Wrestling
06/28/22 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Winter, Spring Sports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 28, 2022
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 Officials of the Year for the 2021-22 winter and spring seasons are James Johns for basketball, Joseph Phillips for swimming & diving, Eric Friddle for wrestling, Ron Rawe for baseball, Randy Chapman for softball and Sadie Gambrel for track & field, while Paul Lewis was named the Larry G. […]
06/11/22- Kopser, Gloyd Named 2021-22 Midway/KHSAA Student-Athletes of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 11, 2022
The 2021-22 Midway University/KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year awards program culminated this week on the campus of Midway University, as Renae Kopser (Ryle) and Ben Gloyd (Mayfield) were recognized as the overall Student-Athletes of the Year.
Beginning in May of 2016, Midway University started presenting 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 University.
2021-22 Midway University/KHSAA […]
04/29/22- Eased Restrictions on Facial Hair Among 2022-23 High School Wrestling Rules Changes
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 29, 2022) — High school wrestlers may now have facial hair on the entire face and chin, provided a skin check can still be conducted. Previously, wrestlers were required to be clean shaven with the exception of sideburns and a neatly trimmed mustache.
The change to facial hair requirements was one of three rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its meeting April 3-5 in Indianapolis, which subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The revised procedure for facial hair is that the skin must be visible to allow for a skin check to be performed, as determined by the referee or a designated onsite appropriate health-care professional overseeing skin checks. In the event a skin check cannot be performed, a wrestler will be permitted to trim the facial hair to within the guidelines and must do so before competing. […]
03/07/22- UK HealthCare Expands Partnership with KHSAA, Continues Long-Term Commitment to State Championship Events
UK HealthCare and the KHSAA announced Monday that they have expanded their long-time partnership. UK HealthCare, the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky, will serve as the official health care provider for the KHSAA. This move will see UK HealthCare take its title sponsorship of the KHSAA State Football Championship and extend the term of that arrangement, become the title sponsor for the Boys’ Sweet Sixteen® Basketball tournament and serve as presenting sponsor for other KHSAA sports and sport-activity championships.
“We’re honored to be the official health care provider for KHSAA,” said Mark F. Newman, M.D., UK executive vice president for health affairs. “At UK HealthCare, we are always looking to partner with organizations across the state to provide top-tier health care to every Kentuckian who needs it. We appreciate the opportunity to extend this care to the young athletes of Kentucky.”
UK HealthCare has […]
02/24/22 – Wrestling State Championships set to begin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEB. 25, 2022
The 2022 KHSAA Wrestling State Championships are set to begin Friday in Winchester at George Rogers Clark. Each bout of the two-day competition will be broadcast live by Trackwrestling and available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers of the NFHS Network.
Gates open for fans at 10 a.m. ET on Friday with competition beginning at 11 a.m. The Wrestling State Championships will conclude Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m., with gates opening one hour prior.
Tickets will only be sold online and should be purchased in advance.
2022 KHSAA Wrestling State Championships
- Tickets: https://gofan.co/app/school/KHSAA
- Live video: khsaa.tv
- Schedule: https://khsaa.org/2022-state-wrestling-schedule/
- Championship program: https://khsaa.org/Publications/Programs/20212022/Wrestling/issue1/index.html
- Printable brackets: https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2022/wrbrackets.pdf
- Live scoring: https://bit.ly/3slUdJw
– KHSAA –
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department […]
02/20/22 – State Wrestling Final Round Update
First and foremost, the KHSAA would like to thank Union County and Great Crossing for hosting the First Round events yesterday, as well as the coaches and officials for their continued contributions this season. The 2022 KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament 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/2022-state-wrestling-schedule/.
The postseason instructions for the State Tournament Final Round are available for review at https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2022/stateinstructions.pdf. 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 brackets for next weekend’s competition can also be found online at KHSAA.org and through Trackwrestling. As a reminder, in the event that a wrestler is not able to participate at the final rounds due to injury or other reasons beyond the control of the wrestler, no replacement or alternate wrestlers will […]
02/13/22 – 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 at the regionals this past weekend. The results for the 2022 KHSAA Regional Wrestling Championships are available on the wrestling page at KHSAA.org.
The State Tournament First Round will be contested Saturday, Feb. 19 with Regions 1-4 competing at Union County High School, and Regions 5-8 visiting Great Crossing High School. The postseason instructions for the State Tournament First Round are available for review at https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2022/firstroundinstructions.pdf. Tickets to both events are available for purchase online-only and can be found at khsaatickets.org.
The schedules for both sites can also be found on the KHSAA website:
First Round at Union County – https://khsaa.org/2022-state-first-round-time-schedule-union-county/
First Round at Great Crossing – https://khsaa.org/2022-state-first-round-time-schedule-great-crossing/
The brackets are being reviewed by staff and will be released to the public as soon as possible. The […]
02/01/22 – Winter Sports Championship Credentials
The KHSAA’s online media credentialing system for 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 who 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 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 quantity of credentials issued to media […]
01/21/22 – Board of Control Sets State First Round Sites; Regional Postseason Instructions Available
The Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Office, approving staff recommendations for the State Wrestling First Round sites. For the upcoming 2022 postseason, Regions 1-4 will compete in the State First Round event at Union County High School, while Regions 5-8 will compete at Great Crossing High School. In 2023, Regions 1-4 will visit Central High School and Regions 5-8 will travel to Ryle High School.
More information on the State Wrestling First Round competition (Feb. 18-19) and the Final Championship Rounds at George Rogers Clark HS (Feb. 25-26) will be published to the KHSAA website when it becomes available.
Information pertaining to the Regional Tournaments has been posted to the KHSAA website and can be viewed at the following links:
Regional Manager listing – https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2022/regionmanagers.pdf
Regional Tournament instructions – https://khsaa.org/wrestling/2022/postseasoninstructions.pdf
– KHSAA –
About the Kentucky High […]
01/19/22- Board of Control approves expansion of State Qualifiers and Teams, Realignment of Basketball Region 4, Declines to adopt Basketball Shot Clock and Expands Baseball and Softball Seasons
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAN. 19, 2022
The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its fourth regularly scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Office, approving changes to the golf playoff format, effective fall 2022. The changes will increase the number of golfers advancing beyond the Regional tournament, and create a State First Round of play to expand postseason opportunities.
After Regional play, an additional round of golf, deemed the State First Round, will be conducted across three locations. Each State First Round will include four defined Regions with each Region advancing advance 20 golfers to the State First Round for a total of 80 golfers at each site.
In contrast to the previous format that advanced the winning team and seven at-large qualifiers, the newly adopted format will advance the top two teams and the top 10 individuals from non-advancing teams.
Thirty golfers from each State First Round site will advance […]
Wrestling State Coed Model Draw
Each class will have a unique random draw to choose who is represented by Regions A-H
01/04/22 – Wrestling Postseason Update, Semi-State Hosts Sought
With the wrestling season in full swing, the Association is looking to solidify postseason plans. With that in mind, our office is accepting applications to host the semi-state rounds of the wrestling postseason. Two hosts are needed for the semi-state round, preferably one in the eastern part of the state and one in the western part, with the events scheduled for Feb. 18-19. Any member school interested in hosting should contact Assistant Commissioner Joe Angolia (jangolia@khsaa.org) to declare its interest by Monday, January 10.
Hosts have been finalized for seven of the eight regional tournaments, and are listed below for reference. The regional tournaments are scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 11-12. If a host site needs to be adjusted in response to local restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, please let our office know immediately.
- Region 1 – Caldwell County
- Region 2 – Bardstown
- Region 3 – TBD
- Region […]
12/28/21 – 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 2021-2022 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 2021-2022 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 2022. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2021-2022 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 […]
12/08/21- KHSAA Announces NFHS State Coach of the Year Honorees for 2020-21 Seasons
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2021
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 sport. These awards are announced during the late fall following the recognized year.
The complete list of honorees from Kentucky for 2020-21 is:
Boys Baseball- Richard Arnold, Trinity (Louisville)
Boys Basketball- Kevin Listerman, Highlands
Girls Basketball- Aaron Beth, Marshall County
Boys Cross Country- Joe Buechler, Holy Cross (Louisville)
Girls Cross Country- Brian Allesandro, Highlands
Girls Field Hockey- Amy Elliott, Kentucky Country Day
Boys Football (11-Player)- Justin Haddix, Boyle County
Boys Golf- James Chaney, Trinity (Louisville)
Girls Golf- Aaron […]
10/08/21- Changes in COVID-19 RTA/RTP Implemented Per SMAC Guidance
As they have done since the start of the pandemic, the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) composed of Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) member doctors has held multiple special meetings to continually review the Return to Play Guidance and Recommendations (RTA/RTP). As a result of those continued meetings and review of current and evolving literature, changes have been made to the RTA/RTP and RTA/RTP form and those changes are located at https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionofSports/ApprovedVersion/kma-covid-rtp-algorithm.pdf. For districts that have summarily adopted the “KHSAA” recommendations, these changes should be considered immediate.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, this group has been passionate advocates for the students being involved in sport due to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits, but also for safety in mitigating the spread of the virus. They are also keenly aware of the first priority of nearly everyone in the education community, that being a full year […]
10/07/21 – 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/
OFFICIALS
- October 6 to January 3 (Officials) – the Wrestling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
- January 4 to January 23 (Officials) – the Wrestling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this period.
- January 24 to January 30 (Officials) – the Wrestling Clinic will be […]
09/23/21 – New Wrestling Alignment Approved for 2021-22
During the course of its meeting at the KHSAA offices on Wednesday, the Board of Control approved a new wrestling draft alignment that will go into effect for the 2021-22 season. The Board considered multiple options and reviewed past participation data from the regional tournaments before making its final determination.
The immediate implementation for the new alignment was supported by a survey conducted by the Kentucky Wrestling Coaches Association, which showed 78 percent of its responses in favor of the alignment going into effect this year (73 of 94 responses).
The alignment will be updated at KHSAA.org in the coming days but can be viewed here.
Additionally, the Board approved a recommendation regarding the wrestling postseason to hold two semi-state events prior to the final weekend of the state tournament. The semi-state events will be conducted as Regions 1-4 and 5-8, with seeded pairings and wrestling to eight places, with the top eight advancing […]
09/22/21 – Board of Control Approves Changes to Wrestling Alignment for 2021-22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2021
The Board of Control held its second meeting of the 2021-22 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA offices, during which it approved a draft wrestling alignment that will go into effect for the 2021-22 season.
After considering multiple options and reviewing past participation information, the Board approved a Final Alignment Map of Teams to be implemented for 2021-22. The KHSAA website will be updated in the coming days to reflect the adopted alignment.
“We have had the good fortune of great communication with the current leadership of our wrestling coaches association and know that not only were they ready for realignment, but they also wanted it implemented for this school year,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Their excellent communication and gathering of information helped aid the process of realignment. Clearly important to the coaches and match managers was a balancing of sorts in […]
07/07/21 – Official of the Year Winners Announced for Winter Sports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2021
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/court 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 his/her 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 Officials of the Year for the 2020-21 winter season are John Eschan for wrestling, Terri Tonges for swimming & diving and Hannah Reynolds for basketball. Each finalist will receive a commemorative watch and certificate courtesy of the Officials Division Trust Fund, with the Official of the Year receiving an […]
05/10/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Additional Guidance Related to NCAA
Information specific to this topic is now included in the compiled SB128 SSYP Informational post at https://bit.ly/3dUJ9us
05/05/21 – Board of Control Approves Football Playoff Format Changes for 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2021
The Board of Control conducted its final meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Wednesday at the KHSAA Offices, during which time it addressed the football playoff structure after reviewing the results of a recent survey of the membership.
Following a presentation by the Football Coaches Association at its previous meeting regarding its preference for bracketing in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the board directed staff to seek a position from the official spokesperson from each member school (Principal or Designated Representative) per Bylaw 1 via a survey of the football playing schools.
The Board of Control originally changed football bracketing prior to the 2019 season to conduct play intra-district for those rounds, partially due to travel and financial concerns with those contests in prior years. The change, when implemented, was to span the entire four-year alignment period. The alternative was proposed within the membership to pair […]
4/20/21 – Separate Weight Classes for Girls, Choice of Weight Classes Established in High School Wrestling
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — States will have a choice of 12, 13 or 14 weight classes for both boys and girls competition in high school wrestling, effective with the 2023-24 season.
This will be the first separate weight classes established for girls in high school wrestling, and it marks the first time that state associations will have a choice in the number of weight classes.
The landmark change in weight classes was one of several significant revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 7-9 meeting held virtually this year. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
States must select one of the three sets (12, 13 or 14) of weight classes for girls and one of the three sets (12, 13 or 14) for boys. States cannot adopt all three sets and cannot switch back and forth during the season.
The […]
04/12/21- Senate Bill 128: Supplemental School Year Program Guidance for Sports and Sport-Activities
For a complete list of the provisions and information related to the implementation of SB128 and the SSYP, please see the following document-
03/25/21 – State Wrestling Championships Conclude Saturday at George Rogers Clark HS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2021
The 2021 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships conclude Saturday in Winchester as the event makes its inaugural appearance at George Rogers Clark HS for the final round. Due to COVID-19 attendance restrictions, Saturday’s event is already sold out, but each bout will be broadcast live by Trackwrestling and available at KHSAA.tv for subscribers to the NFHS Network.
Gates open for fans at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday with championship bracket matches (bouts 1-56) starting at 9 a.m. across four mats. Championship and consolation bracket action will continue (bouts 57-112 and 113-140) until the meet reaches the consolation bracket finals, at which point the event will go down to three mats for the seventh, fifth and third place matches (bouts 141-182). Once the competition reaches the championship bracket finals, the final competitors will be introduced and the championship matches will be contested one at a time (bouts 183-196).
Action from each […]
03/19/21- Welcome Back Media to Winter Championships
From Commissioner Julian Tackett and the staff of the KHSAA.
Hello to all of the members of both the Kentucky Press Association and Kentucky Broadcasters Association. When we gathered and then adjourned abruptly at Rupp Arena last March, most of us had no idea what the next 12 months would hold. We left that fateful afternoon hopeful for a short pause and then the “normal” completion of the tournaments, followed by a complete spring season. Little did we know.
First, thank you. Thank you for your faithful service to our Commonwealth and, most importantly, to our member schools and communities and their most important asset, the students in our schools. We know you value each of them, whether or not they participate in sports and sport-activities, but we also know that the participants in sports and activities hold a place near and dear to so many of you.
Thank you also for your tremendous work […]
03/05/21 – Change in Attendance Limitation Recommendation
We have confirmed that officially, effective today, all of the guidance limitations within the Governor’s orders on a variety of venues have been changed. The venue recommendations for limitation have been changed throughout the state increasing by ten percent each. Therefore the recommended maximum attendance threshold is increased to 25% of capacity effective today for indoor events hosted by our member schools. While this remains guidance, it is obviously in the best interest, legally and otherwise, of our member schools. Universal masking remains required, social distancing is to be consistently applied to the fullest extent possible.
It is certainly not required to change current procedures, but this does give them some planning time for upcoming events week. Guidance documents for spring outdoor events will be revised in the coming days to reflect this change.
From talking to so many of you, there remains considerable confusion in our membership as to the differences between “venues” as […]
03/01/21 – Wrestling Postseason Update
Dates and sites for the 2021 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships have been determined. Postseason instructions and details will be released in a few days with many more details. These events will be managed through the KHSAA including ticket sales and assignment of officials. All events will be held within the most restrictive of state and local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, including an absolute requirement of universal masking of all except for the competitors in action at the time and social distancing to the fullest extent possible.
The State First Round will be conducted as a full-wrestleback (consolation to 3rd place) format in each weight class, seeded by TrackWrestling/FloSports data and criteria following regions. The top-two from each weight class bracket at each First Round site will then advance to the final state round. Below are the host sites for each round taking place at four sites on March 20th:
- State First Round Site #1 (8 […]
02/19/21- Wrestling Postseason Updates
The KHSAA Board of Control confirmed postseason competition for Wrestling at its Feb. 17 virtual meeting. Refer to the news release for details.
https://khsaa.org/02-19-21-board-of-control-updates-status-of-winter-championships/
Now that staff has a clearer direction, plans can move forward with communication and details with managers, hosts and member schools.
Attendance restrictions in place statewide for indoor venues necessitated a change for the 2021 wrestling postseason. In order to maintain the participation entries without any decrease, the Board approved a recommendation from staff to host the State Championships over the course of two weekends. The regional tournaments will now be held the week of March 8th. Four wrestlers from each weight class (no alternates) will advance from the region to the semi-state round, with two regions competing at each site (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8).
The semi-state round will be conducted as a full-wrestleback (consolation) format in each weight class, seeded by TrackWrestling data and criteria following regions. […]
02/19/21 – Board of Control Updates Status of Winter Championships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2021
The Board of Control conducted a virtual meeting this week in light of the State of Emergency declared for Kentucky due to severe weather conditions, during which time staff outlined postseason options for the upcoming winter championships.
The state bowling championships will be adjusted to a three-day format to allow for facility cleaning and appropriate ingress/egress. Gender-specific competition will be contested on the same day (the boys’ team and single competition on one day, the girls’ events on the next day, followed by the unified/adapted championships) to help alleviate travel concerns. The 2021 state tournament will tentatively be held March 22-24 (Mon.-Wed.) and will follow attendance restrictions per state guidelines.
The continued attendance restrictions in place statewide for aquatic centers necessitate a change for the 2021 swimming & diving postseason. Of the nine sites selected to host regional competition, only one site is currently allowing fan attendance, but even […]
02/01/21- Wrestling Nominations Sought for Male & Female Midway/KHSAA Student Athlete-of-the-Year Awards
The nomination process for the Midway University/KHSAA Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year among Wrestling participants for 2020-2021 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 2020-2021 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 2021. From the winners selected for each KHSAA championship, one student-athlete will be selected as the 2020-2021 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 […]
01/22/21- Wrestling Postseason Updates
After yesterday’s Board of Control meeting, the KHSAA would like to update the wrestling member schools on the process and goals to develop a revised plan for postseason play during the ongoing pandemic.
The Board has asked staff to gather data and information and formulate alternative tournament structures and plans for the 2021 postseason competition. These alternatives are to be reviewed, at this point, solely for 2021 only, as everyone attempts to balance the desire for championship competition and the public health needs and requirements surrounding the pandemic. An alternative plan(s) is to be presented at the Board’s February 17th meeting. It is to include consideration of the feasibility of accomplishing the following objectives (if possible) in priority order:
1) Maintain the full complement of 4 qualifiers in each weight class advancing from each of the eight regional competitions, even if the field is subdivided differently than past practice;
2) A focus on ensuring, […]
01/21/21 – Board of Control Reviews Status of Winter and Spring Sports
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 21, 2021
The Board of Control held its fourth regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Thursday at the KHSAA Office, conducting a thorough status review of ongoing operations and championship plans. Staff provided an overview of all winter and spring sports and sport-activities, while outlining considerations and options for the winter events that will be presented for final review at the Board’s next meeting on Feb. 17.
“Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the Board of Control and our constituency on the various issues and COVID-19 mitigations facing each of our sports and sport-activities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Circumstances change rapidly during the pandemic but we hope to have a clearer picture for how we can proceed with our winter championships when the Board next meets in February.”
Included in the staff’s report on basketball, was a preliminary discussion on ticketing to the 2021 Boys’ and Girls’ […]
01/15/21- Wrestling Season Reminders and Updates
After our first couple of weeks, it appears a couple of reminders are in order related to the wrestling season during the pandemic. We have been blessed by an opportunity to wrestle when so many other states are NOT having that opportunity. But that privilege comes with responsibilities to help ensure public safety and the continued opportunity.
Regular Season
- Mask/Face coverings are a requirement, not a recommendation for everyone off the mat.
- The segment limitations on the number of teams/participants are to be followed even if the event you participate in is hosted out of state.
- As a point of clarification, the 30-second time extension between the periods was established to provide extra time for all parties involved. If all parties are ready, and that extension is not needed, you may begin the next period.
- Coaches, don’t forget part of the Healthy at Sports guidelines stipulates only one coach in the corner of the […]
12/14/20 – Updates to the Wrestling Season Due to Recent Board Actions
At a special meeting held on December 10th, the Board of Control upheld its earlier decision by a 12-5 vote to begin practice for winter sports on Dec. 14th and regular-season competition on Jan. 4th, 2021. [Read More from that Meeting]
By confirming its decision from November 18th, winter sports and sport-activities will be permitted to resume activity on Monday the 14 of December. The first official contest date for Wrestling will be January 4th, 2021. Teams will be able to have a ten-week regular season that will allow a maximum of 15 contests, with no more than three (3) contests in a given week. The postseason will begin the week of Monday, March 15.
Weight management dates will be adjusted to allow certification into a particular weight class at any regularly scheduled match or tournament up to and including the Saturday of NFHS week 34 (February 27, 2021), but the two-pound growth allowance […]
12/10/20- Board of Control Confirms Decision to Start Winter Sports Practice December 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2020
The Board of Control conducted a special meeting on Thursday morning, upholding its earlier decision by a 12-5 vote to begin practice for winter sports on Dec. 14th and regular-season competition on Jan. 4th. Prior to confirming the start of the winter sports season, the Board voted 12-5 to push back the dates for the boys’ and girls’ Sweet 16® to March 29-April 8 after narrowly defeating other alternative dates, with the event schedule and format to be finalized at a later date in consultation with Rupp Arena.
“These are extremely complex issues. Our Board has spent an extraordinary amount of time examining every aspect surrounding the resumption of sports, particularly those that are indoors and have extreme concerns from public health officials,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “At the same time, there is significant data being shared about the need for students to be engaged with one another […]
11/23/20 – NFHS Officials Part 2 Exam Now Online for BK, SW, WR
We hope our officials continue to be safe and healthy as we look forward to a return to winter sports.
Please note that the 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 Monday, December 7 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
The tests will automatically close on December 7 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Login at https://officials.khsaa.org/authorize/ to take the test. A minimum score of 80 on the exam is required to be considered for assignment to officiate postseason play. The exam is also used for advancements in levels of classification.
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 […]
11/19/20 – Board of Control Pushes Back Start of Winter Sports Season to January 4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2020
The Board of Control conducted its third regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Wednesday and elected to postpone the start of the winter sports season to January 4th by unanimous vote. In congruence with the Governor’s order issued later the same day, official practice for all indoor interscholastic winter sports shall cease on Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. and is planned to resume on Monday, December 14. This cessation will apply to all indoor interscholastic sports at all school levels, including but not limited to basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, dance, indoor track and field, swimming, and wrestling.
Details regarding any allowances for indoor interscholastic sports, which will be restricted prior to December 14, will be distributed to the membership prior to the Governor’s ordered shutdown of school-related in-person activity on Friday, November 20. The season calendar for each winter sport, as well as current virus data […]
09/30/20 – Wrestling Return to Play Guidance
Draft guidance for a return to play was published on the KHSAA website under the COVID-19 Information tab and shared with school administrators. Keep in mind that this guidance is draft as the situation remains fluid as it has been since March and the information is subject to revision.
Coaches should review rules modifications and protocols to assist in preparation for competition and should be flexible throughout this entire process and realize the goal is a safe and healthy return to play for everyone.
Wrestling specific guidance
https://khsaa.org/resources/Covid19/CovidResumptionofSports/ApprovedVersion/Winter/wrestlingcombined.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions – All sports
https://bit.ly/2YDUbNQ
Contact Assistant Commissioner Michael Barren for any Wrestling specific questions at mbarren@khsaa.org
– KHSAA –
About the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association was organized in 1917 and is the agency designated by the Kentucky Department of Education to manage high school athletics in the Commonwealth. The Association is […]
10/05/20 – Wrestling Online Rules Clinic For Coaches & Officials Now Available
As coaches and officials begin to prepare for hopefully the beginning of the season, the mandatory Online KHSAA Rules Clinic for the sport of Wrestling is available beginning October 5, 2020. The clinic is required of all officials as well as all coaches (varsity, junior varsity and freshman) whether or not the coach receives pay.
For member schools, the clinics are located on the School Log-in Page. To access the clinic, go to https://schools.khsaa.org/ and — under the section entitled Rules Clinics — click on the link that says “View Online Rules Clinics“.
For officials, login to the officials’ subdomain at https://officials.khsaa.org/
OFFICIALS
- October 5 to January 4 (Officials) – the Wrestling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed at no charge during this period.
- January 5 to January 24 (Officials) – the Wrestling Clinic will be online only and may be viewed for the makeup fee ($30) during this […]
09/16/20- Board of Control Approves Dates for Winter Sports to Begin Practice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2020
The KHSAA Board of Control held its second regularly-scheduled meeting of the 2020-21 academic year Wednesday morning, approving practice and competition dates for the winter sports and sport-activities of basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, dance, swimming & diving, and wrestling.
Bowling is permitted to practice on November 2. Competitive cheer and dance can begin official practice for its seasons this Monday, September 21 with a gradual segmented approach to activity over the next few weeks. Further details will be distributed to the member schools that allow for the resumption. Both competitive cheer and dance have already seen regional championships moved into the new year per the board’s July meeting. In cheer, these segments will further clarify “stunting” which has been restricted during the pandemic and resumption to play.
Additionally, the Board approved clarifications on sideline cheer in that stunting (defined per NFHS rules as “One or more bases support one […]
07/27/20 – Student-Athlete Participation Rises for the 3rd Straight Year to New Record Totals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2020
Student-athlete participation increased for the third-straight year in Kentucky High School Athletic Association sports and sport-activities to reach record levels in 2019-20. A total of 107,166 rostered participants competed across the KHSAA’s 13 sports and six sport-activities according to information submitted by the membership, surpassing last year’s then-record total of 106,931. Football was one of 12 offerings to show an increase from the previous year, breaking a trend of declining participation for the last three years by adding 202 new student-athletes [freshmen, JV, varsity] during the 2019-20 season to remain the state’s most popular sport with 13,277 rostered participants.
“The continued rise in student-athlete participation the last three years emphasizes the importance of school-based athletics in the fabric of the educational experience for these young adults,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “The importance of these coach-to-student and student-to-student relationships is only amplified in these uncertain times, as we strive […]
05/01/20 – Official of the Year Winner Announced for Wrestling
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 […]
04/29/20- Revised Covid-19 Policies and Guidance Issued, May 1 to May 31
THESE REVISIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR THE PERIOD OF MAY 1 to MAY 31.
THESE POLICIES WILL BE REVIEWED REGULARLY FOR EXTENSION AFTER THAT PERIOD OR REVISION DURING THAT PERIOD AS NECESSARY AS STATE, FEDERAL AND CDC POLICIES AND DIRECTIVES CHANGE
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE CAMPUS OF ANY KHSAA MEMBER SCHOOL OR ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ANY MEMBER SCHOOL, OR ITEMS RELATED TO SPORT OR SPORT-ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION DURING THIS PERIOD-
04/28/20 – 2020-21 High School Wrestling Rules Changes Address Weigh-In Procedures, Hair-Length Restrictions
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 28, 2020) — As the result of a concerted effort to accommodate the growing number of female wrestlers, the 2020-21 high school wrestling rules changes are headlined by significant adjustments to weigh-in protocol and appropriate hair-length requirements.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee met April 5-6 and recommended 11 rules changes to take effect next school year. In accordance with current health safety guidelines, the rules meeting was held in an online format. All rules revisions recommended by the Wrestling Rules Committee were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
“These rule changes are some of the most prolific modifications in the history of high school wrestling,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and liaison to the Wrestling Rules Committee. “The rules committee made necessary, drastic changes to attract more young people to our sport without sacrificing the health and safety of […]
03/13/20- (revised 04/02/20 and 4/17/20)- Athletic Dead Period Instituted for Athletic Programs in All Sports and Sport-Activities Due to Covid-19
This information is in effect, as stated below, through April 30, 2020. Prior to that time, revised guidance and policy will be issued to be effective May 1 as we all collectively work to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus on our campuses and among our athletes and coaches. Updated 4/2/20 and 4/17/20 based on inquiries from member schools and revised orders from the Governor and CDC Guidance.
This impacts all KHSAA constituents and includes guidance from the Governor, Public Health Officials, the Kentucky Department of Education, and additional guidance from federal authorities. This original directive will continue to be updated regularly. This will be the sole site for information regarding interscholastic athletics in Kentucky involving rostered athletes or those that have participated in practices this year and coaches from KHSAA member schools, as well as the use of interscholastic facilities.
Effective Friday, March 13, all sports and sport-activities, regardless of season, are declared to […]
03/16/20- Update on KHSAA Office Opening/Closing and Staff Availability
In partnership with our State Department of Education, the Governor’s office, our member schools, the NFHS and similar to many other state associations, KHSAA staff has been directed to work remotely from home until at least April 10 (revised 4/2/20). Administrators will available via email. Our hope is to return to the office for regular hours later in April, however, this is a very fluid situation and could change at any time. Updates will be posted online.
As of now and through at least May 1, all activity by rostered participants, coaches and those who have participated in at least one practice session for a middle or high school remain shut down as do all athletic facilities in control of our membership. As we all work together, everyone is hopeful to contain the spread of this virus. Staff will communicate any changes to future events through social media and the KHSAA website.
Closer to May […]
02/11/20 – KHSAA.tv to Carry State Wrestling Championships
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 […]
01/28/20 – State Wrestling Coaches Credentials
The KHSAA wants to remind Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors and Coaches about gaining access to the competition floor and coaches’ corner at the state championships for Wrestling.
As has been done in previous years, coaches’ certifications will be checked in order to obtain a coaching credential or complimentary access to the tournament.
- Coaches need to be Bylaw 25 certified and be sure all requirements are up to date.
- This requirement includes being current on the rules clinic, sports safety course and a valid date entered for the expiration of CPR certification
Please be sure to contact Assistant Commissioner Michael Barren (mbarren@khsaa.org) should you have any questions.
– KHSAA –
The KHSAA staff routinely publishes blog posts to better communicate with its various constituencies and the public. For a list of those blogs, go to http://khsaa.org/news-stats-pubs/sports-blogs/
01/16/20 – 2018-19 National Coaches of the Year Selected by NFHS Coaches Association
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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