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2019-2020 News Releases

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

2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

In addition to receiving […]

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06/08/20 – Officiating Supervisor of the Year Award Winner Selected

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2020

Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. Each year, the KHSAA presents the Larry G. Boucher Jr. Supervisor of the Year Award to one individual in recognition of their efforts and dedication to their sport. Elizabethtown’s Jim Long was selected as the 2020 Supervisor of the Year for his contributions as a Soccer Assigning Secretary in the 5th Region.

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

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

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

2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2020

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

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

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

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05/14/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Baseball

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2020

Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to baseball, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 798 licensed officials in baseball, Eugene Pikes (Louisville), JD Young (Independence) and Andy Thomasson (Bremen) were chosen as finalists with Pikes selected as the 2020 KHSAA Baseball Official of the Year.

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

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

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05/12/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Track & Field

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020

Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the spring sports season, the Association will still honor the outstanding work and commitment to student-athletes put forth by licensed officials in each spring sport. In recognition of their past efforts and dedication to track & field, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 125 licensed officials in track & field, Bill Smith (Lawrenceburg) and Jerry Mohr (Fort Thomas) were chosen as finalists with Smith selected as the 2020 KHSAA Track & Field Official of the Year.

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

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the […]

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05/06/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Basketball

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2020

Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Basketball season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 1,782 licensed officials in basketball, Raymond Lightfoot (Frankfort), Hannah Reynolds (Island), Rian Craft (Burkesville) and Brian Johnson (Jenkins) were chosen as finalists with Lightfoot selected as the 2020 KHSAA Basketball Official of the Year.

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

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across […]

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05/04/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Swimming

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2020

Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Swimming & Diving season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 204 licensed officials in swimming, Ruth Ann Bode (Fisherville) and Terri Tonges (Versailles) were chosen as finalists with Bode selected as the 2020 KHSAA Swimming Official of the Year.

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

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]

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05/01/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Wrestling

2019-2020 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2020

Following the completion of the 2020 KHSAA Wrestling season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 94 licensed officials in wrestling, Brett Branson (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Jon Eschan (Union) were chosen as finalists with Branson selected as the 2020 KHSAA Wrestling Official of the Year.

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

One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected […]

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

2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

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

Click […]

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

2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

  • Facilities on school-owned property including competition and practice facilities, weight rooms and similar, as well as those facilities managed or in any way owned by the school or school system (all schools grades  6-12) shall remain closed for use related to sports or sport-activities in any manner through at least May 31;
  • These steps may sunset earlier if allowed by the Governor’s orders related to the phase-in steps of resuming activity, which will likely […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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    04/27/20 – Fifth Annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarship Recipients Chosen

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2020

    Mollie Morris (Union County) and Ryan Maynard (Taylor County) have been selected as the recipients of the fifth annual Louis Stout Memorial Scholarships, which would have been presented during the 2020 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16® at Rupp Arena.

    When former Commissioner Louis Stout passed away in 2012, his late widow Anna directed that donations on his behalf go to the Louis Stout Memorial Fund for Students. Mrs. Stout felt this was an opportunity for the KHSAA to honor student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, school service and community service.

    Winners will receive a one-time $2,000 scholarship payable to an institution of higher learning, and were chosen after careful review, with selection criteria based on athletic activities, non-athletic activities, non-school activities and an essay on the role a student-athlete should play in the community.

    A two-sport letterman at Union County, Morris is a four-time All-District Academic Team selection in […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2020

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

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

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    04/16/20 – 2020 KHSAA-KDA Ag Athletes Of The Year

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2020

    FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles announced the six Kentucky high school student-athletes involved in agriculture that have been named the 2020 Ag Athletes of the Year by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).

    “Typically, I join these outstanding, agriculturally-minded student-athletes on the floor of Rupp Arena to award these scholarships, but unfortunately the coronavirus pandemic prevents us from celebrating together,” Commissioner Quarles said. “These scholarships will help these students offset the ever-increasing cost of continuing their education at a college or vocational school. I congratulate them and wish them well as they pursue their education, wherever they choose to go.”

    Two $2,000 scholarships and four $1,000 scholarships were awarded. The honorees are:

    • Outstanding Ag Athlete of the Year: William Garrett, Bethlehem ($2,000)
    • Outstanding Ag Athlete of the Year: Ellie McGowan, Crittenden County ($2,000)
    • Marisa Brown, Menifee […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

    “In addition to […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

    Closer to May […]

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    03/13/20- Spring Football Practice Eliminated for 2020 for High and Middle Schools

    2019-2020 News Releases

    This is being distributed to all KHSAA member schools through the Principal, Superintendent, Athletic Director, Designated Representative. This notice also applies to any middle school (any participants grade 5-8 competing in any way with students enrolled in grades 6-8) with a football team in Kentucky. Superintendents are asked to forward this information to all possible middle school representatives to ensure accurate communication.

    Effective immediately, the allowances contained in Bylaw 23 for high schools as well as 702 KAR 7:065 for middle schools, that allow for spring football, are hereby eliminated for the 2020 spring period. At all levels, no protective equipment may be issued to players at any time and for any purpose prior to the last academic day of the school year.  This includes helmets, shoulder pads, any other player equipment, and all practice equipment such as dummies, pads and other drill gear.
    In addition, there is also no allowance for […]

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    03/12/20- Girls’ and Boys’ State Basketball Tournaments Suspended Indefinitely

    2019-2020 News Releases

    Based on additional information and guidance from both the Kentucky Department of Education and the Governor’s office in the last hour, at this time, the girls’ state tournament is postponed indefinitely effective with the conclusion of game five. Next week’s boys’ basketball tournament is also postponed indefinitely. The Association will try and seek options for rescheduling later in the spring if at all possible, but not until after we have received collaborative approval from our Governor’s office, the Commissioner of Public Health and the Kentucky Department of Education.

    As has been stated for the last two weeks, the situation with the COVID-19 or Coronavirus is extremely fluid. As announced earlier today, our intention was to attempt to complete this first tournament with restrictions, however, this does not appear to be a wise option at this time and is not in the best interest of the student-athletes and the thousands of individuals who attend these events. […]

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    03/10/20 – Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® Begins Wednesday at Rupp Arena

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2020

    The 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® (March 11-15) gets underway Wednesday afternoon at Rupp Arena when Elizabethtown faces Bullitt East at 12 p.m. Fans can follow all the action through live webcasts at KHSAA.tv or listen to the games online at KHSAA.net. The games will also be carried statewide across 49 stations through the Kentucky Utilities/KHSAA Sweet Sixteen® Radio Network, with the championship game airing locally in Lexington on iHeart Media’s Rewind 105.5 FM.

    All 15 games of the Girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network (https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/), with subscription plans available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations. Viewers who subscribe for the Girls’ Sweet 16® will […]

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    03/09/20 – Tim Couch Selected To 2020 Class of NFHS National High School Hall of Fame

    2019-2020 News Releases

    Seven Former Standout High School Athletes Headline 2020 Class of National High School Hall of Fame

    Matt Holliday, Alex English, Dave Logan, Tim Couch, Maicel (Malone) Green, Karyn Bye Dietz, Michele Smith Slated for Induction

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 9, 2020) – Seven outstanding former high school athletes highlight the 2020 class of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame, including three who went on to earn gold medals in the Olympics and four others who excelled in professional football, basketball and baseball.

    Joining the seven former athletes in this year’s class are three highly successful high school coaches, one former state association administrator and one speech and debate coach in the performing arts area. The 12 honorees will be inducted July 1 at the 38th induction ceremony of the National High School Hall of Fame, which will be held at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

    […]

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    03/08/20- Statement on Ongoing KHSAA Activities and the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus

    2019-2020 News Releases

    The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) is aware and continues to monitor the issues with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are keenly aware of the recently declared emergency status and the primary purpose for which those declarations were made, to enable and expedite federal assistance with state and local efforts. We will review any new developments and listen to medical experts as they advise not only the KHSAA but our Commonwealth and country on alternative next steps. We will work with our member schools and our host facilities to take every precaution to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone involved.

    The last 96 hours have been particularly intense and nearly 24/7 for myself as Commissioner as well as others in communication with our office, with a continual review of information and advisories. We will continue to rely heavily on the information from the CDC and state and local health representatives while monitoring all available […]

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    03/05/20- Upcoming traffic changes on Upper Street and Avenue of Champions

    2019-2020 News Releases

    LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2020) – Lexington visitors and commuters will notice traffic changes in the University of Kentucky area soon. Avenue of Champions, from South Limestone to Lexington Avenue, will be restricted to one-way traffic beginning Monday, March 9. The intersection of South Upper and Winslow streets will be closed starting at 7 p.m., Friday, March 13, through the weekend. These temporary changes are needed to facilitate sewer line construction.

    Starting March 9, Avenue of Champions will be one-way westbound (toward Limestone), beginning at Lexington Avenue. The car and bike lane on the south (Gatton Student Center) side of Avenue of Champions will be fenced off, and closed for sewer construction. Traffic from Limestone will not be able to turn right onto Avenue of Champions, and must use Maxwell Street as a detour.

    See map of detour to Fayette Mall area from downtown (both events)

    See Upper Street Closure Map, March 13-16

    […]

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    02/19/20 – Board of Control Votes to Keep Field Hockey as a KHSAA-Sanctioned Sport

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 19, 2020

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

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

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    02/19/20 – Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships Head to UK Thursday

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2020

    The Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships will have a different look this year, with the event moving to the Lancaster Aquatic Center on the University of Kentucky campus. The state swim meet was last held at the Lancaster Aquatic Center in 2006 and spent the last 13 years at the University of Louisville’s Ralph Wright Natatorium.

    Fans attending this week’s Pannell Swim Shop/KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships should be advised that backpacks may not be brought into the Lancaster Aquatics Center by the general public per campus policy (http://bit.ly/38IVMou).

    On Thursday, parking will only be available in the Purple Lots located on Wildcat Court next to the Softball and Soccer Complex. After 2 p.m. ET, parking will also be available in the Green Lot next to Kroger Field off Cooper Drive.

    On Friday and Saturday, fans will be able to park in the Green […]

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    02/18/20 – 2020 Sweet 16® Online Media Credentialing System

    2019-2020 News Releases

    The media credentialing system for the 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ and Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® State Basketball Tournaments is now available online, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org. Both of this year’s events will be held at Rupp Arena, with the girls playing March 11-15, followed by the boys’ tournament March 18-22.

    The deadline to apply for credentials is 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to each respective tournament – March 9 for the Girls’ Sweet 16® and March 16 for the Boys.

    OWNERSHIP OF MEDIA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
    The intellectual property, corporate, broadcasting and media rights to all State championship rounds of the KHSAA postseason championships belong exclusively to the KHSAA, including titling agreements and sponsorships. As such, the KHSAA is the only entity permitted to originate a live broadcast during the Sweet 16® (this includes the use of social media streaming platforms such […]

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    02/11/20 – KHSAA.tv to Carry State Wrestling Championships

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2020

    The 2020 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships, which begin Friday morning at Alltech Arena, will be broadcast by Trackwrestling this year and available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Tickets to the State Wrestling Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA, including a discounted online-only $30 all-session pass.

    Gates open for fans at 8:30 a.m. on Friday with the first round matches commencing at 9:30 a.m. Friday’s opening session will continue through the third round of the championship bracket (bouts 1-616). Saturday’s opening session begins with third round consolation bracket matches at 9 a.m., and continues through the sixth round consolation bracket matches (bouts 785-812).

    The medal round session is scheduled to begin with the KWCA awards at 3 p.m. followed by the consolation bracket finals for third, fifth and seventh place. Upon conclusion of the consolation bracket finals, the competitors in the finals will […]

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    02/06/20 – Additional Timing Changes on Play Clock Approved in High School Football Rules

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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    02/06/20- Deadline Extended for 2019-2020 Seeded Basketball District Games

    2019-2020 News Releases

    It goes without saying that many schools have missed many days of school recently. While little has been for the weather, when we have likely half of our school districts out of school at various points these last two weeks for illness, it is obvious that basketball has taken a second seat.

    For that reason, and based solely on these extenuating circumstances this season only, the deadline for playing in seeded district games has been extended to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20. This will no doubt cause hardship on some of our managers who will only have one business day for final arrangements, including brackets. However, it is apparent that this is a necessary step.

    Any game not played by February 20 is to be counted as both a win and a loss for both teams in figuring the winning percentages for district seeding. This procedure has long existed in the Competition rules and was designed for […]

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    02/04/20 – State Bowling Championships Begin Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2020

    The ninth-annual KHSAA State Bowling Championships begin Thursday at Executive Strike & Spare in Louisville with the Unified, Adapted and Singles competitions. The Unified Championship, which is in its fourth year as a KHSAA offering, and the second Adapted Championship open the day’s festivities at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles Championship at 11:30 a.m. Advanced tickets to the event can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    The Unified Championship will consist of one qualifying game for seeding followed by baker’s doubles matches throughout a 16-team bracket. The Adapted Championship will feature one qualifying game for seeding prior to head-to-head competition. For the Boys’ and Girls’ Singles Championship, each competitor will bowl three games before the field is trimmed to the top eight individuals. The top eight will then roll two additional games, with the top four boys’ and top four girls’ performers advancing to the step […]

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    01/30/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Football

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2020

    Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Football season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 938 licensed officials in football, Shaun Williams (Lewisport), Jordan Tarrence (Lexington) and Gary Wise (Louisville) were chosen as finalists with Williams selected as the 2019 KHSAA Football Official of the Year.

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

    One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]

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    01/28/20 – Sweet 16® Draw Show to Air February 11th on CW Lexington, KHSAA.tv

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2020

    Pairings for the 2020 Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Girls’ Sweet Sixteen® and the Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® will be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 1 p.m. (ET) when the annual Sweet 16® Draw Show is televised by The CW Lexington. The Sweet 16® Draw Show will also be streamed live online at KHSAA.tv and WKYT.com.

    The 59th Girls’ Sweet 16® will be held March 11-15 with the 103rd installment of the boys’ basketball state tournament taking place the following week (March 18-22). Both tournaments will be played at Rupp Arena for the second year, with ticket information available at KHSAA.org in the coming days.

    Each game of the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® will be webcast live at khsaa.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. By purchasing a month pass to the NFHS Network, fans can watch all 30 games of the girls’ and boys’ Sweet 16® […]

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    01/27/20 – PlayVS/KHSAA Esports Winter State Championship Decided Thursday at UK

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2020

    State Champions will be crowned in Rocket League and League of Legends on Thursday, Jan. 30 when the PlayVS/KHSAA Esports Winter State Championship takes place at the Gatton Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus.

    The Rocket League finals are set for 4 p.m. and will feature Shelby County’s “Rockets Gold Squad” taking on Graves County’s “Leverage Esports” team. The League of Legends championship will follow at 5:30 p.m., with Elizabethtown’s “E-Town Panthers” squaring off against Lafayette’s “Generals (A)”.

    Admission is free to the esports state championship, which will be held in Ballroom B&C at the Gatton Student Center. Those unable to attend Thursday’s championship can watch the event live online through the NFHS Network or Twitch.tv (https://www.twitch.tv/playvs).

    This is the second year esports has been a KHSAA-sanctioned sport activity. Boyle County claimed the inaugural League of Legends state title during the 2019 winter season, with […]

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    01/23/20 – Winter Sports Championship Credentials

    2019-2020 News Releases

    The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Winter Sports Championships (Bowling, Wrestling, Swimming & Diving) is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.

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

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

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    01/16/20 – 2018-19 National Coaches of the Year Selected by NFHS Coaches Association

    2019-2020 News Releases

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 16, 2020)— Twenty-three high school coaches from across the country have been selected as 2019 National Coaches of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.

    The NFHS, which has been recognizing coaches through an awards program since 1982, honors coaches in the top 10 girls sports and top 10 boys sports (by participation numbers), and in two “other” sports – one for boys and one for girls – that are not included in the top 10 listings. The NFHS also recognizes a spirit coach as a separate award category. Winners of NFHS awards must be active coaches during the year for which they receive their award. This year’s awards recognize coaches for the 2018-19 school year.

    Recipients of this year’s national awards for boys sports are: Glenn Cecchini, baseball, Lake Charles (Louisiana) Alfred M. Barbe High School; J.R. Holmes, basketball, Bloomington (Indiana) South High School; […]

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    01/16/20 – Board Approves Site and Date for Esports Championship, Approves Extensive Survey of Officials’ Fees, Reviews Ongoing Operations

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2020

    The Board of Control addressed several operational issues at its meeting at the KHSAA offices on Thursday. Among the actionable items on the agenda, the Board approved an offer from the University of Kentucky to host the upcoming esports state championship and approved the movement of five schools in Track & Field, as well as Cross Country, for the 2020-21 school year.

    The University of Kentucky has offered to host the upcoming esports state championship on Jan. 30 and the Board accepted that proposal. UK has made a substantial investment into its Gatton Student Center as it expands its involvement in the world of competitive gaming.

    “We are grateful to UK for reaching out to us to host a championship event in esports this year, allowing our competition and its participants to continue to receive outstanding support, ” said Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Their new facility is outstanding and will […]

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    01/09/20 – Mingua Beef Jerky Becomes Title Sponsor of KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16®

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2020

    Mingua Beef Jerky, family-owned in Kentucky since 1994, has become the title sponsor of the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16® beginning with the 2020 tournament. The agreement expands the existing corporate partnership between Mingua and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association which started last year when the Bourbon County-based company came on as a Silver Level partner. The increased corporate support moves Mingua to Gold Level status with the KHSAA, another symbol of their commitment to interscholastic athletics and Kentucky’s young people.

    As a company that takes pride in its tasty Kentucky jerky that includes no preservatives or nitrates and uses real meat that is never chopped or formed, Mingua is showcasing its Kentucky pride even further by becoming the title sponsor of the state’s highest level of girls’ basketball competition.

    “Mingua […]

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    12/19/19 – Initial Basketball Stat Leader Reports Released

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 19, 2019

    The first statistical leader reports of the 2019-20 season for girls’ and boys’ basketball have been posted at KHSAA.org. The leader reports will be updated every day at approximately 3 a.m., and will include all teams missing stats for no more than two games.

    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. Member schools are solely responsible for submitting statistical information. If a school or individual is omitted, or information is not updated, that means the team in question did not update its statistics through the KHSAA’s online system prior to the deadline.

    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 […]

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    12/18/19 – KHSAA State Dance Championships Set for Saturday at Valley HS

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2019

    The third KHSAA State Dance Championships will take place Saturday at Valley High School in Louisville, with the Jazz Small, Hip Hop Large, Pom Large and Jazz Large divisions competing at 9 a.m. The second session will feature the Hip Hop Small and Pom Small divisions and is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. Advance tickets to the event are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    The KHSAA State Dance Championships will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month and entitle users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state associations.

    Results will be posted to the Dance page at KHSAA.org upon the conclusion of each session. Following the event, fans can purchase DVD copies of the event and official championship photos at KHSAA.org.

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    12/11/19 – Competitive Cheer Championships Head to Alltech Arena Saturday

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2019

    The eighth annual KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships begin Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. with the All-Girls Small, All-Girls Medium and Game Day Divisions at Alltech Arena. The afternoon session is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. with the All-Girls Large, All-Girls Super and Coed competitions.

    Tickets to the KHSAA State Competitive Cheer Championships are available for purchase online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA. Doors will open for fans at 8 a.m. and those planning to attend should be advised that the Kentucky Horse Park charges $5 for parking.

    The KHSAA Competitive Cheer Championships will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to every broadcast by the KHSAA and the more than 45 participating state […]

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    12/04/19 – UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl Broadcast Info

    2019-2020 News Releases

    For Immediate Release: December 4, 2019

    The 2019 UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl gets underway Friday afternoon at Kroger Field when the first of six championship games slated for this weekend kicks off at 2 p.m. Live webcasts of all six games will be available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network, with a free audio broadcast available at KHSAA.net. Single-game tickets are available for purchase online at http://bit.ly/2DDfFj4.

    Championship action begins Friday when Paintsville (11-3) takes on Pikeville (13-0) in the 1A Championship at 2 p.m., followed by Bell County (14-0) versus Belfry (10-3) in the 3A Championship at 7 p.m.

    Saturday’s schedule opens with the 2A Championship at 1 p.m., as Mayfield (13-1) squares off against Somerset (13-1). The second game of the day will pit Boyle County (14-0) against Johnson Central (14-0) in the 4A Championship at 4:30 p.m., with Covington Catholic (14-0) facing Frederick Douglass (14-0) in […]

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    11/27/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Volleyball

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2019

    Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Volleyball season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 559 licensed officials in volleyball, Mike Wooten (Paducah) and Doug Grinnell (Elizabethtown) were chosen as finalists with Wooten selected as the 2019 KHSAA Volleyball Official of the Year.

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

    One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following […]

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    11/26/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Soccer

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019

    Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Soccer season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 525 licensed officials in soccer, Terry Linscott (Radcliff) and Gustavo Turmero (Madisonville) were chosen as finalists with Linscott selected as the 2019 KHSAA Soccer Official of the Year.

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

    One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following […]

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    11/26/19 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Field Hockey

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 26, 2019

    Following the completion of the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey season, the Association has chosen the finalists for the sport’s Official of the Year Award. Of the 43 licensed officials in field hockey, Megan McGrath (Louisville) and Jamie Gatewood (Louisville) were chosen as finalists with McGrath selected as the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey Official of the Year.

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

    One official in each sport will be named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for his/her sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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    11/19/19 – Board Reviews Fall Sports Championships and Ongoing Operations

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2019

    The Board of Control conducted a lengthy review of the recently completed fall sports and each respective championship, while also discussing ongoing operations and issues during the course of its meeting at the KHSAA Offices on Tuesday. Among the actionable items in the meeting, the Board addressed the format of the Swimming & Diving postseason meets and the future placement for Sayre football.

    Over the last few years, staff received multiple requests to restructure region diving competitions due in part to facility issues and a shortage of qualified judges without a connection to a specific school. The situation was exacerbated by the expansion to 40 qualifiers in the state diving competition, with 22 at-large participants potentially leading to competitive issues if there is a perception that the judges are not consistent and objective at each meet.

    Following a survey of the membership, 75% of respondents voted in favor of […]

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    2019 KHSAA State Football Tickets Availability

    2019-2020 News Releases





    • For Class 4A, 12/7, 4:30 pm ET
      TBA vs TBA
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    11/01/19- UK Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Seeks Nominations for Kentucky Comeback Athletes of the Year

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

    […]

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    11/06/19 – UK Healthcare Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Becomes Title Sponsor of KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2019

    UK Healthcare Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has expanded its corporate partnership with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association with a four-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl State Football Championships. UK Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, which has been a long-time partner of the Association, provides top of the line sports medicine and athletic training services at all KHSAA Championship events in the Lexington area. UK Healthcare and UK Ortho’s increased corporate support elevates it to Platinum Level partner status with the Association, on par with Whitaker Bank and Spalding, the two existing Platinum Level partners. The arrangement also includes naming rights for the 2019 UK Orthopaedics/KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl through the 2022 championships.

    “UK Orthopaedics is honored to provide athletic training and medical care […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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

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    11/05/19 – State Volleyball Tournament Begins Friday in Louisville

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2019

    The 2019 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament gets underway Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. when Henderson County takes on Greenwood at Valley High School. The last of eight opening round matches will take place at 8 p.m. with Rowan County facing Corbin. Advanced tickets for the state tournament, including a discounted online-only all-session pass, can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    The state tournament resumes Saturday morning with quarterfinal action starting at 10 a.m., followed by the semifinals beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday night. The championship match will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

    The Semifinals and Championship of the 2019 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription-based service. Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of admission to a state championship event, entitles users to […]

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    10/31/19 – Dawahares/KHSAA Hall Of Fame Class Of 2020 Inductees Announced

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2019

    The Kentucky High School Athletic Association will induct its Class of 2020 into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame presented by Roberts Insurance on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Embassy Suites Lexington. This year’s 12-member class will be the 33rd inducted into the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame, and consists of former high school coaches, athletes, officials, administrators, and contributors. The Class of 2020 will also be recognized during the semifinals of the 2020 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. The induction of the 12-member Class of 2020 will bring the total number of honorees in the Hall of Fame to 491.

    Nominations for the Dawahares/KHSAA Hall of Fame are always welcome and can be submitted by filling out the online form available at http://bit.ly/2K6vrUX.

    CHARLIE ADKINS (Coach / Paintsville) – Charlie Adkins coached baseball in the 15th Region for 34 years, amassing a career record of 805-293 with 20 […]

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    10/30/19 – KHSAA State Cross Country Championships Set For Saturday

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 30, 2019

    The KHSAA State Cross Country Championships return to the Kentucky Horse Park this Saturday with the first race of the day slated for 9:30 a.m. A full meet schedule is available on the KHSAA website at http://bit.ly/2JA6Tpf, with advance tickets available for purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    The 1A Girls’ race opens the day’s festivities at 9:30 a.m., followed by the 1A Boys at 10:15 a.m. The Class 2A meet will follow with the girls at 11:30 a.m. and the boys at 12:15 p.m. The 3A Girls’ Championship is set for 1:30 p.m., with the 3A Boys closing out the day’s events at 2:15 p.m.

    Results will be posted at KHSAA.org following the conclusion of each race. Official championship photos will be available at khsaaphotos.org within 72 hours of the event.

    For more information on each championship, visit the links below:

    2019 KHSAA State Cross Country […]

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    10/29/19 – KHSAA State Soccer Championships Head To Bryan Station HS

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2019

    The 2019 KHSAA State Soccer Championships culminate this week with the semifinals and finals at Bryan Station High School. Each game will be broadcast live by KHSAA.tv as part of the NFHS Network, with advance tickets available for purchase at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    Boys’ Semifinal action gets underway Wednesday evening when East Carter (19-3-1) takes on Daviess County (20-2-2) at 6 p.m., followed by Oldham County (16-5-1) versus Henry Clay (23-1-3) at 8 p.m. The Girls’ Semifinals are set for Thursday evening, with Ashland Blazer (20-0-2) facing Greenwood (21-2-3) at 6 p.m., and Sacred Heart (24-1-2) squaring off against Highlands (19-3-5) at 8 p.m.

    Both tournaments conclude Saturday, Nov. 2 with the boys’ championship slated for 6 p.m. and the girls’ final set for 8 p.m. The semifinals and finals will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription-based service.

    Subscription plans for the […]

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    10/25/19 – Field Hockey State Semifinals Set For Saturday In Louisville

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2019

    The sixth annual KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament resumes Saturday evening with the Semifinals heading to Christian Academy-Lou. The first match of the night at Centurion Stadium will pit DuPont Manual (18-4-4) against Christian Academy-Lou. (15-6-1) at 6 p.m., followed by Sacred Heart (21-7) versus Assumption (15-10-1) at 7:45 p.m. Tickets to the 2019 KHSAA State Field Hockey Tournament can be purchased online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA.

    The 2019 State Field Hockey Tournament concludes Monday evening at Centurion Field with the championship match at 7 p.m. Live stats for each game will be available on the Field Hockey page at KHSAA.org, with box scores posted following the completion of each match. Monday’s championship will be webcast live at KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network, which is a subscription-based service.

    Subscription plans for the NFHS Network are available for $10.99 a month. A monthly subscription, priced less than the cost of […]

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    Kentucky High School Scoreboard Show

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

     

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

    10/04/19 – Leachman/KHSAA State Golf Championships Begin Tuesday in Bowling Green

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2019

    The fall championship season gets underway next week when the Bowling Green Country Club hosts the 2019 Leachman Buick•GMC•Cadillac/KHSAA State Golf Championships (Oct. 7-12). The girls’ tournament begins at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8 with the opening round, followed by the second 18 holes on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The boys’ championship opens with first round action on Friday, Oct. 11, with the final 18 holes slated for Saturday, Oct. 12.

    Lexington Christian Academy will look to repeat as girls’ team champion after claiming the 2018 state title with a 639 total (324-315) led by individual medalist Laney Frye (72-74 – 146). On the boys’ side, Taylor County will also try to repeat as team champions after capturing the school’s first state title in 2018 with a 592 total (294-298) – edging St. Xavier by two strokes (291-303 – 594). John Marshall Butler (Trinity (Lou.)) enters the 2019 championship […]

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    10/01/19 – Fall Draw Show Set For Wednesday

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2019

    The matchups for the 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, and Volleyball State Tournaments will be revealed Wednesday, October 2nd when the annual Fall Championship Draw Show is conducted at the KHSAA Offices at 1 p.m. The Draw Show will be broadcast live online by KHSAA.tv through the NFHS Network.

    The 2019 KHSAA Field Hockey State Tournament begins Thursday, October 24th with quarterfinal matchups on campus sites. The semifinals and championship will be played Saturday, October 26th and Monday, October 28th at Christian Academy-Louisville.

    The 2019 KHSAA State Soccer Championships open with the semi-state matches on Oct. 21-22, followed by the quarterfinals on campus sites from Oct. 24-26. The semifinals (Oct. 30-31) and finals (Nov. 2) will move to Lexington and be played at a Fayette County Public School.

    The KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament will be held at Valley High School in Louisville for the eighth-straight […]

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    09/30/19 – Official KHSAA RPI Rankings Unveiled

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2019

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

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

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    09/27/19 – Fall Sports Championship Media Credentials

    2019-2020 News Releases

    The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for the Spring Sports Championships (Golf, Field Hockey, Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Competitive Cheer and Dance) is now live, and can be accessed by going to credentials.khsaa.org.

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2019

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

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

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

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2019

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

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

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    09/05/19 – Initial Stat Leader Reports Released for Football, Soccer, Volleyball and Field Hockey

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2019

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

    The requirement to enter statistics in volleyball is new for 2019, and follows the addition of baseball, softball and field hockey stats to the KHSAA/Riherds.com Scoreboard during the 2018-19 academic year. Statistical entry, which is now available for all sports on the Scoreboard, has the benefit of allowing member schools to highlight and promote the accomplishments of their student-athletes, which should be a priority for all involved in school-based sports.

    Statistical entry is required of all member schools, and those failing to meet the requirement to enter stats are subject to penalties, including fines and other actions […]

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    08/27/19 – Hype Student Leadership Conferences This Week in Lexington

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019

    The 19th Annual KHSAA HYPE Student Leadership Conferences will be held this week at the Lexington Convention Center (Aug. 29-30). The conferences are a free service provided by the Association for student-athletes to learn teamwork exercises and sportsmanship initiatives, and discuss current issues.

    The first conference will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 in the Bluegrass Ballroom at the Lexington Convention Center, with the second session taking place the following day (Friday, Aug. 30). Assisting with this year’s conference will be a group of four student-athletes that represented the KHSAA at the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in July: Hannah Eastes (Fort Campbell), Mick Clines (Bishop Brossart), Lindey Lipe (Muhlenberg County) and Marcus Hay (Fort Campbell). In addition to helping facilitate this year’s conference, the group will help plan the 2020 HYPE Student Leadership Conference.

    Topics for this year’s breakout sessions include seminars on Brain Mapping and Goal Setting (Omari […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

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

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




    If you […]

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    07/18/19 – Student-Athlete Participation Reaches Record Levels Once Again

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 18, 2019

    Student-athlete participation in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities reached record levels in 2018-19 as 106,931 rostered participants competed across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and six sport-activities – surpassing last year’s then-record total of 106,241. Thirty-two percent of all student-athletes competed in multiple sports during the 2018-19 academic year, helping total KHSAA participation rise by 7,288 rostered participants from where it was six years ago (an increase of 6.8% since the 2012-13 season). Participant counts are cumulative among all KHSAA rosters and continue an upward trend in participation across the board according to the data submitted to the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) in Indianapolis.

    Participation numbers have also been impacted over the last eight years by the addition of six sport-activities (Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance and esports) and the sport of Field Hockey. KHSAA participation in 2018-19 was also boosted by […]

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

    2019-2020 News Releases

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

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

    • Heat index requirements and restrictions apply (and have always applied) to outdoor and indoor sports. In many cases during the summer, indoor practice areas (including gymnasiums) are set to be electronically controlled in terms of temperature and coaches […]

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    07/11/19 – Board Finalizes Golf Format; Addresses Tennis Championships and Future of Esports

    2019-2020 News Releases

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2019

    The Board of Control conducted its first organizational meeting of the 2019-20 academic year on Thursday in Covington, finalizing the format of the state golf tournament while also addressing the calendar for the state tennis championships and the future of esports.

    After reviewing feedback following its earlier decision to change the team format to a four-person squad at the state tournament (which was a format of the tournament in past years), the Board of Control elected to revisit the issue at its July meeting. After significant discussion, the Board eventually settled on a final resolution to address its original concerns with the size of the field, match its boys and girls alignment, ensure all schools have an opportunity to participate in the championship regardless of squad size and complete the tournament during the mid-fall season while also addressing the team composition […]

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