.

The Board approved the elimination of the Kick Division (only two squads entered last year) and will offer championships for the following Divisions:

Jazz – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)
Hip Hop – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)
Pom – Small (7-16 competitors) / Large (17-30 competitors)

The 2018 KHSAA State Dance Championships will be held Saturday, Dec. 15 at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington.

05/10/18 – Board Finalizes Cheer Postseason

The KHSAA Board of Control, at its May meeting, finalized changes to the structure and advancement to the competitive cheer postseason. To assist in the prevention of automatic qualifiers at Region/State for cheer, the 16 regions will be combined to 8 sectional competitions. Per board action, Regions will be combined accordingly:

1&2; 3&4; 5&6; 7&8; 9&10; 11&12; 13&14; 15&16.

Sections can alternate host sites (Region 1 one year and Region 2 site the next) or choose to have a permanent site based upon facility abilities and availability. The competition rules will stipulate the odd region listed in the alternation table would recommend the region site in the odd year, and the even region in the even year. Sites selected must be able to accommodate the historic crowds, similar to the criteria for the current basketball site selection.

Athletic Administrators from both combined regions are responsible for making decisions such as ticket price, expenses and division of […]

04/18/18 – Nominations For Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Track & Field

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Track & Field participants for 2017-18.

The award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one female participant from each 2018 team. Nominations must come from a member school but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.

The winner, if present, will be recognized during the KHSAA Track & Field State Meet (May 17-19) in Lexington, Ky. In case the winner does not qualify for the state meet, representatives from Midway University will present the award at the recipient’s high school at a mutually determined later date.

From the winners selected for each championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2018-2019 Midway University/KHSAA […]

04/09/18 – NFHS Music Copyright Course Required for Cheer/Dance Coaches

At its July Board of Control meeting, the Board approved a recommendation that would require completion of the new NFHS Music Copyright Course for KHSAA Cheer and Dance Coaches (Head and Assistant). Because of delays in rolling the course out this year, the course will be required for 2018-19 for those all coaches in all Cheer and Dance squads at KHSAA member schools. This requirement is in place whether or not a team competes in KHSAA competition. The course is free, and totally online, and must be completed prior to the declaration date for Cheer and Dance (October 1, 2018).

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has added an online education course – Understanding Copyright and Compliance. This free course from the NFHS is geared toward music teachers, spirit coaches (cheer and dance) and school administrators. Understanding Copyright and Compliance is available through the NFHS Learning Center at www.NFHSLearn.com.

The course explores copyright […]

03/27/18- Reminder about 2017-2018 Title IX and Participation List Submission

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

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

Roster and Team Requirements

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

[…]

02/22/18 – 2018-2019 NFHS Soccer Rule Changes

Soccer teams will be reversing their home and visiting uniforms next year. Effective for the 2018-2019 school year, the home team will now wear dark jerseys and socks while the away team will now wear solid white jerseys and socks.

The uniform change was among the new rules announced by the NFHS last week, which can be viewed at: http://www.nfhs.org/articles/homevisiting-uniforms-to-switch-in-high-school-soccer/

– KHSAA –

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

02/15/18 – Board of Control Election Procedures

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

Balloting is ONLY done online for these positions.
Balloting is available beginning on Wednesday, February 15.
Only the Principal or Designated Representative may vote. The names on file as verified by the KHSAA website at the time of this ballot distribution are listed on the school directory page at http://khsaa.org/general/resources/member-school-directory/.
If the wrong individual is listed as the Designated Representative, the correction may be made by anyone with Athletic Director system rights (Principal, AD) prior to the ballot being submitted. For support in making these changes, contact Rob Catron or Marilyn Mitchell at the KHSAA offices.
Those that have multiple system roles (coach, AD, etc.) be sure you select that you are logging in as the Designated Representative
Please clearly vote for one of the following school candidate(s) for the KHSAA Board of Control by logging in […]
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01/18/18-Football Alignment Update and Opportunity to Play Into a Higher Class and Withdraw from District

January 22, 2018

TO: Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors and Designated Representatives of Football Playing Schools

FR: Commissioner Julian Tackett

RE: Update on the Drafting of 2019 through 2022 Football Alignment, Opportunity to Withdraw From District Play or to Play in a Higher Class

At its meeting in January, the KHSAA Board of Control discussed and agreed on parameters surrounding an alignment of teams in football for the 2019 through 2022 playing seasons. This communication is solely about classification and geographic alignment development.

The following decisions have been finalized within the drafting of the alignment for this classification period:

SCHEDULING MORATORIUM

Please consider that there is, for 2019 and beyond, a scheduling moratorium in place. Until further notice, contracts signed for 2019 will not be considered valid. Until the alignment is finalized, do not schedule contests. It is the intent of the Board of Control to complete this project not later than its May 2018 meeting, […]

01/19/18 – Become an Official – Stay Connected to High School Sports

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

They don’t normally make the headlines, their names are not in the box scores unless at the very bottom, and they don’t make the all-star teams, but perhaps the most essential individuals in high school sports are the contest officials.

These individuals are so important that, in fact, there would be no organized competitive sports at the high school level without the men and women who officiate these contests every day across the country. Subtract the dedicated men and women who officiate high school sports and competitive sports would no longer be organized; they would be chaotic. As many have stated, without officials, it is simply recess.

In some areas, high school officials are retiring faster than new licenses are being issued. And junior varsity, freshmen, and middle school games […]

Vacancy Announcement for Classified Support Staff Position(s) (Regular, Part-time)

The KHSAA, a private, non-profit entity designated by the Kentucky Board of Education to manage high school sports and sport-activities in the Commonwealth, has an immediate need to fill at least two openings on its support (classified) staff for Administrative Events Coordinator-2. These two non-administrative openings will be filled as soon as possible and are regular, part-time positions with a 25-hour per week work schedule. The KHSAA operates regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and these positions will normally operate within that schedule.

The positions are support staff position (clerical/secretarial/administrative support) and reports directly to the Office Manager. Duties may include:

Opening and distributing mail;
processing checks and credit card requests received;
serving as a primary contact answering telephone;
assistance with specific aspects of special programs;
providing assistance to the rest of the support staff;
year-round work supporting an administrator in specific sports and with the preparation for specific […]
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12/12/17-Applications Being Accepted for Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships

Applications are being accepted for students to apply for those awards through Friday, January 19, 2018. 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 […]

12/12/17-Schools Requested to Submit Form GE81 for Future Offerings

Every three years, per adopted policy, the KHSAA surveys the membership as to the desire to expand and/or continue sports and sport-activity offerings. In this manner, the staff and Board of Control can continue to be pro-active in terms of offering new opportunities and assess the satisfaction of its membership with the current offerings.

Please complete the required survey at https://schools.khsaa.org/ge81-khsaa-triennial-sports-offering-survey-2017-2018/ on or before Friday, January 5, 2018, to assist in the determination of future offerings by the Association. This survey will help determine the sports or sport-activities offered by the Association in which your school would likely participate if the KHSAA were to begin or continue sponsoring championship play.

You will need to be logged in to the KHSAA school subdomain to complete the survey and should be requested to login by clicking on the link. To access the survey, click the link in the email or blog post, or login to the school system at https://schools.khsaa.org/, and click on KHSAA Forms and Reports, […]

11/09/17- Bylaw 9 Rulings

Recently, the ruling officer for Bylaw 9 handed down sanctions to student-athletes from Lafayette, Frederick Douglass, Scott County, Montgomery County and South Laurel after school administrators proactively self-reported violations to the Association. The violations centered around an organized basketball contest involving students in member schools after the start of school but prior to the first day of allowable practice.

The KHSAA enforces the rules its membership approves, and though the event in question resulted in a minimal penalty (a one-game suspension) for the participating student-athletes, the Bylaw 9 violation is hardly unique to this specific event. Several other events in various parts of the state resulted in similar sanctions as required by the rule. Despite the constant education efforts of Association staff, this situation could have easily been avoided had adjustments been made to the event’s format, setup and participant composition. The rule is well known to the athletes, member school coaches, member school athletic […]

11/02/17- First Phase (T35 Report) Open for Title IX Reporting Entry for 2017-18

The initial phase of entry for the 2017-2018 Title IX Reports, the ability to enter the financial information from 2016-17 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 2016-2017 expense information (as it has been audited within your district) but will pulls the coaching counts from your current listings. The use of the current year on coaches allows for you to self-audit your data and ensure all of your coaches have been properly entered. It is recognized that for brand new offerings, you ma, in fact, have coach data […]
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10/11/17- 2017-2018 Basketball Rules Clinic Online Now

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

HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES

The clinic is required for ALL coaches at each school, head or assistant, paid or unpaid.
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to http://schools.khsaa.org and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
October 11 to January 23 – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
January 24 to February 12 – the Basketball Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period. This late fee will be refunded to new (first year) coaches (first time ever in basketball, not the first year at a school). If this first-year exemption […]
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10/05/17-Reminder about KHSAA Title IX Workshop

As was previously announced, the KHSAA will be conducting a Title IX Workshop on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. CT in Gilbertsville at the Kentucky Dam Village Green Room.The focus of this meeting will be the elements of Title IX as it relates to the management of the interscholastic athletic program. To register for the workshop, please visit http://khsaa.org/ge67-regional-meeting-registration/. There is no charge for attendees.

The workshop should be extremely beneficial for all member schools, especially as schools prepare for revisits during the coming years. Registration will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Central Time. 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.

This workshop should be extremely beneficial for all member schools, especially as schools prepare for revisits during the coming years. Registration will […]

09/22/17-UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year

UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through its partnership with the KHSAA, seeks nominations for the Kentucky Comeback Athlete of the Year, meeting 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 2016-2017 academic year.
Nominations shall be submitted by December 30, 2017, 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.

The selection committee, consisting of athletic trainers from each region across the state, will […]
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09/04/17-Annual Meeting Reminders

With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools two weeks away, this reminder about designating the delegate for your school.

DELEGATE DESIGNATION AND OTHER DETAILS

If you haven’t already done so, please be sure and designate your school’s delegate. The post at http://khsaa.org/082817-2017-khsaa-annual-meeting-registration-reminder/ gives complete instructions.

Please contact the Commissioner’s office if you need further instructions. More information is forthcoming as it is finalized. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/28/17-Role of the Home Team, Officials and Coaches in Practice of Sportsmanship at Soccer Contests

This combination of requirements, recommendations, and best practices supersedes all prior versions of this communication.THE ROLE OF THE HOME TEAM, OFFICIALS AND COACHES IN THE PRACTICE OF SPORTSMANSHIP AT CONTESTS

Background

The practice of good sportsmanship is integral to conducting an interscholastic athletic contest. After reviewing past records of disqualifications and sportsmanship issues involving the KHSAA and its member schools, the KHSAA Board of Control has adopted the following additional recommended procedures for implementation at contests in the sport of soccer.

Home Game Management Responsibilities

The Principal of the home team shall designate a game manager on site prior to the start of each contest at a time designated by the KHSAA.
The home game manager will meet with the officials during the pre-game period, making the officials aware of his/her primary location for the entire contest.
The home game manager is responsible for providing proper security at each event.
The home game manager […]
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09/01/17 – Reminder about Shortened and Interrupted Football Games

In light of the large number of calls and emails this week and with the vast amount of turnover in athletic administrators and coaches, a reminder about the Competition Rules is in order for Football. Interrupted games are not new and this weekend’s weather is not our first dose of weather problems.

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

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

08/30/17-Rescheduled Football Games Due to Anticipated Weather

This notice is being sent to all KHSAA football schools.

With likely inclement weather, many of our football schools are moving their Friday night games to Thursday or Saturday. Please take a look at the football schedule for this weekend at
https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfb17/2017-08-31_2017-09-02

If your game has been moved and the date and time have not been changed, please reply and let us know.

There is NOT any type of mandate to move as was erroneously reported earlier in the media, just a desire to keep everyone informed.

Also, remember that for contracted games, no single school can simply say “we aren’t coming”. Changing of contracted games required mutual consent. Let me know if we can help.

Thank you!

08/28/17 – 2017 KHSAA Annual Meeting Registration 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 2017 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 20 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level, adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). Final agenda is being published as it becomes final in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 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

08/28/17 – Reminders about Required Title IX Student Interest Survey During 2017-18, KHSAA Assistance Available

For all KHSAA member schools, 2017-2018 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 […]

05/23/17- Forde Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year For 2016-17

Forde Named Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year For 2016-17

May 23, 2017

The inaugural yearlong Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year program culminated on the campus of Midway University on Monday as Sacred Heart’s Brooke Forde was named the first overall winner. Beginning in May of 2016 with the Bass Fishing State Championship, Midway University presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each of the KHSAA’s 14 girls’ state championship events, with an overall winner selected following the final championship of the timeframe (2017 State Archery).

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

08/16/17 – High School Activities Bring Communities Together!

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

Tailgates. Pep rallies. Friday night lights. The new school year is here! And that’s exciting news for student-athletes and high school sports fans alike.

Research shows that being a student-athlete is about a lot more than fun and games. It teaches important life lessons, too. In fact, high school athletes not only have higher grade point averages and fewer school absences than non-athletes, they also develop the kind of work habits and self-discipline skills that help them become more responsible and productive community members.

Attending high school sporting events teaches important life lessons, too.

Among them, it teaches that we can live in different communities, come from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures, cheer for different teams, and still have a common bond.

That’s why attending the activities hosted by your […]

08/10/17 – 2017-2018 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 2017, the KHSAA has revised the manner in which it conducts its regional workshops and meetings. The old “region meeting, data and Title IX workshops” and the former required Principal meetings have been combined into a single series of meetings.

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. In addition, 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 […]

8/08/17 Soccer Online Rules Clinic Now Available

The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Soccer is available beginning August 8. 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.

Below is additional information:

OFFICIALS

August 8 to September 4 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 5 to September 24 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
September 25 to October 1 (Officials) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.

COACHES

August 8 to September 5 (Coaches) – the Soccer Clinic will be online only and […]

08/08/17-Football Rules Clinic Available Online for Officials and Coaches

The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Football is now available following a minimal delay for system maintenance. 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.

Below is additional information:

OFFICIALS

August 8 to September 28 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
September 29 to October 18 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
October 19 to October 25 (Officials) – the Football Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($60) per the Bylaw 27 schedule during this period. After this time, postseason penalties per Bylaw 27 will apply.

COACHES

August 8 to September 29 (Coaches) – the Football Clinic […]

08/08/17 – NFHS Announces Football Publication Corrections and Interpretations

Each licensed official and each head coach have received the NFHS Rules and Case Books by now. Several of you have also purchased the Rules By Topic and other publications from Referee Enterprises.

You will find the minimal amount of corrections to those publications for 2017 that have been distributed by the NFHS at /football/2017/2017 nfhs football rules interpretations -clarifications – final.pdf.

Continued luck this season.

05/23/17 – Dance State Competition FAQs

KHSAA DANCE

Frequently Asked Questions (as of August 18, 2017)

The following is a FAQ for Dance. Refer to the Competition Rules that will be published in the KHSAA Handbook and on the Association website for more information. The Competition Rules govern Dance.

Is Dance a “Sport”?

Within the programs of the KHSAA, Dance is categorized as a “sport-activity”.

With the KHSAA sponsoring a Dance championship, does that make Dance exactly the same as all other sports and activities within the school?

The management of individual teams within a school is a local decision. School administrators will decide about issues such as compensation, travel allowances and other benefits in compliance with federal, state and locally adopted policies.
Nothing about the KHSAA adding this sport-activity makes anything “automatic” within a school or school district.
Be mindful of the fact that unless supervised in the same manner as the rest of the school sport and sport-activity programs, the […]
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05/10/17-Reminders about Students Practicing/Playing While Ineligible

Recently, the Commissioner’s office has been made aware of several questions and concerns regarding various approved changes to the eligibility rules of the KHSAA. A reminder to all involved is that once a proposal receives the requisite vote of the membership, that is only the FIRST of many steps for the proposal to have the force of regulation.

During the promulgation steps this year (required steps to implement changes as state regulation), clarifications have been received regarding some of the action taken by the schools and the conflicts that the new and proposed rules might have with existing rules. THE FOLLOWING NOTICE AND RULING SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PRIOR INTERPRETATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN IN PERSON OR VIA PHONE, ELECTRONIC MAIL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION. Please ensure that this is shared with all relevant parties.

The table below represents an attempt to summarize various decision points schools may have (or may not have) when […]

05/12/17 – State Dance Competition

Following is a link to the news release that was posted following yesterday’s KHSAA Board of Control meeting concerning the 2017 KHSAA State Dance Competition.

News Release

In addition, coaches should be mindful of the following:

COMPETITION
The State Competition will be an open competition (no regional qualifying).

SCORING
Once UDA finalizes the scoresheets, we will send out a notice to coaches.

DIVISIONS
Championships will be conducted in the following:
Jazz
Pom
Kick
Hip Hop

JUDGING
Judge training will be conducted through UDA (online) at no charge. The KHSAA will be managing Dance, so individual school questions/inquiries should come to the Association office.

STATE
The State Competition will be Saturday, Dec. 16 at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington. Additional information on the competition is being finalized and information will be posted soon.

Please contact the […]

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

2016-2017 News Releases

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

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

We appreciate the understanding of our membership and various constituencies.

03/30/17 – Reminders about Title IX and Participation List Submission for 16-17

As spring sports are now fully in swing, 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, any of our Assistant Commissioners 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.

This year, based on feedback from the membership, there have been minimal system changes to make this task easier. Here are the highlights:

You will not be able to submit your reports if you have incomplete rosters. Based […]
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02/09/17 – Important Reminders-Title IX Reports and Rosters

As the winter sports season draws to a close, and we prepare to open up the 2017 Online Title IX reports for entry, we have discovered that a substantial number of member schools have team related issues that must first be corrected. Specifically, the issue is that a member school will designate that they offer a particular team, but do not have enough players on that team to actually field the team. Please note that new for 2017, the required online Title IX reports will be locked out for entry until a school corrects such team errors.

As a reminder, schools should only have teams loaded into their Primary KHSAA School Database that compete interscholastically against another team at that level. You must play a competitive regular schedule against other schools. Although mistakes do occur on the Varsity level, it is apparent that the vast majority of the issues in the roster system […]

02/02/17 – 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® Scholarship Applications Now Open

2016-2017 News Releases

For the fourth year Whitaker Bank, as part of its continuing title sponsorship of the Boys’ Sweet 16®, and the KHSAA will be presenting four one-time $1,500 scholarships. The scholarships are open to high school seniors that participate in KHSAA sanctioned sports and sport-activities.

Deadline for the information to be received by the KHSAA is Feb. 25. There is no limit to the number of applicants from a school.

Winners will be recognized during the 2017 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ State Basketball Tournament, March 15-19 in Lexington.

Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Sweet 16® Scholarship Application Forms are only available online and may be completed using the link below:

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION AND APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP

– KHSAA –

The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with […]

01/16/17- Reminder about Religious Uniform Accommodations

Frequently in the NFHS Playing rules, there is a reference to the prohibition on items being worn by participants without documented evidence provided by the state association.

For example, in NFHS Basketball Rule 3-5-4e(b), there is a statement allowing head coverings for religious reasons that reads, “In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participants may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player, and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play.”

In the event that an official encounters this type of head covering and is alerted to such by the head coach of the team (in any sport), officials should allow the wearing of the head cover (or other uniform accommodation) provided it does not appear to be dangerous to any other […]

1/13/2017 – Nominations sought for Midway Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Girls’ Basketball

The KHSAA is excited to open the nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year among girls’ basketball participants for 2016-2017.

This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one female participant from each 2016-2017 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but may be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at http://khsaa.org/ge79-midway-universitykhsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/

The winner, if present, will be recognized at the 2017 St. Elizabeth Healthcare/KHSAA State Basketball Tournament March 8-12 in Highland Heights. In case the winner’s team does not qualify for the state tournament, representatives from Midway University will present the award at the recipient’s high school at a mutually determined later date.

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

01/03/17 – ArbiterPay Option for Schools for Payment of Officials

As was shared with those that were attendance at the Annual Meeting, the KHSAA has now finalized a review and approval giving member schools the option to pay licensed officials online (some schools have already started using this service) through ArbiterPay (A Division of Arbiter Sports).

While the assignment of officials has been done through Arbitersports.com in the past, this added resource (ArbiterPay) has been reviewed and approved by the KHSAA Board of Control and has been given positive referral by the Kentucky State Auditor’s office.

ArbiterPay Questions
What is ArbiterPay?
ArbiterPay or “RefPay” is the web based software that pays officials electronically through Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF). ArbiterPay is completely integrated with ArbiterOne so school administration can pay officials with the click of a button once the system is properly configured.

What are the benefits of paying officials through ArbiterPay?

Can eliminate vouchers

Eliminates check processing

Eliminates checks to the wrong official

Eliminates postage

Eliminates lost or stolen checks

Eliminates bookkeeping headaches

Eliminates stop […]

11/18/16 – Important Change in Bylaw 22, Out of State Opponents

At the September annual meeting of the membership. the delegates overwhelmingly approved Proposal 10 which removes the requirements in Bylaw 22 that KHSAA member schools only play out of state teams that are members of that state association or eligible to play members of that state association.

Following review by interpretation and application, this provision shall be implemented immediately. Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, each KHSAA member school may choose, solely at its discretion, whether or not to play against out of state teams (regardless of contest location) who are not members of that state association.

KHSAA member schools continue to only be able to play schools located in Kentucky and eligible to be members of the KHSAA, that are in fact members of the KHSAA.

11/18/16 – Important Change in Interpretation, Bylaw 6, 7 and 8 (student activity while ineligible)

At the September annual meeting of the membership. the delegates overwhelmingly approved Proposal 6 which stipulates that the required period of ineligibility of a student-athlete who has been ruled ineligible per Bylaws 6, 7 and 8 is applicable solely to the varsity level.

Following review, by interpretation and application, this provision shall be implemented immediately in current cases, and efforts will continue to promulgate this change on a permanent basis through the regulatory process. Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, it is the discretion of the member school as to whether or not student-athletes ineligible due to the provisions of Bylaws 6, 7 and 8 are able to be contestants in non-varsity play. This aligns with the discretion afforded local schools to practice student-athletes who may be ineligible due to Bylaw 6, 7 and 8, other than the time periods when due process provisions are being decided.

Therefore, as of November 18, 2016, it is […]

11/18/16- Board of Control Referendum to the Membership – Bylaw 23

At its November meeting, the Board of Control gave final approval to the distribution of a referendum of the membership for the purpose of amending Bylaw 23, Limitation of Seasons. At the September annual meeting of the membership, there was a proposal discussed (that subsequently did not pass) that at its core, required that all participants in an open gym be restricted to enrolled students in the member school feeder pattern or present with permission. That proposal contained a variety of aspects and issues and the discussion led to a lack of clarity among the delegates, and ultimately, the resultant vote.

The overwhelming feedback from the schools both at the meeting and afterward was an approval of closing down the restrictions on open gym as a means of addressing perceived (or real) issues with recruiting (undue influence) and transfers for athletic advantage following participation in such activities. The rationale is straight forward and intended to address concerns many member […]

09/09/16 – KHSAA to Participate in “Team Up, Speak Up to Fight Concussions” on September 13

2016-2017 News Releases

TeamUp

The Concussion Legacy Foundation has created the first ever national concussion education day, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13. On Team Up Day, millions of athletes will hear a speech from their coach, captain and medical team that encourages them to Team Up & Speak Up to Fight Concussions, with the specific message that a good teammate looks out for concussions in their teammates, and has a responsibility to speak up to a coach or other adult if they think their teammate has a concussion.

Organizations representing over 1 million athletes have already signed on to Team Up Day, and the goal is that all 44 million youth athletes hear this message this year. The growing list of participating organizations includes the National Federation of State High School Associations, USA Rugby, the American Hockey Coaches Association, California Interscholastic Federation, Idaho […]

08/31/16 – Annual Meeting Reminders

With the KHSAA Annual Meeting of schools two weeks away, here are some important reminders.

HYATT HOUSING

The Hyatt Regency, adjacent to the center, has a small block of rooms available for September 13, by contacting 859-253-1234 and when transferred to the reservations office, refer to the KHSAA block of rooms (“KHSAA Athletic Meeting”) for the KHSAA block of rooms at $127 per night. Reservations at the Hyatt should be made by September 6, 2016 as the block will close at that time. Please be mindful that with other meetings in town that day, prompt room requests would be helpful in ensuring a room is available.

PROPOSALS

The summary of the proposals has been online for a couple of weeks at http://khsaa.org/annualmeeting/20162017/annualmeetingproposals.pdf. More details and descriptions will be posted as the meeting nears as always. Please see the website at http://khsaa.org/general/day-to-day/annual-meeting-information/. We are reviewing the proposals in detail at the region meetings and can clarify any issues […]

09/01/16 – Athletic Director Approved Continuous Improvement Hours

Bylaw 25, Sec. 5. POST HIRE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING DUTIES AS AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Available Tract of Leadership and Continuous Improvement Hours

KHSAA

Annual Meeting (4 hours)
New Athletic Director Institute (6 hours)
Region Meeting (Annually) (4 hours)
Attendance and Participation at Regional Policy Board Meetings in those regions in which ALL member schools are a member of the RPB (1 hour per season (fall, winter, spring, per year)

NIAAA Leadership Options

FOUNDATION

501 – Philosophy, Leadership Organization & Professional Programs
502 – Principles, Strategies & Methods
504 – Legal Issues I (Risk Management)
506 – Legal Issues II (Title IX, Sexual Harassment)
508 – Legal Issues III (Hazing, ADA, Employment Law)
510 – Legal Issue IV (Social Media, Event Security, Participation of Transgender Student/Athlete & Other Legal Issues)
511 – Concepts and Strategies for Interscholastic Budgeting and Finance

OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

608 – Management Strategies & Organizational Techniques
611 – Concepts & Strategies for Interscholastic Fundraising, Marketing, Promotion and Booster Clubs
630 – Interscholastic Contest Management—Planning, Preparation & Methods
631 – Emergency […]
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08/22/16 – 2016 KHSAA Annual Meeting and First AD Institute

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 2016 Annual Meeting of the membership of the KHSAA is to be held on Wednesday, September 14 in the Bluegrass Ballroom on the third floor at the Lexington Center (High Street level,adjacent to the concourse of Rupp Arena). A final agenda will be published in the coming days, but the meeting is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. ET. and conclude not later than 1:00 p.m. Details and requirements for the Annual Meeting Delegate are summarized below. To submit the name of your delegate, go to http://khsaa.org/ge38-annual-meeting-delegate-designation/

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INSTITUTE

The first KHSAA Athletic Director Institute will be held at the KHSAA offices in Lexington on Tuesday, September 13. Designed for those ADs with five or fewer years of experience, this meeting will begin with registration around 9:30, conclude before 4:00 and […]

08/10/16 – 2016-2017 Regional Athletic Administrators Meetings, Including Regs and Current Undertakings, Online School System, Title IX