Wrestling
11/21/24 – Winter Media Credential Applications Now Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 21, 2024
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for winter state championships (competitive cheer, dance, swimming & diving, bowling, wrestling, indoor track & field) is now live and can be accessed via credentials.khsaa.org.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their 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 […]
11/18/24 – KHSAA Awards 2023-24 NFHS State Coaches of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 18, 2024
As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, particularly for the season in question, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.
The complete list of 2023-24 honorees from Kentucky is below.
- Baseball: Brad Burns, Pleasure Ridge Park
- Boys’ Basketball: Ryan Perry, Lyon County
- Boys’ Cross Country: Chris Davis, Bishop Brossart
- Football: Mark Spader, Bowling Green
- Boys’ Golf: Chris Cunningham, South Oldham
- Boys’ Soccer: Chris Grimm, Lafayette
- Boys’ Swimming & Diving: Jamie Palumbo; Bryan Station, Great Crossing, Lexington Catholic, Madison Central, Sayre, Scott County
- Boys’ […]
11/15/24 – Board of Control Approves Alignment for Lacrosse, Boys’ Volleyball; Revisions to Alignment for Field Hockey, Regions 6-7 Basketball, Region 1 Soccer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 15, 2024
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2024-25 academic year this week in Lexington, approving alignments for the upcoming inaugural seasons of lacrosse and boys’ volleyball, as well as a handful of alignment revisions across the sport of field hockey, Regions 6-7 of basketball and in Region 1 of soccer.
Lacrosse was approved for an eight-region format and an eight-team postseason state tournament, with the semifinals and finals of both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments culminating at Shelby County and Collins in Shelbyville on May 19-21. Both of these schools have unified lacrosse field markings, which gives the Association tremendous scheduling flexibility to assist with the contests in this first season.
Boys’ volleyball was also approved for an eight-region geographically based alignment with the winner and runner-up of each region advancing to a 16-team state tournament. The semifinals and championship match are scheduled […]
10/22/24 – Wrestling Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Wrestling is now available through your Arbitersports Eligibility Dashboard.
The clinic is required of all officials and coaches (head, assistant, varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen), regardless of whether or not the coach receives pay.
Note: New for the 24-25 school year, you no longer log into the KHSAA School Portal to view your rules clinic or complete your other Bylaw 25 requirements. All Coaching functions have been migrated to the newly developed KHSAA360 System (in ArbiterSports).
If you have yet to log into the KHSAA360 (Arbitersports.com) system, you will need to set your password on the arbitersports.com login screen (select “Forgot Password”).
For full instructions on how to access your Eligibility Dashboard to complete the Online Rules Clinic and the rest of your Bylaw 25 requirements, see below:
If you are having difficulties locating your requirements dashboard, it can be found at […]
10/01/24 – KHSAA Combined Participation Tops 115,000 for First Time in 2023-24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT. 1, 2024
More than 115,000 participants occupied roster spots in KHSAA sports and sport-activities in the 2023-24 school year, marking an all-time record and an increase of more than 5% from the previous year.
A total of 115,608 participants were on rosters for Kentucky high school competition in 2023-24, which is up 5,792 from the previous record of 109,816 set in 2022-23. The latest total includes 63,694 boys and 51,914 girls, a record high for both genders and the first time that girls’ participation has exceeded 50,000.
The 115,608 roster spots were comprised of 86,357 individuals, including 46,635 boys and 39,722 girls.
The 2023-24 total marks a third consecutive increase across KHSAA member schools after numbers briefly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, national participation eclipsed the 8-million mark for the first time last school year.
“We are extremely pleased with our compilation […]
09/26/24 – Board of Control Approves Bass Fishing Site Rotation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 26, 2024
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its second regularly scheduled meeting of the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday in Lexington, approving a four-year site rotation for the Operation UNITE Bass Fishing State Championships presented by UK HealthCare.
The Bass Fishing State Championships will debut at Lake Cumberland in Russell County in 2025 and 2027 and return to Kentucky Lake in Marshall County — where the event has been held for more than a decade since its inception — in 2026 and 2028.
“We have been blessed with tremendous growth since the bass fishing tournament first began in 2013,” said Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The fact that multiple entities are interested in hosting this championship is a testament to the great work of our schools, student-athletes and coaches, as well as our long-time partners at Major League Fishing. We are excited to see that growth continue in the coming years.”
Thursday’s […]
08/27/24 – Wrestling Season Dates and New OPC Pricing Structure
At its May meeting, the KHSAA Board of Control approved a recommended revision to the wrestling postseason dates in response to the availability of the state championship venue.
2024-25 Important Dates
- Oct. 15 – First Practice
- Nov. 25 – First Contest
- Feb. 14-15 – Girls’ Regions
- Feb. 21-22 – Boys’ Regions
- Feb. 27 – Girls’ State Tournament
- Feb. 28-March 1 – Boys’ State Tournament
This is also the second year of the initial two-year commitment to hold the girls’ and boys’ state tournaments on separate days at the same venue in the same weekend. The structure of the state tournament schedule will continue to be evaluated but will ensure that the girls’ event is on par with the boys’ event in terms of priority, venue and coaching resource allocation. The Board of Control approved the state tournament dates for the next three years at the May meeting, with Alltech […]
06/04/24 – Thurmond, Germann Named 2023-24 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 6, 2024
The 2023-24 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated Tuesday on the campus of Midway University, as Carlie Thurmond of Bethlehem (Soccer) and Max Germann of Boyle County (Track & Field) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.
Beginning in May 2016, Midway has presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each KHSAA girls’ state championship event. The awards program was expanded in 2019-20 to include male student-athletes, with Midway honoring a deserving student-athlete in each KHSAA sport and sport-activity.
The awards are based on athletic and academic achievement, as well as community service and leadership, with Midway choosing one overall Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year each academic year. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes, and the nominees are voted upon by a closed panel consisting of representatives from Midway.
2023-24 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the […]
04/30/24 – NFHS Announces Wrestling Rule Changes
Participants Now Inbounds with One Point of Contact in High School Wrestling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS – Beginning with the 2024-25 season, high school wrestlers will be inbounds with only one point of contact of either wrestler inside or on the boundary line.
This fundamental change to high school wrestling was one of six major changes impacting almost 30 rules recommended by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 1-3 meeting in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Previously, high school wrestlers were considered to be inbounds if a total of two supporting points of either wrestler were inside or on the boundary line. The two supporting points could be two supporting points of one wrestler or one supporting point of each wrestler inside or on the boundary line.
“Without increasing risk, this change eliminates the subjectivity of the […]
04/01/24 – Wrestling Official of the Year Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 1, 2024
Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the 10 sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport is named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for their sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers, coaches throughout the state and additional staff review.
The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2023-24 wrestling season is Jake Lowry. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.
With officiating numbers declining at the national level, the KHSAA is […]
02/20/24 – Board of Control Approves Draft of 2025, 2026 Football Alignment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 20, 2024
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Tuesday in Lexington, approving an initial draft football realignment that would be effective for two years starting with the 2025 season.
With the approval of an initial draft, a survey of all member schools will be conducted to determine postseason participation for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Pending member school feedback upon distribution of the alignment draft, any appeals and potential adjustments will be finalized at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting in May.
Each year, Board members are reminded that the officers for the following year are elected at the fifth meeting of the year. The Board annually elects a president-elect from its membership to serve the following year and then transition to the role of president in the second year following. On Tuesday, the Board selected Warren County Public Schools […]
02/14/24 – Boys’/Coed, Inaugural Girls’ Wrestling State Championships to Begin in Lexington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 14, 2024
The KHSAA Wrestling State Championships presented by UK HealthCare are set to return to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, taking place in full over three days from Thursday, Feb. 15, to Saturday, Feb. 17.
In addition to Boys’/Coed competition scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the 2024 rendition of the Wrestling State Championships will feature the inaugural Girls’ Wrestling State Championships on Saturday.
Tickets to all three days of the event are available online only at khsaatickets.org. The event will be broadcast in its entirety live on khsaa.tv to subscribers of the NFHS Network.
2024 KHSAA WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
02/12/24 – State Wrestling Worker Assignments and Information
Thank you for working the 2024 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships presented by UK HealthCare. Here are some pertinent details to help you prepare for the event at Alltech Arena. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
EVENT DETAILS
- Dates: Feb. 15-17 (Thurs.-Sat.)
- Site: Alltech Arena
- Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511
- Parking: Free on-site
- Schedule of Events
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Feb. 15 (Boys’/Coed Championship)
- KHSAA Staff arrive at the venue at 6 a.m. (Navy shirt)
- Event Staff arrival: 6:30 a.m.
- Ticket Staff arrival: 7:30 a.m.
- Table Workers: 7:45 a.m.
- Gates Open at 7 a.m. for teams; 8:30 a.m. for fans.
Friday, Feb. 16 (Boys’/Coed Championship)
- KHSAA Staff arrive at the venue at 6:30 a.m. (Black shirt)
- Event Staff arrival: 7 a.m.
- Ticket Staff arrival: 7:15 a.m.
- Table Workers: 7:45 a.m.
- Gates Open at 7:30 a.m. […]
02/12/24 – Brackets Now Available for Boys’/Coed Wrestling Championship
Brackets for the boys’/coed championship have been published to KHSAA.org and TrackWrestling. The brackets were developed based on the random draw table, which can be viewed on the KHSAA website.
Qualifiers for the boys’/coed wrestling championship are available for review at https://khsaa.org/2023-2024-wrestling-boys-coed-entries-by-school/. Rosters were pulled directly from TrackWrestling data, but staff should be alerted of any spelling corrections by 12 p.m. ET today so corrected information can be shared with TeamIP for event merchandise.
The 2024 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships presented by UK HealthCare will be held Feb. 15-17 at Alltech Arena inside the Kentucky Horse Park. The boys’/coed championship will take place Feb. 15-16 followed by the girls’ championship on Feb. 17. The competition schedule is available at https://khsaa.org/2024-state-wrestling-schedule/.
The state instructions are available for review on the Wrestling homepage at https://ly.khsaa.org/tgmq. Tickets to the event are available for purchase online-only at khsaatickets.org, including discounted single-day, two-day or three-day all-session […]
02/11/24 – State Wrestling Championships Update
First and foremost, the KHSAA would like to thank the region tournament hosts, as well as the coaches and officials for their continued contributions this season. Congratulations to those who have qualified for the 2024 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships presented by UK HealthCare. The event will be held Feb. 15-17 at Alltech Arena inside the Kentucky Horse Park, with the boys’/coed championship taking place Feb. 15-16 followed by the girls’ championship on Feb. 17. The competition schedule is available at https://khsaa.org/2024-state-wrestling-schedule/.
The state instructions are available for review on the Wrestling homepage at https://ly.khsaa.org/tgmq. Tickets to the event are available for purchase online-only at khsaatickets.org, including discounted single-day, two-day or three-day all-session passes. The advance discount tickets are available up until the day of the event, at which time only the game day tickets will be available. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at the admission gate but no tickets will […]
2023-2024 Wrestling Girls Random Draw Pairings
Each class will have a unique random draw to choose who is represented by Regions A-D
2023-2024 Wrestling Boys/Coed Random Draw Pairings
Each class will have a unique random draw to choose who is represented by Regions A-H
Wrestling State Girls Model Draw
Each class will have a unique random draw to choose who is represented by Regions A-D
01/23/24 – Wrestling Postseason Updates
The KHSAA wanted to update member schools about Wrestling postseason dates and sites.
As we approach the first postseason for girls’ wrestling as a sanctioned sport, it is imperative that member schools continue to be diligent in maintaining accurate rosters in both the KHSAA subdomain and TrackWrestling. Coaches must also be entered on the KHSAA subdomain and meet all Bylaw 25 requirements for those entering the girls’ only competition.
Female student-athletes have a choice of which postseason to enter (Boys/Coed or Girls) but cannot enter both due to weight management/class requirements and the concurrence of the championship events. Any female entered in the girls’ postseason may not also be entered in the boys’ tournament, and vice versa. Once entered into the postseason, the student-athlete shall compete in that division for the remainder of the postseason.
Female student-athletes desiring to enter the girls’ wrestling postseason should have a profile in TrackWrestling and be entered into the […]
01/17/24 – Board of Control Looks Ahead to Winter State Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 17, 2024
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving status reports regarding upcoming winter state championships and items for possible action at a later meeting.
Following a data review conducted by KHSAA staff, the inaugural Girls’ Wrestling State Championships in February will be preceded by multi-region meets at Caldwell County (Regions 1-2), Central (Regions 3-4), Bryan Station (Regions 5-6) and Montgomery County (Regions 7-8). Due to the difference in participation numbers of teams and individuals, the pattern of regions and sites will differ between girls’ and boys’ competitions. Girls’ wrestling participation is on the rise in the first year of sanctioning a state championship, however, growing from 378 registered girls’ wrestlers in 2022-23 to 586 participants this season.
The Board also discussed a staff review of member schools’ requirements to submit individual and team roster entries unique […]
01/01/24 – Wrestling Nominations Sought for Midway/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student Athlete-of-the-Year among wrestling participants for 2023-2024 is now open.
This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2023-2024 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.
The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards event at Midway University in early summer 2024. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2023-2024 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year announced at the event. All individual winners will also receive their recognition awards at that time.
The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in […]
12/14/23 – Wrestling Mat Offer & Scholarship Opportunity
Member schools interested in purchasing a new mat for their wrestling program are encouraged to take advantage of the discount offer from EZ Flex detailed below. Information is also included in this message regarding a new scholarship opportunity created for a senior wrestler by the family of Max Emerson.
EZ FLEX MAT OFFER
Take advantage of the year’s biggest savings with a tournament demo mat from the 2024 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships! Customize a 42′ x 40′ x 1-5/8″ EZ Flex wrestling mat with your colors and artwork (additional charge for artwork) for your school for use at the 2024 State Tournament, and save up to $2,000. Mats are backed by the standard EZ Flex Five-Year Limited Warranty and are available for pickup immediately following the event.
Don’t miss out, contact Ben Anderson at EZ Flex asap to reserve a tournament mat today!
Ben Anderson
Phone: 877-939-3539
Email: ben@ezflexmats.com
12/04/23 – Media Credentials Now Available for Winter Championships
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for 2023-24 winter state championships (competitive cheer, dance, esports, wrestling, swimming & diving) is now live and can be accessed via credentials.khsaa.org.
The media credentialing system for the Mingua Beef Jerky Girls’ Basketball Sweet 16® and UK HealthCare Boys’ Basketball Sweet 16® will be made available at a later date.
Credentials to each KHSAA state championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their 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 […]
11/15/23 – Board of Control Adopts Changes to State Formats For Swimming, Indoor Track & Field, Girls’ Wrestling; Sets State Archery Site, Accepts Results of Bylaw 9 Amendment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 15, 2023
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving changes to the Swimming State Championship format and event implementation plans for the inaugural Indoor Track & Field and Girls’ Wrestling State Championships.
The Board approved the selection of Russell County High School (Regions 1-3), the University of Louisville (Regions 4-6) and Scott High School (Regions 7-9) as 2024 State First Round sites for Swimming and approved revisions to relay card procedures for the regional and state meet rounds to help address facility deck and crowd capacity concerns.
The Board also approved the increase of the total number of qualifiers advancing from the swimming & diving region meets to the State First Round to 48 per event statewide, including approval of the format structure for those three first-round events. This will result in a total of a total […]
11/15/23 – Girls’ Wrestling Weight Classes and Season Implementation
Today, the Board of Control took action on a recommendation from staff regarding weight classes for girls’ wrestling.
Our office received considerable feedback following the results of the survey conducted earlier this fall, which was directed to the designated representative of each school as required by KHSAA Bylaws, regarding weight classes for girls’ wrestling. The survey resulted in membership preference for the use of 12 weight classes for girls’ competition while utilizing the boys’ weight classes.
After reviewing the concerns that were relayed to our office, we began working to find a solution that would address those concerns and, as much as possible, honor the results of the survey. Last week, following our request, the NFHS accepted an experimental “12 + 1” proposal from our office that will allow us to conduct the girls’ competition with the Federation’s 12 girls’ weight classes while adding an experimental 285-lb. class on the girls’ side for the 2023-24 […]
10/17/23- Wrestling Schools Reminded about Needed Information, Girls’ Wrestling; Wrestling Survey Results
ROSTER UPDATE
Member schools are reminded that if you are going to compete in Girls’ Wrestling in competition against other girls’ wrestling teams, it is imperative that the School Control Panel be updated to indicate that you will be doing such. Much information will need to be gathered from those schools as postseason logistics are formulated. It is the staff’s intention to have a model near final to report this data to the Board of Control at their November meeting as this first year of an implemented championship in girls’ wrestling is executed. Such things as qualifying rounds and sites cannot be determined until there is a realistic estimate of those schools competing.
In addition, schools are reminded that (per the notice earlier this month at https://ly.khsaa.org/ndaa), the rosters for girls’ competition and boys’ competition are separate. In the case of a girl who competes in girls-only competition AND boys/coed competition, be sure they […]
10/11/23 – Wrestling Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Wrestling is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen) regardless of whether or not the coach receives pay.
OFFICIALS
TO TAKE THE CLINIC, LOG IN TO YOUR ARBITERSPORTS.COM ACCOUNT
Go to https://khsaaofficials.org
Login using your arbiter name and password
OFFICIALS INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLINICS
- As they are a condition of postseason eligibility, in the top black bar on the main page for https://khsaaofficials.org, select ELIGIBILITY
- Select that you want the 2023-24 Wrestling Postseason Eligibility by clicking on 23-24 Postseason
- You will see a Blue Hyperlink that says Take Online Clinic
- Go through the clinic following the instructions including any require
- Please note it may be as much as 24 hours before your score is posted
DEADLINE FOR OFFICIALS
- Oct. 9 to Dec. 28 […]
10/06/23 – KHSAA Announces 2022-23 NFHS State Coaches of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCT. 6, 2023
As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, particularly for the season in question, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.
The complete list of 2022-23 honorees from Kentucky is below.
- Baseball: Jeremy Shope, Whitley County
- Boys’ Basketball: Josh Cook, George Rogers Clark
- Boys’ Cross Country: Brian Ruggles, North Oldham
- Football: Keegan Kendrick, Bullitt East
- Boys’ Golf: Kyle Congleton, Madison Central
- Boys’ Soccer: Stephen Collins, Ryle
- Boys’ Swimming & Diving: Mike Essig, Trinity (Louisville)
- Boys’ Tennis: Al Hertsenberg, Covington Catholic
- Boys’ Track & […]
09/27/23 – Clarifications about Participation in Individual Sports
The KHSAA has received several inquiries pertaining to the participation in individual sports against home school students, club teams, students from other non-member schools or unattached/unaffiliated athletes from its member schools. It is the member school’s responsibility to understand the Bylaw 23 restrictions (Limitation of Seasons) and who the athletes are competing against;
IF EVENT IS HOSTED BY A KHSAA MEMBER SCHOOL OR IS A SCHOOL COMPETITION
- KHSAA Member schools cannot compete against schools or teams located in Kentucky who are eligible to join the KHSAA but have decided not to do so at this time.
- A list of current KHSAA member schools can be found here: SCHOOL DIRECTORY
- Member schools may, during the regular season, permit entries from homeschool units or homeschool students enrolled in Kentucky per state statute, provided they are on the approved list provided by the KHSAA: APPROVED HOME SCHOOL/GROUP
- Meets where all athletes are entered under the […]
09/13/23 – Board of Control Approves Distribution of Bylaw 9 Referendum, Adjusts Swimming & Diving Starting Date
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 13, 2023
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its second regularly scheduled meeting of the 2023-24 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving the distribution of a member school referendum regarding Bylaw 9, an adjustment of the starting date for the swimming & diving season and an implementation plan for the KHSAA Swimming & Diving State Championship First Rounds, as well as the distribution of a member school survey regarding girls’ wrestling weight classes and a timetable for implementing the details of the inaugural KHSAA Indoor Track & Field State Championships.
The Board’s approval to distribute a referendum regarding Bylaw 9 paves the way for distribution to member schools following the 2023-24 KHSAA Annual Meeting in Lexington on Sept. 14. The referendum will include the yes/no option of removing Section 1(a) from the Bylaw, which restricts basketball players who have been in grade nine(9) and then played a contest for the […]
07/27/23 – Cross Country State Championships to Return to Kentucky Horse Park in 2023-24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 27, 2023
After a three-year stint at the Bourbon County Cross Country Course in Paris, the KHSAA Cross Country State Championships will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington starting in 2023-24.
“We would like to thank those who made the last three years a special experience at the Bourbon County Cross Country Course,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “In 2020, we were fortunate to help our cross country manager and several other individuals design a viable course for our state championships in a time of uncertainty around the global pandemic when our former course was not hosting events. What started as a brand-new course at the time has since evolved into a site that has consistently offered a great experience for our student-athletes. We look forward to the continued improvements the Bourbon County course has discussed for long-term growth, and we will undoubtedly revisit our site selection again in […]
06/30/23 – Officials Supervisor of the Year Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 30, 2023
Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the 10 sports in which it licenses officials, as well as a single supervisor of officials from among those sports. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
In addition to one official in each sport being named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for their sport, the KHSAA also recognizes the Larry G. Boucher Officials Supervisor of the Year in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers, coaches throughout the state and additional staff review.
The Larry G. Boucher Officials Supervisor of the Year for the 2022-23 school year is Mark Shumate of Floyd Knobs, Indiana, for his […]
06/06/23 – Johnson, Ferree Named 2022-23 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 6, 2023
The 2022-23 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated this week on the campus of Midway University, as Rafaella Johnson of Elizabethtown (Cross Country) and George Ferree of Trinity (Louisville) (Wrestling) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.
Beginning in May 2016, Midway has presented a Female Student-Athlete of the Year award at each KHSAA girls’ state championship event. The awards program was expanded in 2019-20 to include male student-athletes, with Midway honoring a deserving student-athlete in each of the 19 officially recognized KHSAA sports and sport-activities.
The awards are based on athletic and academic achievement, as well as community service and leadership, with Midway choosing one overall Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year each academic year. School administrators, coaches and athletic directors nominate student-athletes online at khsaa.org, and the nominees are voted upon by a closed panel consisting of representatives from Midway.
05/10/23 – Board of Control Accepts Reports of Member Survey Results, State Legislation, Officials Licensing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 10, 2023
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its final regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, accepting reports of several member surveys and ballots regarding both new and existing championship sports and sport-activities, as well as reports of Kentucky state legislation and officials licensing.
After officially approving the adoption of girls’ wrestling for the 2023-24 academic year during last February’s Board meeting, on Wednesday the Board approved the return of the KHSAA Wrestling State Championships to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington through 2024-25 to be held as a three-day event each year.
The Board approved the adoption of boys’ and girls’ tennis team state championships in the spring, along with the existing individually bracketed tennis tournament, beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. The Board also approved sponsoring a boys’ volleyball, boys’ lacrosse and girls’ lacrosse state championships beginning in 2024-25, following […]
05/02/23 – NFHS Announces Wrestling Rule Changes
Changes in High School Wrestling Rules Include Allowance of Six Matches in One Day of Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS – High school wrestlers will be able to wrestle in six matches in any one day of competition beginning with the 2023-24 season. The six-match limit includes championship and consolation matches and excludes forfeits.
This change to Rule 1-4-3 was one of 12 revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 2-4 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The increase from five to six matches for regular-season competition follows the change two years ago which permitted six matches in any one day of tournament competition. With experiments conducted last year by state associations with no reported injuries, the committee thought the increase to six for regular-season competition was a natural progression.
With risk minimization in […]
04/14/23- Wrestling State Schedule Format Survey Questionnaire
At its February meeting, the Board of Control approved the Commissioner’s request to survey the member school Designated Representatives about the state wrestling format. This survey must be completed by the Principal or Designated Representative of each member school.This survey is critical with the addition of a Girls’ Wrestling Championship for 2023-24 as well as addressing both staff and membership concerns about the current schedule, particularly the state first round. While other information will be solicited from both Athletic Directors and coaches on the sport with the addition of the girls’ championship, the feedback on this issue should come from each school sponsoring the sport through its Principal or Designated Representative. The philosophy of the Board in the last several years has been to seek opinions in compliance with Bylaw 1, instead of small group recommendations that might not find favor with the majority of the membership or surveys where response integrity can be brought […]
03/29/23 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Wrestling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 29, 2023
Each year, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association honors the top officials for the 10 sports in which it licenses officials. Finalists in each sport are selected through a combination of not only on-field performance but local association activity and leadership, training efforts and the mentoring of newer officials.
One official in each sport is named “Outstanding Official of the Year” for their sport in appreciation of their dedication and service to schools and student-athletes across the state. Winners are selected following consultation with local assigning secretaries, veteran officials’ observers, coaches throughout the state and additional staff review.
The Outstanding Official of the Year for the 2022-23 wrestling season is Blake Durham of Louisville. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an additional recognition award.
With officiating numbers declining at the national level, […]
02/22/23 – Board of Control Approves Adoption of Girls’ Wrestling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 22, 2023
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving the adoption of girls’ wrestling, the solicitation of a site to hold the boys’ and girls’ wrestling tournaments consecutively, specifications for KHSAA Golf State First Round sites and the election of the 2023-24 Board President-Elect.
The adoption of girls’ wrestling will be effective in the 2023-24 academic year. As a result of the Board’s approval, the KHSAA Commissioner has been tasked with finalizing logistics for a state championship in girls wrestling with two or four state-managed qualifying sites, as well as finalizing negotiations to find, if possible, a potential consolidated site following a survey of the membership on scheduling implications.
“We look forward to gathering data from our school athletic administrators on this important site selection,” said Commissioner Julian […]
02/20/23 – State Wrestling Final Round Update
First and foremost, the KHSAA would like to thank Atherton and Ryle for hosting the First Round events on Saturday, as well as the coaches and officials for their continued contributions this season. The 2023 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships Final Rounds presented by UK HealthCare will conclude this coming weekend at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester. The competition schedule is available at https://khsaa.org/2023-state-wrestling-schedule/
The postseason instructions for the State Tournament Final Rounds are available for review on the Wrestling homepage at https://khsaa.org/sports-activities-events/winter/wrestling/. Tickets to the event are available for purchase online-only, including a discounted two-day all-session pass, and can be found at khsaatickets.org. The advance discount tickets ($14 per day and $24 for an all-session pass) are available up until the day of the event, at which time only the game day tickets will be available ($16 per day and $26 for an all-session pass).
The brackets for next weekend’s […]
02/16/23 – Wrestling State Championships to Kick Off at First Round Sites
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 16, 2023
The 2023 KHSAA Wrestling State Championships presented by UK HealthCare will begin with the State First Round on Feb. 18 at both Atherton in Louisville and Ryle in Union.
The event will conclude with the State Finals on Feb. 24-25 at George Rogers Clark in Winchester.
Qualifiers from Regions 1-4 will travel to Atherton for the State First Round, while participants from Regions 5-8 will begin their championship journey at Ryle. Competition at both venues is scheduled to commence on Saturday at 9 a.m. ET.
Tickets to each round of the 2023 Wrestling State Championships are only available for purchase online at khsaatickets.org. The State Finals will be broadcast live on khsaa.tv to subscribers of the NFHS Network starting at 4 p.m. on Friday and all day on Saturday.
2023 KHSAA Wrestling State First Round
02/12/23 – KHSAA State Wrestling First Round Update
First and foremost, the KHSAA would like to thank the regional host schools and officials for all of their hard work and success this past weekend. Congratulations to those who have advanced State Tournament First Round, which will be contested Saturday, Feb. 18 with Regions 1-4 competing at Atherton High School, and Regions 5-8 visiting Ryle High School. The postseason instructions for the State Tournament First Round are available on the wrestling page at KHSAA.org along with results from the region championships.
Tickets to both events are available for purchase online-only and can be found at khsaatickets.org. An $11 advance discount ticket is available prior to the day of each first round tournament. The gameday ticket price will be $13 for those that wait until Feb. 18 to purchase.
Information for both sites can be found through the links below:
First Round at Atherton
Schedule
Brackets
Tickets
First Round […]
02/01/23 – Wrestling Postseason Updates
The KHSAA wanted to update member schools about Wrestling postseason dates and sites.
REGION WRESTLING:
- Region Wrestling Tournaments can be held Feb. 10-11.
- The following reflects hosts/sites for the upcoming events:
- These hosts/sites, including contact information for the managers and trackwrestling data entry person, are also archived at https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2023/regionmanagers.pdf
- The regional tournament postseason instructions are available on the Wrestling page at KHSAA.org (https://khsaa.org/sports-activities-events/winter/wrestling/).
STATE TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND:
- Qualifiers from Regions 1-4 will advance to the First Round event held at Atherton HS, while qualifiers from Regions […]
12/27/22 – Wrestling Nominations Sought For Male And Female Midway/KHSAA Student-Athlete Of The Year
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student Athlete-of-the-Year among wrestling participants for 2022-2023 is now open.
This award is based on athletic and academic achievement as well as community service and leadership. The link to the application contains additional criteria and a form to nominate one participant from each 2022-2023 team. Nominations must come from a member school, but can be submitted by an administrator, guidance counselor, or coach. Nominations may only be submitted online at https://khsaa.org/ge35-midway-university-khsaa-female-student-athlete-of-the-year-nomination-form/.
The winner will be announced early in the postseason and recognized at an awards event at Midway University in early summer 2023. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2022-2023 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year announced at the event. All individual winners will also receive their recognition awards at that time.
The deadline for nominations for the Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year in […]
12/19/22 – KHSAA Announces NFHS State Coach of the Year Honorees for 2021-22 Seasons
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DEC. 19, 2022
As part of its annual awards program, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes Coach of the Year honorees from each state. Those named Coach of the Year at the state level then advance for consideration for Sectional Coach of the Year honors. Winners are chosen through a combination of their coaching accomplishments, as well as their contributions outside of competition to help grow their respective sports. These awards are announced following the recognized year.
The complete list of 2021-22 honorees from Kentucky is below.
Baseball: David Rexroat, Russell County
Boys’ Basketball: William Unseld, Warren Central
Girls’ Basketball: Kristy Orem, Pikeville
Boys’ Cross Country: Ian Johnstone, Conner
Girls’ Cross Country: Tom Stickel, Lexington Christian
Field Hockey: Jody Schaefer, Assumption
Football: Noel Rash, Beechwood
Boys’ Golf: Greg Zimmerer, Christian Academy-Louisville
Girls’ Golf: Sam Westfall, Madisonville-North Hopkins
[…]
12/07/22 – Media Credentials Now Available for Winter Championships
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for winter sports championships (competitive cheer, dance, eSports, bowling, swimming & diving, wrestling) is now live and can be accessed via the following link: credentials.khsaa.org
Credentials to each KHSAA State Championship event are issued by the KHSAA to working members of the media who regularly cover high school athletics. Credentials must be requested prior to the established deadline for each sport through the online credentialing system.
Credentials should be requested by the sports editor/director for all members of their 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 number of credentials […]
11/21/22 – NFHS Part 2 Exam for Officials in BK, SW & WR Now Online
NFHS Part 2 Exams for licensed officials in the sports of Basketball, Swimming, and Wrestling are now available online.
The Part 2 Exams will be open until 11:59 p.m. (ET) based on the following schedules:
- Swimming & Diving: Monday, Jan. 23
- Wrestling: Monday, Jan. 30
- Basketball: Monday, Feb. 13
Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 35 questions correct out of 50 is required for a passing score.
First-year officials are not required to take the exam, however, if any first-year official has completed licensing requirements, the test may be taken.
Any official determined to have been involved in the improper administration of the exam, including taking it for another official or having it taken by another official, will have the score disregarded for the year and be subject to other penalties in compliance with the jurisdiction of the office through the Federal Court Decree.
Please keep in […]
11/16/22 – Board of Control Approves Items Passed at Annual Meeting, Distribution of Enrollment Information, Wrestling State First Round Site
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOV. 16, 2022
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its third regularly scheduled meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Wednesday in Lexington, approving items passed at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Schools and the authorization to distribute enrollment information to be used in classification upon receipt from Kentucky Department of Education, as well as the recommendation for Atherton to host the 2023 Wrestling State First Round for Regions 1-4.
On Sept. 22, the KHSAA conducted its Annual Meeting at the Central Bank Center in Lexington. Delegates in attendance voted on proposals submitted by the Board for consideration, as required by 702 KAR 7:065 and the annual review of Association rules. The passing of Proposal 2022-01 to amend Bylaw 9 to remove basketball pre-practice restrictions on students in grade 9 and above who have already represented a school was officially approved for 2023-24 adoption by the Board at Wednesday’s meeting. The change […]
10/05/22 – Wrestling Online Rules Clinic Now Available
The mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Wrestling is now available. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity and freshmen), regardless of whether or not the coach receives pay.
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
For officials, login to the officials’ subdomain at https://officials.khsaa.org/
COACHES
- October 5 to January 5 (Coaches) – the Wrestling Clinic may be viewed at no charge during this period.
- January 6 to January 20 (Coaches) – the Wrestling Clinic may be viewed for the makeup fee ($100) during this period.
- January 21 to February 4 (Coaches) – the Wrestling Clinic may be viewed for the makeup fee ($200) per the Bylaw 27 […]
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