BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 1
BYLAWS OF THE KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL BYLAWS OF THE KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION GOVERNING HIGH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION GOVERNING HIGH
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION (GRADES 9-12)SCHOOL PARTICIPATION (GRADES 9-12)
(effective 2023-24 School Year)(effective 2023-24 School Year)
CONTENTSCONTENTS
Bylaw 1. Responsibility for Eligibility ..............................................3
Sec. 1) Principal Requirement And Institutional Control ...........3
Sec. 2) Designation Of Designated Representative ................... 3
Sec. 3) Penalty .......................................................................... 3
Bylaw 2. Age ................................................................................... 3
Sec. 1) Age Restriction .............................................................. 3
Sec. 2) Waiver Provision ............................................................3
Sec. 3) Penalty .......................................................................... 3
Bylaw 3. Maximum Number Of Years ..............................................3
Sec. 1) Limit of Four Years ......................................................... 3
Sec. 2) Additional Eligibility ......................................................3
Sec. 3) Penalty .......................................................................... 4
Bylaw 4. Enrollment Requirements .................................................4
Sec. 1) Eligibility for Participation While Legally Enrolled in
Grades 9-12 ............................................................................4
Sec. 2) Eligibility for Participation While Legally Enrolled Below
Grade 9 ...................................................................................4
Sec. 3) Ineligibility for Repeating Students ...............................4
Sec. 4) Deadline for Enrollment ................................................4
Sec. 5) Penalty .......................................................................... 4
Bylaw 5. Minimum Academic Requirement .....................................4
Sec. 1) Proper Grade Level Requirement for Students Enrolled
in grades 9 through 12 in All School Districts .........................4
Sec. 2) Continual Progress During the School Year ...................6
Sec. 3) Eligibility In Districts of Innovation ................................6
Sec. 4) Special Recitations/Adjustments ...................................6
Sec. 5) Penalty .......................................................................... 6
Bylaw 6. Transfer Rule- Citizens Of The U.S. And D.C. And Other
Students Previously Enrolled In Member Schools ..........................6
Sec. 1) Domestic Student Transfer .............................................6
Sec. 2) Discretionary Exceptions for Waiver ..............................6
Sec. 3) Specific Restrictions for Denial of Waiver for Those
Satisfying Discretionary Waiver Provisions in Sec. 2 ...............8
Sec. 4) Other Transferring Student Restrictions and Procedures 8
Sec. 5) Penalty .......................................................................... 8
Bylaw 7. Transfer Rule – Foreign Exchange and Other Foreign
Students ........................................................................................8
Sec. 1) Foreign Exchange Students (nondomestic) .................... 8
Sec. 2) Exception for Placement Through Approved Exchange
Programs Utilizing a J-1 Education Visa ..................................8
Sec. 3) Exception for Placement Through Approved Exchange
Programs Utilizing an F-1 Education Visa ...............................9
Sec. 4) Extension Of Eligibility For J-1 Or F-1 Status Placement
Beyond One Year If Waiver Granted ......................................10
Sec. 5) Foreign Students (Nondomestic) Not Coming Through
Exchange Programs .............................................................. 10
Sec. 6) Discretionary Exceptions For Waiver For Foreign
Students (Nondomestic) Not Coming Through Exchange
Programs ..............................................................................10
Sec. 7) Specific Restrictions Resulting in Denial of Waiver ......10
Sec. 8) Penalty ........................................................................ 10
Bylaw 8. Enrollment / Transfer Of Non-Resident Student ..............10
Sec. 1) Non-Resident Student Eligibility Restriction ................ 10
Sec. 2) Waiver Provision ..........................................................11
Sec. 3) Penalty ........................................................................ 11
Bylaw 9. Basketball/Football Contestant On Other Teams,
Postseason And All-Star Games .................................................. 11
Sec. 1) Basketball .................................................................... 11
Sec. 2) Football ....................................................................... 11
Sec. 3) Penalty ........................................................................ 11
Bylaw 10. Amateur/Awards ...........................................................11
Sec. 1) Amateurism and Amateur Status ................................. 11
Sec. 2) Awards and Limitations ...............................................11
Sec. 3) Restrictions And Allowances On The Use Of Name,
Image And Likeness By Participants And Schools .................. 12
Sec. 4) Penalty ........................................................................ 12
Bylaw 11. Financial Aid ................................................................. 12
Sec. 1) Definitions for this Bylaw ............................................12
Sec. 2) Impermissible Financial Aid ......................................... 13
Sec. 3) Financial Aid Restrictions and Reporting .....................13
Sec. 4) Special Program Review Process ................................. 13
Sec. 5) Penalty ........................................................................ 13
Bylaw 12. Physical Examination, Parental Consent and Insurance 13
Sec. 1) Physical Examination and Parental Consent ................13
Sec. 2) Requirement for Insurance .......................................... 13
Sec. 3) Penalty ........................................................................ 13
Bylaw 13. Agreement Regarding Professional Baseball Contracts 14
Sec. 1) Restrictions on Signing a Professional Contract ..........14
Sec. 2) Penalty ........................................................................ 14
Bylaw 14. Other Eligibility Requirements and Regulations ...........14
Sec. 1) Graduates and College Students ................................. 14
Sec. 2) Practice of Ineligible Students ..................................... 14
Sec. 3) Assumed Name ...........................................................14
Sec. 4) Penalty ........................................................................ 14
Bylaw 15. Requirement For Gender-Based Participation ...............14
Sec. 1) Designation Of Sport Levels ........................................14
Sec. 2) Gender Determination For Sport And Sport-Activity
Participation .........................................................................14
Sec. 3) Supersedure By Court Of Competent Jurisdiction ........ 14
Sec. 4) Penalty ........................................................................ 14
Bylaw 16. Recruitment/Undue Influence ....................................... 14
Sec. 1) Provisions on Recruiting/Undue Influence ................... 14
Sec. 2) Penalty ........................................................................ 15
Bylaw 17. Certification of Eligibility .............................................. 15
Sec. 1) Verification of Eligibility ...............................................15
Sec. 2) Duty of a New Principal or Designated Representative 15
Sec. 3) Annual Participation List .............................................. 15
Sec. 4) Penalty For Certification Of Ineligible Player ...............15
Bylaw 18. Supplying Information And Reports ..............................15
Sec. 1) Submission of Requested Information .........................15
Sec. 2) Annual Certification ....................................................15
Sec. 3) Required Reports .........................................................15
Sec. 4) Penalty ........................................................................ 15
Bylaw 19. Comparable Opportunities ...........................................15
Sec. 1) Requirement for Member Schools to Sponsor .............15
Sec. 2) Requirements to demonstrate attempts to sponsor: ...15
Sec. 3) Penalty ........................................................................ 15
Bylaw 20. Officials Division of the Association ..............................15
Sec. 1) Officials Who License: .................................................15
Sec. 2) Requirement to Use Licensed Officials ........................15
Sec. 3) Official Scratches .........................................................15
Sec. 4) Rules Clinics ................................................................16
Sec. 5) Cancellation of Officiating License .............................. 16
Sec. 6) Acceptance of Officiating Assignments ....................... 16
Sec. 7) Violation of Assigning Contracts ..................................16
Sec. 8) Local Policy Boards/Committees .................................. 16
Sec. 9) Governance ................................................................. 16
Sec. 10) Coaches/Others Connected Not to Officiate .............. 16
Sec. 11) Penalty ...................................................................... 16
Bylaw 21. Protests and Practice Of Sportsmanship ....................... 16
Sec. 1) Limitations On Protests Of Contests ............................16
Sec. 2) Sportsmanship Obligation ........................................... 16
Sec. 3) Illegal Equipment/Videotaping ....................................16
Sec. 4) Requirement for Reinstatement ..................................16
Sec. 5) Reporting Requirement and Permanent Suspension .... 16
Sec. 6) Penalty ........................................................................ 16
Bylaw 22. Contests, Sanctions, Rules, Forfeitures, Faculty To
Accompany .................................................................................16
Sec. 1) Contests Against In-State Opponents ..........................16
Sec. 2) Contests with Schools from Other States, Canada and
Mexico ..................................................................................16
Sec. 3) Foreign Teams..............................................................17
Sec. 4) Contracts .....................................................................17
Sec. 5) Rules Governing Contests ...........................................17
Sec. 6) Waiving of Rules ..........................................................17
Sec. 7) Failure to Play a Scheduled Contest ............................ 17
Sec. 8) Requirement to Accompany Team to Contests ............17
Sec. 9) Penalty ........................................................................ 17
Bylaw 23. Limitation of Seasons ...................................................17
Sec. 1) General Provisions Concerning All Sports and Sport-
Activities ...............................................................................17
Sec. 2) Sports Specific Limitations- Baseball- Boys/Coed ........18
Sec. 3) Sports Specific Limitations- Basketball- Boys/Coed and
Girls ...................................................................................... 18
Sec. 4) Sports Specific Limitations- Cross Country- Boys/Coed
and Girls ............................................................................... 18
Sec. 5) Sports Specific Limitations- Field Hockey-Girls ............18
Sec. 6) Sports Specific Limitations- Football- Boys/Coed ......... 18
Sec. 7) Sports Specific Limitations- Golf- Boys/Coed And Girls 21
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2 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
Sec. 8) Sports Specific Limitations- Soccer- Boys/Coed and Girls
21
Sec. 9) Sports Specific Limitations- Softball- Girls (Fastpitch) . 21
Sec. 10) Sports Specific Limitations- Swimming And Diving-
Boys/Coed and Girls..............................................................21
Sec. 11) Sports Specific Limitations- Tennis- Boys/Coed and
Girls ...................................................................................... 21
Sec. 12) Sports Specific Limitations- Indoor and Outdoor Track
and Field- Boys/Coed and Girls ............................................. 22
Sec. 13) Sports Specific Limitations- Volleyball- Girls ..............22
Sec. 14) Sports Specific Limitations- Wrestling- Boys/Coed and
Girls ...................................................................................... 22
Sec. 15) Specific Limitations- Other Sport-Activities- Archery-
Boys/Coed and Girls..............................................................22
Sec. 16) Specific Limitations- Other Sport-Activities- Bass
Fishing- Boys/Coed and Girls ................................................ 22
Sec. 17) Specific Limitations- Other Sport-Activities- Bowling-
Boys/Coed and Girls..............................................................22
Sec. 18) Specific Limitations- Other Sport-Activities-
Competitive Cheerleading (Interscholastic Spirit) .................22
Sec. 19) Specific Limitations- Other Sport-Activities- Dance ...22
Sec. 20) Penalty ...................................................................... 22
Bylaw 24. Summer Sports and Sport-Activities .............................23
Sec. 1) School Team Play in Summer (NonDead Period) .......... 23
Sec. 2) Restrictions on Football and Boys’ Basketball .............23
Sec. 3) Summer Dead Period ................................................... 23
Sec. 4) Penalty ........................................................................ 23
Bylaw 25. Requirement For Coaches And Others Working With High
School Teams ..............................................................................23
Sec. 1) Definitions ...................................................................23
Sec. 2) Hiring and Employment Requirements for Coaching
Positions at the High School Level ........................................ 23
Sec. 3) Post Hire Requirements and Requirements for
Continuing Coaching Duties .................................................24
Sec. 4) Hiring And Employment Requirements For Athletic
Directors at the High School Level ........................................ 24
Sec. 5) Post Hire Requirements And Requirements For
Continuing Duties As An Athletic Director .............................24
Sec. 6) Penalty ........................................................................ 25
Bylaw 26. Rulings, Reporting of Violations....................................25
Sec. 1) Requests for Rulings ....................................................25
Sec. 2) Reporting of Violations ................................................25
Bylaw 27. Imposition of Penalties ................................................. 25
Sec. 1) Authority to Penalize ................................................... 25
Sec. 2) Exception To Penalty Authority For Court-Ordered Play 25
Sec. 3) Responsible Parties......................................................25
Sec. 4) Penalty Options ........................................................... 25
Case Situations for Bylaw 1- Responsibility for Eligibility ..............27
Case Situations for Bylaw 2- Age .................................................. 27
Case Situations for Bylaw 3- Maximum Number of Years .............28
Case Situations for Bylaw 4- Enrollment Requirements ................29
Case Situations for Bylaw 5- Minimum Academic Requirement ....31
Case Situations for Bylaw 6- Transfer Rule- Citizens Of The U.S. And
D.C. And Other Students Previously Enrolled In Member Schools 34
Case Situations for Bylaw 7- Transfer Rule – Students Having
J-1/F-1 Education Visa Status and Non-U.S. Students Not Having
J-1/F-1 Status .............................................................................. 37
Case Situations for Bylaw 8- Enrollment / Transfer Of Non-Resident
Student .......................................................................................38
Case Situations for Bylaw 9- Basketball/Football Contestant On
Other Teams, Postseason And All-Star Games ............................. 40
Case Situations for Bylaw 10- Amateur/Awards ............................41
Case Situations for Bylaw 11- Financial Aid .................................. 43
Case Situations for Bylaw 12- Physical Examination, Parental
Consent And Insurance ...............................................................44
Case Situations for Bylaw 14- Other Eligibility Requirements And
Regulations .................................................................................45
Case Situations for Bylaw 15- Requirement For Gender-Based
Participation ................................................................................46
Case Situations for Bylaw 16- Recruitment/Undue Influence ........ 46
Case Situations for Bylaw 17- Certification Of Eligibility ...............48
Case Situations for Bylaw 18- Supplying Information And Reports 48
Case Situations for Bylaw 19- Comparable Opportunities ............49
Case Situations for Bylaw 20- Officials Division Of The Association ..
49
Case Situations for Bylaw 21- Protests and Practice Of
Sportsmanship ............................................................................49
Case Situations for Bylaw 22- Contests, Sanctions, Rules,
Forfeitures, Faculty To Accompany ...............................................52
Case Situations for Bylaw 23- Limitation Of Seasons ....................53
Case Situations for Bylaw 24- Summer Sports And Sports/Activities .
58
Case Situations for Bylaw 25- Requirement For Coaches And Others
Working With High School Teams................................................61
Case Situations for Bylaw 26- Rulings, Reporting Of Violations ....64
Case Situations for Bylaw 27- Imposition Of Penalties .................. 65
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 3
BYLAW 1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ELIGIBILITYBYLAW 1. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ELIGIBILITY
SEC. 1) PRINCIPAL REQUIREMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL
a) The Principal of a school shall be held ultimately responsible in all
matters in the school that concern eligibility, and interscholastic
athletics, and shall ensure that institutional control over the
athletic program is maintained.
b) The member school Principal is ultimately responsible for all
aspects of the athletic program, whether it is rules enforcement
and reporting or eligibility certication.
c) Each member school through its Principal and Designated
Representative exercise the principles of institutional control
in order for the Association to continue as a fully functioning
membership organization and in order for the school to remain
a member.
d) There are several principles that go into the concept of
maintaining institutional control:
(1) Control shall rst be dened in common sense terms and
is best summarized by the school having in place the proper
policies to ensure that violations do not occur, and if they
do occur, the Principal exhibiting the leadership and duty to
correct the problems and prevent recurrence.
(2) In general, violations do not result from a lack of institutional
control if there are adequate preventive measures in place
that are properly monitored and followed, and if swift action
is taken.
(3) Several factors demonstrate a lack of institutional control
including, but not limited to:
a. failure to implement proper preventive procedures;
b. failure by members of the designated athletic staff to
thoroughly investigate and report violations;
c. failure to adequately disseminate and distribute compliance
information;
d. failure to adequately distribute compliance duties to allow
for effective control;
e. failing to make clear to all coaches and participants that
rules violations will not be tolerated;
f. failing to fully investigate and le reports as requested
when potential violations are reported; and
g. a head coach failing to create a compliant atmosphere with
the assistant coaches.
e) The KHSAA staff is to enforce the rules based on the following
general premises:
(1) KHSAA regulations and information are readily available to
the member schools and the general public;
(2) the Principal or Designated Representative properly
distributes information, rules manuals, communication,
forms, and other needed materials to the members of the
athletics staff;
(3) that meaningful education programs are conducted within
the schools to ensure compliance; and
(4) Student-athletes are properly informed about rules prior to
and during participation.
f) The compliance history of a school and its cooperative spirit
during any investigation or inquiry will factor into any penalty
decision regarding violations as sanctions under Bylaw 27 are
being considered.
SEC. 2) DESIGNATION OF DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE
a) The Principal of each member school may annually designate
an individual at the school to serve as the Designated
Representative to conduct the interscholastic program at that
school.
b) The Principal or Designated Representative shall sign all forms
requiring an authorized signature.
c) If a member school Principal fails to make the designation
before August 31, the building principal shall automatically be
the Designated Representative for the current year.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 2. AGEBYLAW 2. AGE
SEC. 1) AGE RESTRICTION
a) Under KRS 156.070 (2) (e), a student who becomes nineteen (19)
years old before August 1 shall be ineligible for interscholastic
athletic competition at a KHSAA member high school.
b) A student who becomes nineteen (19) on or after August 1 shall
remain eligible for the entire school year.
SEC. 2) WAIVER PROVISION
a) The Ruling Ofcer and the Commissioner may waive the
provisions of this bylaw, and the student shall be eligible for
high school athletics in Kentucky if written documentation is
provided to clearly demonstrate that the student:
(1) Qualied for exceptional children services and had an
individual education program developed by an admissions
and release committee (ARC) while the student was enrolled
in the primary school program;
(2) Was retained in the primary school program because of an
ARC committee recommendation; and
(3) Has not completed four (4) consecutive years or eight (8)
consecutive semesters of eligibility following initial promotion
into grade nine (9).
b) The Ruling Ofcer and the Commissioner shall not adopt
administrative procedures that allow for the waiver of this rule
under any other condition.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.Bylaw 4. Enrollment Requirements
BYLAW 3. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF YEARSBYLAW 3. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF YEARS
SEC. 1) LIMIT OF FOUR YEARS
a) Excluding those students properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the
2021-22 school year:
(1) A student entering grade nine (9) for the rst time in any
high school shall have four (4) consecutive calendar years of
eligibility from the date of rst entry into grade (9) in any
school provided the student is eligible according to this and
all other Association bylaws.
(2) The eligibility shall conclude with the completion of the
spring sports season following the fourth year.
(3) No additional eligibility may be granted in a case where the
grant would allow a student to compete in all or part of the
fth competitive season in a single sport following the initial
entry into grade nine (9).
b) Students properly and timely designated under Chapter 108
(SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School Year
Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the 2021-22
school year and previously having been enrolled in grade nine
prior to 2021-22 or enrolling for the rst time in grade nine (9)
in 2021-22 shall adhere to the following restrictions:
(1) Shall have ve (5) consecutive calendar years of eligibility
from the date of rst entry into grade (9) in any school
provided the student is eligible according to this and all other
Association bylaws.
(2) The eligibility shall conclude with the completion of the
spring sports season following the fth year.
(3) Such designation shall not supersede the provisions of Bylaw
2 or KRS 156.070 (2)(f) (age limitation).
SEC. 2) ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY
a) The Ruling Ofcer and the Commissioner through the Due
Process Procedure, may grant additional eligibility in the case
where it has been documented by the attending physician,
Principal, and Superintendent that severe illness or injury has
prevented the student from receiving basic education services
and the right to an education has therefore been impacted
rather than simply the loss of athletic privilege.
b) The documentation from the attending physician, Principal, and
Superintendent shall be from those involved with the student at
the time of the original injury or illness.
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4 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
c) The grant of eligibility may only be made in the cases in
which the student-athlete would remain eligible by all other
Association bylaws.
d) This provision shall not include additional eligibility strictly for
loss of participation due to sports-related injuries.
e) Excluding those students properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the
2021-22 school year, no additional eligibility may be granted in
a case where the grant would allow a student to compete in all
or part of the fth competitive season in a single sport following
the initial entry into grade nine (9).
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 4. ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTSBYLAW 4. ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
SEC. 1) ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION WHILE LEGALLY ENROLLED
IN GRADES 9-12
a) On Friday of each grading period, a student enrolled in
grades nine (9) through twelve (12) shall be legally enrolled in
a member high school as a full-time student in at least four
hours of instruction as provided in Kentucky Board of Education
regulation 702 KAR 7:125 (of the six hours of instruction required)
or the equivalent of four hours of instruction acceptable to
graduation at the member school he or she desires to represent
in order to be eligible for athletics.
b) A student who is legally enrolled or connected with any other
school than the one he or she represents shall not take part
in any contest. In the case of an all-Boys’ high school, girl
cheerleaders from an afliated neighboring all-girls’ school may
be accepted.
c) A student is ineligible for the rst year following enrollment at
a member school if that student leaves the former school with
documented obligations (including nancial). The student shall
remain ineligible until the conclusion of one year from the date
of enrollment or documentation that the obligations have been
satised.
SEC. 2) ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION WHILE LEGALLY ENROLLED
BELOW GRADE 9
a) A pupil in grades 7-8 in the local Board of Education dened
feeder pattern of a KHSAA member school under the same local
Board of Education as the member school may play on the high
school team (at any level of play) if that participation is not in
conict with Sec. 3 below, and the time so played shall not be
counted on the four (4) year (eight (8) semester) limit.
b) For a school to be considered a “feeder” school (and therefore
“connected”), it must be under the same local board of
education as the member school and enroll students exclusively
below grade nine.
c) A student enrolled at a nonfeeder school shall not be considered
to be enrolled at a feeder school irrespective of past enrollment
patterns of that nonfeeder school.
d) School districts with multiple schools may not establish an
“open choice” option to serve as a feeder pattern for athletics
and must specify only one option for each student to be
considered as being connected for the purpose of high school
participation.
e) Applying for admission to a school does not waive this denition
as there is a clear line between applying and being enrolled.
f) School and school districts may choose to dene a more
restrictive feeder pattern for its middle schools to high schools
which if violated, constitute the student not being “connected”
and therefore ineligible.
g) In a school district with multiple high schools, absent a specic
otherwise adopted feeder pattern, the residence of the student-
athlete within the district student assignment plan shall
determine the school at which the student may participate if
such participation is permitted by local policy.
h) A student is ineligible for the rst year to participate for a
member school if that student leaves the former school with
documented obligations (including nancial) and the student
shall remain ineligible until the conclusion of one year from the
date of enrollment or documentation that the obligations have
been satised.
i) Students enrolled below grade seven (7) may not play on a high
school team at any level.
j) A student below grade nine (9) may not participate on the
varsity team in contests in the sports of football or soccer.
k) All other participation by legally enrolled students in high
school level teams practices, scrimmages or contests by
students legally enrolled in grades seven (7) and eight (8) who
are eligible by all other bylaw provisions is at the discretion
of the school-based decision-making council or local board of
education at the member school unless otherwise precluded by
statute or regulation..
SEC. 3) INELIGIBILITY FOR REPEATING STUDENTS
a) Excluding those students properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the
2021-22 school year, a student having been enrolled in the
seventh (7th) grade or any grade through twelfth (12th) shall
not be eligible for interscholastic athletics at the high school
level (freshmen, junior varsity or varsity, grades 9 through 12) for
more than a total of one (1) year in each grade and applicable
eligibility shall begin in the rst year enrolled in that grade.
b) Excluding those students properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the
2021-22 school year, a student repeating a grade for any reason
is ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at the high
school level (grades 9 through 12) during the second year in that
grade. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be the loss of
one of the four years of eligibility after initial entry into grade
nine (9).
c) Those students properly and timely designated under Chapter
108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School
Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP during the 2021-
22 school year and enrolled in the seventh (7th) grade or any
grade through twelfth (12th) may be eligible for interscholastic
athletics at the high school level (freshmen, junior varsity or
varsity, grades 9 through 12) during the 2021-22 school year
while repeating the same grade enrolled during 2020-21,
provided the student is eligible by all other bylaws.
SEC. 4) DEADLINE FOR ENROLLMENT
A student shall have legally enrolled as a bona de full-time
undergraduate student no later than twenty (20) school days after
the beginning of the semester to be eligible during that semester.
SEC. 5) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 5. MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTBYLAW 5. MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT
SEC. 1) PROPER GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS
ENROLLED IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 IN ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
a) First Day of School Year Earned Credit Check
(1) On the rst day of each school year, a student shall have
been legally enrolled as a full-time student during the previous
grading period and shall be on schedule to graduate with his
or her class on the rst day of school based on the number of
credits ofcially recorded on the transcript.
(2) For the verication of this provision, all course work, including
summer distance/online and correspondence work, and nal
grades shall be completed and posted to the transcript by the
rst day of the school year for the student body.
(3) No course work completed after the rst day of the
school year for the student body shall be used to make this
determination.
(4) Any credit or course used to meet these standards must meet
the following criteria:
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 5
a. Courses that are taught through distance learning, online,
credit recovery, etc. shall be comparable in length, content,
and rigor to courses taught in a traditional classroom setting
and shall not be intended as a replacement for previously
attempted course work;
b. Students may not skip lessons or test out of modules. For
example, if a student is permitted to test out of portions
of a repeated course, is exempted from certain modules,
or nish the course in an abbreviated time frame, such a
course would not be acceptable for use in the reinstatement
determination;
c. The instructor and the student shall have ongoing access
to, and regular interaction with, one another for purposes
of teaching, evaluating and providing assistance to the
student throughout the course;
d. The student’s work (e.g., exams, papers, assignments)
shall be made available for evaluation and validation upon
request;
e. Evaluation of the student’s work shall be conducted by the
appropriate academic authorities in accordance with the
high school’s established academic policies;
f. The course shall include a dened time period for completion
and comparable to the same credit taught within the
traditional school day;
g. The course must be acceptable for any student and
the school’s policies for such courses must be followed
consistently for both student-athletes and non-athletes
with no exceptions made for student-athletes;
h. The course must be substantially comparable, qualitatively
and quantitatively (e.g., content, textbook, assessments,
duration), to the course in the mainstream or regular
curriculum;
i. The course provider must have the work to be completed
online accepted by the NCAA as part of its review of
Division I and II athletes seeking to enroll at a college or
University; and
j. The course credit must be recorded on the student transcript
before the day before the dened Sec. 2 period for which
reinstatement is desired (subsequent trimester, semester or
school year dependent upon school dened curriculum).
(5) The determination for reinstatement of eligibility and rst
available date of practice available under Sec. 1(b) of this
bylaw shall be based on the originally published calendar
submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education.
(6) Eligibility During First Year Following Initial Enrollment in
Grade Nine (9)
For a student in the ninth grade to be considered to be on
schedule to graduate, that student shall have been promoted
from grade eight (8) to grade nine (9), and comply with all
other bylaws.
(7) Eligibility During Second Year Following Initial Enrollment in
Grade Nine (9)
For a student in the second year following initial enrollment
in grade nine (9) (normally grade 10) to be on schedule to
graduate, that student shall have received twenty (20) percent
of the requirements of the school/district for graduation
(credits ofcially posted to the transcript) prior to the rst day
of the second year following initial enrollment in grade nine
(9), and be in compliance with all other bylaws.
(8) Eligibility During Third Year Following Initial Enrollment in
Grade Nine (9)
For a student in the third year following initial enrollment
in grade nine (9) (normally grade 11) to be on schedule
to graduate, that student shall have received forty-ve
(45) percent of the requirements of the school/district for
graduation (credits ofcially posted to the transcript) prior to
the rst day of the third year following initial enrollment in
grade nine (9), and be in compliance with all other bylaws.
(9) Eligibility During Fourth Year Following Initial Enrollment in
Grade Nine (9)
For a student in the fourth year following initial enrollment
in grade nine (9) (normally grade 12) to be on schedule
to graduate, that student shall have received seventy
(70) percent of the requirements of the school/district for
graduation (credits ofcially posted to the transcript) prior to
the rst day of the fourth year following initial enrollment in
grade nine (9), and be in compliance with all other bylaws.
b) Reinstatement of Students Failing to Meet Normal Progress
Requirements on the First Day of School
(1) Reinstatement of Students Failing to Meet Normal Progress
Requirements and being ineligible for one school year:
a. The eligibility of a student failing to meet the provisions of
Sec. 1(a) of this bylaw may be reinstated in schools operating
on a year-long credit recording system. This reinstatement
is possible by the student passing twenty-ve (25) percent
of the requirements of the district for graduation during the
year he or she is ineligible.
b. Such verication will be made by reviewing solely credits
ofcially posted on the transcript.
c. Courses taken via audit, credit recovery or like program to
gain credit for previously decient class work, or any other
less than full-term methods, shall not be used for purpose
of this reinstatement.
d. Any full-term online/distance credit used in this calculation
shall meet the criteria of Sec. 1(a)(4) of this bylaw.
e. Eligibility to compete in scrimmages or contests shall be
effective with the rst day of the subsequent school year
or the rst date in which he or she complies with Sec. 1(a)
of this bylaw.
f. He or she, upon reinstatement, shall remain eligible as
long as he or she passes twenty-ve (25) percent of the
requirements of the district for graduation during each
subsequent year or becomes compliant with Sec. 1(a) of
this bylaw.
(2) Reinstatement of Students Failing to Meet Normal Progress
Requirements and being ineligible for one semester:
a. The eligibility of a student failing to meet the provisions
of Sec. 1(a) of this bylaw may be reinstated in schools
operating on a two-semester credit recording system. This
reinstatement is possible by the student passing fteen (15)
percent of the requirements of the district for graduation
during the semester in which he or she is ineligible.
b. Such verication will be made by reviewing solely credits
ofcially posted on the transcript.
c. Courses taken via audit, credit recovery or like program
to gain credit for previously decient class work, or any
other less than full-term methods, shall not be used for the
purpose of this reinstatement.
d. Any full-term online/distance credit used in this calculation
shall meet the criteria of Sec. 1(a)(4) of this bylaw.
e. Eligibility to compete in scrimmages or contests shall be
effective with the rst day of the subsequent semester
(based on the district’s ofcial original calendar submitted
to the Kentucky Department of Education) following the
recording of the credits to the student’s permanent record
or the rst date in which he or she complies with Sec. 1(a)
of this bylaw.
f. He or she, upon reinstatement, shall remain eligible as long
as he or she passes fteen (15) percent of the requirements
of the district for graduation during each subsequent
semester or becomes compliant with Sec. 1(a) of this bylaw.
(3) Reinstatement of Students Failing to Meet Normal Progress
Requirements and being ineligible for one trimester:
a. The eligibility of a student failing to meet the provisions
of Sec. 1(a) may be reinstated in schools operating on a
three-trimester credit recording system. This reinstatement
is possible by the student passing ten (10) percent of the
requirements of the district for graduation during the
trimester in which he or she is ineligible.
b. Such verication will be made by reviewing solely credits
ofcially posted on the transcript.
c. Courses taken via audit, credit recovery or like program
to gain credit for previously decient class work, or any
other less than full-term methods, shall not be used for the
purpose of this reinstatement.
d. Any full-term online/distance credit used in this calculation
shall meet the criteria of Sec. 1(a)(4) of this bylaw.
e. Eligibility to compete in scrimmages or contests shall be
BylawsBylaws
6 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
BYLAW 6. TRANSFER RULE- CITIZENS OF THE U.S. BYLAW 6. TRANSFER RULE- CITIZENS OF THE U.S.
AND D.C. AND OTHER STUDENTS PREVIOUSLY AND D.C. AND OTHER STUDENTS PREVIOUSLY
ENROLLED IN MEMBER SCHOOLSENROLLED IN MEMBER SCHOOLS
SEC. 1) DOMESTIC STUDENT TRANSFER
a) Any student who has been enrolled in grades nine (9) through
twelve (12) and has participated in any varsity contest in any
sport at any school while maintaining permanent residence
in the United States or a United States territory following
enrollment in grade nine (9) and who then transfers schools
shall be ineligible for interscholastic athletics at the varsity (rst
team) level in that sport for a period of one year from the date
of last participation.
b) Any student who has been enrolled in grades nine (9) through
twelve (12) and has participated in any varsity contest in any
sport at any school following enrollment in grade nine (9) who
has been previously granted eligibility under the provisions of
Bylaw 7 or Bylaw 8 and who then transfers schools shall be
ineligible for interscholastic athletics at the varsity (rst team)
level in that sport for a period of one year from the date of last
participation.
c) The Ruling Ofcer and Commissioner have discretion (but are
not required) to waive the period of ineligibility set forth above
if one or more of the following exceptions in Sec. 2 has been
met.
SEC. 2) DISCRETIONARY EXCEPTIONS FOR WAIVER
Evidence supporting the desired exception shall be presented with
the original request to the Association by the member school
a) REASSIGNMENT BY BOARD OF EDUCATION- The period of
ineligibility may be waived if the student has changed schools
through a properly documented reassignment of the Board of
Education to another school.
(1) To meet this exception for a reassignment, reasons for the
assignment may include the closing or opening of a school
due to consolidation, merger, the opening of a new school,
or another type of opening or closing or assignment through
KRS 158.6455, KRS 160.040 or other applicable adopted
regulation.
(2) In the case of a school closing or consolidation, such
assignment may be to the public school district should a
private, parochial, or independent school close.
(3) For a multiple-school district reallocating students to existing
schools in a revised manner (redistricting), the exception
shall be valid only on the rst day of school for the student
body following the implementation of the redistricting plan
and does not apply before or after that date due to optional
choices offered by the district.
(4) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
(5) Reassignment may include assignment due to the application
of the provisions of 701 KAR 8:010 to a public charter school
as dened in KRS 160.1590.
b) TRANSFER FROM NONMEMBER SCHOOL- The period of
ineligibility may be waived for a student transferring from
a nonmember school located in Kentucky whose athletic
participation has been limited primarily to other nonmember
schools.
(1) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
c) MILITARY ASSIGNMENT- The period of ineligibility may be waived
for a student transferring in a situation where documentation
is presented to verify that the change in education and living
arrangements is directly related to an order from any branch
of the United States military service, including the reserve
components.
(1) Special verication may be requested including
documentation of a Permanent Change of Station or Change
of Duty Status. This may also include the case where the
transfer is made necessary by the implementation of the
Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military
effective with the rst day of the subsequent trimester,
(based on the district’s ofcial original calendar submitted
to the Kentucky Department of Education) following the
recording of the credits to the student’s permanent record
or the rst date in which he or she complies with Sec. 1(a)
of this bylaw.
f. He or she, upon reinstatement, shall remain eligible as long
as he or she passes ten (10) percent of the requirements of
the district for graduation during each subsequent trimester
or becomes compliant with Sec. 1(a) of this bylaw.
SEC. 2) CONTINUAL PROGRESS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
a) Every week, a student shall be making continual progress during
the school year to be eligible to participate in athletics during
the subsequent week (Monday through Sunday period) and
through the next opportunity to examine grades in this manner.
b) Absent any other determination, this weekly check of grades
shall be conducted on each Friday of each grading period or
on the last day of classes preceding that particular Friday if no
classes are conducted on that particular Friday.
c) Courses taken via audit, credit recovery or like program to gain
credit for previously decient class work, or any other less than
full-term methods, shall not be used for the purpose of this
reinstatement. Any online/distance credit used in this calculation
shall meet the criteria of Sec. 1(a)(4) of this bylaw.
(1) Weekly Eligibility Standard for Students Enrolled in Grades
9-12:
a. To be making continual progress, a student shall have
passed in four hours of instruction units as dened by
Kentucky Board of Education regulations (of the six hours of
instruction required) during the previous credit period that
closed during the school year (trimester or semester).
b. To be making continual progress the student shall also
be passing cumulatively for the current credit period in at
least four hours of instruction as dened by Kentucky Board
of Education regulations (of the six hours of instruction
required) or the equivalent of four hours of instruction
acceptable to graduation.
c. Courses taken via audit, credit recovery or like program
to gain credit for previously decient class work, or any
other less than full-term methods, shall not be used for the
purpose of this reinstatement. Any online/distance credit
used in this calculation shall meet the criteria of Sec. 1(a)
(4) of this bylaw.
(2) Weekly Eligibility Standard for Students Enrolled in Grades
Below Nine (9) participating for a KHSAA member school:
A pre-secondary school student (grades 7-8) participating
in athletics representing a KHSAA member school shall be
passing in at least two-thirds of the subjects in which he or
she is currently enrolled and be in compliance with all other
bylaws to be eligible.
SEC. 3) ELIGIBILITY IN DISTRICTS OF INNOVATION
a) For a student participating in a school in an approved district
of innovation as referenced in KRS 156.108 and KRS 160.107,
in lieu of complying with Sections (1) and (2) above, the district
shall develop and submit for approval to the Commissioner, a
plan to monitor the weekly progress of students that provides
for an accurate assessment of academic progress for the year.
b) Such plan shall consider solely the documented record of the
student’s academic progress and may not include speculative
factors for future periods.
SEC. 4) SPECIAL RECITATIONS/ADJUSTMENTS
Special tests or recitations shall not be given to make the
student eligible.
SEC. 5) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 7
Children.
d) BONA FIDE CHANGE IN RESIDENCE- The period of ineligibility
may be waived if there has been a bona de change in residence
by the parents and student that precedes a student’s change of
schools.
(1) For purposes of this bylaw, a bona de change of residence
means the uninterrupted moving of the permanent residence
of the entire family unit of the student as composed when
the student was eligible at the sending school (including
one or both parents if at that residence) from one school
district or dened school attendance area into another school
district or dened school attendance area prior to a change in
enrollment of the student.
(2) To be considered bona de, the change must remain
uninterrupted for the entire period during which the student
would have been ineligible if the exception was not applied.
(3) To be considered bona de, the change in residence must
reasonably precipitate the change in schools in that a student
cannot delay transferring schools after a change in residence
for an unreasonable period of time. The change in residence
must clearly have a compelling impact on the need to change
schools for the exception to be granted.
(4) A student who becomes emancipated does not have a bona
de change of residence by his or her emancipation and
change of residence for purposes of satisfying this exception.
(5) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
e) DIVORCE- The period of ineligibility may be waived in the
event of a dissolution of marriage (i.e., a nal and legally
binding divorce decree from a court of competent jurisdiction)
or properly recorded legal separation (i.e., a legally binding
separation decree from a court of competent jurisdiction) of the
parents and a change in the residence of the student pursuant
to a court order granting custody of the child to one of the
parents with whom the student shall reside.
(1) The grant of this waiver shall only apply to the member
school in the school district in which the residence of the
custodial parent is located.
(2) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
f) CHANGE IN SOLE CUSTODY- The KHSAA shall not recognize
guardianship or similar arrangements made, for purposes
of this bylaw. The period of ineligibility may be waived if it is
shown that custody of the student has been taken from one or
both parents and given to the other parent or a third person
by a court of competent jurisdiction and under circumstances
indicating: (1) the parent(s) are unt or (2) the court nds that
the health and welfare of the student would be better served by
the change in custody.
(1) The grant of this waiver shall only apply to the member
school in the school district in which the residence of the
custodial parent is located.
(2) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
g) CHANGE IN JOINT CUSTODY- In the event, joint custody is
awarded to both parents, for purposes of this bylaw, the student
shall initially be eligible where either parent resides.
(1) The eligibility of a student may be restored one time if,
after establishing eligibility and complying with the initial
court order granting joint custody, a student relocates to
permanently reside with the other custodial parent.
(2) The grant of this waiver shall only apply to the member
school in the school district in which the residence of the
custodial parent is located.
(3) After this one time move by the student to the other custodial
parent, all subsequent moves between parents shall require a
period of ineligibility of one year.
(4) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
h) DEATH- The period of ineligibility may be waived in the event
the death of one or both of the student’s custodial parents
creates the circumstances that the transfer to another secondary
school is deemed appropriate.
(1) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
i) BOARDING SCHOOLS- The period of ineligibility may be waived
for a student entering a boarding school on a full-time basis as a
boarding school student or a student returning from a boarding
school to the school attended immediately prior to enrollment in
the boarding school; where attendance in the boarding school
was required by order of the court or by recommendation of the
Principal of the school attended immediately prior to attendance
at the boarding school.
(1) A boarding school is dened as a school that has an enrolled
resident boarding school population in the ninth through 12th
grades of at least fty (50) percent of the full-time student
body for each of the last four years.
(2) A boarding school must have appropriate dormitory facilities
to house, feed and provide general living accommodations for
boarding students, and must have properly trained supervisory
personnel on duty at all times.
(3) A boarding school must be recognized as a boarding
school in its literature and must be veried by the Kentucky
Department of Education or the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools.
(4) A boarding student, to qualify for the exception, must
spend at least an average of ve (5) days per week living and
boarding on campus while school is in session.
(5) Coaches and other individuals employed by or associated
with a boarding school’s athletic program shall not serve
as the boarding supervisor or otherwise live with boarding
students in school housing.
(6) Only those schools that qualify as boarding schools as
dened herein may provide any assistance for room and
board to students who participate in interscholastic athletics
and only if such assistance is based on nancial need. In no
other schools may room and board expense is included in the
determination of school expenses and nancial need.
(7) The Ruling Ofcer is required to have verication that
the move to or from the boarding school is by order of the
Principal (sending) or a court of competent jurisdiction for this
exception to apply.
(8) Determinations of whether a student shall be granted
a waiver under this exception shall be based on the
circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
j) CESSATION OF SCHOOL PROGRAM- The period of ineligibility
may be waived in the event of a school remaining open but
notifying the Association in writing that it is discontinuing its
participation in an Association sponsored sport (regular and
postseason) in which the student had previously participated
after enrolling in grade nine (9).
k) ANTI-BULLYING EXCEPTION- The period of ineligibility may be
waived for a student when it is documented, at the time of the
original transfer eligibility submission, that a student is a victim
of bullying as dened in KRS 158.148 and in which bullying has
been documented to the school district in accordance with the
statute and local board of education-related regulations, and
as a result of this documented harassment, intimidation or
bullying, the student is compelled to transfer, provided:
1) The school district’s and member school’s anti-bullying
policies and procedures have been substantially followed
and complied with and a copy of which policies have been
provided to the KHSAA along with the request for eligibility;
and
2) The school district or member school secures the appropriate
releases from the student/student’s parents authorizing the
member school to provide a complete record of the events
BylawsBylaws
8 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
and circumstances on which the policies and procedures were
initiated, and the member school provides such records at the
time of the transfer ruling request submission including:
a) A specic, detailed report of the prohibited incident(s);
b) An outline of the procedures used to respond to and
investigate the reported incident(s);
c) A copy of the ndings that were a result of the complaint
process and investigation;
d) A specic, detailed disciplinary procedure for any individual
found guilty of harassment, intimidation or bullying;
e) All reports of notication to parents or guardians of any
student involvement in the incident(s); and
f) A report of the intervention strategies and remedial action
the school has undertaken to assist the student and redress
the complaint.
3) In concurrence with KRS 158.148, this exception shall not
be used for any isolated incidents or alleged incidents of
bullying, nor as a means to prohibit civil exchange of opinions
or debate or cultural practices protected under the state or
federal Constitution where the opinion expressed does not
otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education
process, nor can this exception be used in cases where there
has been no contemporaneous reporting of the alleged
bullying harassment or intimidation.
SEC. 3) SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS FOR DENIAL OF WAIVER FOR THOSE
SATISFYING DISCRETIONARY WAIVER PROVISIONS IN SEC. 2
A waiver of the period of ineligibility is not required for a student
satisfying one of the exceptions in Sec. 2 if documentation exists
in the record that the transfer is motivated in whole or part by a
desire to participate in athletics at the new school.
a) This documentation of actions occurring any time after
enrollment in grade nine (9) includes but is not limited to:
b) A coach employed at the receiving school, paid or volunteer at
any level, or another employed individual, paid or volunteer at
any level, who is acting in a coaching role including instruction
or training of any type and who, before the transfer of the
student:
(1) Coached the student at a former school;
(2) Provided sport-specic instruction (paid or unpaid) without
the expressed consent of the prior enrolled school;
(3) Coached the student on a non-school (i.e., AAU, American
Legion, club settings, summer program, etc.) team;
(4) Provided general athletic or activities instruction, including
weight training and supervised conditioning without
expressed permission from the prior enrolled school; or
(5) Provided housing or assistance with housing.
c) The student in question or family, before transferring to the new
school:
(1) Received impermissible contacts or improper benets as
dened in Bylaw 16;
(2) Sought to be coached by the coach(es) at the new school;
(3) Expresses dissatisfaction with the philosophy, policies,
methods, or actions of a coach or administrator about
interscholastic athletics;
(4) Sought additional playing time or opportunities or having
shown dissatisfaction with the amount of participation or role
of participation at former school;
(5) Resided with any athletic coach or any other non-relative
who is a member of the school athletic or administrative staff
or team member (including parents and boosters); or
(6) Has had all or part of the housing or residence logistics
inuenced, coordinated or manipulated by a member of
the school athletic or administrative staff or team member
(including parents and boosters);
d) The change in schools is to nullify or circumvent:
(1) Documented obligations (including nancial obligations) to
the sending school;
(2) Implementation of Board of Education, School-Based
Decision Making or school-imposed policy which would have
resulted in the student’s ineligibility at the sending school by
KHSAA Bylaws or Competition Rules; or
(3) A conict with the philosophy or action of an administrator,
teacher, or coach relating to sports.
SEC. 4) OTHER TRANSFERRING STUDENT RESTRICTIONS AND
PROCEDURES
a) The Commissioner’s ofce may appoint or hire a committee or
investigator to conduct any inquiry or investigation concerning
any issues arising under this bylaw or any other bylaw.
b) If any member school les a written objection to the factual
validity of the certication before the conclusion of the period
of time to which the period of ineligibility would normally apply,
along with the specic, detailed basis for the objection, then a
complete investigation shall be conducted by the KHSAA and a
ruling shall be issued through the Commissioner’s ofce.
c) A student is ineligible for athletics in this state if he or she
transfers from another state if the student was or would have
become ineligible in the state from which he or she transfers.
SEC. 5) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 7. TRANSFER RULE – FOREIGN EXCHANGE BYLAW 7. TRANSFER RULE – FOREIGN EXCHANGE
AND OTHER FOREIGN STUDENTSAND OTHER FOREIGN STUDENTS
SEC. 1) FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS (NONDOMESTIC)
a) Any student with J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who initially enrolls
into a KHSAA member school and desires participation in sports
within the rst year of enrollment at a KHSAA member school
shall be considered ineligible the varsity (rst team) level for the
rst calendar year following enrollment.
b) Any student with J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who initially enrolls
into a KHSAA member school and who has been ineligible for
an entire calendar year after being enrolled in a high school
in Kentucky shall become eligible to represent that school
immediately following the conclusion of the one-year period,
and remain eligible through graduation while enrolled in that
school if compliant with applicable federal student-exchange
regulations for the specic VISA and all other KHSAA Bylaws.
c) Any student with J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who has not been
enrolled for an entire calendar year in a high school in Kentucky
and subsequently changes schools shall have transfer eligibility
status considered under the provisions of this bylaw.
d) Any student with J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who has been enrolled
for an entire calendar year in a high school in Kentucky and
subsequently changes schools shall have transfer eligibility
status considered under the provisions of Bylaw 6.
SEC. 2) EXCEPTION FOR PLACEMENT THROUGH APPROVED
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS UTILIZING A J-1 EDUCATION VISA
a) APPROVED PROGRAMS- Foreign Exchange Students in
possession of a J-1 education Visa attending KHSAA member
schools may have the period of ineligibility waived if the
student is placed in a KHSAA member school under the auspices
of approved student exchange programs. Member student
exchange programs (agencies) of the Council on Standards
for International Education Travel (CSIET) who are members
in good standing with CSIET shall be considered approved
agencies. An individual placed by an agency approved by CSIET
may be denied eligibility if it is documented that the agency has
failed to assign students to schools by a method that ensures
that no student, school or interested party has inuenced the
assignment for athletic or other purposes.
b) WAIVER OF PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY- To be considered for a
waiver, the following conditions shall exist:
(1) The student shall comply with all U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service regulations and placed through an
approved program as in Sec. 2(a) above;
(2) The student shall be in the rst year as an exchange student
in the United States and placed through an approved program
as in Sec. 2(a) above;
(3) The student shall not be a graduate of the 12th or terminating
grade or its equivalent in either the U.S. or his or her home
country;
(4) The student shall have a complete transcript of records
that has been translated into English before the request for
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 9
eligibility;
(5) The student shall have a J-1 student education visa issued by
the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service;
(6) Placement in the KHSAA member school is random, and
the student has not been a “direct placement” into a KHSAA
member school. For the J-1 visa, a “direct placement” is one
in which either the student or the sending organization in the
foreign country is a party to an arrangement with any other
party, including school personnel, for the student to attend a
particular school or live with a particular host family;
(7) The placement must remain uninterrupted for the entire
period during which the student would have been ineligible
if the waiver was not granted;
(8) The student’s host family shall not pay any tuition or fee
normal to the attendance at the KHSAA member school; all
fees shall be paid by the student’s family;
(9) All travel fees shall be paid by the student’s family;
(10) The student’s host family from the initial date of entry
into the United States through the end of the period as an
exchange student shall not include members of the coaching
or athletic staff at the KHSAA member school at which
participation is desired;
(11) The student, the Principal or Designated Representative of
the member school, and a representative of the placement
agency shall sign and attest to certication that the athlete
complies with the eligibility rules of the KHSAA and shall not
be eligible under any circumstances for more than one year
of athletic participation if the rst year period of ineligibility
is waived; and
(12) Any payments to the host family by the placing agency shall
be made solely by the exchange agency, and in compliance
with the regulations and requirements of CSIET.
c) The facts supporting a waiver under this rule shall be based on
the circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
d) Criteria for J-1 Student Enrollment
(1) Students with J-1 VISAs are not required to pay tuition;
(2) J-1 programs are authorized by the United States Department
of State and additional criteria are listed in the information of
that agency at https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/secondary-
school-student;
(3) Be at least 15 years of age, but not more than 18 years and
six months of age as of the program start date, or not have
nished more than 11 years of primary and secondary school,
not including kindergarten; and
(4) Not have previously participated in a secondary school
student academic year or semester exchange program or
attended school in the United States in either F-1 or J-1 status.
SEC. 3) EXCEPTION FOR PLACEMENT THROUGH APPROVED
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS UTILIZING AN F-1 EDUCATION VISA
a) APPROVED PROGRAMS- Foreign Exchange Students in
possession of an F-1 education Visa attending KHSAA member
schools may have the period of ineligibility waived in the
event that the student is placed in a KHSAA member school
under the auspices of approved student exchange programs
or a valid F-1 exchange agreement under the auspices of the
Department of Homeland Security. Member student exchange
programs (agencies) and schools of the Council on Standards for
International Education Travel (CSIET) who are members in good
standing with CSIET shall be considered approved agencies/
schools. An individual placed by an agency/school approved
by CSIET may be denied eligibility if it is documented that the
agency has failed to assign students to schools by a method
that ensures that no student, school or interested party has
inuenced the assignment for athletic or other purposes.
Other entities may be approved by the Board of Control, but
such approval must be granted before the placement of any
student in a KHSAA member school. To be otherwise considered
for approval by the Board of Control, a foreign exchange
program (agency) shall assign students to schools by a method
that ensures that no student, school or interested party may
inuence the assignment for athletic or other purposes and shall
formally request approval of the Board of Control through the
Commissioner’s ofce.
b) WAIVER OF PERIOD OF INELIGIBILITY- To be considered for a
waiver, the following conditions shall exist:
(1) The student shall be in compliance with all U.S. Immigration
and Naturalization Service regulations and placed through an
approved program or school as in Sec. 3(a) above;
(2) The student shall be in the rst and only year as an exchange
student in the United States and placed through an approved
program as in Sec. 3(a) above;
(3) The student shall not be a graduate of the 12th or terminating
grade or its equivalent in either the U.S. or his or her home
country;
(4) The student shall have a complete transcript of records
that has been translated into English before the request for
eligibility;
(5) The student shall have an F-1 student education visa issued
by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and a
properly completed I-20;
(6) When enrolled in a public (A1, B1, A5, D1, F1) school, the
student shall be required to pay the public school district the
full unsubsidized, per capita cost of providing the education,
as reported to the Kentucky Department of Education. The full,
unsubsidized per capita cost of education (for each student)
is the district cost of providing education to each student in
the school district where the public school is located. When
enrolled in a nonpublic (J1, M1, R1) school, the student shall
be required to pay the nonpublic school the full amount of
the highest listed tuition for attendance at that member
school, and shall not be eligible for any merit or need-based
aid as dened in Bylaw 11 or any otherwise permitted tuition
reduction within the guidelines of the member school;
(7) The full, unsubsidized, per capita cost of education shall
be listed under “tuition” on the student’s Form I-20. If the
Form I-20 does not include the cost of tuition, the student
must have a notarized statement, signed by the designated
school ofcial (DSO) who signed the Form I-20, stating the
full cost of tuition (unsubsidized per capita cost of education)
and that the student paid the tuition (unsubsidized per capita
cost of education) in full. The unsubsidized cost payment is
mandatory, and school systems cannot waive the requirement.
Federal law does not allow a student in F-1 status to attend
public secondary school without paying this cost, which
must be paid in all cases. Any payments to the local school
district for this unsubsidized cost payment shall be made by
the student and may not be made by any individual with any
direct or indirect connection to the member school;
(8) Placement in the KHSAA member school is random, and
the student has not been a “direct placement” into a KHSAA
member school. For the F-1 visa, a “direct placement” is one
who is known to be trying out for/to play an interscholastic
varsity sport, or for whom participation in athletics was a
known motivating factor at the time of application;
(9) The placement must remain uninterrupted for the entire
period during which the student would have been ineligible
if the waiver was not granted;
(10) The student’s host family shall not pay any tuition or fee
normal to the attendance at the KHSAA member school; all
fees shall be paid by the student’s family;
(11) All travel fees shall be paid by the student’s family;
(12) No members of the coaching or athletic staff (paid or
unpaid) at the KHSAA member school or school system at
which participation is desired has had no role in the entry into
school including acting as SEVIS local contract or registrar;
(13) The student’s host family from the initial date of entry
into the United States through the end of the period as an
exchange student shall not include members of the coaching
or athletic staff at the KHSAA member school at which
participation is desired; and
(14) The student, the Principal or Designated Representative of
the member school, and a representative of the placement
agency shall sign and attest to certication that the athlete
complies with the eligibility rules of the KHSAA and shall not
be eligible under any circumstances for more than one year
of athletic participation if the rst year period of ineligibility
is waived.
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10 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
c) The facts supporting a waiver under this rule shall be based on
the circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment at the
new school.
d) Criteria for F-1 Student Enrollment
(1) F-1 VISA authorized schools are monitored by the Department
of Homeland Security;
(2) Students with F-1 VISAs must pay tuition to attend school if
such tuition is charged to students;
(3) Students with F-1 VISAs must pay tuition based on board
policy that is equivalent to the cost of educating the student
in the school district with state (if applicable) and local funds;
(4) Students with F-1 VISAs must be student and exchange
visitor program (SEVP) certied and can only attend SEVP-
certied schools;
(5) F-1 students cannot spend a year at one public high school
and then transfer to another; and
(6) As public schools are funded through tax revenue and
not tuition, F-1 students attending an SEVP-certied public
secondary school must pay the full, unsubsidized per capita
cost of attending school for one year.
SEC. 4) EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR J-1 OR F-1 STATUS
PLACEMENT BEYOND ONE YEAR IF WAIVER GRANTED
Any student having made an election to apply for the waiver of
the rst year of ineligibility and having been granted a waiver of
the normal period of ineligibility under Sec. 1 above shall not be
eligible, under any circumstances, for more than one (1) school
year while enrolled in grades 9-12 in Kentucky.
grades 9 -12 in Kentucky.
SEC. 5) FOREIGN STUDENTS (NONDOMESTIC) NOT COMING
THROUGH EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
a) Any student who is not from the United States or the District
of Columbia and does not have J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) and
who initially enrolls into a KHSAA member school and desires
to participation in sports at the varsity level Kentucky shall be
considered ineligible at the varsity (rst team) level for the rst
calendar year following enrollment.
b) Any student who is not from the United States or the District of
Columbia and does not have J-1 or F-1 status (VISA and who has
been ineligible for an entire calendar year after being enrolled in
a high school in Kentucky shall become eligible to represent that
school immediately following the conclusion of the one-year
period, and remain eligible through graduation while enrolled
in that school if compliant with all other KHSAA Bylaws.
c) Any student who is not from the United States or the District of
Columbia and does not have J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who has
not been enrolled for an entire calendar year in a high school in
Kentucky and subsequently changes schools shall have transfer
eligibility status considered under the provisions of this bylaw.
d) Any student who is not from the United States or the District of
Columbia and does not have J-1 or F-1 status (VISA) who has
been enrolled for an entire calendar year in a high school in
Kentucky and subsequently changes schools shall have transfer
eligibility status considered under the provisions of Bylaw 6.
SEC. 6) DISCRETIONARY EXCEPTIONS FOR WAIVER FOR FOREIGN
STUDENTS (NONDOMESTIC) NOT COMING THROUGH EXCHANGE
PROGRAMS
a) ENTIRE FAMILY RELOCATION- The period of ineligibility may
be waived if the entire family unit is relocating from a foreign
country. In this case, the student(s) may be declared eligible by
documenting the move of the permanent residence of the entire
family of the student and the student’s parents into the school
district or dened school attendance area before the enrollment
of the student. The facts supporting a waiver under this rule
shall be based on the circumstances existing as of the date of
enrollment at the new school.
b) REFUGEE/POLITICAL ASYLUM- The period of ineligibility may
be waived if the members of a family from a foreign country
are relocating due to a declaration of asylum or seeking refuge
due to acknowledged conict. In this case, student(s) may be
declared eligible by documenting the move into the school
district or dened school attendance area by the policies of the
United States Department of State before the enrollment of the
student. The facts supporting a waiver under this rule shall be
based on the circumstances existing as of the date of enrollment
at the new school.
SEC. 7) SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS RESULTING IN DENIAL OF WAIVER
A waiver of the period of ineligibility is not required for a student
satisfying one of the exceptions in Sec. 2 if documentation exists
in the record that the transfer is motivated in whole or part by a
desire to participate in athletics at the new school.
a) This documentation of actions occurring any time after
enrollment in grade nine (9) includes but is not limited to:
b) A coach employed at the receiving school, paid or volunteer at
any level, or another employed individual, paid or volunteer at
any level, who is acting in a coaching role including instruction
or training of any type and who, before the transfer of the
student:
(1) Coached the student at a former school;
(2) Provided sport-specic instruction (paid or unpaid) without
the expressed consent of the prior enrolled school;
(3) Coached the student on a non-school (i.e., AAU, American
Legion, club settings, summer program, etc.) team;
(4) Provided general athletic or activities instruction, including
weight training and supervised conditioning without
expressed permission from the prior enrolled school; or
(5) Provided housing or assistance with housing.
c) The student in question or family, before transferring to the new
school:
(1) Received impermissible contacts or improper benets as
dened in Bylaw 16;
(2) Sought to be coached by the coach(es) at the new school;
(3) Expresses dissatisfaction with the philosophy, policies,
methods, or actions of a coach or administrator about
interscholastic athletics;
(4) Sought additional playing time or opportunities or having
shown dissatisfaction with the amount of participation or role
of participation at former school;
(5) Resided with any athletic coach or any other non-relative
who is a member of the school athletic or administrative staff
or team member (including parents and boosters); or
(6) Has had all or part of the housing or residence logistics
inuenced, coordinated or manipulated by a member of
the school athletic or administrative staff or team member
(including parents and boosters);
d) The change in schools is to nullify or circumvent:
(1) Documented obligations (including nancial obligations) to
the sending school;
(2) Implementation of Board of Education, School-Based
Decision Making or school imposed policy which would have
resulted in the student’s ineligibility at the sending school by
KHSAA Bylaws or Competition Rules; or
(3) A conict with the philosophy or action of an administrator,
teacher, or coach relating to sports.
SEC. 8) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 8. ENROLLMENT / TRANSFER OF NON-BYLAW 8. ENROLLMENT / TRANSFER OF NON-
RESIDENT STUDENTRESIDENT STUDENT
SEC. 1) NON-RESIDENT STUDENT ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTION
a) Under KRS 156.070 (2) (i), unless deemed to be eligible by
the Ruling Ofcer or the Commissioner through Bylaw 6, any
student who transfers enrollment from a district of residence to
a nonresident district under KRS 157.350(4)(b) after enrolling
in grade nine (9) and participating in a varsity sport shall be
ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for one (1)
calendar year from the date of the transfer.
b) Per KRS 157.350 (4) (c), the provisions of subsection (a) above
shall not apply to a nonresident pupil who attends a district in
which a parent of the pupil is employed.
(1) The following denitions and guidelines must be met for a
student to be counted as a CDE (child of district employee)
student and, therefore, exempt from section 1(a) above,
however said students are subject to the provisions of Bylaw
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 11
6:
a. The parent must be employed, holding an employment
contract with the district at a level that requires that person
to receive a W-2 and further requires the employee to
participate in one of the state retirement systems (TRS, KRS,
CERS), and does not include those who do not work enough
hours to qualify for those benets or if their employment is
reported on a 1099-MISC.
b. The “parent” is dened as a person who has a school-
age child who lives in the employee’s household, and the
employee exercises custodial care and control of the child,
including a biological or adoptive parent, step-parent,
foster parent, or any person to who the courts have award
custodial care of the child.
(2) All tuition fees required of a nonresident pupil may be
waived for a pupil who meets the requirements of Sec. 1(b)1
of this bylaw.
SEC. 2) WAIVER PROVISION
a) Per statute, the Ruling Ofcer and the Commissioner shall not
adopt administrative procedures that allow for the waiver of
this rule.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including required contest forfeiture.
b) By statute, the provisions of this bylaw are not appealable.
BYLAW 9. BASKETBALL/FOOTBALL CONTESTANT BYLAW 9. BASKETBALL/FOOTBALL CONTESTANT
ON OTHER TEAMS, POSTSEASON AND ALL-STAR ON OTHER TEAMS, POSTSEASON AND ALL-STAR
GAMESGAMES
SEC. 1) BASKETBALL
a) Restrictions from the rst day of school through the day before
the rst permitted day of practice:
(1) For purposes of this bylaw, a contest, activity or play shall be
considered organized if:
a. basketball skills are practiced or rened outside of the high
school program and supervised by a third party not afliated
with the student’s enrolled school where collegiate coaches
are not permitted to evaluate;
b. preparatory practice(s) are conducted prior to the event;
c. teams are assigned in advance of the event and made
known to participants or others before arrival;
d. a team or playing unit involves three (3) or more members
of the same high school team; or
e. a team is composed of individuals who previously have
played or practiced together as a unit
(2) During this period, no student who, after enrolling in grade
nine (9) has subsequently been a contestant in basketball
at any level (grades 9-12) and has eligibility remaining in
basketball may participate in organized play as dened in
Sec. 1(a)(1) unless the Board of Control sanctions the event.
b) Restrictions from the rst permitted day of practice through the
last scheduled contest, including KHSAA-sanctioned postseason
contests:
(1) During this period, no student who, after enrolling in grade
nine (9) has subsequently been a contestant in basketball
at any level (grades 9-12) and has eligibility remaining in
basketball may:
a. participate in organized play as dened in Sec. 1(a)(1)
unless the event is sanctioned by the Board of Control; or
b. any event where basketball skills are taught, practiced,
rened or evaluated outside of the high school program and
supervised by a third party not afliated with the student’s
enrolled school, even if collegiate coaches are permitted to
be present and evaluating.
c) Restrictions following the last postseason contest
(1) Following the team’s last scheduled game (including
postseason), there are no basketball play restrictions for the
student-athletes except the applicable coaching restrictions
as detailed in Bylaw 23.
SEC. 2) FOOTBALL
a) Restrictions from First Day of Practice through Last Scheduled
Contest
(1) From the rst day of practice with the school through the
last scheduled contest played in football (including KHSAA-
sanctioned postseason contests) by the school, no student
who, after enrolling in grade nine (9) has subsequently been
a contestant in football at that school, at any level (grades
9-12) and has eligibility remaining in football may participate
in:
a. any manner on any non-school sponsored team in football;
b. any all-star game in football; or
c. any type of organized competition in football or variation
of football unless it has been sanctioned by the Board of
Control.
b) Restrictions following the End of Season
(1) Following the team’s last scheduled game (including
postseason), there are no restrictions on play in football for
the student-athletes except the published restrictions on the
issuance of equipment detailed in Bylaw 23.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 10. AMATEUR/AWARDSBYLAW 10. AMATEUR/AWARDS
SEC. 1) AMATEURISM AND AMATEUR STATUS
a) To remain eligible, a student who represents a member school
in an interscholastic sport shall be an amateur (and maintain
amateur status) in that sport.
b) An amateur athlete is one who engages in athletic competition
solely for the physical, mental, social, and pleasure benets
derived from said participation and not material gain.
c) An athlete forfeits amateur status and athletic eligibility in a
sport by:
(1) Competing for money (cash) or other monetary compensation
(allowable travel, meals and lodging expenses may be
accepted) including any cash or cash equivalent item (i.e., an
item that is negotiable for cash or other services, benets or
merchandise) for athletic participation;
(2) Receiving any award or prize of monetary value not approved
within the permissible awards without immediate restitution
by the student-athlete when the violation is detected;
(3) Accepting gift certicates and merchandise items that cannot
be properly personalized;
(4) Receiving money or other gifts of monetary value not
specically approved by Sec. 2 of this rule;
(5) Capitalizing on interscholastic athletic fame by the use of a
specic athlete(s) likeness with any use of school trademarks,
uniforms and equipment, copyrights, including facilities, to
promote a specic business or organizational entity including
expressly or implicitly endorsing commercial products or
services;
(6) Failing to return player equipment or uniforms issued by a
school team when the season for that sport concluded, or
when the student’s continued participation on such team
concluded;
(7) Signing a professional playing contract in that sport; or
(8) Accepting more than a nominal standard fee or salary (based
on the prevailing market rate based on a comparison with
student athlete of similar skill and experience in that sport) for
instructing, supervising or ofciating in an organized youth
sports program or recreation, playground, or camp activities.
“Organized youth sports program” includes both school and
non-school programs.
SEC. 2) AWARDS AND LIMITATIONS
a) This bylaw governs all awards received by a student-athlete
while enrolled in a member school or awards received before
enrollment.
b) Cash or any other award that an individual cannot receive
under these rules may not be forwarded in the individual’s name
to a different agency or individual.
c) The following are permissible awards:
(1) Awards for participation in special events (postseason
tournaments) and established regional or national recognition
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awards (Mr./Miss Basketball, All-State, etc.) may be presented
only by the management of the event, awards program, or
by a school that has had, or will have, a team or individual
participating in the event or sport, subject to the limitations
herein;
(2) An organization, business rm or other outside agency may
recognize a student-athlete’s outstanding performance in a
particular contest or during a particular time by presenting an
award, subject to the limitations herein;
(3) Awards presented by a member school conference, or
approved agency shall be uniform for all team members
receiving the award;
(4) Any award received from a source other than the member
school for competition while representing the member high
school during the season as dened by Bylaw 23 that does not
exceed a value of $500;
(5) Any award presented by the member school or by the
Association for participation in KHSAA sponsored postseason
events;
(6) Any award received by a student-athlete participating in
an event while not representing the school at any time that
conforms to the regulations of the recognized amateur athletic
organization(s) associated with the event. If no limit exists for
the amateur organization, the limit shall be $500; and
(7) A scholarship award to attend an institution of higher
education after high school paid directly to the institution.
d) The following are impermissible awards:
(1) Cash, gift certicates and merchandise items that cannot be
properly personalized;
(2) Any award or prize of monetary value not approved within
the permissible awards and
(3) An improper benet as detailed in Bylaw 16, Sec. 1(b).
(4) A scholarship award to attend an institution of higher
education after high school not paid directly to the institution.
(5) Any otherwise permissible award that exceeds the limitations
of Sec. 2(c).
SEC. 3) RESTRICTIONS AND ALLOWANCES ON THE USE OF NAME,
IMAGE AND LIKENESS BY PARTICIPANTS AND SCHOOLS
a) Denitions used in this section:
(1) “Compensation” means anything of value, monetary or
otherwise, including but not limited to cash, gifts, in-kind items
of value, social media compensation, payments for licensing
or use of publicity rights, payments for other intellectual or
intangible property rights under federal or state law, and any
other form of payment or remuneration, but shall exclude the
payment of wages and benets to a student athlete for work
actually performed, but not for athletic ability, or participation
at a rate commensurate with the prevailing rate for similar
work in the locality of the member school;
(2) “Name” means the rst, middle, or last name, or nickname
of the student athlete when used in a context that reasonably
identies the student athlete with particularity, which may
include a team number, symbol, logo, or brand;
(3) “Image” means a picture or video of the student athlete;
(4) “Interscholastic sport” means a sport played between
educational institutions that are not community colleges,
colleges, or universities;
(5) “Likeness” means a physical, digital, or other depiction or
representation of the student athlete;
(6) “Prevailing market rate” means a rate that is tethered to
the value of the consideration the student athlete that is
reasonable based on a comparison with students and student
athletes in that area;
(7) “Student-athlete” means an individual who is eligible
to attend a member school and engages in, is eligible to
engage in, or may be eligible in the future to engage in, any
interscholastic or intercollegiate sport. “Student-athlete”
does not include an individual permanently ineligible to
participate in a particular interscholastic or intercollegiate
sport for that sport.
(8) “School Intellectual property” means trademarks (past
and present, to include ofcial and unofcial logos whether
ofcially led or not), school owned or other facilities
regularly utilized for practice of competition, school uniforms,
school identifying apparel (whether issued by the school or
not), and copyrights;
(9) “Association intellectual property” means the logos (past
and present, to include ofcial and unofcial logos whether
ofcially led or not) of the KHSAA or any of its events;
including past audio, video and still images.
b) Restriction on Member Schools of the KHSAA regarding
compensation
(1) No member school shall grant a student athlete the right
to use the member school’s intellectual property, such as
trademarks, school uniforms, and copyrights, in the student’s
earning of compensation through name, image, and likeness
activities.
(2) No student-athlete shall use such intellectual property in
earning compensation through name, image, and likeness
activities.
c) Clarications for this section:
(1) It is not a violation of Bylaw 10 and its amateur provisions
for an enrolled student-athlete to receive compensation for:
a. work at camps, clinics and instruction that is paid at a
prevailing market rate;
b. product or business endorsements not using the intellectual
property of a member school, district, region or state
association;
c. compensation for activities at a prevailing market rate for
activity using the name, image and likeness that does not
utilize school or association intellectual property;
d. compensation for social media activities that do not utilize
school, district, region or state association intellectual
property.
(2) It is a violation of Bylaw 10 for any student-athlete to receive
compensation directly related to specic ability, performance
or contest results (actual or speculative) or to receive
compensation in violation of Sec. 1 or Sec. 2 above.
(3) The Commissioner in consultation with the Board of Control
shall develop and maintain policies and interpretations
surrounding businesses that may be involved with in
the compensation of student-athletes guided by existing
policies relative to advertising and sponsorship sales by the
association, and shall regularly communicate this information
to the member schools for distribution.
SEC. 4) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 11. FINANCIAL AIDBYLAW 11. FINANCIAL AID
SEC. 1) DEFINITIONS FOR THIS BYLAW
a) Tuition- means the amount of necessary fees, costs and other
charges to attend a member school as determined by that
member school’s published scale of charges. The tuition at
the member school shall be the same for all students in like
situation irrespective of participation in athletics and shall
include applicable room and board expenses.
b) Classication of Schools- means the classication of the
member schools as follows:
(1) A1- District operated general program or multi-program
schools;
(2) A5 (District-operated alternative education program with
no denable attendance boundaries designed to remediate
academic performance, improve behavior, or provide an
enhanced learning experience. This designation should only
be used for offsite alternative education programs and the
students may not be A1 enrolled at any other school).
(3) B1 Laboratory or training school operated by college or
university)
(4) D1- Kentucky Department of Education operated schools
(Blind and Deaf);
(5) F1- Federal Dependent Schools;
(6) J1- Roman Catholic schools;
(7) M1- Other Religious schools and
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 13
(8) R1- Private nonchurch related schools.
c) Public Schools- means the member schools receiving funding
from the Kentucky Department of Education or comparable
federal sources. Public schools shall include the member schools
which are classied as A1, D1, or F1.
d) Nonpublic Schools- means the member schools not receiving
funding from the Kentucky Department of Education or
comparable federal sources. Those schools shall include the
member schools which are classied as J1, M1, and R1.
e) Nonpublic School Zone- means the zone to which each
nonpublic school is assigned. The four current nonpublic school
zones are Covington, Lexington, Louisville, and Owensboro.
These nonpublic school zones shall be comprised of the
counties contained in the geographic alignment related to the
archdiocese of the same name.
f) Nonpublic School Governing Board- means the entity having
oversight over the member school. For purposes of this
bylaw, the “governing board” of a nonpublic school shall be
determined by the school type. For J1 schools, the “governing
board” shall be the archdiocese and geographic references shall
be the counties included in the nonpublic school zone of the
school. For the R1 and M1 schools, the “governing board” shall
be as dened by the governance structure of the institution.
g) Immediate Family- means the student and the student’s father,
mother, brother, sister, step-father, step-mother, step-brother,
step-sister, husband, wife, aunt, uncle, grandparent.
h) Financial Aid- means any and all aid given to a student
which reduces tuition, including awards, grants, work-study,
reductions, and waivers.
i) Need-Based Aid- means the amount of nancial aid that an
independent nancial analysis of the student’s nancial aid
application demonstrates that the student needs to pay tuition
to attend a member school, provided the analysis is performed
by an agency approved by the Board of Control.
j) Merit Aid- means nancial aid awards given by the member
school based solely on academic/test performance which are
available to the entire student body through a competitive
application process and that the selection of the recipient(s)
is based on published objective criteria which may not include
athletic achievement or ability.
k) Merit Aid Test- means the academic assessment or placement
test approved by the Board of Control before its administration.
l) Merit Aid Test Window- means the range of dates submitted by
each member school for the administration of the merit aid test.
m) Financial Records- means the records related to any nancial
aid analysis of the student, including the immediate family’s
records of the method and sources for all tuition payments.
SEC. 2) IMPERMISSIBLE FINANCIAL AID
A student shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic
athletics if the student:
a) Receives nancial aid beyond the limits dened in Sec. 1(a)
except for merit and need-based aid allowed under this bylaw,
and waivers of tuition for nondomestic students meeting all
federal laws and regulations who are ruled eligible under Bylaw
7 or Bylaw 8;
b) Receives merit aid based on an unapproved merit aid test;
c) Receives merit aid based on a merit aid test not administered on
an approved merit aid test date;
d) Receives merit aid greater than twenty-ve percent (25%) of
the tuition at the member school;
e) Is more than sixty (60) days decient in the payment of tuition,
necessary fees, costs and other charges for attending a member
school without corresponding documentation and revised needs
analysis form;
f) Receives nancial aid that is not available to the entire student
body by published objective criteria;
g) Receives nancial aid from a funding source that is not under
the custody and control of the member school or its governing
board;
h) Receives any nancial aid other than the permitted need-based
aid or merit aid detailed above from a member school, any other
entity governed by that member school’s governing board or
any representatives of the member school;
i) Receives any nancial aid that is indirectly or directly related to
athletic achievement or ability;
j) Has any part of the nancial obligation to the member school
paid directly or indirectly by individuals outside of the student’s
immediate family; or
k) Does not agree to complete disclosure of nancial records
as dened in this bylaw upon request of the KHSAA and its
ofcials, employees, and agents.
SEC. 3) FINANCIAL AID RESTRICTIONS AND REPORTING
All member schools shall annually report detailed nancial aid
information to the KHSAA including:
a) Tuition schedule or other fees applicable to the student body at
the member school;
b) The merit aid test being utilized by the school and the merit aid
test date; and
c) A detailed listing of the amount of nancial aid awarded by the
member school including;
(1) The need-based aid each student-athlete is eligible to receive
based on the report of the approved independent agency;
(2) The merit aid given to each student and the qualifying score
used to make the determination;
(3) The amount of need-based aid awarded to each student; and
(4) A specic listing of the sports in which each student
participates.
SEC. 4) SPECIAL PROGRAM REVIEW PROCESS
A member school may petition the Board of Control for approval
of a specic program existing prior to the adoption of this rule or
a program that can be documented to be unrelated to athletics
that does not create an advantage to the school and provided that
program is available to all students within the school based on
objective criteria.
SEC. 5) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 12. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, PARENTAL BYLAW 12. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, PARENTAL
CONSENT AND INSURANCECONSENT AND INSURANCE
SEC. 1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND PARENTAL CONSENT
a) The Superintendent or Principal shall have each student who
is trying for a place as a participant on a sport or sport-activity
team present a physician’s certicate signed by a physician,
physician’s assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or
chiropractor (if performed in the scope of practice as dened in
KRS Chapter 312) which shall state that he or she is physically
t to participate without undue risk.
b) The parent’s consent for the child’s participation and
acknowledgment of receipt of the eligibility rules as promulgated
by the Association and Kentucky Board of Education regulations
in writing shall be required on KHSAA Form GE04.
c) The permission shall acknowledge that the student and the
parents are aware of the education material available from
the KHSAA, Centers for Disease Control, and other agencies
regarding the nature and risk of concussion and head injury,
including the continuance of play after a concussion or head
injury.
SEC. 2) REQUIREMENT FOR INSURANCE
a) A student, before participation or trying for a place on a sports
or sport-activity team shall have in place medical insurance with
coverage limits up to the deductible of the KHSAA Catastrophic
Insurance program, and that insurance shall remain in force
throughout participation.
b) It shall be the responsibility of each member school to ensure
and certify that each student has insurance coverage throughout
the school year.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BylawsBylaws
14 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
BYLAW 13. AGREEMENT REGARDING BYLAW 13. AGREEMENT REGARDING
PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CONTRACTSPROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CONTRACTS
SEC. 1) RESTRICTIONS ON SIGNING A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT
a) A student of a KHSAA member school shall not sign a
professional baseball contract until the day following his
graduation, or if he has left school, until the day following
the graduation of his class; nor shall any representative of
professional baseball initiate or participate in any negotiations
which would violate the student’s high school athletic eligibility;
except that a student that has been out of school one year or
longer may, with the consent of his or her parents, apply to the
Major League Baseball Commissioner for permission to sign a
contract and if in the judgment of the Major League Baseball
Commissioner, the circumstances justify it, he shall approve the
application and so notify all major league baseball clubs.
b) A player may be signed to a professional contract fteen (15)
days after the day of the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s
notice.
c) Any school whose employee or ofcial encourages or
collaborates in negotiations that violate this agreement shall be
penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27.
SEC. 2) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 14. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS BYLAW 14. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
AND REGULATIONSAND REGULATIONS
SEC. 1) GRADUATES AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
a) Any student who has graduated from a secondary school, or
who has ever played on a college team, is thereafter ineligible
to play on a high school team unless said student is properly
and timely designated under Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021
Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and
permitted the SSYP during the 2021-22 school year.
b) In the case of a student properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly
(Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the
SSYP during the 2021-22 school year, said student shall be
eligible according to all other bylaws.
SEC. 2) PRACTICE OF INELIGIBLE STUDENTS
a) A student ineligible by any of Bylaws 2 through 14 may not
participate in varsity competition in the dened sports at the
varsity level.
b) A student ineligible under the provisions of Bylaw 4, Sections
1(a), 1(b); or Bylaws 12, 13, or 14; and those students failing to
meet the requirements of the Competition rules related to safety
regulations as dened may not practice with the high school
team at any level or participate in non-varsity competition.
c) A student ineligible under the provisions of Bylaw 4, Section 3
may not participate in non-varsity competition.
d) All other practice by ineligible student-athletes who are
otherwise permitted to be on the sport or sport-activity roster of
the member school shall be determined by the member school if
applicable through these and other regulations.
SEC. 3) ASSUMED NAME
If a player enters a contest under an assumed name or when
not properly certied, he or she shall be permanently ineligible,
and his or her school shall be penalized in accordance with the
provisions of Bylaw 27.
SEC. 4) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Hearing Ofcer matters under the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure.
BYLAW 15. REQUIREMENT FOR GENDER-BASED BYLAW 15. REQUIREMENT FOR GENDER-BASED
PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATION
SEC. 1) DESIGNATION OF SPORT LEVELS
a) Notwithstanding KRS 156.070(2)(c) and in compliance with KRS
156.070(2)g), all athletic teams for sports and sport-activities
for KHSAA member schools participating in grades 9-12 for
those students enrolled in grades 7-12 shall be designated as
Boys/Coed or Girls.
SEC. 2) GENDER DETERMINATION FOR SPORT AND SPORT-ACTIVITY
PARTICIPATION
a) The sex of a student for the purpose of determining eligibility to
participate in an athletic activity or sport shall be determined by:
(1) A student’s biological sex as indicated on the student’s
original, unedited birth certicate issued at the time of birth;
or
(2) An afdavit signed and sworn to by the physician, physician
assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or chiropractor
that conducted the annual medical examination required by
KRS 156.070(2)(3) under penalty of perjury establishing the
student’s biological sex at the time of birth;
b) An athletic activity or sport designated as “girls” for students in
grades six (6) through twelve (12) shall not be open to members
of the male sex.
c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the
eligibility of any student to participate in an athletic activity or
sport designated as “Boys” or “Coed.
SEC. 3) SUPERSEDURE BY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION
In the event an order of a court of competent jurisdiction were to
deem the provisions of KRS 156.070(g) to be stayed or otherwise
eliminated, the Association policy would revert to the currently
applicable provisions in force for the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) until such time as alternative policies could be
appropriately promulgated.
SEC. 4) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including contest forfeiture.
b) By statute, the provisions of this bylaw are not appealable.
BYLAW 16. RECRUITMENT/UNDUE INFLUENCEBYLAW 16. RECRUITMENT/UNDUE INFLUENCE
SEC. 1) PROVISIONS ON RECRUITING/UNDUE INFLUENCE
a) A pupil (domestic or foreign) at any grade level shall not be
recruited to a member school of the KHSAA to participate in
athletics. Recruiting is dened as an act, on behalf of, or for
the benet of, a school, including impermissible contact, which
attempts to inuence a student to transfer to a member school
to participate in athletics, including the offer of improper
benets not available to all members of the student body.
b) It shall also be dened as recruiting to provide improper
benets not available to all members of the student body to
an already enrolled student to inuence that student to remain
at a member school including recruitment under the guise of
academics.
c) An athletic coach or any other member of the school staff
or team member (including parents and boosters) shall not
inuence a student even if the student, his or her parents or
any intermediary from another school, makes the initial contact.
In this situation, a coach or staff member (paid or unpaid)
should immediately refer the person(s) to the school Principal or
Designated Representative.
d) Inuencing a student shall include the promise or instilling the
expectation of an athletic advantage, playing time, employment
of the student or the student’s parents or relatives, housing for
the student or the student’s parents, scholarships or nancial aid
for which other members of the student body are not generally
eligible, providing other improper benets, making improper
contacts or any other material or athletic reward for which other
members of the student body are not generally eligible.
e) A school ofcial utilizing an intermediary including a peer,
another school employee, a student, a parent or a citizen, to
recruit a student-athlete shall be in noncompliance.
f) An individual with a connection to a member school shall not give
or promise a prospective or currently enrolled student-athlete
compensation for the use of the name, image, or likeness of to
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 15
recruit or induce the athlete to enroll at any member school.
g) An individual with a connection to a member school shall not
give or promise compensation for the use of an athlete’s name,
image, or likeness;
SEC. 2) PENALTY
a) Any representative of a member school knowingly allowing
the recruitment of a student to participate in athletics or who
should have known of this recruitment shall be guilty of willful
neglect of duty, misconduct, or breach of contract.
b) This shall apply not only to coaches but also to personnel
supervising coaches, including the Designated Representative,
an athletic director, an assistant principal, Principal or
Designated Representative, an assistant Superintendent, a
Superintendent or a school board member.
c) This requirement shall also apply to students or their parents.
d) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including contest forfeiture.
e) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 17. CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITYBYLAW 17. CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY
SEC. 1) VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY
a) The Principal or Designated Representative of the school shall
be responsible for certifying the eligibility of all contestants.
b) Before certifying the eligibility of a player, a Principal or
Designated Representative shall verify the player’s age and all
other requirements contained in these Bylaws.
c) The statement of facts concerning a player on the eligibility
list of his or her rst year of competition shall be considered
authoritative and may not be changed in later eligibility lists for
that year or in later years except to carry out the purposes of the
Bylaws in providing a cumulative record, or, when authorized by
the Commissioner to correct an error.
d) Before the certication of the eligibility of a student, the
Principal or Designated Representative shall have on le the
physician’s certicate, the parental consent, and the parental
acknowledgment required by Bylaw 12.
SEC. 2) DUTY OF A NEW PRINCIPAL OR DESIGNATED
REPRESENTATIVE
A new Principal or Designated Representative, before certifying to
the eligibility of his or her players, if there is a reason to question
any of the information shall secure from the Commissioner’s ofce
a copy of the original certication for that player.
SEC. 3) ANNUAL PARTICIPATION LIST
a) Each Principal or Designated Representative of a member
school shall submit to the Commissioner at the end of the
school year (not later than May 30) a list of the names of all
students who participated in any rst team contest in any sport
during the season.
b) This participation list shall be submitted on a form supplied by
the Association, and shall be completed in its entirety for each
student.
SEC. 4) PENALTY FOR CERTIFICATION OF INELIGIBLE PLAYER
a) If any school plays an ineligible player when the facts were
available and could have been known to a Principal or
Designated Representative, that school shall be penalized in
accordance with the any or all of the provisions of Bylaw 27.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 18. SUPPLYING INFORMATION AND BYLAW 18. SUPPLYING INFORMATION AND
REPORTSREPORTS
SEC. 1) SUBMISSION OF REQUESTED INFORMATION
a) A Superintendent, Principal or Designated Representative or
student, shall, when requested, supply the Commissioner with
any information related to the athletic program at a member
school.
b) A failure to comply within a reasonable time may forfeit the
school’s membership in the Association, or the school may be
penalized in accordance with approved Association penalty
codes.
SEC. 2) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
a) Each member school shall annually certify that it will comply
with any and all of the rulings of the Commissioner, Assistant
Commissioners, Hearing Ofcer and Board of Control as they
relate to the athletic program at a member school.
b) This compliance shall include student eligibility matters, Board
policy directives related to health and safety of student-athletes,
and other programs as may be instituted by the convened Board
of Control.
SEC. 3) REQUIRED REPORTS
a) Each Principal or Designated Representative shall le with
the Commissioner, during, or at the end of each school year,
all participation lists and all other reports required by the
Association.
b) A membership certicate shall not be issued to any school until
the provisions of this bylaw have been fullled.
SEC. 4) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 19. COMPARABLE OPPORTUNITIESBYLAW 19. COMPARABLE OPPORTUNITIES
SEC. 1) REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBER SCHOOLS TO SPONSOR
a) If a member school sponsors or intends to sponsor an athletic
activity that is similar to a sport for which NCAA members offer
an athletic scholarship, the school shall sponsor the athletic
activity or sport for which the scholarships are offered.
b) The athletic activity that is similar to sports for which NCAA
members offer scholarships is Girls’ fastpitch softball as
compared to slow pitch.
SEC. 2) REQUIREMENTS TO DEMONSTRATE ATTEMPTS TO SPONSOR:
a) To qualify as having “sponsored” a sport, a school shall be able
to demonstrate the following:
(1) If similar versions of a particular sport exist and there are
differences in the scholarship opportunities at the NCAA level
in that sport, a survey shall be taken of the student population
at reasonable times and places to determine the level of
interest in the sport(s); and
(2) If that survey reveals sufcient interest to eld the normal
squad required for play in the particular sport, and if any
version of the sport is to be played, the school shall make
facilities, staff, and other allowances to properly eld a team
in the version of the sport for which the NCAA members offer
scholarships.
SEC. 3) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 20. OFFICIALS DIVISION OF THE BYLAW 20. OFFICIALS DIVISION OF THE
ASSOCIATIONASSOCIATION
SEC. 1) OFFICIALS WHO LICENSE:
Any person who ofciates in baseball, basketball, eld hockey,
football, soccer, softball (fast pitch), swimming, volleyball and
wrestling in grades 9 through 12 between member schools of the
Association shall be licensed by the Commissioner and shall carry
an ofcial card indicating that licensing.
SEC. 2) REQUIREMENT TO USE LICENSED OFFICIALS
a) Only ofcials licensed with the Ofcials Division of the
Association shall be assigned or employed to ofciate in
baseball, basketball, eld hockey, football, soccer, softball,
volleyball or wrestling in all competition involving grades nine
(9) through twelve (12).
b) The Commissioner may approve exceptions to this policy in
writing.
SEC. 3) OFFICIAL SCRATCHES
a) A member school shall have the privilege of scratching a limited
number of ofcials (scratches) that it does not desire to have as
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16 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
contractors on the athletic contests of that school.
b) The number of scratches per school/coach is determined by the
Regional Policy Board and by policies adopted by the Board of
Control.
SEC. 4) RULES CLINICS
Each ofcial licensed with the KHSAA shall annually attend/
complete at least one rules interpretation clinic (in person or
online) conducted by representatives of the KHSAA in the sport in
which he or she is licensed.
SEC. 5) CANCELLATION OF OFFICIATING LICENSE
The KHSAA may cancel or refuse the license renewal of any
ofcial in any sport for cause as detailed in the KHSAA Ofcials
Guidebook and Board of Control Policies.
SEC. 6) ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICIATING ASSIGNMENTS
a) An ofcial shall accept assignments for contests in grades 9-12
in the amount of time and in the manner prescribed by the local
ofcials association to which he or she belongs.
b) The penalty for an ofcial’s failure to work an assigned game,
unless providentially prevented from doing so, may be cause for
up to a one-year suspension in that sport.
SEC. 7) VIOLATION OF ASSIGNING CONTRACTS
The Board of Control Policies shall protect both the ofcials and
the schools against violations related to assignments.
SEC. 8) LOCAL POLICY BOARDS/COMMITTEES
The Commissioner may establish as many bureaus as deemed
necessary in each sport to assign ofcials to games in accordance
with the Federal Court Decree of 1971 and policies adopted by the
Board of Control.
SEC. 9) GOVERNANCE
The Ofcials Guidebook and the Board of Control Adopted Policies
and Procedures shall govern all ofcials licensed with the KHSAA.
SEC. 10) COACHES/OTHERS CONNECTED NOT TO OFFICIATE
Coaches or persons connected with the competing schools
shall not ofciate at contests unless the written consent of all
competing schools is given.
SEC. 11) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
BYLAW 21. PROTESTS AND PRACTICE OF BYLAW 21. PROTESTS AND PRACTICE OF
SPORTSMANSHIPSPORTSMANSHIP
SEC. 1) LIMITATIONS ON PROTESTS OF CONTESTS
a) Protests against the judgment decisions of contest ofcials
made during a game or meet, including ejection of a player or
student-athlete, shall not be considered.
b) In accordance with adopted policy, a video may be reviewed
solely for the purpose of potential player misidentication, non-
judgement misapplication of playing rules or a formal request
by contests ofcials for help in identifying individuals when a
ghting or other egregious situation occurs.
SEC. 2) SPORTSMANSHIP OBLIGATION
a) It is the clear obligation of Principals, Designated
Representatives, Superintendents, coaches, faculty members,
boards of education, and all ofcial representatives of member
schools to practice the highest principles of sportsmanship and
the ethics of competition in all interscholastic relationships
with fans, ofcials, players, coaches, ofcial representatives of
member schools, and the general public.
b) The Commissioner and the Board of Control shall have the full
authority to suspend the coach, student, or any member school
whose representatives may be convicted on competent evidence
of the violation of this obligation.
c) Any violation of this rule in any interscholastic contest shall
be immediately reported to the Commissioner’s ofce by the
Principal or Designated Representative of the member school(s)
involved, and by the game ofcials who work in the contest.
SEC. 3) ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT/VIDEOTAPING
a) It shall also be considered a violation of this rule if any school
or school representative(s) uses or allows the use of illegal
equipment which gains a competitive advantage in the contest
and which is expressly prohibited by the rules adopted for that
sport.
b) This shall also include the on-site recording of past or future
opponents in any electronic form without the expressed consent
of all involved teams.
c) A violation of this provision may result in penalization by the
Commissioner’s ofce in accordance with the provisions of this
bylaw and in accordance with KHSAA Bylaw 27.
SEC. 4) REQUIREMENT FOR REINSTATEMENT
a) Any student, coach, or ofcial team representative ejected from
an interscholastic contest due to a violation of this obligation
shall be disqualied from athletic competition until reinstated
by the Commissioner or one of the Assistant Commissioners.
SEC. 5) REPORTING REQUIREMENT AND PERMANENT SUSPENSION
a) The name of the student or coach shall be reported to
the Commissioner’s ofce by the Principal or Designated
Representative of the member school that student attends.
b) When an ofcial disqualies a student or coach, he or she
shall report the disqualication to the Principal or Designated
Representative of the member school and to the KHSAA ofce.
c) If the Commissioner nds upon investigation that the offense
was sufciently serious, the offender shall be permanently
disqualied.
SEC. 6) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including contest forfeiture.
b) The provisions of this bylaw are not appealable with the
exception of Sec. 5(c) which shall be considered Board matters
under the KHSAA Due Process Procedure.
BYLAW 22. CONTESTS, SANCTIONS, RULES, BYLAW 22. CONTESTS, SANCTIONS, RULES,
FORFEITURES, FACULTY TO ACCOMPANYFORFEITURES, FACULTY TO ACCOMPANY
SEC. 1) CONTESTS AGAINST IN-STATE OPPONENTS
a) KHSAA member schools may only compete in contests in
KHSAA-sanctioned sports against:
(1) Schools located in Kentucky that are current members of the
KHSAA; and
(2) Students of a non-member at-home private school, or
team of students from non-member at-home private schools
provided the non-member at-home private schools, and
students comply with the following:
a. A non-member at-home private school’s team and students
shall comply with the eligibility rules for student-athletes,
including Bylaws 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12;
b. A coach of a non-member at-home private school team
shall comply with all of the provisions of Bylaw 25;
c. This provision shall not allow a non-member at-home private
school’s team to participate in a sanctioned district, region,
section, semi-state or state tournament as sanctioned by
the KHSAA; and
d. This provision does not allow eligibility for a recognition,
award, or championship sponsored by the KHSAA.
b) Any KHSAA member school that engages in an athletic contest
in a KHSAA-sanctioned sport with a school, not in compliance
with Sec. 1(a) above shall be subject to all penalties contained
in Bylaw 27.
c) Any student not eligible to represent a KHSAA member school
at the varsity level shall not participate in any varsity event
managed by a KHSAA member school.
d) All contests within Kentucky played by KHSAA member schools
in a KHSAA-sanctioned sport shall be governed by the rules and
regulations established by the Board of Control. Approval for
any exemptions shall come through the Commissioner.
SEC. 2) CONTESTS WITH SCHOOLS FROM OTHER STATES, CANADA
AND MEXICO
a) Any student not eligible to represent a KHSAA member school
at the varsity level shall not participate for a member school in
any varsity event managed by a school in another state.
b) Member schools of the KHSAA shall adhere to all restrictions
contained in the National Federation of State High School
Associations’ sanctioning policy when playing any contest or
scrimmage against an out-of-state opponent (including Canada
and Mexico) in a KHSAA-sanctioned sport.
c) All contests outside of Kentucky must include competition
against teams representing a school and playing as a school
team.
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 17
d) All contests within Kentucky in a KHSAA-sanctioned sport
against schools from out of state that are played by KHSAA
member schools shall be governed by the rules and regulations
established by the Board of Control. Approval for any exemptions
shall come through the Commissioner.
e) The KHSAA member school is responsible for ensuring the
legality of the opponents and that the procedures of the NFHS
sanctioning policy are followed.
SEC. 3) FOREIGN TEAMS
a) KHSAA member schools may compete in contests against
schools from foreign countries other than Canada and Mexico
provided such contest are properly sanctioned through
the National Federation of State High School Associations’
sanctioning policy if such sanction is required.
b) KHSAA member schools may not compete in contests against
non-school teams from foreign countries or those listed as a
club team on any international registry.
c) The KHSAA member school is responsible for ensuring the
legality of the opponents and that the procedures of the NFHS
sanctioning policy are followed.
SEC. 4) CONTRACTS
a) Ofcial written contracts supplied by the ofce of the
Commissioner (or approved electronic substitutes) shall be used
for all contests between members of the Association, and the
contract shall include statements to the effect that contracting
parties are members of the Association.
b) The Association shall not undertake to enforce oral contracts or
oral agreements to changes in written contracts, or contracts
that do no use the ofcial written contract form.
c) The recipient of a contract for an athletic contest between
two member schools of the KHSAA shall return the contract,
either signed or unsigned, to the sender within thirty (30) days
after having received it. The contract shall become void if not
returned within this period.
d) All contracts between member schools shall contain a specic
date for each contest covered in the contract. A contract in
which the words “corresponding date” appears, rather than a
specic date, shall not be enforced.
e) The Superintendent, Principal, or Designated Representative
shall countersign all contracts to engage in interscholastic
contests. Contracts signed by any other individual will not be
enforced by the KHSAA.
f) Provisions may be made for a forfeit fee to be paid by the school
that fails to follow the terms of a contract. The Commissioner
shall suspend from the Association a school that fails to pay
during the same season a stipulated forfeit fee, and the
suspension shall remain in effect until the Commissioner or the
Board of Control removes it.
g) Schools in districts that vote to seed regular season play shall
by that action, be entering into a contract, even if a written
contract is not executed. Schools agreeing to participate in
football postseason playoffs shall, by that action, be entering
into a contract, even if a written contract is not executed. The
Commissioner shall determine the default forfeit fee for any
school failing to play a seeded district game (for any reason)
or failing to play a district football game for a team that has
previously opted to participate in postseason playoffs.
h) If a written contract using the ofcial contract form is canceled
because of suspension of the school, the Commissioner shall
determine the nancial liability involving the suspended school.
SEC. 5) RULES GOVERNING CONTESTS
a) National Federation of State High School Association rules shall
govern all contests involving member schools if an ofcial set of
rules is issued for that sport.
b) Unless modied through the competition rules adopted by
the Board of Control, contests in tennis shall be governed by
the rules of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and
contests in golf shall be governed by the rules of the United
States Golf Association.
c) The Board of Control shall adopt competition rules for all sport-
activities in which the KHSAA conducts a championship.
SEC. 6) WAIVING OF RULES
School ofcials of member schools shall not by agreement waive
or modify any of the rules of the Association (including playing
rules) for any contest sanctioned by the Association.
SEC. 7) FAILURE TO PLAY A SCHEDULED CONTEST
a) If a school fails to carry out its contract to play a regularly
scheduled contest, the contest shall be forfeited to the offended
school.
b) If a school uses a participant in any contest and that student is
ineligible, the contest shall be forfeited.
SEC. 8) REQUIREMENT TO ACCOMPANY TEAM TO CONTESTS
a) The Principal or Designated Representative, coach, or another
individual approved by the local Board of Education shall
accompany the team to all contests.
b) His or her expenses, when he or she accompanies the
contestants, shall be paid in the same manner as those of the
contestants. Individuals fullling this requirement shall adhere
to the requirements of KRS 161.185.
SEC. 9) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 23. LIMITATION OF SEASONSBYLAW 23. LIMITATION OF SEASONS
SEC. 1) GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING ALL SPORTS AND
SPORT-ACTIVITIES
a) Playing During School Hours
School Time shall not be lost for travel to or from, or participation
in, any regular season interscholastic athletic contest.
b) Schedule of Contests on Consecutive Days
Contests shall be scheduled so that there are not four consecutive
days of competition on any Monday through Thursday period
while school is in session.
c) Specic Denitions for Ending of School
For all interpretations and regulations concerning the ending of
the school year, including restrictions on coaching involvement,
the end of the school year shall be dened as the earlier of the
last day of school or May 31.
d) Specic Penalties for Violations- Too Many Contests
Any school violating provisions of this Bylaw by playing too
many contests shall be penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27
but shall remain eligible for tournament play during the current
season.
e) Specic Penalties for Violations- Too Many Scrimmages
Any school violating scrimmage limitations may be placed
on probation, prohibited from participating in preseason
scrimmages in that sport for two (2) seasons, and may be
prohibited from taking part in KHSAA state championship
competition or other penalties in accordance with Bylaw 27.
The second violation shall result in an automatic suspension.
f) Organized Play and Involvement of Members of the Coaching
Staff Out of Season During the School Year
(1) Coaches (paid or unpaid) shall not coach (give instruction
in any manner or evaluate) members of that school’s team
during competition on the campus of a member school if
the activity involves at least fty (50) percent of the normal
playing squad being from any member school (e.g., 6 or more
in football or soccer, 3 or more in basketball, 5 or more in
baseball or softball); and
(2) Member school facilities shall not be utilized for organized
competition against another organized group that involves
students enrolled at a member school;
(3) Sport-specic coaching (observation, instruction, and
evaluation) of any player from a team at that school is
permitted provided that player is enrolled in that school or a
dened feeder pattern school under the same local board of
education as the coach is employed and provided that play is
not in conict with other KHSAA bylaws; and
(4) With the permission of school administration, coaching
(observation, instruction, and evaluation) of students from
the school team is permitted at facilities not located on the
campus of a member school.
(5) Member school facilities may be utilized during the school
year outside of the dened limitation of seasons for semi-
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18 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
organized play both in and not in the presence of that school’s
coaches, provided:
a. No activity may be mandatory for team members;
b. No penalty may exist for team members failing to
participate;
c. No activity may be restricted solely to team members;
d. No activity may involve students involving students who
are not currently enrolled in the school and are not currently
enrolled in a school within the dened feeder pattern
under the same local board of education without the
expressed written consent of the Principal or Designated
Representative of that student’s enrolled school, and
e. No activity may simulate competition with the presence
of ofcials, scoreboard/clock usage or other game like
conditions.
g) The Board of Control on recommendation of the Commissioner
may adjust the start and end dates or lessen the limit of contests
of a specic season by majority vote if an agreed facility location
for a specic state event is unavailable or conducting the event
during that specic time frame is not deemed in the best interest
of the member schools.
h) The Board of Control may waive provision(s) of this Bylaw to
allow member schools to participate in Hall of Fame Classic
or Foundation contests. Rules on participation in the Classic
contests shall be made approved the Board of Control and
published on the Association website as a part of the ofcial
record of the Association.
SEC. 2) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- BASEBALL- BOYS/COED
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no organized
baseball practice before the Monday of the corresponding week
containing February 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
games before the Monday following the last state basketball
tournament.
c) The rst game shall not take place before the Monday nine
weeks before the designated week of the district tournament
per the ofcial published corresponding date calendar, and may
begin during a zero (0) week in years that Memorial Day is in
NFHS Week 48.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of thirty-six (36) games
to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
competition (district).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 3) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- BASKETBALL- BOYS/COED
AND GIRLS
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no organized
basketball practice before October 15.
b) Before the opening game of regular season play, a basketball
team may have only two (2) scrimmages or practice games with
players other than members of the squad.
c) The rst basketball game shall not take place before the
Monday twelve weeks before the designated week of the
district tournament per the ofcial published corresponding
date calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of thirty (30) games to
be played before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
competition (district).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 4) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- CROSS COUNTRY- BOYS/
COED AND GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice for the fall varsity (grades 9-12)
season shall not take place before July 15.
b) There shall be no more than two scrimmage, or practice meets
before the rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst meet of the season shall not take place before the
Monday nine weeks before the week of the region meet.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of thirteen (13) meets
to be held before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
competition (region).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day before the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further practice or play during the remainder of the
academic school year.
SEC. 5) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- FIELD HOCKEY-GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice for the fall varsity (grades 9-12)
season shall not take place before July 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
games before the rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday nine
weeks before the week of the region tournament.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of twenty-four (24)
games to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state
championship competition (region).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 6) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- FOOTBALL- BOYS/COED
a) Organized practice shall be dened and structured in football
as follows:
(1) Football drill work and practice activity shall be dened in
the following ve categories:
a. “Level 0” or “air” means that players run a drill unopposed
without contact;
b. “Level 1” or “bags” means that a drill is run against a bag
or another soft contact surface;
c. “Level 2” or “control” means that a drill is run at an
assigned speed until the moment of contact; One (1) player
is predetermined the winner by the coach; Contact remains
above the waist; and Players stay on their feet.
d. “Level 3” or “Control to Ground” means that a drill is
run at an assigned non-competitive speed or with players
pre-engaged, there is a pre-determined winner, players are
allowed to take their opponent to the ground in a controlled
manner.
e. “Level 4” or “thud” means that a drill is run at a
competitive speed through the moment of contact; there
is no predetermined winner; contact is above the waist;
players stay on their feet, and a quick whistle ends the drill;
and
f. “Level 5” or “live action” means that a drill is run at a
competitive speed in game-like conditions.
(2) Contact and non-contact shall be dened as follows:
a. “Contact” means that drills are run at Level 3, Level 4 or
Level 5 as dened above; and
b. “Non-contact” means that drills are run at Level 0, Level
1 or Level 2.
(3) Football contact and non-contact practice shall use the
appropriate clothing and equipment (including current
certication/recertication of equipment as stipulated by the
manufacturer) for the level of drill, including:
a. A drill conducted in helmets-only shall be Level 0 or Level 1;
b. A drill conducted in shells (shorts, shoulder pads, and
helmets) shall be a non-contact drill as dened; and
c. Any contact drill shall be conducted in full equipment.
(4) There is no opportunity for any team activity in football
gear at camps where representatives of any other school
are present except for the noncontact game simulations
with other schools where no more than seven players are
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 19
participating simultaneously as detailed between July 10 and
July 31.
(5) There is no allowance for full contact camps for teams or
issuing other equipment to individuals except as detailed in
the all-star game/individual camp exception.
(6) From the end of the season through the day before the rst
day of spring practice; and from the last day after spring
practice through May 31:
a. Schools shall not issue football equipment included in
NFHS Rule 1-5 except an all-star game or individual camp
as detailed;
b. Schools shall not organize or participate in any football
activities that allow players to be in football gear included
in NFHS Rule 1-5 even if contact does not occur;
c. No session shall be held where attendance is taken;
d. No session shall be held where attendance is implicitly or
explicitly required;
e. No session shall be held where other schools or organized
teams are present and involved in any activity;
f. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance provided by the
Association is not in effect during this period; and
g. Heat index monitoring guidelines shall be complied with
during any activity.
(7) From June 1 through June 24:
a. Schools shall not issue football equipment included in
NFHS Rule 1-5, except an all-star game or individual camp
as detailed;
b. Schools shall not organize or participate in any football
activities that allow players to be in football gear included
in NFHS Rule 1-5, even if contact does not occur;
c. No session shall be held where attendance is taken;
d. No session shall be held where attendance is implicitly or
explicitly required;
e. No session shall be held where other schools or organized
teams are present and involved in any activity;
f. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance provided by the
Association is not in effect during this period;
g. Heat index monitoring guidelines shall be complied with
during any activity; and
h. Activity during this period shall not include Level 1, Level 2,
Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5;
(8) Non-contact interscholastic simulations during the period
beginning on the day immediately following the dead period
(Bylaw 24), July 10 and continuing through July 31:
a. Schools may participate in non-contact interscholastic
simulations with other schools where no more than seven
players are participating simultaneously during this period,
and such participation does not count against scrimmage
limitations provided that the rst practice in full gear has
not been conducted;
b. The school issued helmet may be used during these
activities, but no other equipment included in NFHS Rule
1-5 may be used;
c. Activity may be required of team participants including the
monitoring of attendance;
d. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance is in effect for these
simulations if other schools are involved;
e. Heat index monitoring guidelines shall be complied with
during any activity; and
f. Activity through the end of the non-contact simulations shall
not include Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 as dened.
(9) Preseason acclimation and acclimatization beginning July
10:
a. Heat index monitoring guidelines shall be complied with
during any activity;
b. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance is in place for these drills
and practice sessions;
c. Beginning July 10, the rst legal organized practice wearing
a helmet may be conducted;
d. The rst ve (5) days of organized practice shall be in
helmets only;
e. During the rst ve (5) days in helmets only, the total
practice time in helmets shall not exceed three (3) hours;
and
f. During the rst ve (5) days in helmets only, only Level
0-“Air” and Level 1-“Bags” drills shall be conducted;
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 3-hour limit; and
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against 3-hour limit;
g. Following the rst ve days, on days when the maximum
of two practices of any type is held, a total limit of 5 hours
per day of practice, not including the mandatory break shall
be allowed;
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 5-hour limit; and
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against 5-hour limit;
(10) Beginning July 22 through July 31:
a. Practice may be conducted in shells (shorts, helmets,
shoulder pads) for each player who has had at least ve
days in helmets only;
b. Only Level 0, Level 1 and Level 2 drills shall be conducted
before the nal non-contact interscholastic simulation;
c. No person may participate who is not on the school roster
at that time;
d. No single practice session shall be longer than three (3)
hours;
e. On days when the maximum of two practices of any type
is held, a total limit of 5 hours per day of practice, not
including the mandatory break shall be allowed;
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 5-hour limit; and
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against the 5-hour limit;
f. On days when only one practice of any type is held, a total
limit of 3 hours per day of practice shall be allowed;
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 3-hour limit; and
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against the 3-hour limit;
g. A 3-hour break is required after a contact practice where
Level 3-“Thud” drills are conducted during which no
activity shall be held, and the athletes are located where
cooling and recovery is possible;
i. During this break, there shall be no gear worn, and no
activity that in any way simulates football or football
drills. This restriction is in place regardless of where the
practice occurs, including camps, home practices, or other
workout areas. This period is solely for rest/recovery; and
ii. Weight training, conditioning, meetings, lm study,
and teaching period/walk through simulations without
equipment shall not be conducted during the three-hour
required break; and
h. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance is in place for these drills
and practice sessions.
(11) Beginning August 1, practice may be conducted in full gear
for all players who have had at least three practices wearing
shells (helmets and shoulder pads).
a. Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 drills
may be conducted however Level 4 and Level 5 drills may
only be conducted in one practice per day;
b. No person may participate who is not on the school roster
at that time except for the allowable scrimmage(s);
c. No single practice session shall be longer than three (3)
hours;
d. Multiple contact practices shall not be held on any day
where Level 4 or Level 5 drills are conducted;
e. On days when two practices of any type is held, a total limit
of 5 hours per day of practice, not including the mandatory
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20 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
break shall be allowed;
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 5-hour limit.
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against the 5-hour limit;
f. On days when only one practice of any type is held, a total
limit of 3 hours per day of practice shall be allowed.
i. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 3-hour limit.
ii. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings,
required sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching
period/walk through simulations without equipment shall
count against 3-hour limit
g. A 3-hour break is required after a contact practice where
Level 4 or Level 5 drills are conducted during which no
activity shall be held and the athletes are located where
cooling and recovery is possible.
i. During this break, there shall be no gear worn, and no
activity that in any way simulates football or football
drills. This restriction is in place regardless of where the
practice occurs including camps, home practices, or other
workout areas. This period is solely for rest/recovery;
ii. Weight training, conditioning, meetings, lm study,
and teaching period/walk through simulations without
equipment shall not be conducted during the three-hour
required break;
h. The KHSAA catastrophic insurance is in place for these drills
and practice sessions;
(12) Beginning Monday of the week the rst scrimmage is
played by the school, each school may participate in Level 4
and Level 5 drills and game time simulations (not including
contests or legal scrimmages) for no more than ninety-
minutes per team, per week;
(13) After the opening day of the school year:
a. A school shall not conduct multiple on-eld practice
sessions of any type on the same day; and
b. No single practice session shall be longer than three (3)
hours;
(14) All schools shall upon request, submit any required
documentation to verify the proper execution of the practice
regulations, including scrimmage, contact, and Heat/Humidity
Measurement and Compliance Programs.
(15) Following the season and until organized practice begins
for the next season (other than the Dead Period as dened in
Bylaw 24, no football gear may be issued / used by a member
of the team for any activity except for the approved spring
football practice period and issuance of gear to a specic
individual for attendance/participation in a specic event at
an off-campus facility:
a. Football gear as dened in NFHS rule 1-5 (including shoulder
pads and other protective gear) may be issued to a player
who has previously played for the team to participate in an
all-star game between the last day of the previous season
and before the Dead Period as dened in Bylaw 24 provided
no more than four players from any school participate in
the same sessions at that game/camp. Any all-star game for
which gear is issued under this exception shall be required
to be considered an all-star game by the NCAA and the gear
may be issued solely for the days of participation;
b. Football gear as dened in NFHS rule 1-5 (including
shoulder pads and other protective gear) may be issued to a
player who has previously played for the team to participate
in an individual camp between the last day of the previous
season and before the Dead Period as dened in Bylaw
24, provided no more than four players from any school
participate in the same sessions at that camp and the gear
may be issued solely for the days of participation;
c. Any gear issued to a player in accordance with (a) or (b)
above shall be returned by the individual immediately
following the camp. No football gear as dened in NFHS rule
1-5 (including shoulder pads and other protective gear) may
be issued for any event involving any person not enrolled
at that school that is held at a KHSAA member school or
at a facility utilized for games by a member school, except
for the all-star game/individual camp exception detailed in
(a) or (b) above. This includes camps sponsored by outside
entities if a member school’s coaches are present or any
equipment is issued to participants; and
d. There is no opportunity for any team activity in football
gear at camps where representatives of any other school
are present except for the noncontact game simulations as
detailed above.
e. There is no allowance for full contact camps for teams or
issuing other equipment to individuals except as detailed in
the all-star game/individual camp exception.
b) After August 1 and before the opening varsity game of the
season:
(1) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
games per member school (grades 9-12) with players other
than members of the squad.
(2) Scrimmage or practice games with players other than
members of the squad that are held in NFHS corresponding
week 6 or NFHS corresponding week 7 may involve full
gear for those students who have completed the requisite
acclimation and acclimatization practice periods as specied
in Section 6(a) above.
(3) Scrimmages or practice games with players other than
members of the squad that are held in NFHS corresponding
week 5 may involve only the gear and students permitted
by the acclimation and acclimatization practices periods as
required.
c) The rst game shall not take place before the Friday eleven
(11) weeks before the designated week of the rst round of the
football playoffs per the ofcial published corresponding date
calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of ten (10) regular
season games and the opportunity to play regular season games
shall conclude on the Saturday of the 11th playing week.
(1) Provided that at least one classication within the KHSAA
conducts playoffs that last ve (5) weeks, any school that
chooses to compete for a district title and is placed in a
classication where only four (4) weeks are needed to
complete the playoffs may play an additional regular season
contest (total of 11 contests), the last of which shall be
played during the rst round of the playoffs for the other
classications.
f) Each player, in order to be eligible to participate against another
school and to become acclimatized and acclimated, shall have
taken part in a minimum of ve (5) practices over ve (5) days
in helmets only, three (3) practices in helmet and shoulder pads
over three (3) days followed by three (3) contact practices over
three days. A contact practice on the date of a contest shall not
count as one of the required practices in allowing the student to
play in that contest.
g) Each football school may elect to conduct spring football
practice under the following conditions:
(1) A school may conduct ten (10) spring practice periods of not
more than two (2) hours in length and not more than one
practice per day over ten (10) days during three consecutive
calendar weeks, which shall be chosen by the school on or
before December 15;
a. Water breaks, rest breaks, and injury treatment shall not
count against the 2-hour limit.
b. Weight training, conditioning, required meetings, required
sport and skill specic lm study, and teaching period/walk
through simulations without equipment shall count against
the 2-hour limit;
(2) Failure to submit the schedule by December 15 will result in
a loss of the ability to conduct spring football practice;
(3) The three consecutive calendar weeks shall not begin
before the Monday following the school’s elimination from
postseason play in basketball, and shall not conclude later
than the last day of school on the original school calendar;
(4) Any period when school is not in session on a week day,
including testing and breaks, shall not count as one of the ten
(10) permitted days, and practice shall not be conducted on
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 21
those days;
(5) All equipment authorized by the football playing rules may
be used during this period;
(6) There shall be no interscholastic competition during this
period, and all participants shall be eligible according to all
KHSAA eligibility rules;
(7) After December 15, the dates shall not be changed except
by request of the member school Principal, and only if the
newly requested period begins not later than the Monday
following the conclusions of the originally scheduled school
spring break;
(8) Practice sessions shall conform to the following rotation of
types of practice;
a. Two days Non-Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1;
b. Two days Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1;
c. One day Non-Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1;
d. Two days Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1;
e. One day Non-Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1; and
f. Two days Contact as dened in Sec. 6(a)1;
(9) A student below grade nine or in grade 12 shall not
participate;
(10) Intrasquad games may be held but shall be counted as one
of the ten practice sessions;
(11) Any student who has neither participated in organized
competition in a KHSAA-sanctioned winter or spring sport,
nor has documentation of supervision by a coach qualied
under Bylaw 25 in a minimum of 8 conditioning workouts after
the previous season and before the start of spring practice
(including competition on a competitive weight lifting team at
the school), shall have two (2) days of practice in helmets only
and two (2) additional days in shells (helmets and shoulder
pads) for acclimation prior to wearing the remainder of the
allowable football gear; and
(12) There shall be no mandatory participation (including school
or coach imposed penalty) by any person on a spring sports
eligibility list (or entering any spring sport scrimmage or
contest) or any other student desiring not to participate.
SEC. 7) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- GOLF- BOYS/COED AND
GIRLS
a) Organized practice shall not take place before July 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) practice matches before the
rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday nine
weeks before the designated week of the region tournament per
the ofcial published corresponding date calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of twenty (20) rounds of
golf against other school representatives (minimum nine holes)
to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
competition (region). Any team reaching this limitation shall
have its regular season end immediately. Any forfeit fees
necessitated by match cancellations after this date shall be paid,
and the forfeit win shall NOT be counted against the game limit
for the opponents.
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day before the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further practice or play during the remainder of the
academic school year.
SEC. 8) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- SOCCER- BOYS/COED AND
GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice for the fall varsity (grades 9-12)
season shall not take place before July 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
games before the rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday eight
weeks before the designated week of the district tournaments
per the ofcial published corresponding date calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of twenty-one (21)
games to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state
championship competition (district).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 9) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- SOFTBALL- GIRLS
(FASTPITCH)
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no
organized practice before the Monday of the corresponding
week containing February 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
games before the rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst game shall not take place before the Monday nine
weeks before the designated week of the district tournament
per the ofcial published corresponding date calendar, and may
begin during a zero (0) week in years that Memorial Day is in
NFHS Week 48.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of thirty-six (36) games
to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
competition (district).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 10) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- SWIMMING AND DIVING-
BOYS/COED AND GIRLS
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no organized
practice before October 1.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) practice meets before the
rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst meet shall not take place before the Monday twelve
(12) weeks before the week of the region meets.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of fteen (15) meets
to be held before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
tournament competition (region).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day before the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further practice or competition during the remainder
of the academic school year.
SEC. 11) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- TENNIS- BOYS/COED AND
GIRLS
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no
organized practice before the Monday of the corresponding
week containing February 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) practice matches before the
rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday ten
weeks before the designated week of the region tournament
per the ofcial published corresponding date calendar (or rst
week if multiple are designated on the calendar).
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of twenty-two (22)
matches to be held before the beginning of KHSAA state
championship tournament competition (region). Any forfeit fees
necessitated by match cancellations after this limit is reached
shall be paid, and the forfeit win shall NOT be counted against
the game limit for the opponents. Any four (4) invitational
tournaments shall count as one (1) match each against this
limit. All dual matches shall count as one (1) match each against
this limit.
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day before the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further practice or play during the remainder of the
BylawsBylaws
22 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
academic school year.
SEC. 12) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR
TRACK AND FIELD- BOYS/COED AND GIRLS
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no organized
practice before December 1.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) practice meets (indoor
or outdoor) held by each team, and these shall be held on or
before the Monday of Week 9 of the season corresponding date
calendar.
c) The rst meet (indoor or outdoor) shall not take place before
the Monday eighteen (18) weekends prior to the designated
regional meet week per the ofcial published corresponding
date calendar (or rst week if multiple are designated on the
calendar), but not before January 1.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of nineteen (19) meets,
to be held before the beginning of KHSAA state championship
tournament competition (region). All meets, regardless of
format or being an indoor or outdoor meet, shall count against
the limit of meets.
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season outdoor
contests season shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12)
on the day before the rst day for varsity level competition in
KHSAA-sanctioned postseason events, with the exception that
the varsity team may practice and play through its elimination
from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament play. Following the
elimination, there shall be no further practice or play during the
remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 13) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- VOLLEYBALL- GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice for the fall varsity (grades 9-12)
season shall not take place before July 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) scrimmages or practice
matches before the rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday nine
weeks before the designated week of the district tournament
per the ofcial published corresponding date calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of thirty-ve (35)
matches to be played before the beginning of KHSAA state
championship tournament competition (district).
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests
shall end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the second day
preceding the rst KHSAA Tournament (district, region or state),
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further practice
or play during the remainder of the academic school year.
SEC. 14) SPORTS SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- WRESTLING- BOYS/COED
AND GIRLS
a) Following the opening day of school, there shall be no organized
practice before October 15.
b) There shall be no more than two (2) practice meets before the
rst regular season contest of that year.
c) The rst match shall not take place before the Monday eleven
weeks before the designated week of the region tournament per
the ofcial published corresponding date calendar.
d) The season shall consist of a maximum of seventeen (17)
matches in each weight class to be held before the beginning
of KHSAA state championship tournament competition (region).
Tournaments or contests involving three (3) or more schools
shall count as one (1) match toward the match limit.
e) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day before the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further practice or play during the remainder of the
academic school year.
f) The KHSAA and the National Federation of State High School
Associations shall establish ofcial weight classes.
SEC. 15) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- OTHER SPORT-ACTIVITIES-
ARCHERY- BOYS/COED AND GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice shall not take place before October
1.
b) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day prior to the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further ofcial practice or play during the remainder
of the academic school year.
c) From the start of the academic school year until the published
rst date of practice, schools are permitted to designate a
single two-week tryout period following which there shall be no
further practice or competition outside of the dened season as
detailed in subsections (a) and (b) above.
SEC. 16) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- OTHER SPORT-ACTIVITIES- BASS
FISHING- BOYS/COED AND GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice shall not take place before October
1.
b) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day prior to the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further ofcial practice or play during the remainder
of the academic school year.
c) From the start of the academic school year until the published
rst date of practice, schools are permitted to designate a
single two-week tryout period following which there shall be no
further practice or competition outside of the dened season as
detailed in subsections (a) and (b) above.
SEC. 17) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- OTHER SPORT-ACTIVITIES-
BOWLING- BOYS/COED AND GIRLS
a) The rst organized practice shall not take place before October
1.
b) The opportunity to participate in regular season contests shall
end at all levels of play (grades 9-12) on the day prior to the
rst day for varsity level competition in KHSAA-sanctioned
postseason events, with the exception that the varsity team
may practice and play through its elimination from KHSAA-
sanctioned tournament play. Following the elimination, there
shall be no further ofcial practice or play during the remainder
of the academic school year.
c) From the start of the academic school year until the published
rst date of practice, schools are permitted to designate a
single two-week tryout period following which there shall be no
further practice or competition outside of the dened season as
detailed in subsections (a) and (b) above.
SEC. 18) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- OTHER SPORT-ACTIVITIES-
COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING (INTERSCHOLASTIC SPIRIT)
a) The rst organized practice shall not take place before July 15.
b) The opportunity to enter competitive cheerleading contests ends
at all levels (grades 9-12) for that academic year on March 1,
with the exception that the varsity team may practice and play
through its elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament
play. Following the elimination, there shall be no further ofcial
practice or play during the remainder of the academic school
year.
c) In April of each school year, schools are permitted to designate
a single two-week tryout period following which there shall be
no further practice or competition outside of the dened season
as detailed in subsections (a) and (b) above.
SEC. 19) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS- OTHER SPORT-ACTIVITIES- DANCE
a) The rst organized practice shall not take place before July 15.
b) The opportunity to enter Dance contests ends at all levels
(grades 9-12) for that academic year on March 15, with the
exception that the varsity team may practice and play through its
elimination from KHSAA-sanctioned tournament play. Following
the elimination, there shall be no further ofcial practice or play
during the remainder of the academic school year.
c) In April of each school year, schools are permitted to designate
a single two-week tryout period following which there shall be
no further practice or competition outside of the dened season
as detailed in subsections (a) and (b) above.
SEC. 20) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 23
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 24. SUMMER SPORTS AND SPORT-BYLAW 24. SUMMER SPORTS AND SPORT-
ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES
SEC. 1) SCHOOL TEAM PLAY IN SUMMER (NONDEAD PERIOD)
a) Member schools may participate in sanctioned play during the
summer to complete spring seasons in baseball, softball, tennis
and track, and may begin sanctioned regular season play and
practice as dened by Bylaw 23 prior to the opening of school
in cheerleading, cross country, dance, eld hockey, football, golf,
soccer, and volleyball.
b) Only participants eligible during the spring semester may
compete on the school teams.
c) All KHSAA eligibility rules apply, and full control of the summer
program shall remain with the participating high school and the
Principal or Designated Representative of the member school.
d) Member school facilities may be utilized during the summer for
sports that are not in season according to Bylaw 23 for semi-
organized play both in and not in the presence of that school’s
coaches, provided:
(1) No activity may be mandatory for team members;
(2) No penalty may exist for team members failing to participate;
and
(3) No activity may involve students who are not currently
enrolled in the member school and are not currently enrolled
in a school within the dened feeder pattern under the same
local board of education without the expressed written
consent of the Principal or Designated Representative of that
student’s enrolled school;
SEC. 2) RESTRICTIONS ON FOOTBALL AND BOYS’ BASKETBALL
a) Students shall not participate in any organized team activity
or organized or semi-organized team competition in football in
any format between the earlier of the last day of school and
June 1, through the day before the start of the dead period.
During this period, students may participate in activities such as
weight training, skill development, individual camps (with per
team limits on participation) and accepted open gym or eld
activities where no inter-school competition is involved.
b) Students shall not participate in any organized team activity
or organized or semi-organized team competition in Boys’
basketball between the end of the dead period and July 31.
During this period, students may participate in activities such
as weight training, skill development, individual camps (with
per team limits on participation) and accepted open gym/eld
activities where no inter-school competition is involved.
SEC. 3) SUMMER DEAD PERIOD
a) From June 25 to July 9 (inclusive) each year:
(1) Students may not receive coaching or training from school
personnel (either salaried or non-salaried) in any KHSAA-
sanctioned sport or sport-activity;
(2) School facilities, uniforms, nicknames, transportation or
equipment, may not be used in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport
or sport-activity;
(3) School funds may not be expended in support of
interscholastic athletics in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport; and
(3) Postseason wrap-up activities, celebrations and recognition
events relating to a spring sports team at a school which
participated in KHSAA state championship play in that
particular sport during that particular year may be held.
SEC. 4) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.
BYLAW 25. REQUIREMENT FOR COACHES AND BYLAW 25. REQUIREMENT FOR COACHES AND
OTHERS WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOL TEAMSOTHERS WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS
SEC. 1) DEFINITIONS
a) Level 1 Coaches
An individual seeking a coaching position (or performing duties
commensurate with a coaching position) at the high school shall
be categorized as Level 1 if that individual is a certied teacher
and member of the regular school system faculty and meets the
following criteria before assignment to coaching duties:
(1) Is employed a minimum of three (3) regular periods for
teaching classes, which may include physical education;
(2) Is employed for the supervision of study halls; or
(3) Is exercising responsibilities in other activity assignments
within the school schedule.
b) Level 2 Coaches
An individual seeking a coaching position (or performing duties
commensurate with a coaching position) at the high school shall
be categorized as Level 2 if that individual meets the following
criteria prior to assignment to coaching duties and does not
meet the qualications of Level 1:
(1) Shall be a high school graduate and 21 years of age as
detailed in KRS 156.070(f)(2);
(2) Shall not be a violent offender or convicted of a sex crime as
dened by KRS 17.165 that is classied as a felony;
(3) Shall submit to a criminal record check under KRS 160.380;
(4) Shall meet one of the following additional qualications:
a. Have graduated from a public or accredited high school and
hold a provisional or standard teaching certicate;
b. Have completed sixty-four semester hours of college credit
from an accredited college or university as documented by
an ofcial transcript;
c. Be a graduate from a public or accredited high school and
comply with the local district standards for serving as an
approved substitute teacher as approved by the Education
Professional Standards Board; or
d. Be a graduate from a public or accredited high school
and complete all Board of Control prescribed electives as
detailed. Level 2 coaches approved under this provision
shall complete these requirements before coaching in the
rst interscholastic contest.
(5) Before assuming duties, Level 2 coaches shall complete the
training required and provided by the local school district.
The training shall include information on the physical and
emotional development of students of the age with whom
the Level 2 coach will be working, the district’s and school’s
discipline policies, procedures for dealing with discipline
problems, and safety and rst aid training. Follow up training
shall be provided as locally required.
c) Head Coach
As referred in this regulation, the head coach at the high school
level shall be the head varsity coach designated by the school or
Board of Education unless otherwise noted in the bylaw.
d) Athletic Director
As referred in this regulation, the Athletic Director is a classied
or certied position or contractor hired to oversee work related
to the interscholastic athletic program.
SEC. 2) HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR COACHING
POSITIONS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
a) Required Level
Level 1 or 2 individuals (head and assistant) may be assigned as
the head or assistant coach or assigned duties commensurate
with those of someone designated as a coach in any sport or
sport-activity.
b) KHSAA Member School Obligations in Hiring
(1) The Superintendent shall ensure that all assignments for
coaching duties comply with all applicable state and local
policies.
(2) The hiring process shall ensure that in considering those
individuals seeking coaching duties, the most qualied
individual shall be assigned.
(3) In considering qualications, the qualications desired for
the position, the references, interviews, and experience of
those seeking the duties, and the education background shall
BylawsBylaws
24 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
be considered.
(4) If a coaching announcement is posted by the district, the
determination of qualications shall comply with that
announcement.
c) Compensation for Coaches at the High School Level
Any person assigned to coaching duties at any level (grades
9-12) shall be duly employed through the respective board of
education, and the entire coaching salary shall be paid through
that board by local Board of Education policy.
SEC. 3) POST HIRE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONTINUING COACHING DUTIES
a) C.P.R. First Aid and Automated External Debrillator (AED)
Training for Coaches at the High School Level
(1) All coaches (head and assistant, paid or unpaid) at any
level in all sanctioned sports and sport-activities shall
provide documentation of successful completion and
current certication of a C.P.R. course including the use of
an automatic external debrillator and the rst aid training,
conducted by an instructor or program approved by a college
or university, the American Red Cross, the American Heart
Association, or other bona de accrediting agency that is
approved by the KHSAA based upon industry standards.
(2) The certication shall be timely and appropriately updated as
required by the approving agency.
(3) All coaches (head and assistant, paid or unpaid) at any
level in all sanctioned sports and sport-activities shall
provide documentation of participation in the rehearsal by
participation and simulation of the emergency and cardiac
response action plan required under KRS 160.445 and KRS
158.162 before the rst contest of any sports season in which
the individual performs coaching duties.
b) Coaches Education Program for Coaches at the High School
Level
(1) The NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course is the approved
coaching education program in Kentucky. For those coaches
hired before 2008-2009, the American Sport Education
program is the approved coaching education program in
Kentucky.
(2) The cost of attending/completing course shall be the
responsibility of the individual coach(es).
(3) Local school districts or local schools may, upon successful
completion of all coaching education requirements including
all examinations, reimburse the coaches for the expense of
attending the course.
(4) Level 1 individuals assigned to coaching duties (head or
assistant, paid or unpaid), who are hired as a member of the
school system faculty for the rst time following the 1995-
96 school year shall take and complete all requirements as
detailed in subsection b(1) above prior assuming coaching
duties at any practice or contest.
(5) Level 2 individuals (Sec. 1, subsection b(4)) assigned to
coaching duties (head or assistant, paid or unpaid) shall take
and complete all requirements for the NFHS Fundamentals
of Coaching Course as detailed in subsection b(1) before
assuming coaching duties at any practice or contest.
(6) The penalty for noncompliance with this section and failure to
hold current valid completion credentials shall be immediate
suspension from coaching duties or another penalty under
Bylaw 27.
c) Sports Safety Training and Medical Symposium Updates for
Coaches at all Interscholastic Levels
(1) Each coach (head and assistant, paid or unpaid) at all levels
(grades 9-12) shall be required to complete a sports safety
course and medical symposium update consisting of training
on how to prevent common injuries.
(2) All member schools of the KHSAA shall pay the necessary
expenses of coaches for the required attendance at the
sanctioned sports safety course and sports medicine
symposium update.
(3) The course shall meet the following criteria:
a. The content of the course shall include the elements
specied in KRS 160.445 including the risk of concussion
and head injury;
b. The course elements shall be taught by a Certied Athletic
Trainer, Registered Nurse, Physician or Physician’s Assistant
licensed to practice in Kentucky; and
c. Each coach, having completed the course shall re-certify by
taking the course not less than once every two (2) years.
(4) Successful completion of the course shall constitute a
passing score.
(5) Each coach (head or assistant, paid or unpaid) of a sport or
sport-activity at all interscholastic levels shall have completed
the sports safety course and medical symposium update
before assuming coaching duties at any practice or contest.
(6) The penalty for noncompliance with this section and failure to
hold current valid completion credentials shall be immediate
suspension from coaching duties or another penalty under
Bylaw 27.
d) KHSAA Rules Clinic for Coaches at the High School Level
(1) All coaches (head and assistant, paid or unpaid) shall
annually attend/complete at least one rules interpretation
clinic conducted by representatives of the KHSAA in the sport
in which they coach and the school desires to enter a team in
postseason play, provided these clinics are conducted under
the authorization of the Commissioner.
(2) The penalty for noncompliance with this section shall be
suspension from coaching duties in all contests for a period
not to exceed one year or any penalty otherwise included in
Bylaw 27.
e) Continual Education and Improvement
As approved by the school or school system, each coach shall
be required to demonstrate attendance and participation in
continual improvement activities involving the teaching of
skills and tactics, evaluation of opponents, and opportunities
for adaptation of updated systems to enhance the student
participation experience.
SEC. 4) HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ATHLETIC
DIRECTORS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
a) All persons designated as high school Athletic Directors shall
comply with any adopted regulations as governed by the local
Board of Education.
b) Compensation for Athletic Directors at the High School Level
Any person assigned to duties as an Athletic Director at the high
school level (grades 9-12) shall be duly employed through the
respective board of education, and the entire salary shall be
paid through that board by local Board of Education policy.
SEC. 5) POST HIRE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONTINUING DUTIES AS AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
a) Continual Education and Improvement for Athletic Directors
hired for the rst time before August 1, 2016:
(1) Each Athletic Director shall be required to annually
demonstrate attendance and participation in continual
improvement activities involving twelve (12) hours of
educational programs validated by a local board approved
credit and produced by:
a. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association;
b. the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association;
c. The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association; or
d. The Kentucky Department of Education.
b) Continual Education and Improvement for Athletic Directors
hired for the rst time after August 1, 2016:
(1) For the rst three years holding the position of Athletic
Director, each Athletic Director shall be required to annually
demonstrate attendance and participation in continual
improvement activities involving eighteen (18) hours of
educational programs validated by local board approved
credit and produced by:
a. the Kentucky High School Athletic Association including
requirements incorporated by regulation;
b. the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association;
c. the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association; or
d. The Kentucky Department of Education.
(2) After completing three years holding the position of Athletic
Director, each Athletic Director shall be required to annually
demonstrate attendance and participation in continual
improvement activities involving twelve (12) hours of
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 25
educational programs validated by a local board approved
credit and produced by:
a. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association including
requirements incorporated by regulation;
b. The Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association;
c. The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Association; or
d. The Kentucky Department of Education.
SEC. 6) PENALTY
a) Any violation of this bylaw may have any or all penalties
detailed in Bylaw 27 applied as part of the nal dispensation of
the matter, including a period of ineligibility or contest forfeiture.
b) Appeals or other considerations under this bylaw shall be
considered Board matters under the KHSAA Due Process
Procedure.Bylaw 26. Rulings, Reporting of Violations
BYLAW 26. RULINGS, REPORTING OF VIOLATIONSBYLAW 26. RULINGS, REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS
SEC. 1) REQUESTS FOR RULINGS
The Principal or Designated Representative shall direct all requests
for rulings and interpretations to the Commissioner in writing. In
all cases in which players are involved, the names of the players
and all possible pertinent information shall be given.
SEC. 2) REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS
(1) Any person wishing to report a violation of the KHSAA
Constitution, Bylaws or Competition Rules shall do so in writing.
(2) If evidence is presented to warrant an investigation, the
Commissioner shall ensure that an investigation is performed.
(3) The Commissioner’s ofce shall notify the Principal or
Designated Representative or Superintendent of the protested
school, telling him or her the exact nature of the charges made.
(4) If an investigator is appointed to gather evidence in connection
with the protest, he shall provide a copy of the report to the
Commissioner, and a copy shall be made a part of the ofcial
school records with the Association and shall be made available
to the Principal or Designated Representative or Superintendent
of the schools involved upon request..
BYLAW 27. IMPOSITION OF PENALTIESBYLAW 27. IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES
SEC. 1) AUTHORITY TO PENALIZE
a) If Association rules and regulations have been violated,
penalties may be imposed on the offending schools or individual
within the dened parameters of this bylaw, the KHSAA Due
Process Procedure, and KRS Chapter 13B. These penalties may
be by the Commissioner’s ofce, the KHSAA Hearing Ofcer or
the Board of Control dependent upon the specics of the bylaw,
KHSAA Due Process Procedure, or KRS Chapter 13B.
b) Each member school of the KHSAA, through its Principal,
shall ensure that its athletic program remains compliant with
KHSAA rules and that there is institutional control over the
interscholastic athletic program.
SEC. 2) EXCEPTION TO PENALTY AUTHORITY FOR COURT-ORDERED
PLAY
A member school, student, coach, or administrator shall not be
punished or sanctioned, in any manner, by the KHSAA for allowing
a student to play in an athletic contest or practice with the team
during a time when an order of a court of competent jurisdiction
permits the student to participate or otherwise stays or enjoins
enforcement of a nal KHSAA decision on eligibility.
SEC. 3) RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Any member elementary or secondary school or school employee
or ofcial who knowingly allows participation of an ineligible
player under the provisions of this bylaw, or who, through
reasonable diligence, should have known of that ineligibility,
shall be considered in noncompliance with state accreditation
standards or guilty of willful neglect of duty or breach of contract.
This provision shall apply not only to coaches, but also to personnel
supervising coaches including an athletic director, Principal or
Designated Representative, an assistant principal, an assistant
Superintendent, a Superintendent, or a school board member.
SEC. 4) PENALTY OPTIONS
For violation of any rule or regulation by any member school
or school designated staff, student-athlete, ofcial, or another
representative, the penalty as may be called for under the specic
rule or regulation, or, in case no specic penalty is called for,
disciplinary action, including warning, reprimand, probation,
suspension, or payment of a ne may be imposed.
a) FINE
(1) A ne may be levied instead of, or in addition to, any other
penalty imposed upon the school and may only be levied
against a member school.
(2) The Board of Control shall adopt a schedule of nes and
publish said schedule annually in the Association Handbook.
(3) The ne schedule shall also include any amounts paid by the
Association or received by the school as a result of postseason
competition.
(4) A ne shall not be levied against any individual within
the interscholastic athletic program but may only be levied
against the member school and only for selected violations as
determined by the Board of Control approved ne schedule.
b) FORFEIT
(1) The forfeit of contests or meets may be included in penalties
assessed for violation of Association rules.
(2) In addition, if a student is declared ineligible, all contests in
which he or she has played while ineligible shall be forfeited
to the opposing team.
c) WARNING
A warning may be issued which is written notication that a
violation, or an inexcusable or unethical action, has occurred,
is a matter of record, and that the action shall not be repeated.
d) LETTER OF REPRIMAND
(1) A written reprimand of the individual, program, or school
may be issued if a violation of the rules has occurred, which
was preventable.
(2) The action is a matter of record, and warnings that repeat
actions of this type may be cause for further penalty.
e) PROBATION
(1) Probation is a more severe penalty and may be described
in the following manner. Normally, an individual or a school
on probation is on conditional Association membership, but
may be permitted to engage in a regular schedule, sanctioned
events, or district, region and state championships. This is
provided that the individual or school has taken steps to
ensure the problem which placed the individual or school on
probation has been alleviated and will not re-occur.
(2) Additionally, a school on probation may be restricted to
limits on scrimmages, regular season contests, or postseason
competition as may be deemed appropriate.
f) SUSPENSION
(1) An individual participant, coach, specic sport or school may
be suspended from competition or scrimmage participation,
including suspension for receipt of improper benets.
(2) This penalty may range from the elimination of individual or
team(s) participation in games, tournaments, meets or state
championship competition, to suspension of the school from
the Association.
(3) Individuals or teams suspended may not engage in contests
with member schools of the Association, or with any other
school that is a member of another state associated with the
National Federation of State High School Associations.
g) REIMBURSEMENT
(1) A ne may be levied equal to the amount of itemized legal
fees expended by the Association in defense of its rules in a
court of law in cases where a school or school system is directly
or indirectly involved in the legal challenge of an association
rule which has passed via the proper Constitutional process
and in which case, the Association prevails in court.
(2) If the Association, its Commissioner, or other persons
associated or employed by the Association are named as a
party, or if the Association intervenes in any action to enforce
a ruling, bylaw or other provision, it shall be presumed that
the school where the student attends or the coach or other
person is employed or is otherwise associated or connected,
is involved in the legal challenge.
(3) The presumption of involvement may be rebutted by clear
and convincing evidence.
(4) Involvement includes providing testimony, staff, staff legal
counsel or funds for counsel, or direct lings by or on behalf
of the school or school system.
(5) If the Association conducts an investigation regarding any
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26 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
player, coach, assistant coach, paraprofessional, booster,
supporter or other person associated with a team, program or
member school, and the investigation results in any penalty
being imposed by the Association, the school may be required
to pay all costs of that investigation.
(6) The costs may include the costs, fees, and expenses charged
by an investigator, and the costs, fees, and expenses charged
by the Association’s legal counsel.
h) PERMANENT SUSPENSION
Any coach, participant or other school representative may be
permanently suspended from involvement in interscholastic
athletics in this state if found by competent and conclusive
evidence to be guilty of assaulting a sports ofcial.
i) REDISTRIBUTION
As an extension to the ne penalty listed above, a school may be
directed that a portion or all of the net proceeds received from
a postseason contest or tournament be returned to the host or
redistributed to the other contest or tournament participants.
j) VACATE/STRIKE
A school may be directed to vacate or strike individual records
and performances; team records and performances including
place nishes, and individual or team awards be returned to
the Association.
k) SCHOOL EXCLUSION
If a school has been found to have unduly inuenced a student
to enroll, or there is a documented nding of Bylaw 6, Sec. 3,
Bylaw 7, Sec. 5, or Bylaw 8, Sec. 8 of Athletic Advantage, .the
student may be restricted from enrolling at a specic school
due to the inuence. In this matter, a student would have the
option to enroll at another school provided inuence could
not be documented.
l) DISASSOCIATION
(1) If an individual or entity not under the direct control of a
member school is found to have contributed to or been causal
to, a violation of KHSAA bylaws, the disassociation of relations
in all phases of interscholastic athletics may be imposed on a
permanent basis, for the duration of the applicable period or
for another specied period of time.
(2) When a member school is required to disassociate with an
individual or entity, such disassociation shall require that the
institution:
(a) Refrain from accepting any assistance from the individual
that would aid in support of enrolled or non-enrolled
student-athletes;
(b) Not accept nancial assistance for the member school’s
athletics program from the individual;
(c) Ensure that no athletics benet or privilege be provided to
the individual that is not generally available to the public
at large, and
(d) Take such other actions against the individual that the
institution determines to be within its authority to eliminate
the involvement of the individual in the member school’s
athletics program.
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 27
CASE SITUATIONS RELATED TO BYLAWSCASE SITUATIONS RELATED TO BYLAWS
Case Situations for Bylaw 1- Responsibility for
Eligibility
Case BL-1-1- What role does the Principal play in the
management of the Association and the regulation
of eligibility in the member school and what level of
institutional control is the Principal of each member
school expected to maintain?
The member school Principal is ultimately responsible for all
aspects of the athletic program, whether it is rules enforcement
and reporting or eligibility certification. It is important that each
member school through its Principal exercise the principles of
institutional control in order for the Association to continue as
a fully functioning membership organization and in order for
the school to remain a member.
There are several principles that go into the concept of
maintaining institutional control. Control shall first be defined
in common sense terms and is best summarized by the school
having in place the proper policies to ensure that violations
do not occur, and if they do occur, the Principal exhibiting
the leadership and duty to correct the problems and prevent
recurrence. In general, violations do not result from a lack of
institutional control if there are adequate preventive measures
in place that are properly monitored and followed, and if swift
action is taken.
However, there are several things that demonstrate a lack of
institutional control including the failure to implement proper
preventive procedures; failure by members of the designated
athletic staff to thoroughly investigate and report violations;
failure to adequately disseminate and distribute compliance
information; failure to adequately distribute compliance duties
to allow for effective control; failing to make clear to all coaches
and participants that rules violations will not be tolerated;
failing to fully investigate and file reports as requested when
potential violations are reported; a head coach failing to create
a compliant atmosphere with the assistant coaches.
The KHSAA enforces its rules based on the following premises:
KHSAA regulations and information are readily available
to the member schools and general public; the Principal or
Designated Representative properly distributes information,
rules manuals, communication, forms, and other needed
materials to the members of the athletics staff; that meaningful
education programs are conducted within the schools to
ensure compliance; student-athletes are properly informed
about rules prior to and during participation. Certainly the
compliance history of a school and its cooperative spirit during
any investigation or inquiry will factor into any penalty decision
regarding violations.
Case BL-1-2 - Are there additional steps the Commissioner
or the Board of Control may take to emphasize
institutional control to a member schoool?
Yes. Beyond the scope of Bylaw 27 penalties to be implemented
by the Commissioner and which under the Due Process
Procedure, become appealable to the Board of Control, either
the Commissioner or the Board of Control may compel an
appearance before the Board by the member school. This step
would be to allow for the member to show cause as to why its
membership should not be reviewed and potentially denied for
a serious lack of institutional control on the part of a coach,
administrator or other individual representing the school.
An individual coach (head or assistant, paid or unpaid) or athletic
department representative (including all school employed
personnel) may be requested to appear before the Board based
on the findings in a matter. Such request may also be issued
for coaches, athletic department representatives or other
personnel who fail to file complete information as requested,
file false, misleading or inaccurate information or otherwise
impede the discovery of facts related to a matter under review.
Such request may also be made based on specific findings in a
matter ripe for review.
The appearance should allow the member to show cause as to
why the member school should continue to remain a member
of the Association despite a finding regarding institutional
control.
Case Situations for Bylaw 2- Age
Case BL-2-1- Why is there an age restriction?
To ensure equality of competition and opportunity, a standard
must be established to determine the cutoff date for age
eligibility. Use of a specific cutoff date gives notice to all parties
involved in interscholastic athletics and maintains equality of
participant eligibility between schools.
An age limitation requirement:
(1) Provides commonality between student-athletes and schools
in interscholastic competition;
(2) Inhibits “redshirting” or failing to make normal progress
through school;
(3) Allows the participation of younger and less experienced
players;
(4) Enhances the opportunity for more students to participate;
(5) Promotes quality of competition;
(6) Avoids over-emphasis on athletics; and
(7) Helps to diminish the inherent risk of injury associated with
participation in athletics.
Case BL-2-2- Are rulings related to Bylaw 2 (Age)
appealable through the KHSAA Due Process Procedure
other than the published exception stipulated in KRS
156.070?
No. Bylaw 2 as approved by the Kentucky Board of Education
expressly prohibits appeals concerning this bylaw. In addition,
with the adoption of HB215 from the 1998 Legislative Session,
the Kentucky General Assembly has placed this provision in
KRS 156.070 in the form of state law with the only exception
being the provisions passed by the 2007 Kentucky General
Assembly.
Case BL-2-3- What is the primary school program as
used in KRS 156.070 (2) (e) as amended by the 2007
Kentucky General Assembly?
KRS 158.031 defines “primary school program” as “that part of
the elementary school program which children are enrolled
from the time they begin school until they are ready to enter
the fourth grade” (PK-3). Bylaw 2 applies this same definition.
Case BL-2-4- What evidence is required to request a
waiver under the statutory age rule provisions?
Documentation shall be presented to the KHSAA from official
school records including any relevant minutes and notes from
the required provisions related to exceptional children services.
Records from anecdotal or other unofficial sources, or
documentation generated after the fact that are not official
academic or school may not be considered as evidence with a
request for this waiver due to the statutory requirements.
Case BL-2-5- What are the requirements and restrictions
around Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts
(Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and the
opportunities for athletics within that statute?
As enacted by the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, Chapter 108
(SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts created a Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) that permits students to take
2021-22 as a supplemental year to 2020-21 due to issues
surrounding the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
As such, students and families were required to declare in their
enrolled school on or before May 1, 2021 that they desired
to exercise this option. Such decisions required approval by
the local Board of Education prior to June 1, 2021, with the
entire group within that school system being approved or not
approved.
From the athletics standpoint, schools are then required to
indicate via the online roster system, which students are
designated as SSYP students. That designation is considered
part of the student’s academic record and therefore, not
subject to public disclosure. No additional future students are
permitted to be designated as SSYP students unless they were
previously not enrolled in the school and otherwise qualify for
the designation.
Students are allowed to remove such designation (from an
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28 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
athletics standpoint) at any time, however, compliance with
state regulations regarding funding and attendance could be
impacted by this change.
Specific in the Act, the statutory limitations on the age rule were
not waived and are in full force for SSYP designated students.
Case Situations for Bylaw 3- Maximum Number of
Years
Case BL-3-1- Why is there a requirement that limits
the number of years and stipulates a maximum
participation requirement?
Without a clearly defined limit, avenues remain open for
redshirting, deception, legal maneuvering, and other athletics-
driven motivations for a student to remain in school rather
than proceeding on into college or into the work force thereby
denying the participation of a student who is otherwise “next
in line” to play. However, the mere lack of these motivations
does not in and of itself constitute justification for a waiver.
A maximum participation requirement is in place because it:
(1) promotes timely progress toward graduation by discouraging
students from delaying or interrupting their high school
education;
(2) disallows students to enroll for one single semester each
school year to increase athletic ability and skill;
(3) diminishes risks stemming from unequal competition;
(4) places emphasis on the year-long academic mission of the
school;
(5) promotes harmony and fair competition among member
schools by maintaining equality of eligibility affording each
student the same number of semesters of athletic eligibility;
(6) increases the number of students who will have an
opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics;
(7) is conducive to the prevention of redshirting;
(8) helps avoid exploitation by coaches or boosters who
otherwise might seek to obtain transfers or to delay a
student’s normal progress through school; and
(9) prevents displacement of younger student-athletes by older
students wishing to protract unfairly their high school careers.
Case BL-3-2- Is it permissible for a school district or
member school to adopt additional stipulations
regarding a maximum number of years that are more
stringent than KHSAA rules?
Yes. While a school or school district cannot establish a standard
that is more lenient than the KHSAA requirements, a school
or school district may set other requirements. For those
requirements which are more stringent than the KHSAA
rules, the KHSAA will not be involved in enforcement of those
regulations.
Case BL-3-3- How is the determination made regarding
eligibility under Bylaw 3 when a student comes in
from a nonmember school system in Kentucky or when
promotion/retention records are not available?
Students enrolling at KHSAA member schools after having
been enrolled in non-KHSAA school districts (home school,
nonmember school) are placed into the proper class according
to documented procedures within the school district of the
KHSAA member school. From that point, the provisions of
Bylaw 3 apply and the student will have only one year of
eligibility per remaining grade, and shall meet the provisions
of all other KHSAA bylaws.
Case BL-3-4- When is a waiver available under Bylaw
3, Sec. 2 and are there legal provisions for gaining
additional semesters/years for those students retained
by the parents or due to athletic injury?
Excluding those students properly and timely designated under
Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) and permitted the SSYP exclusively
during the 2021-22 school year; and unless basic education
services are not available to the student-athlete due to illness
or injury, each student shall be limited to four consecutive years
of opportunity for participation in high school sports. Without
this clearly defined limit, other athletic-driven motivations
for a student to remain in school rather than proceeding on
into college or into the work force exist and thereby deny the
participation opportunity of a student who is otherwise “next
in line” to play.
Additional semesters/years are available only in tightly crafted
exceptions contained in the bylaw. The necessary written
verification of the lack of available education services shall
come from the attending physician at the time of the injury
or illness that resulted in deprivation of educational services.
There are no provisions in the bylaws for other types of
repeating in order to allow for additional semesters/years due
to sports related injuries.
A ruling for additional semesters/years is not ripe for review
until it is clear that a student will not be able to complete the
academic requirements to graduate. Until that time, any request
is speculative and is not to be reviewed. This will normally be
at the end of the student’s third year following entry into grade
nine (9), but may be into the fourth year depending upon the
individual circumstances.
Kentucky Department of Education regulations place the
responsibility for promotion or retention of a student on school
personnel and not parents. Verification and documentation as
to the retention/promotion decision is solely the responsibility
of school personnel and will be based solely on the written
record by the school in which the student was enrolled at the
time of retention or promotion.
Documentation of the promotion/retention decision may include
such things as STI/Infinite Campus records or other written
documentation and shall always be available for review until
the student graduates.
Case BL-3-5- What are the requirements and restrictions
around Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts
(Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and the
opportunities for athletics within that statute?
As enacted by the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, Chapter 108
(SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts created a Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) that permits students to take
2021-22 as a supplemental year to 2020-21 due to issues
surrounding the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
As such, students and families were required to declare in their
enrolled school on or before May 1, 2021 that they desired
to exercise this option. Such decisions required approval by
the local Board of Education prior to June 1, 2021, with the
entire group within that school system being approved or not
approved.
From the athletics standpoint, schools are then required to
indicate via the online roster system, which students are
designated as SSYP students. That designation is considered
part of the student’s academic record and therefore, not
subject to public disclosure. No additional future students are
permitted to be designated as SSYP students unless they were
previously not enrolled in the school and otherwise qualify for
the designation.
Students are allowed to remove such designation (from an
athletics standpoint) at any time, however, compliance with
state regulations regarding funding and attendance could be
impacted by this change.
For Bylaw 3, this change permitted an additional year of eligibility
beyond initial enrollment in grade nine for those enrolled in
grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 during the 2020-21 school year and
who were properly designated. This designation is to remain
in effect unless changed by the member school in accordance
with the table below.
School Year Grade Grade Grade Grade
2017-18 9
2018-19 10 9
2019-20 11 10 9
2020-21 12 11 10 9
2021-22 12 11 10 9
2022-23 12 11 10
2023-24 12 11
2024-25 12
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 29
Case BL-3-6- Is/was there an opportunity to request
additional eligibility under Chapter 108 (SB128)
of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School
Year Program (SSYP) after the original May 1, 2021
application deadline in statute?
No. The statute and its provisions were enacted as state law
and as such, the Association is not empowered to authorize
waivers that did not meet the strict statutory provisions.
Case Situations for Bylaw 4- Enrollment
Requirements
Case BL-4-1- Why is there a requirement that a student
be enrolled at a member school or feeder school under
the same Board of Education?
A student enrollment requirement in a member school
accomplishes the following:
(1) Promotes loyalty and school spirit which lends itself to
cohesion of the student body;
(2) Helps promote amateurism by drawing athletes only from
each school’s student population which, in turn, prompts
students to maintain the academic standard required for
participation and promotes graduation in a common time
frame;
(3) Avoids professionalism and over-emphasis on athletics; and
(4) Discourages “team-shopping” which wrongfully skews the
relationships among student-athletes and coaches.
Case BL-4-2- Is it permissible for a school district or
member school to adopt additional stipulations
regarding enrollment and residence that are more
stringent than KHSAA rules?
Yes. While a school or school district cannot establish a standard
that is more lenient than the KHSAA requirements, a school
or school district may set other enrollment and residence
requirements. For those requirements which are more stringent
than the KHSAA rules, the KHSAA will not be involved in
enforcement of those regulations.
Case BL-4-3- What type of enrolled students are eligible
to participate in interscholastic athletics at a KHSAA
member school?
Only those students enrolled in grades 9-12 as a full-time student
at an A1 (District operated general or multi-program school);
A5 (District-operated alternative education program with
no definable attendance boundaries designed to remediate
academic performance, improve behavior, or provide an
enhanced learning experience and this designation should
only be used for offsite alternative education programs, and
the students may not be A1 enrolled at any other school); B1
Laboratory or training school operated by college or university);
D1 (State Department of Education operated school); F;
(Federal Dependent school); J1 - Roman Catholic School; M1
- Other religious school; R1 - Private, non-church school) or
Public Charter School as defined by KRS 160 may participate.
These schools are the only schools, per statute and regulation,
that can be considered “connected” for the purpose of the
privilege of athletic participation and any revision in this
clarification would require legislative action.
Case BL-4-4- What is a “full-time student according to
regulations promulgated by the Kentucky Board of
Education” as listed in Sec. 1(a) of Bylaw 4?
Students are required to be enrolled as full-time students according
to the rules and regulations of the Kentucky Department of
Education (KDE) earning credits toward graduation.
The KHSAA expects all of its member schools to comply with all
applicable rules from KDE, but the KHSAA does not become
involved in enforcement of regulations or policies that are not
a part of KHSAA regulations.
Case BL-4-5- For the purposes of Bylaw 4, when is a
student enrolled (date of enrollment) at a KHSAA
member school and how is enrollment veried for a
student?
Following the first day of classes through the last day of the
academic school year (including the extension of play into
the summer per Bylaw 24, Sec. 1), a student is considered
enrollment by being a verified full-time student on the school
attendance system being able to attend classes at a member
school per their regulations. In addition, students below grade
nine (9) enrolled at a defined feeder school per the regulations
of, and under the same the local board of education as the
member school as detailed in Section 2.
At an A1, A5 or B1 school (KDE school federal organization
type), enrollment is verifiable through the Infinite Campus
system and the enrollment directly traceable to that member
school.
Prior to the first day of classes and after the last date of classes
during the previous school year, a student may be considered
enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start of the
school year when it is a student who:
(1) is officially enrolled within the adopted policies of the
local board of education as applied to all students and not
enrolled in any manner at any other school;
(2) has attended the school and sat for one or more class
periods while listed as an enrolled student (i.e. summer
school);
(3) attends a formally defined feeder school under the same
local Board of Education as the member school where
participation s desired as defined by the local Board of
Education adopted policy, such is the one and only school at
which participation is permitted, and the student participates
at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw 4, Sec. 2 (a)
and (b);
(4) is an incoming 9th grade student who is no longer enrolled
at a feeder or non-feeder school, is currently enrolled full-
time at the member school where participation is desired
and only that member school for the upcoming school year,
has officially withdrawn from any previous school and is no
longer enrolled; or
(5) is newly enrolling to the school, is in grades ten, eleven or
twelve (whether or not subject to restrictions contained in
other bylaws), is currently enrolled full-time at the member
school where participation is desired and only that member
school for the upcoming school year, has officially withdrawn
from any previous school and is no longer enrolled.
Case BL-4-6- How does Bylaws 4 relate to schools
with nontraditional (block) or other nontraditional
schedules and correlate with Bylaw 5?
A student shall be enrolled as a full-time student in the member
school or defined feeder school within the restrictions of Bylaw
4, and passing in four full credit hours (240 minutes) worth of
classes as defined in Bylaw 5. For example, if a student were
attempting four full credits of one and one-half hours each, he/
she would need to pass three (four and one half hours) worth.
As another example, if the periods are 80 minutes, he/she
would need to pass three.
It is imperative when interpreting this rule that the amount
of credits attempted and class length is considered when
determining the eligibility of a student-athlete as the student
shall pass 240 minutes of class (four full credit hours).
Case BL-4-7- Is it permissible for a student to participate
for a member school while enrolled full-time in
another school that does not offer a particular sport?
No. A student desiring to participate shall be enrolled as a full-
time student and receiving credit through the member school
at which participation is desired, or be a student at a “feeder”
school in the same school district as defined and interpreted
under Bylaw 4.
Case BL-4-8- Are there regulations regarding
participation in high school sports and sport-activities
by home schooled students and other students not
enrolled full-time in the school?
Yes. In order to participate for a member school, a student must
be enrolled full-time at that local high school or at a “feeder”
school under that local Board of Education as defined and
interpreted under Bylaw 4, and attempting four-hours of credit
toward graduation. Without meeting these requirements, the
students are not “connected” to the member school..
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Case BL-4-9- Are there regulations regarding a home-
bound student participating in interscholastic sports
or sport-activities at a KHSAA member school?
Yes. In order to represent a member school, a student shall be
a full-time student at a KHSAA member school or at a feeder
school under the same local Board of Education as the member
school as defined within Bylaw 4 and its interpretations.
In accordance with 704 KAR 7:120, Sec. 2, part (7), “Eligibility
for home/hospital instruction shall cease if the student works
or participates in athletic activities.”
Schools and school districts are reminded that a student who
practices or plays in an athletic scrimmage or contest is
no longer able to be in home bound instruction once such
participation occurs.
Case BL-4-10- What interscholastic athletic participation
opportunities are available to students desiring to
participate in high school level (freshmen, junior
varsity or varsity) sport who are enrolled below grade
nine (9)?
Only those students enrolled in a feeder school in grades 7 and 8
are permitted to play in a high school sport or sport-activity (at
any level) except for football and soccer.
Students below grade seven (7) may not participate in any
activity (practice, scrimmage or game). Students below grade
seven (7) may not wear the game uniform (in whole or part),
or be involved in pre-game activities or any other contest
related activity prior to, during or after a practice, scrimmage
or contest.
Only those students enrolled in the member school and in the
7th grade or above may be involved in those activities or wear
the uniform or other school clothing in the proximity of the
team area.
For football and soccer, students enrolled in a feeder school in
grades 7-8 may only participate in nonvarsity level practice and
play, and only if permitted within local board of Education and
school-based policy.
Students in grades 7 and 8 may not participate in any activity
designated by either team as “varsity (first team)” in football
or soccer. 7th and 8th grade students may not wear the game
uniform (in whole or part), or be involved in pre-game activities
or any other contest related activity prior to, during or after, a
varsity practice, scrimmage or contest in the sports of football
or soccer. 7th and 8th grade students may not participate
(practice, scrimmage or contest) on nonvarsity (freshmen,
junior varsity, etc.) level teams in football or soccer if any
member of the team they are representing or the team they are
competing against during any part of that practice, scrimmage
or contest is enrolled in any grade above grade ten (10). It is
the obligation of the school desiring to allow the seventh or
eighth grade student to participate with the nonvarsity team
to ensure compliance with this provision.
Students below grade seven (7) may not participate (practice,
scrimmage or contest) on any high school level team (freshmen,
junior varsity, varsity) in football or soccer.
Case BL-4-11- Is it permissible for a local school board
or school based decision making council to place
restrictions and limits on participation in sports for
those students in grades seven (7) and eight (8) other
than football, soccer and wrestling?
Yes. While KRS 156.070 (2) bans the KHSAA or Kentucky Board
of Education from implementing a statewide prohibition on
7th and 8th graders participating in high school sports, that
restriction does not apply to local school boards or school
councils. Specifically exempted from this statute are the sports
of football and soccer, whose participants may be restricted if
they are enrolled below grade nine.
OAG 15-022 as published in December of 2015 set aside
prior restrictions and Attorney General opinions regarding
participation limits on 7th and 8th grade students as applied to
KRS 156.070 (2). This opinion determined that the Local Board
of Education or SBDM Council does in fact have authority to
make a district or school wide decision at the local level.
The details of the final opinion are located at https://ag.ky.gov/
Resources/Opinions/Opinions/OAG15-022.doc.
Case BL-4-12- Why is there a requirement that a student
be eligible only one year in each grade as detailed in
Sec. 3?
702 KAR 7:065, Sec. 3(19) requires that any student enrolled
initially in grade seven (7) through twelve (12) who is repeating
a grade for any reason, is to be ineligible during the school
year that the grade is repeated, to compete in interscholastic
athletics competition at any level.
Holding a student back and allowing the student to participate in
contests (redshirting) is prohibited and goes against the basic
principles of fair play.
The repeating student at any level is prohibited from practice or
play, and beginning with initial entry into grade nine (9), the
four-year count of eligibility has begun.
According to OAG82-473 opinion, the promotion and retention
of students in all grades are the direct and sole responsibility
of the Principal through policy developed by the local board of
education.
Case BL-4-13- What interscholastic athletic participation
opportunities at the high school level are available to
students who are repeating a grade?
Student-athletes may not represent a KHSAA member high school
as a participant in any sport at any level if they are repeating
a grade, whether or not that student played interscholastic
sports at any level during the first year in the grade. This
requirement is explicity contained in 702 KAR 7:065, Sec.
3(19) which requires that any student enrolled initially in grade
seven (7) through twelve (12) who is repeating a grade for any
reason, is to be ineligible during the school year that the grade
is repeated, to compete in interscholastic athletics competition
at any level.
Case BL-4-14- What are the requirements and restrictions
around Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts
(Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and the
opportunities for athletics within that statute?
As enacted by the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, Chapter 108
(SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts created a Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) that permits students to take
2021-22 as a supplemental year to 2020-21 due to issues
surrounding the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
As such, students and families were required to declare in their
enrolled school on or before May 1, 2021 that they desired
to exercise this option. Such decisions required approval by
the local Board of Education prior to June 1, 2021, with the
entire group within that school system being approved or not
approved.
From the athletics standpoint, schools are then required to
indicate via the online roster system, which students are
designated as SSYP students. That designation is considered
part of the student’s academic record and therefore, not
subject to public disclosure. No additional future students are
permitted to be designated as SSYP students unless they were
previously not enrolled in the school and otherwise qualify for
the designation.
Students are allowed to remove such designation (from an
athletics standpoint) at any time, however, compliance with
state regulations regarding funding and attendance could be
impacted by this change.
For Bylaw 4, this change created an exception to Bylaw 4, Sec. 3
only, for the 2021-22 school year only, allowing those students
repeating a grade in 2021-22 and properly designated as
SSYP to remain eligble for interscholastic athletics during that
year. This opportunity to play while repeating ended at the
conclusion of the 2021-22 school year.
Case BL-4-15- Is/was there an opportunity to request
additional eligibility under Chapter 108 (SB128)
of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School
Year Program (SSYP) after the original May 1, 2021
application deadline in statute?
No. The statute and its provisions were enacted as state law
and as such, the Association is not empowered to authorize
waivers that did not meet the strict statutory provisions.
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 31
This opportunity is also lost when the student leaves the original
district that approved the SB128 program and enrolls as a
student in another school that did not approve the program,
including an out of state school.
Case BL-4-16- What are the regulations on a student
“reclassifying” to another grade while in high school,
or middle school (in the case of a student legally
playing up to the high school level from middle school
grades)?
A student desiring to graduate early (choosing to graduate a
year prior to the normal year of his/her class) is considered to
be reclassifying. As such, they are still bound by the Bylaw 4
and Bylaw 5 requirements of newly reclassified grade, but that
discretion is left to local districts.
A student designing to graduate later than their original or
normal year is not reclassifying, but is in fact “red-shirting”
and such is not permitted as that student would be repeating
a grade at some point in his or her high school years, and
likely be ineligible while repeating, but also exceed the limit of
semesters / years following grade nine (9) enrollment.
Case BL-4-17- Can an A5 student (KDE Federal Org Code)
in a public school participate in interscholastic sports
for a member school?
In order to be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a student in an
A5 school would need to also be listed in the Infinite Campus
system as being A1 to the member school (with A1 as the
primary school). Those determinations are made at the local
level, but permit students to participate if properly noted by
the school.
In addition, the KHSAA now permits A5 schools (entire schools)
to join and those students to partiicipate as a unit provided
that they are not listed as A1 to any other school. This choiec
between the status designations is established through the
local Board of Education under KDE regulations.
Case Situations for Bylaw 5- Minimum Academic
Requirement
Case BL-5-1- Why is there a Minimum Academic
Requirement as contained in Bylaw 5?
The primary purpose of high schools is to academically prepare
students for productive contributions in their future lives as
citizens in this country, whether they are bound for college or
ready to embark on a career. For that reason, standards must
be developed and applied, including:
(1) Interscholastic athletic activity programs are an extension
of the classroom, and academic standards help ensure the
balance between participation in the activity and appropriate
academic performance;
(2) Interscholastic athletic and activity programs assist in the
educational development of all participants;
(3) Academic standards promote the objective of graduation
from the institution and that student participants are truly
representing the academic mission of the institution;
(4) Overall, academic standards promote educational standards,
underscore the educational values of participating in
activities, encourage appropriate academic performance and
allow the use of interscholastic participation as a motivator
for improved classroom performance;
(5) Participants in the interscholastic athletic program are
expected to be student-athletes;
(6) High school sports are not intended to be a “farm team” for
college and professional sports, but a complementary activity
to the total learning experience;
(7) Standards shall be in place to ensure that in addition to sports
participation, a student shall be on schedule to graduate with
his/her class; and
(8) As class systems change (block and other alternative
schedules), these requirements shall be continually reviewed
to make certain that all students are meeting the necessary
requirements to graduate from high school and be positive
contributors to society.
Though athletics and activities serve as deterrents for many
students to become involved in less-desirable elements of
society, a young person shall be a student rst and an athlete
second.
The combination of Bylaw 5, Sec. 1 and Sec. 2 attempts to ensure
that each student-athlete not only makes progress throughout
a season, but through each year and through the course of the
four years following enrollment in grade nine (9).
Case BL-5-2- Is it permissible for a school district or
member school to adopt an academic standard that
is different from the KHSAA Minimum Academic
Requirement?
Yes. A school or school district may set a higher (more rigid)
requirement than the KHSAA minimum requirement. The
KHSAA requirement for participation is that a student shall be
at proper grade level, and on schedule to graduate in order
to be eligible for interscholastic athletics and make continual
progress during the school year. For any requirement which is
a higher requirement than the KHSAA minimum standard, the
KHSAA will not be involved in enforcement of that requirement.
A school cannot establish a standard that is lower than the
KHSAA minimum standard.
Schools are strongly encouraged to ensure that the normal
promotional requirement for advancement to the following
grade concurs with eligibility requirements for that grade. This
will help ensure that students promoted to the next grade are
in fact eligible in that particular grade and that the locally
adopted standard does not fall below the requirements of
Bylaw 5.
Case BL-5-3- How long must a student be enrolled
during the previous grading period to be considered
enrolled as a full-time student during the previous
credit recording period?
Six weeks enrollment in a school shall constitute a semester in
the interpretation of this rule.
Case BL-5-4- How is Sec. 1(a) of Bylaw 5 interpreted to
determine eligibility of a student on the rst day of
school?
On the first day of school, guidance counselors or other personnel
shall use the following chart to determine eligibility based on
the local districts requirements for graduation.
Any number of credits required which cannot be matched
directly to the credits of the school shall be rounded to the
next possible number. For example, if 9.45 is required, but the
school only gives half and full credits, 9.5 would be required. If
that same school only gave full credits, 10 would be required.
Any other means of rounding would result in the requirement
not being met.
Graduation
Requirement
(Credits)
First Year
(Normally
Grade 9)
Second
Year
(Normally
Grade 10)
Third Year
(Normally
Grade 11)
Fourth Year
(Normally
Grade 12)
20
Promoted
from 8
4.00 9.00 14.00
21
Promoted
from 8
4.20 9.45 14.70
22
Promoted
from 8
4.40 9.90 15.40
23
Promoted
from 8
4.60 10.35 16.10
24
Promoted
from 8
4.80 10.80 16.80
25
Promoted
from 8
5.00 11.25 17.50
26
Promoted
from 8
5.20 11.70 18.20
27
Promoted
from 8
5.40 12.15 18.90
28
Promoted
from 8
5.60 12.60 19.60
29
Promoted
from 8
5.80 13.05 20.30
30
Promoted
from 8
6.00 13.50 21.00
31
Promoted
from 8
6.20 13.95 21.70
BylawsBylaws
32 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
Graduation
Requirement
(Credits)
First Year
(Normally
Grade 9)
Second
Year
(Normally
Grade 10)
Third Year
(Normally
Grade 11)
Fourth Year
(Normally
Grade 12)
32
Promoted
from 8
6.40 14.40 22.40
Case BL-5-5- How is Sec. 1(b) of Bylaw 5 interpreted to
determine eligibility of a student desiring to restore
eligibility following a period of ineligibility due to Sec.
1(a)?
After the student has been ineligible for a specific period
(trimester, semester or year based on the school academic
calendar), the student can be reviewed for reinstatement
according to Sec. 1(b).
Guidance counselors or other personnel shall use the following
chart to determine eligibility based on the local district’s
requirements for graduation.
Any number of credits required which cannot be matched
directly to the credits of the school shall be rounded to the
next possible number. For example, if 9.45 is required, but the
school only gives half and full credits, 9.5 would be required. If
that same school only gave full credits, 10 would be required.
Any other means of rounding would result in the requirement
not being met.
Graduation
Requirement
(Credits)
Required to
reinstate after
complete year
ineligible
Required to
reinstate after
semester
ineligible
Required to
reinstate after
trimester
ineligible
20 5.00 3.00 2.00
21 5.25 3.15 2.10
22 5.50 3.30 2.20
23 5.75 3.45 2.30
24 6.00 3.60 2.40
25 6.25 3.75 2.50
26 6.50 3.90 2.60
27 6.75 4.05 2.70
28 7.00 4.20 2.80
29 7.25 4.35 2.90
30 7.50 4.50 3.00
31 7.75 4.65 3.10
32 8.00 4.80 3.20
Case BL-5-6- Are subjects or credit hours involved in the
application of the Minimum Academic Requirement?
Credit hours (commonly referred to as Carnegie units) as
applicable to graduation are the standard of measurement
to be used for determining eligibility. To be eligible, a student
shall be passing currently in the required number of full-credit
subject hours applicable to graduation and shall be at his/
her proper grade level according to Bylaw 5. However, their
equivalent in units of credit accepted for graduation may be
substituted. All credit calculations are based on totals at the
time the credit is recorded to the transcript. In the case of end
of course assessments, determination shall be made once the
final credits are applied to the official transcript in compliance
with state regulations.
Case BL-5-7- How are credit hours and credits computed
when a student changes from a traditional format to
an alternative format school (i.e. 6 hour day to block
schedule day) or vice-versa, enters from a nonmember
school, or the credits on the transcript are in doubt?
When transfering between traditional (6 credit) and
nontraditional credit systems, a student’s eligibility status
shall be determined after converting the credits earned in the
prior system in accordance with accepted state policies for
computing graduation progress, and no special consideration
can be given to student athletic participants.
In the case of a school raising or changing its graduation
requirements within a school, this conversion can be done by
taking the number of credits required for graduation under
the new system, dividing it by the number of credits required
under the old system, then multiplying that result by the
number of credits earned in the old system to give the student
an equivalent number to be used in determining standing.
For students changing from a traditional to a block system,
or vice versa, it can also be done by taking the number of
credits possible per year under the new system, dividing it by
the number of credits possible per year under the old system,
then multiplying that result by the number of credits earned in
the old system to give the student an equivalent number to be
used in determining standing.
For students who have been in multiple school systems with
multiple credit systems, the process can be done by taking the
academic record of each school year, dividing the number of
credits earned at the school of that particular year (or credit
period when credits are recorded to the final transcript) by the
number of possible credits earned that particular year (or credit
period) at that school, and then taking that fractional value
times the number of credits possible at the new school. Doing
this calculation for each year (or credit period) and then adding
together the results yields an “apples to apples” comparison
in terms of credits needed by a student to be on schedule for
graduation.
The policy for conversion shall be approved by the School Based
Decision Making organization at the school and shall be in
place for all students and not restricted to student-athletes.
For those coming from other systems and nonmember schools,
member schools must determine the number of credits
that have previously been earned in accordance with state
standards and regulations, and then check the normal progress
chart in Case Situation 5-4 to determine eligibility.
Case BL-5-8- How do summer school or correspondence
courses count toward satisfying the academic
requirements of Bylaw 5, Sec. 1?
Summer school or accredited correspondence courses may be
used to make up a failure or deficiency in the academic work
of the preceding year, provided the course work (including all
required examinations) is completed, the grade received and
credit recorded prior to the first day of school for the student
body.
Case BL-5-9- What are the options for the use of online
courses, credit recovery, or other nontraditional
courses to be used to obtain eligibility under Bylaw 5,
Sec. 1(a) and (b)?
Bylaw 5, Sec. 1(a) is solely determined on the first day of school
for the student body by examining the number of credits that
have been recorded to the transcript. That number includes
any full credit awarded and recorded in compliance with all
applicable state regulations. Therefore, any type of credit,
regardless of the method in which it is earned, may be used for
this standard, but must be officially recorded on the student’s
permanent record (transcript) on or before the first day of
school for the student body.
Bylaw 5, Sec. 1(b) is an opportunity to reinstate eligibility for
those students who do not meet the standards of Sec. 1(a),
but only after a defined period of ineligibility. Online/distance
learning other than full-term offerings may not be used in the
calculation of this reinstatement.
Case BL-5-10- For the purposes of Bylaw 5, when is a
student enrolled (date of enrollment) at a KHSAA
member school and how is enrollment veried for a
student?
Following the first day of classes through the last day of the
academic school year (including the extension of play into
the summer per Bylaw 24, Sec. 1), a student is considered
enrollment by being a verified full-time student on the school
attendance system being able to attend classes at a member
school per their regulations. In addition, students below grade
nine (9) enrolled at a defined feeder school per the regulations
of, and under the same the local board of education as the
member school as detailed in Section 2.
Prior to the first day of classes and after the last date of classes
during the previous school year, a student may be considered
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 33
enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start of the
school year when it is a student who:
(1) is officially enrolled within the adopted policies of the
local board of education as applied to all students and not
enrolled in any manner at any other school;
(2) has attended the school and sat for one or more class
periods while listed as an enrolled student (i.e. summer
school);
(3) attends a formally defined feeder school under the same
local Board of Education as the member school where
participation s desired as defined by the local Board of
Education adopted policy, such is the one and only school at
which participation is permitted, and the student participates
at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw 4, Sec. 2 (a)
and (b);
(4) is an incoming 9th grade student who is no longer enrolled
at a feeder or non-feeder school, is currently enrolled full-
time at the member school where participation is desired
and only that member school for the upcoming school year,
has officially withdrawn from any previous school and is no
longer enrolled; or
(5) is newly enrolling to the school, is in grades ten, eleven or
twelve (whether or not subject to restrictions contained in
other bylaws), is currently enrolled full-time at the member
school where participation is desired and only that member
school for the upcoming school year, has officially withdrawn
from any previous school and is no longer enrolled.
Case BL-5-11- If a student is ineligible at the beginning
of the school year according to Bylaw 5, Sec. 1(a), can
this student become eligible during the school year?
Yes. A student-athlete who is ineligible due to failing to maintain
normal progress as defined in Sec. 1(a) may have eligibility
reinstated for the following and subsequent semesters/
trimesters/years providing he/she meets all provisions for
reinstatement in Bylaw 5, Sec. 1(b).
A student may be reinstated at the end of the semester/
trimester that the student is ineligible, depending upon the
school academic calendar structure provided that there are
opportunities for the entire student body to add permanent
credits to the transcript at those breaks between semesters/
trimesters.
Schools with a semester setup (where credits are recorded at the
end of each semester) have reinstatement opportunities at the
end of the semester in which the student was ineligible.
Schools with a trimester setup (where credits are recorded at the
end of each trimester) have reinstatement opportunities at the
end of each trimester in which the student was ineligible.
Schools with a year-long calendar where credits are only recorded
at the end of the year do not have a mid-year reinstatement
opportunity for athletes ineligible on the first day of school.
Case BL-5-12- Is it possible for a student to be eligible
according to Bylaw 5 during the senior year and yet
not graduate?
Yes. Depending upon that particular student’s class load and
progress, he/she could be eligible by Sec. 1 of this bylaw,
complete the required number of courses each year including
the final year, and still not graduate, and yet remain eligible
throughout the year. This bylaw represents a minimum
standard, and as such, schools are empowered to make a
tougher regulation that could prevent such an occurrence.
Case BL-5-13- When do schools perform the weekly
grade check to determine the continual progress
provisions of Bylaw 5, Sec. 2?
Each year, when a school applies for membership, school
representatives are to designate the one specific day of each
week that grades will be checked, and eligibility will then be
determined for the subsequent week (Monday through Sunday
period).
Case BL-5-14- How does Bylaw 5, Sec. 3 relate to schools
with nontraditional (block) schedules?
A student shall be passing in four full credit hours (240 minutes)
worth of classes as defined in Bylaw 5, Sec. 3. For example, if
a student were attempting four full credits of one and one-half
hours each, he/she would need to pass three (four and one
half hours) worth. As another example, if the periods are 80
minutes, he/she would need to pass three.
It is imperative when interpreting this rule that the amount
of credits attempted and class length is considered when
determining the eligibility of a student-athlete as the student
shall pass 240 minutes of class (four full credit hours).
Case BL-5-15- How is weekly eligibility determined for
students who were not passing at the last grade check
prior to breaks during the school year?
Until school has resumed and a school has checked grades on
the first weekly grade check opportunity, any student who was
not passing four hours of instruction as of the last valid grade
check is not academically eligible.
Case BL-5-16- How is academic eligibility determined
during the summer after July 15 and prior to the start
of school?
The academic record of each student desiring to participate in
practice or competition in scrimmages or contests after July 15
and prior to the start of classes in the fall shall be checked to
ensure that the student is on schedule to graduate per Bylaw
5, Sec. 1. If the student’s grades and credits in any offering are
not a part of the permanent record, those grades or credits may
not be used to determine eligibility.
Case BL-5-17- Does compliance with Bylaw 5 ensure that
students will be eligible to compete after high school
at the collegiate level?
No. Schools and student-athletes shall be mindful of recent
changes in the core-content requirements for the NCAA Initial
Eligibility Center as certain correspondence courses previously
acceptable for credit may not be acceptable within the core
curriculum required for certification at the collegiate level. This
creates the scenario where a credit may apply to high school
graduation, but not be applicable to college admission or
qualification.
It is also important that school administrators and prospective
NCAA and NAIA student-athletes carefully monitor changing
academic requirements at various levels. NCAA information is
available at websites such as https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.
ncaa.org/static/2point3/index.html and NAIA information can
be found at https://play.mynaia.org/.
Case BL-5-18 What are the requirements and restrictions
around Chapter 108 (SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts
(Supplemental School Year Program (SSYP) and the
opportunities for athletics within that statute?
As enacted by the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly, Chapter 108
(SB128) of the 2021 Kentucky Acts created a Supplemental
School Year Program (SSYP) that permits students to take
2021-22 as a supplemental year to 2020-21 due to issues
surrounding the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
As such, students and families were required to declare in their
enrolled school on or before May 1, 2021 that they desired
to exercise this option. Such decisions required approval by
the local Board of Education prior to June 1, 2021, with the
entire group within that school system being approved or not
approved.
From the athletics standpoint, schools are then required to
indicate via the online roster system, which students are
designated as SSYP students. That designation is considered
part of the student’s academic record and therefore, not
subject to public disclosure. No additional future students are
permitted to be designated as SSYP students unless they were
previously not enrolled in the school and otherwise qualify for
the designation.
Students are allowed to remove such designation (from an
athletics standpoint) at any time, however, compliance with
state regulations regarding funding and attendance could be
impacted by this change.
For Bylaw 5, this change created an exception to Bylaw 5, Sec.
1 only, for the 2021-22 school year only, and suspended the
first day credit check as a condition of eligibility for those
students properly designated as SSYP to remain eligble for
interscholastic athletics during that year. This waiver ended at
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34 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year.
Case BL-5-19- Is/was there an opportunity to request
additional eligibility under Chapter 108 (SB128)
of the 2021 Kentucky Acts (Supplemental School
Year Program (SSYP) after the original May 1, 2021
application deadline in statute?
No. The statute and its provisions were enacted as state law
and as such, the Association is not empowered to authorize
waivers that did not meet the strict statutory provisions.
This opportunity is also lost when the student leaves the original
district that approved the SB128 program and enrolls as a
student in another school that did not approve the program,
including an out of state school.
Case BL-5-19- What are the regulations on a student
“reclassifying” to another grade while in high school,
or middle school (in the case of a student legally
playing up to the high school level from middle school
grades)?
A student desiring to graduate early (choosing to graduate a
year prior to the normal year of his/her class) is considered to
be reclassifying. As such, they are still bound by the Bylaw 4
and Bylaw 5 requirements of newly reclassified grade, but that
discretion is left to local districts.
A student designing to graduate later than their original or
normal year is not reclassifying, but is in fact “red-shirting”
and such is not permitted as that student would be repeating
a grade at some point in his or her high school years, and
likely be ineligible while repeating, but also exceed the limit of
semesters / years following grade nine (9) enrollment.
Case Situations for Bylaw 6- Transfer Rule- Citizens
Of The U.S. And D.C. And Other Students Previously
Enrolled In Member Schools
Case BL-6-1- What is the transfer rule (Bylaw 6)?
Bylaw 6, Transfer Rule, states that any student who changes
schools after enrolling in grade 9 and after participating in
a varsity contest in any sport, shall be ineligible at the new
school for one year from the date of last varsity participation
at the old school in any sport participated during that one-year
period.
There is only limited authority to waive the period of ineligibility
under the circumstances outlined in Bylaw 6 and the Due
Process Procedure.
A contest is one of the defined limit for the specific sport within
Bylaw 23 and does not include scrimmages.
Additional reminders include:
Bylaw 6 contains restrictions relative to students changing
schools after they have BOTH been in grade nine AND played
for a member school at the varsity level.
A student who has not yet been in grade nine or has not yet
participated at the varsity level has no restrictions on transfer
within Bylaw 6.
The restrictions on students who have both been in grade nine
AND played for a member school require said individual to
be ineligible for one year from that student’s latest varsity
participation in that sport.
The one-year period of ineligibility may be waived if
documentation can be made that one of 11 published
exceptions have been met as listed in the rule (Section 2).
Even if an exception has been satisfied, that exception can
be negated and a waiver not granted if there is sufficient
evidence of a transfer motivated by athletics as detailed in
Section 3.
A student transferring between schools below grade nine is not
regulated by the KHSAA.
A student initially entering grade nine has no transfer
restriction, even if such student has played varsity in grades
seven or eight.
Case BL-6-2- Why is there a transfer rule and restrictions
on changing schools after participating at the varsity
level?
Nearly every state has a transfer rule to protect the integrity
of the interscholastic program. These rules are necessary for
several reasons including, but not limited to, the following
principles:
(1) these rules prevent and deter transfers due to recruiting or
athletic reasons;
(2) these rules protect the opportunities of bona de resident
students;
(3) these rules provide a fundamentally fair and equitable
framework for athletic competition in an academic setting;
(4) these rules provide uniform standards for all schools to
follow;
(5) these rules support the educational philosophy that athletics
is a privilege which should not assume a dominant position in
a school’s program;
(6) these rules keep the focus of educators and students on the
fact that students attend schools to receive an education rst,
and participate in athletics second;
(7) these rules maintain the fundamental principle that a high
school student should live at home with parents or custodian
in the event of parental death or incapacitation, and attend
school in the school district in which they reside;
(8) these rules reinforce the view that a family is a strong and
viable unit and as such is the best place for students to live
while attending high school;
(9) these rules serve as a deterrent to students running away
from, or avoiding discipline that has been imposed; and
(10) these rules prevent manipulation of a residence change
or other exception solely or primarily for the purpose of
interscholastic athletics participation and serve to ensure the
integrity of the rules adherence process.
Case BL-6-3- What is the procedure for requesting a
waiver of the period of ineligibility for a student who
has transferred in to a member school?
The receiving school initiates the process using KHSAA Form
GE06 and utilizing the instructions on that form.
The Receiving School is the KHSAA member school in which the
student is enrolled and for which he/she is requesting eligibility.
The Sending School is normally the most recent school in which
this student was enrolled and participated in interscholastic
athletics. However, for students who have attended multiple
schools, the Sending School is the last school at which the
student participated in varsity athletics after enrolling in
grade nine (9). In the case of multiple schools attended within
the past one-year, it may be necessary to complete multiple
sending school portions of the form.
Failure of the sending school to return the form to the receiving
school within fifteen (15) days will result in an administrative
penalty per Bylaw 27.
Any school failing to properly certify and maintain documents
related to the eligibility of a student who ultimately has
an ineligible student participate or practice will be held
accountable for penalty in compliance with other KHSAA
bylaws.
State regulations require that information submitted concerning
specific cases be in writing, and that those submitting
information be available for any examination and cross-
examination if there is an appeal.
Additional process reminders include:
As the agent of the Kentucky Department of Education, every
action must be compliant with both state and Federal laws
and regulations.
The KHSAA staff is subject by its Board of Control to Kentucky
open records requirements, and certainly will not discuss a
student’s educational records in violation of FERPA and a
myriad of other privacy regulations because of the age of
involved students through any medium.
In general, these are not students above the age of 18 (as
perhaps in collegiate matters where people feel freer to
discuss their opinions and interpretations of the facts).
For these reasons, the KHSAA staff is not permitted to get
into protracted discussions via text or social media and, in
general, will not respond to accusations and innuendo.
Restrictions on playing while eligibility determinations are
pending apply solely to the period defined in Bylaw 23, the
Limitation of Seasons.
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 35
Persons willing to submit information concerning possible
violations are welcome to do so in writing in compliance
with KHSAA Bylaws 18 and 26 with appropriate contact
information to be available for verification.
Case BL-6-4- What special documentation needs to be
sent along with the waiver request when the member
school sends the request to the KHSAA?
This is dependent upon which exception to Bylaw 6 that the
member school desires to request. Any and all documenation
that would further detail the transfer including records shall be
submitted. The transfer form (GE06) is revised annually with
details about the required documentation, and is posted on
the KHSAA website.
Case BL-6-5- What are the situations in which a form is
not required to be submitted to the KHSAA but must
be transmitted between member schools and kept on
le at the receiving school?
Bylaw 6, Transfer Rule, states that any student who changes
schools after enrolling in grade 9 and after participating in
a varsity contest in any sport, shall be ineligible at the new
school for one year from the date of last varsity participation
at the old school in any sport participated in during that one-
year period.
There are several circumstances and documented exceptions for
which the waiver form is not necessary to be submitted to the
KHSAA, including:
(1) If it can be documented by the Principal or Designated
Representative that the student last participated at the
receiving school and has not been granted eligibility at any
other school (in or out of state). This sometime occurs when
a student plays for school A, then transfers to B and does not
seek a transfer ruling or seeks a ruling and is denied eligibility,
and subsequently returns to the original school;
(2) If a Board of Education is redistricting its students due to
consolidation, merger of adjacent public school districts,
closure or a single school splitting into multiple schools and
the transferring student is adhering strictly to the policy
adopted by the Board of Education and such plan has been
submitted to the KHSAA in advance of the consolidation/
closure/split of schools. This allowance DOES NOT include
optional or discretionary decisions by individual students
in advance of the consolidation, closure or splitting of a
single school and is not valid until the implementation of the
consolidation, closure or splitting of a single school;
(3) If the case involves a transfer from a non-KHSAA member
school that is located in Kentucky and the receiving school
Principal has the requisite information contained on the Form
GE06 from the sending school; and
(4) If the receiving school has received veried copies of
the orders from any branch of the United States military
service, including the reserve components, and has on le
at the school a completed copy of form GE06. This required
documentation, to be kept on le at the receiving school,
includes a Permanent Change of Station or Change of Duty
Status, and this exception may also be applicable in the case
where transfer is made necessary by implementation of the
Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military
Children.
Any school failing to properly certify and maintain documents
related to the eligibility of a student who ultimately has
an ineligible student participate or practice will be held
accountable for penalty in compliance with other KHSAA
bylaws.
Case BL-6-6- Are there situations in which a request for
transfer ruling will be returned to the receiving school
and no ruling issued?
Yes. The form must be complete. Incomplete or illegible forms will
be returned to the receiving school and will not be processed.
The following are critical elements that if omitted will result in
the form being sent back to the receiving school and delay the
processing of a ruling:
(1) The last date of varsity participation in each sport must
be recorded. This may ultimately be a collaborative effort
between the receiving and sending schools to accurately
determine the date, but is essential to determining the period
of ineligibility.
(2) The exception being applied for by the member school is
a required eld. Basically, all students who have previous
varsity play after grade nine are ineligible, and the member
school is requesting, on behalf of the students and family,
that this period be waived for one of eleven reasons that
are detailed in the exceptions. Absent meeting one of the
exceptions, the member school may be requesting a waiver of
the rule on behalf of the student and must detail the reasons
and rationale.
(3) A form that is not signed by either the Principal or Designated
Representative (per Bylaw 1) of the school. If any other
individual has signed the form, it will be returned.
(4) An incomplete form will be summarily returned without
processing until all data has been submitted.
Case BL-6-7- What are the provisions regarding a
student practicing after transferring or while awaiting
a ruling?
Once a student enrolls at a member school after transferring from
another school after playing varsity following enrollment in
grade nine, they are automatically ineligible for one year from
the date of their last participation in each varsity sport in which
they have participated during the last year.
Therefore at the point of enrollment, the transferring student is
ineligible and the school makes the determination as to the
ability to practice. See Case Situation 14-4 for details regarding
specific local school determinations in the event of an enrolled
student being ineligible at the varsity level.
Case BL-6-8- Is there a required time frame for the
sending school to return the information to the
receiving school?
Yes. The maximum time is fifteen days for the sending school to
return information to the receiving school. Though a default
ruling is not issued on behalf of a student for failure to submit
a form in a timely manner, if a KHSAA member sending school
fails to return the form to the receiving school within 15
calendar days, that school is subject to a fine of $500 per day or
other penalties contained in Bylaw 27. The processing of these
forms, and subsequent Due Process options for the student are
not matters for gamemanship or unreasonable delays between
KHSAA member schools.
Case BL-6-9- Is the last participation date a critical
component with the application of Bylaw 6 and Due
Process rulings, and where does the burden of proof
for accuracy lie within the process?
The last participation date in all sports is a vital bit of information
for use in making a ruling regarding each student. If the ruling
is a period of ineligibilty, this will “start the clock” as far as the
period of ineligibility.
If the first page of the transfer form indicates that a student is
subject to the restrictions of Bylaw 6, additional information will
be needed to be provided on that form. The past particiaption
data must be submitted by both schools. In many cases, the
receiving school will rely initially on intake information from
the player or parents, but will also likely be compelled to
consult with the sending school.
If there is a difference in the data and answers regarding last
participation sports and dates, the burden will be on the
sending school to dispute the data provided by the receiving
school.
Case BL-6-10- What are the requirements for student-
athletes declared eligible due to satisfying an
exception during the normal one-year period of
ineligibility?
If a student recieves a waiver of the one-year period of ineligibility
contained in Bylaw 6, Sec. 1 and the conditions change during
the one year following enrollment at the new school, a new
ruling shall be issued.
For example, if the student receives a waiver of the one-
year period due to a bona fide change in residence and the
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36 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
family unit returns to the former district or no longer meets
the exception within that year, it is the obligation of school
personnel to monitor the facts surrounding students receiving
the waiver, and report to the Association. In that case, if the
circumstances change, a new ruling may be issued. The new
ruling could result in a determination that the player was
ineligible to participate during part of the normal ineligibility
period despite the waiver.
If an ineligible student participates in varsity interscholastic
athletics during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may
toll the one-year period of ineligibility after the anticipated
expiration date in an amount of time equal to the time the
student participated while ineligible. For example, if a student
participates in varsity interscholastic athletics for six months
during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may toll
the period of ineligibility after the anticipated expiration date
for six months. Depending on the circumstances of each case,
this time might be applied immediately after the expiration of
the normal one-year period of ineligibility or delayed until a
particular sports season.
This interpretation is necessary, fair and reasonable because
the ineligible student may have participated in and affected
the outcome of games, including tournament games, that
cannot be replayed, and deprived properly eligible students of
opportunities to participate that cannot later be restored.
Case BL-6-11- When is a student enrolled at a KHSAA
member school for the purposes of Bylaw 6?
Following the first day of classes through the last day of the
academic school year (including the extension of play into
the summer per Bylaw 24, Sec. 1), a student is considered
enrollment by being a verified full-time student on the school
attendance system being able to attend classes at a member
school per their regulations. In addition, students below grade
nine (9) enrolled at a defined feeder school per the regulations
of, and under the same the local board of education as the
member school as detailed in Section 2.
Prior to the first day of classes and after the last date of classes
during the previous school year, a student may be considered
enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start of the
school year when it is a student who:
(1) is officially enrolled within the adopted policies of the
local board of education as applied to all students and not
enrolled in any manner at any other school;
(2) has attended the school and sat for one or more class
periods while listed as an enrolled student (i.e. summer
school);
(3) attends a formally defined feeder school under the same
local Board of Education as the member school where
participation s desired as defined by the local Board of
Education adopted policy, such is the one and only school at
which participation is permitted, and the student participates
at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw 4, Sec. 2 (a)
and (b);
(4) is an incoming 9th grade student who is no longer enrolled
at a feeder or non-feeder school, is currently enrolled full-
time at the member school where participation is desired
and only that member school for the upcoming school year,
has officially withdrawn from any previous school and is no
longer enrolled; or
(5) is newly enrolling to the school, is in grades ten, eleven or
twelve (whether or not subject to restrictions contained in
other bylaws), is currently enrolled full-time at the member
school where participation is desired and only that member
school for the upcoming school year, has officially withdrawn
from any previous school and is no longer enrolled.
Case BL-6-12- What does the word “sport” as used in
Bylaw 6 represent with respect to athletic participation
and the applicability of Bylaw 6?
The provisions of Bylaw 6 that call for participation in a varsity
“sport” as a determinant restricts application to those sports
which the KHSAA sanctions and these are separate and apart
from Sport-Activities. “Sport” includes baseball, basketball,
cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, softball
(fastpitch), swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track,
volleyball and wrestling. This rule does not apply to students
whose participation is solely in the Sport-Activities of archery,
bass fishing, bowling, competitive cheer and dance.
Case BL-6-13- What does “reasonably precipitate” mean
under Bylaw 6, Sec. 2(d) and Sec. 3 (c)?
A waiver of Bylaw 6, Sec. 1 is not available if the change in
residence by the student and the parents does not “reasonably
precipitate” the transfer to the receiving school (see Sec. 3
(g)). “Reasonably precipitates” means, among other things,
that a student cannot delay transferring schools after a change
in residence for an unreasonable period of time. The change
in residence (subsection (d)) must clearly have a compelling
impact on the need to change schools, as would any other
exception being met.
It should be noted the “reasonably precipitates” language also
refers to the timing of the transfer in that the rule as written
and interpreted, calls for the exception being satisfied (i.e.,
residence change, divorce, custody action, etc.) to occur
first, and thereby result in the need to change schools. The
documented exceptions are not published to provide a guide
for circumvention of the one-year period of ineligibility, but
rather to show that there are instances where changing
circumstances necessitate a change in schools.
Case BL-6-14- Can a student delay enrolling at the
receiving school if the family changes residence or
meets another exception during the middle of a credit
recording/grading period?
The “reasonably precipitates” provision gives the Ruling Officer/
Commissioner discretion to waive the period of ineligibility
under Bylaw 6, Sec. 1(a) if the change in residence occurs at
a point during a credit period (semester/trimester) when the
student would incur academic difficulties to transfer schools
provided that the student transfers schools at the next
available credit period (semester/trimester) break. A student
who delays transferring until after that time will not have had a
change in residence that “reasonably precipitates” the transfer
of schools.
Case BL-6-15- Is there a link between Bylaw 6 (Transfer
Rule) and Bylaw 16 (Recruiting) as for the enforcement
by the Association?
No. These are separate and distinct bylaws. However, it is
possible that a transferring student could have a change in
residence or meet another documented exception and still be
ineligible if a Bylaw 16 violation is determined in the case. And,
the absence of a Bylaw 16 violation (recruiting) does not relate
to the enforcement of Bylaw 6.
Case BL-6-16- How are magnet schools, and board
selected program enrollments interpreted with regard
to Bylaw 6, Sec. 2 (a)?
The Association attempts to ensure that its regulations are
not an inhibitor to a school trying a creative, magnet, and
traditional or other type of special program for student or
school improvement. Representatives of those local boards of
education shall ensure that the listing of magnet, traditional,
innovative, ROTC, and other selective, board approved and
designated programs are submitted to the Commissioner’s
office where they will remain on file to ensure the accurate
processing of such requests.
Case BL-6-17- How is Bylaw 6, Sec. 2(a) interpreted in
the case of a school consolidating or splitting into
multiple schools?
When multiple schools are consolidated within a district, the
students entering the consolidated school are considered
eligible at the consolidated school under this exception,
provided they are eligible to attend the consolidated school
per local board of education policy. Subsequent to the first day
of school, the KHSAA transfer rule provisions shall apply.
In the case of a member school splitting into multiple schools
within a district, the students shall be eligible at the school
assigned by the board of education or the school where the
student first attends within the district if such attendance and
eligibility is allowed under local board of education policy.
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Subsequent to the first day of school, the KHSAA transfer rule
provisions shall apply.
Case BL-6-18- How is Bylaw 6 applied to out-of-state
students, and does exception (b) in Sec. 2 of Bylaw
6 apply to students transferring from out-of-state
schools?
Students transferring from out-of-state schools are subject to the
provisions of Bylaw 6 if they participated in any varsity game,
in any sport, at any out-of-state school following enrolment in
grade nine (9).
Exception (b) is not available for students transferring from out-
of-state schools. “Nonmember school located in Kentucky”
in Bylaw 6, Sec. 2 (b) specifically means a school located in
Kentucky that is not a member of the KHSAA. This exception
was passed by the KHSAA member schools in an effort to
accommodate students who had been enrolled at small in-
state schools that were not members of the KHSAA and had
participated against similarly situated schools.
Case BL-6-19- What are the Boarding Schools impacted
by Bylaw 6, Sec. 2 (g)?
Per the Kentucky Department of Education, the schools that are
“boarding schools” and qualify for the exception are Oneida
Baptist Institute and Red Bird Christian School.
Case BL-6-20- What is the purpose of Bylaw 6, Sec. 3(d)?
Bylaw 6 Section 3(d)’s phrase “in whole or in part” grants the
Association a broad standard by which to declare transferring
student-athletes ineligible based on a fact-intensive review
to protect the integrity of the rules and in fairness to other
competitors. This broad standard is not unconstitutionally
vague and the provision is not incomprehensible, and not so
indefinite as to be no rule at all. The provision is purposely
broad, but it is clear that student-athletes may be declared
ineligible for one year if their transfer was motivated, even in
part, by the desire to play athletics.
Case BL-6-21- How does Bylaw 6, Sec. 3 interrelate
with the requirements of KRS Chapter 13B from an
evidentiary (proof) perspective?
Section 3(d) allows the KHSAA to determine a student-athlete
ineligible if a transfer decision was motivated in part by
athletics, but KRS 13B requires that the KHSAA have substantial
evidence on which it based its conclusion. In other words, KRS
13B and Section 3(d) overlap and must be read together so
as to require the KHSAA to have substantial evidence that
the transfer was motivated, in whole or in part, for athletic
purposes.
Because of this standard, the burden of proof rests with the
parties providing information (including the KHSAA staff in
reviewing these matters) alleging that Sec. 3 is applicable.
Case Situations for Bylaw 7- Transfer Rule –
Students Having J-1/F-1 Education Visa Status and
Non-U.S. Students Not Having J-1/F-1 Status
Case 7-1- Why are there restrictions on foreign exchange
students, and why are the restrictions on J-1 and F-1
students different?
For each international student who arrives at a US high school and
promptly plays at the varsity level, there is a lost participation
opportunity for a student who has “paid his or her dues” in the
hope of one day gaining playing time.
An international student who comes to the United States without
the accompaniment of his or her parent(s) is analogous to a
domestic student who transfers without being accompanied by
his or her parents. The latter student is not typically granted
immediate eligibility.
“Team shopping” is at odds with the high school model of
academic primacy, and is unfair to other students and other
schools.
F-1 visa programs in particular are ripe for abuse in the transfer
process. While a J-1 foreign exchange student in an approved
program typically has little say in his or her school of enrollment,
a student with an F-1 visa, absent a state association rule,
could choose his or her school of enrollment based solely on
immediate sports opportunity. The displacement risk to other
students would be immediate and irreparable.
Rules restricting participation by certain international students
promote amateurism, inhibit “power-loading” of select
schools, and impede the exploitation of students by coaches
and boosters.
Such rules discourage recruiting, prevent the over-emphasis of
athletics, and maintain the focus of secondary schools on their
primary purpose: the academic preparation of students for
their adult lives.
Case BL-7-2- What are the approved J-1 VISA programs
for Foreign Exchange Students?
Students holding a J-1 VISA issued by the U.S. Department of
State and placed in KHSAA member schools through a CSIET
approved agency may be declared eligible by the Association.
For more information, contact the CSIET website by going to
http://www.csiet.org/. An agency may be removed from the
listing at any time for noncompliance with the basic rules
regarding random placement of students and other Federal
provisions.
The current list of certified CSIET J-1 inbound programs is on
the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/
handbook/Certified-Programs-J1.pdf.
Case BL-7-3- What are the approved F-1 VISA programs
for Foreign Exchange Students?
Students holding an F-1 VISA issued by the Department of
Homeland Security and placed in KHSAA member schools
through a CSIET approved agency may be declared eligible
by the Association. For more information, contact the CSIET
website by going to http://www.csiet.org/. An agency may be
removed from the listing at any time for noncompliance with
the basic rules regarding random placement of students and
other Federal provisions.
The current list of certified CSIET F-1 inbound programs is on
the KHSAA website at https://khsaa.org/common_documents/
handbook/Certified-Programs-F1.pdf.
Case BL-7-4- Will the KHSAA recognize a student on any
other VISA than J-1 or F-1 for the purpose of granting
athletic eligibility?
No. The student may apply for eligibility under Bylaw 8, but
only J-1 and F-1 VISAs are recognized by Bylaw 7 to allow for
participation.
Case BL-7-5- What are additional requirements for
student-athletes receiving a waiver of the normal
one-year period of ineligibility or for member school
representatives when a waiver is granted?
If a student recieves a waiver of the one-year period of ineligibility
contained in Bylaw 7, Sec. 1 and the conditions change during
the one year following enrollment at the new school, the
original ruling shall be reviewed and potentially revised.
For example, if the student receives a waiver of the one-year
period due to placement by an approved agency and the host
family changes during the one-year period in which the student
would otherwise have been ineligible, it is the obligation of
school personnel to monitor the facts surrounding the situation
and report to the Association. In that case, if the circumstances
change, a new ruling may be issued. The new ruling could result
in a determination that the player was ineligible to participate
during part of the normal ineligibility period despite the waiver.
If an ineligible student participates in varsity interscholastic
athletics during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may
toll the one-year period of ineligibility after the anticipated
expiration date in an amount of time equal to the time the
student participated while ineligible. For example, if a student
participates in varsity interscholastic athletics for six months
during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may toll
the period of ineligibility after the anticipated expiration date
for six months. Depending on the circumstances of each case,
this time might be applied immediately after the expiration of
the normal one-year period of ineligibility or delayed until a
particular sports season.
This interpretation is necessary, fair and reasonable because
the ineligible student may have participated in and affected
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the outcome of games, including tournament games, that
cannot be replayed, and deprived properly eligible students of
opportunities to participate that cannot later be restored.
Case BL-7-6- What are the provisions regarding a
student practicing after transferring or while awaiting
a ruling?
Once a student defined in section 1 enrolls at a member school,
they are automatically ineligible for one year. Therefore at
the point of enrollment, the transferring student is ineligible
to participate at the varsity level and the school makes the
determination as to the ability to practice or participate at non-
varsity levels per Bylaw 14.
Case 7-7- Why are there restrictions on the eligiblity
of foreign students not coming through an exchange
program?
For each international student who arrives at a US high school and
promptly plays at the varsity level, there is a lost participation
opportunity for a student who has “paid his or her dues” in the
hope of one day gaining playing time.
An international student who comes to the United States without
the accompaniment of his or her parent(s) is analogous to a
domestic student who transfers without being accompanied by
his or her parents. The latter student is not typically granted
immediate eligibility.
“Team shopping” is at odds with the high school model of
academic primacy, and is unfair to other students and other
schools.
Rules restricting participation by certain international students
promote amateurism, inhibit “power-loading” of select
schools, and impede the exploitation of students by coaches
and boosters.
Such rules discourage recruiting, prevent the over-emphasis of
athletics, and maintain the focus of secondary schools on their
primary purpose: the academic preparation of students for
their adult lives.
Case BL-7-8- What are additional requirements for
student-athletes receiving a waiver of the normal
one-year period of ineligibility or for member school
representatives when a waiver is granted?
If a student receives a waiver of the one-year period of ineligibility
contained in Bylaw 8, Sec. 1(a) and the conditions change
during the one year following enrollment at the new school,
the original ruling shall be reviewed and potentially revised.
For example, if the student receives a waiver and the circumstances
that resulted in the waiver change during the one-year period
in which the student would otherwise have been ineligible,
it is the obligation of school personnel to monitor the facts
surrounding the situation and report to the Association. In that
case, if the circumstances change, a new ruling may need to be
issued. The new ruling could result in a determination that the
player was ineligible to participate during part of the normal
ineligibility period despite the waiver.
If an ineligible student participates in varsity interscholastic
athletics during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may
toll the one-year period of ineligibility after the anticipated
expiration date in an amount of time equal to the time the
student participated while ineligible. For example, if a student
participates in varsity interscholastic athletics for six months
during the usual period of ineligibility, the KHSAA may toll
the period of ineligibility after the anticipated expiration date
for six months. Depending on the circumstances of each case,
this time might be applied immediately after the expiration of
the normal one-year period of ineligibility or delayed until a
particular sports season.
This interpretation is necessary, fair and reasonable because
the ineligible student may have participated in and affected
the outcome of games, including tournament games, that
cannot be replayed, and deprived properly eligible students of
opportunities to participate that cannot later be restored.
Case BL-7-9- What are the provisions regarding a
student practicing after transferring or while awaiting
a ruling?
Once a student defined in section 1 enrolls at a member school,
they are automatically ineligible for one year. Therefore at
the point of enrollment, the transferring student is ineligible
to participate at the varsity level and the school makes the
determination as to the ability to practice or participate at non-
varsity levels per Bylaw 14.
Case BL-7-10- What is the threshold date for the
determination of direct placement of an exchange
student when a ruling is being considerd?
Mamber schools are to know and understand the distinction
between a student who has been directly placed and one that
has not, with definitions contained in the bylaw.
The Association routinely receives reports from the National
Federation of High Schools listing students who have been
directly placed in compliance with these definitions. The ruling
officer for Bylaw 7 will consider the direct placement criteria
based on the reports that have been received at the time of
the ruling, but reserves the right to further revise the ruling at
a later time if additional information is provided by the agency
through the NFHS report.
Case Situations for Bylaw 8- Enrollment / Transfer
Of Non-Resident Student
Case 8-1- What is the background of Bylaw 8?
In its regular session in 2023, the Kentucky General Assembly
passed amendments to Acts Chapter 93 2023 (SB145), which
become law on June 29, 2023. This legislation amended the
prior provisions known colloquially as HB563, Acts Chapter
167 2021 (HB563).
SB145, now codified into Kentucky Revised Statutes further
refined restrictions on non-resident, out-of-district students
and their participation in interscholastic athletics after
changing schools.
The changes passed with this measure impacted only KRS
156.070 and made no changes in KRS 157.350. These changes
supersede and sunset the interpretive guidance issued
by the KHSAA distributed as https://khsaa.org/06-13-22-
bylaw-8-replacement-and-guidance-related-to-2021-hb563-
KRS156-070/. These changes become effective June 29, 2023.
Definitions
“Non-resident student” continues to be in compliance with
KRS 157.350 and are only applicable in those public schools
subject to SEEK funding calculation.
Non-resident student provisions continue to not apply to out-
of-state students legally attending schools in Kentucky.
The law now specifically references KHSAA Bylaw 6 (Transfer
Rule) (Transfer Rule) with its reference to the transfer rule.
Specific Provisions
The provisions of the statute stipulate:”Unless permitted to
be eligible for varsity athletics by any transfer rule, policy,
or administrative regulation promulgated by the state
board or any agency designated by the state board to
manage interscholastic athletics, any student who transfers
enrollment from a district of residence to a nonresident
district under KRS 157.350(4)(b) after enrolling in grade nine
(9) and participating in a varsity sport shall be ineligible to
participate in interscholastic athletics for one (1) calendar
year from the date of the transfer.
The state board or any agency designated by the state board
to manage interscholastic athletics may adopt rules, policies,
and bylaws and promulgate administrative regulations
necessary to carry out this paragraph.”
Case BL8-2- What are the key denitions and notes
regarding implementing this legislative change?
“Transfers enrollment” means enrolling as a nonresident student
into a school district after attending a school in the district of
residence. Pre-existing nonresident students who continue to
be nonresident students in the same school system are not
impacted if they do not change schools.
“from a district of residence to a nonresident district“ means
that these provisions regarding eligibility are of no impact for
resident district students, and the standard provisions of KHSAA
Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) apply to those resident students. Even
then, the provisions of Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) apply only for
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 39
those students who have been in grade 9, represented a varsity
team, and subsequently transferred.
“interscholastic athletics” means any time a school is playing
another school, irrespective of grade level.
“one (1) calendar year from the date of the transfer” means one
year from the date of enrollment at the new school as verified
by the school and school system.
NOTE: It should be noted that 157.350 (4)(c)) creates an
exception to the provisions of the period of ineligibility under
KRS 156.070(2)(i) due to the new employment of the parent
in the district.
NOTE: Any of these interpretations dealing with a student
transferring into a school as a nonresident student should
presume that school capacity as defined within the bill was
not exceeded.
Case BL8-3- Are there additional regulations, denitions
and statutes that KHSAA member schools should
ensure are understood by all in the school and district
related to this change?
With respect solely to this change, it is essential to have clear
definitions within district regulations, policies and practices
to ensure that enrollment requirements are clearly defined.
Such issues, including “when is a student enrolled,” are to be
defined within the district and should be consistent through
the system office to all schools as those definitions are not
contained in the statute. In legal parlance, enrollment is “the
act of recording or registering” and enroll is “to register as an
official record”.
Therefore, this definition and timing should be established in
collaboration and clarity through the superintendent, central
office staff, the Board attorney, and the Kentucky Department
of Education. It should comply further with any relevant statute,
regulation and regulatory guidance. For specific questions
about enrollment requirements, districts should consult the
KDE.
Additionally, schools and systems should review several
resources, including-
The complete revised text of the law is located at this link.
The current version of the KDE Pupil Attendance Manual
is located at this link - https://education.ky.gov/districts/
enrol/Documents/2022-23%20Pupil%20Attendance%20
Manual%20Final%205%2023%2023.pdf.
The previously distributed explanatory presentation from KDE is
located at this link - https://education.ky.gov/districts/enrol/
Documents/HB%20563%20Guidance_.pdf
Case BL8-4- What are the enforcement mechanisms for
KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions?
For students competing in high school athletics at any level
(freshman, JV or varsity), regardless of grade level enrolled,
using ineligible players results in contest/event forfeiture and
other penalties within Bylaws 1, 17, and 27.
Case BL8-5- Do students deemed ineligible solely under
the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) have appeal rights
under the KHSAA Due Process Procedure?
No. This statutory provision contains specific application language
and no authority to waive its application. As such, the KHSAA
is without power or jurisdiction to review the matter or grant
relief from this statutory provision set forth by the Kentucky
General Assembly.
Case BL8-6- What is the relationship between
participation in interscholastic competition and
practice allowances given the provisions of KRS
156.070(2)(i) for a student who is subject to KHSAA
Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) who then transfers into a
school and enrolls as a nonresident student?
Unless the student is declared eligible under Bylaw 6 (Transfer
Rule), the KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions of ineligibility for one
year apply and the student may not participate in interscholastic
contests (including scrimmages) for one year from the date of
enrollment. In the case of a student ineligible to participate
in interscholastic contests, participation in practice sessions
solely within the enrolled student body is at the discretion of
the member school.
Case BL8-7- Do the Bylaw 14 provisions on district-
approved non-varsity interscholastic play apply to
students who are enrolling as a nonresident student
and not ruled eligible per Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule)?
No. KRS 156.070(2)(i) stipulates no interscholastic competition
for those students subject to the provisions of that statute who
do not qualify for a waiver of Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule). There
is no option within the law to allow for any play against an
outside opponent at any level.
Case BL8-8- Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply
to elementary and other non-KHSAA contests for
students not subject to Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule)?
No.
Case BL8-9- How is the situation resolved when a
student’s family transfer into a district as a resident
student while maintaining their prior residence?
Per KDE, in determining a student’s district of residence to
determine if they are enrolling as a nonresident student, the
first examination would be the residence of the parents or legal
guardians. In most situations, that is determinative and the
inquiry ends. However, if the student’s parents live in multiple
districts (i.e. separated parents), or the student is living with
someone other than the parents/legal guardian, then KDE
would look to see where the student spends most nights to
determine his/her district of residence.
As such, if the determination is made that the “most nights”
are outside of the district, the student(s) in the household are
to be considered a nonresident student(s) and the provisions
of athletic ineligibility would apply. Consult KDE if needed for
clarification.
Case BL8-10- A student and family live in and are enrolled
in their school of residence in Jeffersonville (IND), are
subject to the provisions of Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule)
by having been enrolled in grade 9 and subsequently
playing varsity athletics, and then enrolls at a JCPS
school as a nonresident student. Do the provisions of
KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this student?
Yes, and if the student is recorded as a nonresident student in JCPS
(or another common school), and does not receive a waiver of
the one-year period of ineligibility per Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule),
then the KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions of ineligibility apply, and
the student is ineligible for any interscholastic athletics for one
year from the first date of enrollment at any level.
Case BL8-11- A student and family live in the Scott County
district and attend Bourbon County as a nonresident
student, then transfer to Paris Independent, and the
parent is NOT employed in the newly enrolled district.
Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this
student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions on ineligibility would not
apply as this student was and remains a nonresident student.
The student would, however, be subject to KHSAA Bylaw 6
(Transfer Rule).
Case BL8-12- The student and family live in the Franklin
County district. The student has attended Franklin
County Schools as a resident student, moved to
Woodford County and subsequently enrolled at Paul
Laurence Dunbar. The parent is NOT employed in the
Fayette County Public Schools and the student is
subject to Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule. Do the
provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this student?
Yes, and unless receiving a waiver of the provisions of Bylaw 6
(Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule, the KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions
on ineligibility for one year apply. The student is ineligible for
interscholastic athletics for one year from the first enrollment
date per statute.
BylawsBylaws
40 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
Case BL8-13- The student and family live in Franklin
County (and attend a Franklin County school or
Frankfort Independent), move to Woodford County
and subsequently enroll at Paul Laurence Dunbar.
The parent IS employed in the Fayette County Public
Schools. Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply
to this student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions on ineligibility for one year do
NOT apply (due to KRS 157.350 (4)(c)). However, the student is
subject to KHSAA Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule).
Case BL8-14- The student and family live in Fayette
County, and the student attends Lafayette as assigned
by residence and transfers to Henry Clay (for ROTC).
Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this
student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions on ineligibility for one year
do NOT apply as the district is Fayette County Public Schools,
and this would be an out-of-assigned area transfer, not a
nonresident student per KRS 157.350. Residence in the specific
locally assigned school district boundaries but within the
overall school system district boundaries would not categorize
the student as a nonresident. However, local district policy on
eligibility and KHSAA Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) apply in this case.
This would apply to any public school district with multiple
high schools.
Case BL8-15- The student and family live in Fayette
County, enrolled at Lafayette, and transferred
enrollment to Lexington Catholic HS. Do the provisions
of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions on ineligibility for one year do
NOT apply as the student is not a nonresident student at a
common school. However, the student is subject to KHSAA
Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule).
Case BL8-16- The student and family live in Jefferson
County, enrolled at DeSales, and transferred
enrollment to their “resides” Jefferson County public
school. Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to
this student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions on ineligibility for one year do
NOT apply as the student is not a transfer from a district or
residence since the former school does not have a defined
district boundary. However, the student is subject to KHSAA
Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule).
Case BL8-17- The student and family live in Mayeld
Independent, and the student has long attended
Graves County under a KRS 157.350 written
“reciprocal” agreement with the resident district.
Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this
student?
No, KRS 156.070(2)(i)provisions only impact those that transfer
enrollment, so this student is not-impacted by the statutory
provisions.
Case BL8-18- The student and family live in Bullitt,
Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson or Oldham County (or any
school district with multiple schools), and one of the
schools closes. Due to the closure, the family wants
to attend school in another county as a nonresident
student and the student would be subject to the
provisions of Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule.
Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this
student?
Yes, and unless receiving a waiver of the provisions of Bylaw 6
(Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule, the KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions
on ineligibility for one year in interscholastic athletics would
apply. Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) contains provisions that might
address this situation and should be reviewed by school
personnel prior to requesting a ruling.
Case BL8-19- The student and family live in Bullitt,
Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson or Oldham County (or any
school district with multiple schools), and one of the
schools closes. Due to the closure, the family wants
to attend school in another county as a nonresident
student and the student would be subject to the
provisions of Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule.
Do the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) apply to this
student?
Yes, and unless receiving a waiver of the provisions of Bylaw 6
(Transfer Rule), Transfer Rule, the KRS 156.070(2)(i) provisions
on ineligibility for one year in interscholastic athletics would
apply. Bylaw 6 (Transfer Rule) contains provisions that might
address this situation and should be reviewed by school
personnel prior to requesting a ruling.
Case BL8-20- A student has previously been enrolled in
grade 9 and represented a school at the varsiry level
in a sport (i.e. soccer) and subsequently enrolls in a
different school as a non-resident student subject to
Bylaw 8 and wants to participate in another varsity
sport (i.e. cross country). The student does not qualify
for a waiver of Bylaw 6 in this matter. What are the
eligibility ramications under KRS 156.070 for this
student?
In this situation, the provisions of KRS 156.070(2)(i) would render
this student ineligible from participation in interscholastic
athletics in any sport at any level for one year from the date
of enrollment. The fact that the student did not previously
run cross country is of no bearing in the application of the
provisions, per the statute.
Case Situations for Bylaw 9- Basketball/Football
Contestant On Other Teams, Postseason And All-
Star Games
Case BL-9-1- Why are there restrictions on basketball
and football participants that prevent them from
playing in outside competition during the school year,
after the school year begins and prior to the end of
their competitive seasons?
A restriction on non-school athletic participation in these sports
attempts to protect students who choose to participate on
their school’s athletic teams from exploitation by those who
seek to capitalize on their skill and/or reputation. In addition,
the restriction:
(1) Lessens inherent risks to participation in non-school athletic
programs that may have inadequate administrative oversight;
(2) Discourages outside entities from pressuring student-
athletes to miss classes while competing on non-school teams
or in non-school events;
(3) Equalizes competition by reducing any unfair advantage
students who participate in non-school athletics may have
over those who do not participate in outside events, and
(4) Reduces distractions from academic preparation and other
school responsibilities.
(5) A non-school athletic participation restriction in these sports
also provides some control over the trend towards year-round
competitive sports seasons and operates to reduce, or even
eliminate, conicts which may arise due to: time conicts of
practices, games, playoffs, differing coaching philosophies of
the school coaching staff and the non-school coaching staff,
and team loyalty.
Case BL-9-2- What specically is permissible
participation, and not permissible participation after
the rst day of school and prior to the rst date for
practice (October 15) for those basketball players
subject to Bylaw 9?
Any play by those subject to the Bylaw 9 restrictions that meets
the definitions contrained in Bylaw 9, Sec. 1(a)1 is prohibited
during this period as ot os considered organized play.
Any play by those subject to the Bylaw 9 restrictions to does not
meet the list of criteria in Bylaw 9, Sec. 1(a)1 would not be
considered organized play, is deemed to be recruiting exposure
events during this permissible period, and is permissible.
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 41
Case BL-9-3- What specically is permissible
participation, and not permissible participation on or
after October 15 and prior to the last contest of the
season for those basketball players subject to Bylaw
9?
No player subject to Bylaw 9 may play in any event that is defined
as organized per Bylaw 9, Sec. 1(a)1 or any other event where
basketball skills are taught, practiced, refined or evaluated
outside of the high school program, even if collegiate coaches
are permitted to be present.
Case BL-9-4- What specically is permissible
participation, and not permissible participation after
the last contest of the season for those basketball
players subject to Bylaw 9?
Participation after the last contest of the season (including
postseason) is at the discretion of the of the student. Potential
players desiring to play beyond high school should be aware
of any restrictions in place for those conferences, leagues or
associations (i.e. number of all-star games) but such is not in
the jurisdiction of the KHSAA.
Case BL-9-5- If collegiate coaches can be present during
a particuar event, does that automatically make it
permissible for basketball players subject to Bylaw 9
to participate?
No. The restrictions codified by the member schools specify the
three windows of time, before the season, during the season
(from the start of practice) and after the season. The KHSAA
nor its member schools have any authority over the NCAA
recruiting calenda and as such, changes in those calendars are
not relevant to the member schools.
Case BL-9-6- Does Bylaw 9 apply to participants in any
sport other than basketball or football?
No. There are no restrictions on the student-athletes in sports
other than football and basketball as it relates to outside
competition during the season or prior to the season beginning.
Case BL-9-7- Does Bylaw 9 restrict a student who
hasn’t yet played for the school in basketball from
playing in an outside league or in any other organized
competitive setting in basketball during the school
year prior to the season?
No, not until he/she has been enrolled in grade nine and played
for a team in a contest at any level (grades 9-12) within
the school. The restriction, which also applies to outside
competition in football by football players, does not apply
to incoming freshmen or any other student who hasn’t yet
represented the school.
Case BL-9-8- Are there any exceptions to the participation
restrictions in Bylaw 9 for participation in Olympic
Development Activities?
Yes. The Board of Control has authorized the Commissioner to
consider, on a case-by-case basis, waivers to any restrictions
contained in Bylaw 9 or Bylaw 23 that would allow
participation by an enrolled student or employed coach in
officially sanctioned U.S. Olympic Development activities.
Organizations such as USA Basketball, USA Track and Field and
other similar groups that have officially sanctioned Olympic
Development activities, can request, through the appropriate
member school, that these restrictions on basketball players be
waived and participation allowed.
Case Situations for Bylaw 10- Amateur/Awards
Case BL-10-1- Why is there an amateurism denition and
restriction on awards received?
Amateur competition is a bedrock principle of school-based
athletics and the KHSAA. Maintaining amateurism is crucial
to preserving an academic environment in which acquiring a
education is the first priority. In the interscholastic model of
sports, the young men and women competing on the field or
court are students first, athletes second.
The KHSAA membership has adopted amateurism rules to
ensure the students’ priority remains on obtaining a quality
educational experience and that all of student-athletes are
competing equitably.
All student-athletes, including international students, are
required to adhere to NCAA amateurism requirements to
remain eligible for intercollegiate competition.
Regardless of the rules at other levels, this amateurism
requirement is a foundational premise for conducting
competition.
Case BL-10-2- What is the limit on the value of an award
received by a student-athlete for competition outside
of the representation of his/her high school?
These limits vary from sport to sport within the purview of the
National Governing Body (NGB) for that sport. For example,
golfers should check with the United States Golf Association
(USGA), while tennis players should check with the United
States Tennis Association (USTA). These limits are revised
regularly, and are studied for their impact on the overall
program.
Case BL-10-3- Does the Association have a
recommendation on how school personnel shall
handle out-of-season play inquiries from athletes and
coaches who want to enter events which offer cash
for prizes?
Yes. In light of recent situations at the high school and college
level, we would offer several suggestions for Athletic Directors,
Principals and Coaches to pass along to the student-athletes.
(1) Recommend strongly that these students should not
participate in any manner in such events. Even the
appearance of possible “cash for play” rewards lends itself to
suspicion and allegations of the violation of Bylaw 10 and the
PERMANENT loss of amateur status;
(2) Remind the students of the provisions of KHSAA Bylaw 10
in that they cannot accept cash, gift certicates or things that
cannot be properly personalized and in addition, they cannot
have the money or prizes deferred to a later date or given in
someone else’s name;
(3) Be mindful that the event organizer awarding the prize,
particularly cash, to the member school in lieu of giving it to
the student-athlete is NOT permissible as it allows the school
to benet from the name or image of the student and his/
her ability;
(4) If they insist on participation, request that event organizers
denote a list, and post prominently such list, of those students
who are competing in the competition, but will not be
accepting prizes; and
(5) Make sure the students understand that they may accept
specic prizes up to the limit of the National Governing Body
(NGB) for that sport, but cannot under any circumstances,
accept a gift voucher or simply be given an amount to spend.
Number Five (5) above appears to be the most likely violated
from the anecdotal evidence available to the Association.
As for example, a golfer being told he can go to the pro shop,
and spend up to $50 for finishing third in a tournament, is
not legal and potentially renders the athlete PERMANENTLY
ineligible at all amateur levels. If for example, the prize was
predetermined that the third place finisher was to receive
a golf bag as displayed at the 18th hole, then if that bag is
under the NGB limit for golf (assume it had a price of $80),
then it could be accepted. But that same golfer could not
be allowed to go spend $80 in the pro shop. While this may
seem like a minute difference, member school representatives
should do everything possible to protect the amateur status
of our competitors.
Case BL-10-4- Does Bylaw 10 apply to Sport-Activities?
No. Bylaw 10 and the restrictions on awards do not apply to the
Sport-Activities of Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive
Cheer, Dance and Esports.
Case BL-10-5- What are the restrictions on Name, Image
and Likeness on the high school level in Kentucky?
KHSAA Bylaw 10 provides a clear path for students to remain
an amateur and continue to represent a KHSAA member
school providing they are eligible by all other bylaws. Recent
changes in NCAA regulations removed long-held prohibitions
on student-athletes rofiting off of the use of their name,
BylawsBylaws
42 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
image and likeness (NIL). With this change, individual states,
conferences and colleges were permitted to develop and
implement regulations to address this issue. Ultimately, the
implementation of Acts Chapter 12 2022 (SB6), passed by the
Kentucky General Assembly and signed into law on March 9,
2022, clarified the issue and necessitated further clarification
within KHSAA Bylaws.
KHSAA bylaws have long permitted students to seek
employment, and ultimately, compensation, and engage in
certain commerical activities in their individual capacity. With
these further clarifications, including continuing to not allow
school or team involvement, competitive balance and team
dynamics will be protected. And while many of these provisions
were already permitted, clarification and consistent messaging
compels they be detailed further.
Allowable compenation by the KHSAA rostered student-athlete
includes:
(1) Any proper NIL deal under the provisions of Acts Chapter
12 2022 (SB6) that meets all of the provisions of that statute
including a contract compliant with NCAA regularions and
Kentucky law as detailed in the contract provisions of that
statute (see https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/22RS/
documents/0012.pdf for specific details)
(2) Compensation for coaching and providing instruction,
however student-athletes may not play on the teams that
they coach and the student-athlete’s compensation must be
commensurate with the work performed and standard per the
prevailing market rate based on a comparison with student-
athletes of simliar skill and experience in the sport;
(3) A student-athlete may profit from the use of their own name,
image and likeness (NIL) within the restrictions of Bylaw 10,
Sec. 3(c)(1) and provided:
a. no member school, district, region or state association
resources are used to include trademarks, school uniforms,
copyrights, equipment, logos, goods, services, insignia or
identifying mark or other tangible assets are used;
b. that nothing about the opportunity is based on individual or
team performance (actual or speculative);
c. that no member school coach or administrator are involved;
and
d. that the student-athlete agrees not to involve the categories
of products and services detailed in the Board of Control
policies as restricted from corporate sales.
Case BL-10-6- When reference is made to National
Governing Bodies, what organizations does that
include?
These organizations represent a group of governing bodies, many
of which represent the direct contacts for the United States
Olympic Committee. The sports-specific entities are the entities
that are permitted to establish awards limitations within the
scope of Bylaw 10.
Organization Mailing Address
Amateur
Athletic Union
P.O. Box 22409, Lake Buena Vista, FL
32830
aausports.org
(407) 934-7200
BlazeSports
America
1670 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 331
Norcross, GA 30093
https://www.blazesports.org/
404-270-2000
Boys & Girls
Clubs of
America
1275 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA
30309
www.bgca.org
404-487-5700
Boy Scouts of
America
P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079
www.scouting.org
(972) 580-2000
Organization Mailing Address
Disabled Sports
USA
451 Hungerford Dr., #608, Rockville, MD
20850
https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/
301-217-9838
Dwarf Athletic
Association of
America
PO Box 2 Kentfield, CA 94914-0002 ?
www.daaa.org
415-915-9572
National
Association of
Intercollegiate
Athletics
1200 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO
64106
www.naia.org
(816) 595-8000
National
Collegiate
Athletic
Association
P.O. Box 6222, Indianapolis, IN 46206-
6222
www.ncaa.org
(317) 917-6222
National Junior
College Athletic
Association
8801 JM Keynes Drive, Suite 450
Charlotte, NC 28262
www.njcaa.org
(719) 590-9788
National
Recreation
and Park
Association
22377 Belmont Ridge Rd, Ashburn, VA
20148
www.nrpa.org
(703) 858-2176
Special
Olympics, Inc
1133 19th St. NW, Washington, DC
20036
www.specialolympics.org
(202) 824-0393
United
States Soccer
Federation
1801 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
www.ussoccer.com
312-808-1300
US Golf
Association
P.O. Box 708, Far Hills, N.J. 07931
www.usga.org
908-326-1850
US Lacrosse 2 Loveton Circle Sparks, MD 21151
www.uslacrosse.org
410-235-6882
US Tennis
Association
700 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains,
NY 10604
www.usta.com
(914) 696-7000
USA Baseball 1030 Swabia Court, Suite 201 Durham,
NC 27703
www.usabaseball.com
919-474-8721
USA Basketball 27 South Tejon Street, Suite 100,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
www.usab.com
719-590-4800
USA Dance PO Box 152988, Cape Coral, FL 33915-
2988
www.usadance.org
800-447-9047
USA Deaf
Sports
Federation
PO Box 22011, Santa Fe, NM 87502-
2011
www.usdeafsports.org
US Diving, INC. 1060 N. Capitol Ave., Suite E-310,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Diving
317-237-5252
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 43
Organization Mailing Address
USA Field
Hockey
5540 North Academy Blvd., Suite 100,
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey
719-866-4567
USA Football 45 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 700,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.usafootball.com
317-614-7750
USA
Gymnastics
130 E. Washington St., Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
usagym.org
317-237-5050
USA Hockey,
INC.
1775 Bob Johnson Dr., Colorado Springs,
CO 80906-4090
www.usahockey.com
719-576-8724
USA Softball 2801 NE 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK
73111-7203
https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball
405-424-3450
USA Swimming 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO
80909
www.usaswimming.org
719-866-4578
USA Track and
Field
130 East Washington Street, Suite 800,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.usatf.org
317-261-0500
USA Ultimate 5825 Delmonico Dr. Suite 350, Colorado
Springs, CO 80919
www.usaultimate.org
800-872-4384
USA Water Polo 6 Morgan, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92618
usawaterpolo.org
719-500-5445
USA Wrestling 6155 Lehman Dr. Colorado Springs, CO
80918
www.usawrestling.org
719-598-8181
USA Volleyball 4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200, Colorado
Springs, CO 80907
www.teamusa.org/USA-Volleyball
(719) 228-6800
YMCA of the
USA
101 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
www.ymca.net
(800) 872-9622
National
Association
for Music
Education
1806 Robert Fulton Drive Reston, VA
20191
www.nafme.org
800-336-3768
National
Speech and
Debate
Association
401 Railroad Place, West Des Moines, IA
50265
www.speechanddebate.org
920-748-6206
Educational
Theatre
Association
4805 Montgomery Road, Suite 400,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45212
www.schooltheatre.org/home
513-421-3900
Case Situations for Bylaw 11- Financial Aid
Case BL-11-1- What are the key provisions regarding the
awarding of aid to student-athletes and the purpose
of Bylaw 11?
Awards given for need-based financial aid for which the student
body is generally eligible and are therefore permissible, shall
be determined by a neutral evaluation of the student or family
financial record by one of six agencies.
The need analysis shall include room and board expenses.
Awards given for achievement per prescribed standardized tests
as detailed in Bylaw 11 (merit aid) are limited to 25% of the
total tuition for the student each year.
Case BL-11-2- Are member schools required to submit
nancial aid information to the Association?
Upon request, all KHSAA member schools (public and private)
shall annually submit to the KHSAA office a financial aid report
with information about awards programs, source of funds,
awarding of funds and benefits to athletes.
Case BL-11-3- Which agencies are approved to evaluate
the needs of an applicant for need-based nancial aid?
The only permitted agencies are:
FACTS Grant in Aid Agency (Lincoln, NE);
Financial Aid for Student Tuition (FAST) (Wilmington, DE);
Financial Aid Independent Review (FAIR) (Rosemount, MN);
Independent School Management (ISM) (formerly Family
Financial Needs Assessment, Hernando, MS);
School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSSFA) (Princeton,
NJ); and
Tuitions Aid Data Services (TADS) (St. Paul, MN).
In addition, the Board of Control may approve other agencies to
process parental or student data for the purpose of financial
analysis. The use of any other agency not approved would
render the aid invalid with respect to the ability to award the
funds and remain in compliance with Bylaw 11.
Case BL-11-4- Which tests are permitted to be used for
the assessment to determine merit aid under Bylaw
11?
The only permitted tests are:
Education Records Bureau (ERB, CTP);
High School Placement Test (HSPT);
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE);
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS, Riverside Publishing);
Pearson Educations Assessment (PEA);
Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSTAT);
School and College Ability Test (SCAT);
Stanford Achievement Test, 10th Edition; and
Terra Nova (McGraw Hill).
In addition, the Board of Control may approve other tests to
be used for the merit assessment. The use of any other test
not approved would render the aid invalid with respect to
the ability to award the funds and remain in compliance with
Bylaw 11.
Case BL-11-5- Is it permissible for funds from non-school
sources to be incorporated into nancial aid awards
for student-athletes?
Bylaw 11 does not expressly prohibit the use of funds developed
or raised from outside sources from being used for financial
aid programs. However, such aid shall always be managed
and distributed exclusively by member school personnel solely
through the member high school financial aid program and
within the limits of Bylaw 11.
Aid given directly to students by outside entities not in the bylaw
would render the student-athlete ineligible. This includes
any aid in excess of the merit aid limits or need based index
calculation as detailed in the Bylaw.
Case BL-11-6- Are there restrictions on which family
members can pay the tuition or offer nancial
assistance to a student within Bylaw 11?
Yes. Immediate family members are allowed to be involved
in the payment of tuition and providing assistance, but this
is restricted to the student and the student’s father, mother,
brother, sister, step-father, step-mother, step-brother, step-
sister, husband, wife, aunt, uncle, grandparent.
Case BL-11-7- What are the criteria used for the Board of
Control to consider a waiver of the limitation on merit
aid for specic programs under Bylaw 11, Sec. 4?
A specific merit aid program will be considered through the
BylawsBylaws
44 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
petition process if the specific program:
Existed prior to the adoption of Bylaw 11 with the merit aid
greater than 25% ;
Has been in continuous operation since the adoption of
Bylaw 11 (with all participants not being permitted to play
interscholastic athletics because of exceeding the 25%
limitation) since the adoption of Bylaw 11;
Is subject to an annual review with the school by the Association
to ensure competitve equity; and
Is annually conrmed by the Board of Control.
Case BL-11-8- Does tuition waived for non-resident
students under Bylaw 8, Sec. 1(b) count as nancial aid
for the student for the purposes of Bylaw 8?
No. Per statute and KDE regulations, All tuition fees required of
a nonresident pupil may be waived for a pupil who meets the
requirements of this paragraph and this would not count as
financial aid for the purposes of Bylaw 11.
Case BL-11-9- What types of payments are intended to
be precluded by the provisions of Bylaw 11, Sec. 2(j)
and outside payments?
It is not intended to prohibit any student from accepting proceeds
where they have applied for aid based on such items as an
essay, academic challenge or other non-athletic event, as long
as those awards are subject to the restrictionso need-based
and merit aid.
However it is clearly intended to prevent “earmark” payments
from donors, etc. who desire to have their donation specifically
benefit a particular student as this is not permissible. All
awards must be subject to restrictions where it is clear they
are not specific to a single student (or student family member).
Case Situations for Bylaw 12- Physical Examination,
Parental Consent And Insurance
Case BL-12-1- Why is there a requirement for a
preparticipation physical examination and written
permission from the parents and the student-athlete
prior to participation?
The NFHS Board of Directors, and the KHSAA Board of Control,
acting on the longtime counsel of the Kentucky Medical
Association, have stated that preparticipation physical
evaluations for high school student-athletes are a necessary
and desirable precondition to interscholastic athletic practice
and competition.
The KHSAA reviews student-athlete evaluation procedures
not less than every three years. Such reviews are conducted
in consultation with the Kentucky Medical Association and
physicians practicing in the fields of pediatrics, orthopedics or
cardiology.
The KHSAA, working in consultation with the Kentucky Medical
Association, has concluded that a specific preparticipation
physical evaluation should be required and the appropriateness
of any sport-specific assessment of a student-athlete’s
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and body maturation status
should be done solely by those authorized by statute.
The forms used for parental permission and student information
are developed by the KHSAA and are required for each student
in order to participate.
The Association also makes available option forms created
by consensus groups in the medical profession for medical
practitioners to use at their discretion and control.
Case BL-12-2- What is a participant as it relates to the
requirements for a physician clearance, parental
permission or requirements for insurance as detailed
in Bylaw 12?
A participant is a person desiring to be a member of the school
team in a sport or sport-activity and to compete in that team’s
practices, scrimmages or contests as defined within Bylaw 23.
Case BL-12-3- What provisions are in place for the
requirements of Bylaw 12 during those periods outside
of the Bylaw 23 Limitation of Seasons for each sport
or sport-activity?
Decisions as to the requirement for participants in out of season
activities are at the discretion of the member school.
Case BL-12-4- What is the minimum medical insurance
that each student must have prior to being able to
participate?
All students must have medical insurance up to the Catastrophic
Insurance deductible of $25,000 prior to trying out, practicing,
or participating for a KHSAA member school during the defined
limitation of seasons (Bylaw 23) in any sport or sport-activity.
Case BL-12-5- How often must an annual physical
examination be performed?
KRS 156.070 (2)(d) requires an annual examination by the health
care providers listed in that statute and Bylaw 12, Sec. 1(a).
Per that statute, the KHSAA nor any other agency may adopt
any other provisions contrary to that annual requirement. The
examination shall be considered valid for 395 days beyond the
date of administration (one year plus thirty (30) days).
Case BL-12-6- Can an electronic physical exam system
be utilized instead of a paper form GE04 and the other
optional medical forms?
The decision on the use of a peper vs. electronic form is in the
hands of both the local school and school district, and the
medical provider. The requirement is that the student have
the required medical consent form prior to participation. All
other forms are optional and the method of collection is at the
discretion of all involved in the physical exam.
The GE04 form may be used in an electronic version, but it must
be unaltered. The member school is responsible for ensuring
everything, including all questions and attestations, is
verbatim from the form and also responsible for ensuring there
is a mechanism for those to be produced at any time including
in writing at any point.
Schools and districts a part of their emergency action plan shall
ensure that there is always permission to treat the student in
the event of injury with the student, as is listed on that form
which includes insurance information.
Schools and disrict will want to consult heavily with their board
counsel and district insurance people to be certain that any
electronic versions of any form utilized is complete and if
electronic substitution is desired.
Case-BL-12-7- What are member school obligations
regarding the information contained on the form GE04
and the optional medical forms used in the Annual
Physical Exam?
Schools and districts must constantly be aware of the restrictions
around the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
and the state companion laws to that act in protecting the
documents.
Schools and districts are strongly advices to contact the Board
attorney and insurance counsel to make the best decisions on
handling sensitive information related to these physical exams.
Even though some involved in the athletic program are well
intentioned, this is a definite area for potential exposure by
schools.
The information on the optional PPE01 form (if utilized) should
be considered confidential medical records of the student and
as such, should not be provided to non-medical personnel
including coaches and athletic administrators. Medical
personne are bound by state licensure statutes and regulations
and as such, should work with local schools and districts on
document management, retention and privacy policies and
functions.
Only the completed GE04 should be provided to coaches for the
purpose of emergency authorization for medical treatment and
documentation of clearance.
The physical expiration date (13 months from the administration
date) should be recorded by the athletic administrative staff by
editing the Overall Athletic Roster in the school subdomain to
ensure tracking and trigger helpful alerts for renewal.
The optional PPE01 form has been completely updated for this
year by the groups responsible for the form, including the
American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy
of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American
Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Orthopaedic
Society for Sports Medicine, and American Osteopathic
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 45
Academy of Sports Medicine.
The revised form does include COVID screening questions,
however, the completion of those questions (and all others) are
not a requirement for athletic eligibility. Any requirement for
any specific information on the form to be completed (or not
completed) is a function of the medical provider administering
the exam.
The authorized medical provider has autonomy in the review
of any submitted information and the completion of the
authorization to participate.
Links to various forms including Spanish versions of the forms are
on the KHSAA website.
Case Situations for Bylaw 14- Other Eligibility
Requirements And Regulations
Case BL-14-1- Is it permissible for a student to play on
a school team after he/she has graduated from high
school?
Yes, but only to complete the spring sports season including
baseball, softball, tennis, and track of the student-athlete’s
senior year if graduation occurs before KHSAA sponsored
state championship play is completed. Any participant is
eligible to continue participating in KHSAA sponsored state
championship competition even if their spring semester has
ended or graduation has been held. Only those students
eligible as of the final weekly grade check may compete on any
of the teams mentioned.
Case BL-14-2- If a student is in possession of a GED, does
that mean the student has graduated and is ineligible
per Bylaw 14, Sec. 1?
No. A student, who has previously earned a GED but who is
under 21 and has not achieved a traditional high school
diploma, remains eligible for educational services from a
Kentucky public school district and is not summarily eligible
for athletics. This interpretation is also supported by the fact
that the military is no longer accepting a GED in place of a high
school diploma. Lastly, KRS 158.030 requires a school district
to provide an education to “every child residing in the district
who satisfies the age requirements of this section has had the
privilege of attending it. A local school district shall enroll any
resident pupil, not holding a high school diploma, under the
age of twenty-one (21) years of age who wishes to enroll.”
For these reasons and congruent with enrollment regulations,
the GED does not count as a student having graduated for the
purposes of applying Bylaw 14.
Case BL-14-3- What are the provisions regarding a
student practicing after transferring or while awaiting
a ruling?
Once a student enrolls at a member school and is subject to Bylaw
6, Sec. 1, automatically ineligible for one year from the date of
their last participation at the varsity level in that sport. Once a
student enrolls at a member school and is subject to Bylaw 7,
Sec. 1 or Bylaw 8, Sec. 1, they are automatically ineligible for
one year from the date of their enrollment.
Therefore at the point of enrollment, the transferring student
is ineligible at the varsity level and the school makes the
determination as to the ability to practice at the varsity level or
play or practice at the non-varsity level.
Case BL-14-4- Is there a chart of other guidance to help
determine when ineligible students can practice or
when those ineligible students can participate at the
non-varsity level on a high school team?
Yes. The table below represents an attempt to summarize various
decision points schools may have (or may not have) when
dealing with a student who is ineligible per KHSAA Bylaws
or adopted policies that have been approved through the
regulatory process.
The column on the left represents the reason a student is
ineligible, and the columns on the right address whether or not
the schools have any decision in the matter if state regulations
supersede local decision-making. Local schools and Boards
of Education should ensure that the proper group (School
Based Decision Making or Local Boards) has addressed the
discretionary issues as noted by “School Choice”.
Reason
student is
ineligible
Can the
student
Practice?
Can the
student play
high school
Non-Varsity?
Can the
student play
high school
Varsity?
Bylaw 2- Age School
Choice
No,
Prohibited
KRS 156.070
No,
Prohibited
KRS 156.070
Bylaw
3- 4-Year
Maximum
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw 4 §(1)
(a)- Grades
9-12 Legal
Enrolled
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Bylaw 4 §(1)
(b)- Grades
9-12 Not
enrolled or
connected
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Bylaw 4 §2-
Grades 7-8
Not enrolled in
feeder pattern
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Bylaw 4 §3-
Repeating
students
enrolled in
grades 9-12
School
Choice
No,
Prohibited
702 KAR
7:065
No,
Prohibited
702 KAR
7:065
Bylaw 4 §3-
Repeating
students
enrolled in
grades 7-8
students
School
Choice
No,
Prohibited
702 KAR
7:065
No,
Prohibited
702 KAR
7:065
Bylaw 5§1-
First Day
Credit Check
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw 5§2-
Weekly Grade
Check
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw
6-Domestic
Transfer, Not
subject to
Bylaw 8
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Until One
Year from
last varsity
participation
in specific
sport
Bylaw
6-Domestic
Transfer, also
subject to
Bylaw 8
School
Choice
No,
Prohibited
by 702 KAR
7:065
Not Permitted
Until One
Year from
enrollment as
non-resident
student
Bylaw
7-J-1/F-1
Status- Foreign
Exchange or
Foreign Not
J-1 / F-1 status
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw 8,
ineligible per
Bylaw 6
School
Choice
No,
Prohibited
by 702 KAR
7:065
Not Permitted
Until One
Year from
enrollment as
non-resident
student
BylawsBylaws
46 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
Reason
student is
ineligible
Can the
student
Practice?
Can the
student play
high school
Non-Varsity?
Can the
student play
high school
Varsity?
Bylaw 9-FB/
BK Player non
permitted
competition
School
Choice
Not
Permitted
during
suspension
period
Not Permitted
during
suspension
period
Bylaw 10-
Recipient
of Award in
Violation of
LImits
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw 11-
Financial
Aid- Award
in Excess of
Limitations
School
Choice
School
Choice
Not Permitted
Bylaw 12-
Failure to Have
Physical Exam
or Insurance
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Bylaw 13-
Violation
of Baseball
Contract
Requirements
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Bylaw 14-
Play Under
Assumed
Name
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
MS and HS
Baseball
Pitching
Restrictions
School
Choice
Ineligible
for Specific
Period Under
Policy
Ineligible
for Specific
Period Under
Policy
HS Track
and Field
Pole Vault
Restrictions
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
HS Football
Contact
Restrictions
Not
Permitted
Not
Permitted
Not Permitted
Case Situations for Bylaw 15- Requirement For
Gender-Based Participation
Case 15-1- Is there a requirement in the KHSAA bylaws
for gender based participation?
Yes. In its regular session in 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly
passed amendments to Acts Chapter 198 2022 (SB83), which
become law on July 14, 2022. This statute codifies gender-
based competition requirements as state law.
The statute specifically required that the state board or any
agency designated by the state board to manage interscholastic
athletics (KHSAA) promulgate administrative regulations
or bylaws that provide that member schools designate all
athletic teams, activities, and sports for students in grades
six (6) through twelve (12) Boys, Coed or Girls. The statute
further stipulates that the sex of a student for the purpose
of determining eligibility to participate in an athletic activity
or sport shall be determined by A student’s biological sex as
indicated on the student’s original, unedited birth certificate
issued at the time of birth; or An affidavit signed and sworn
to by the physician, physician assistant, advanced practice
registered nurse, or chiropractor that conducted the annual
medical examination required by 158.070 (2)(e), under penalty
of perjury establishing the student’s biological sex at the time
of birth;
Additionally, the statute requires that an athletic activity or sport
designated as “girls” for students in grades six (6) through
twelve (12) shall not be open to members of the male sex and
that nothing in that section shall be construed to restrict the
eligibility of any student to participate in an athletic activity or
sport designated as “boys” or “coed”.
Lastly, the statute provided that neither the state board, nor any
agency designated by the state board to manage interscholastic
athletics, nor any school district, nor any member school shall
entertain a complaint, open an investigation, or take any other
adverse action against a school for maintaining separate
interscholastic or intramural athletic teams, activities, or sports
for students of the female sex.
Case 15-2- As a results of Acts Chapter 198 2022 (SB83),
have any KHSAA championship designations and
regulations changed.
Yes, the KHSAA is bound to the applicatino of this statute. As
such:
All previously designate boys (male) championships will be
both boys and coed. In addition, the girls championships will
specifically preclude biological males (males at birth as deined
by the statute) from participation in girls competition.
Additionally, restrictions on female students participating in male
or coed competition will not be in place unless the events for
boys and girls are conducted contemporaneously within the
event schedule.
Case Situations for Bylaw 16- Recruitment/Undue
Influence
Case BL-16-1- Why does Bylaw 16 (Recruitment) exist?
The major reason for Bylaw 16 and its interpretations is to
attempt to maintain as level a playing field as possible. The
major enforcement theme is not only “initial contact”, but
rather is “exceeding what is normal and appropriate.”
Initial contact as it applies to student-athletes can be a violation,
but is only one of many things that can exceed what is normal
and appropriate. One of the primary keys is not treating
“athletes” or “prospective student-athletes” differently than
students who are not athletes. Students are not to be singled
out based on their potential athletic ability.
High school athletics is not the same as colleges recruiting high
school athletes for college athletics. High school athletics
exist for an entirely different reason. High school coaches
should not view high school students in the same manner as
college coaches view high school seniors. All administrators
and coaches shall realize that they have more responsibilities
than the general public to understand the purpose of high
school athletics, the principles behind KHSAA rules etc., and to
maintain a level of understanding and purpose when dealing
with the general public and students.
A few fundamentals include:
The KHSAA has defined limitations concerning impermissible
benefits and illegal contact with students not enrolled in that
specific school by any representative of the school or school
athletic program including current players, families, coaches,
teachers and administrators.
Member school administrators and coaches have specific
restrictions concerning contact with non-enrolled students
with the first and most important procedure being to
refer the prospective student to the administration of the
school and cease any further discussions regarding athletic
participation.
If a student is enrolled in one member school and wishes to
participate in summer or offseason instructional activities
at another member school, the school conducting summer
activities must receive written permission from the Principal
from the school in which the student is enrolled.
Case BL-16-2- Who are considered school representatives
or those with a direct connection to a member school?
School representatives or those with a “direct connection”
include, but are not limited to: coaches or others connected
with the high school or high school team to include booster
club parents and members, alumni, school board members
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 47
and officers, parents of high school players, booster club
representatives and students.
Case BL-16-3- What is a feeder school as used when
reviewing permissible contact?
For a school to be considered a “feeder” school (and therefore
“connected”), it must be under the same local board of
education as the member school, and enroll students
exclusively below grade nine.
A student enrolled at a nonfeeder school shall not be considered
to be enrolled at a feeder school irrespective of past enrollment
patterns of that nonfeeder school.
Applying for admission to a school does not waive this definition
as there is a clear line between applying and actually being
enrolled. School and school districts may choose to define a
more restrictive feeder pattern for its middle schools to high
schools which if violated, constitute the student not being
“connected”. In a school district with multiple high schools,
absent a specific otherwise adopted feeder pattern, the
residence of the student-athlete within the district student
assignment plan shall determine the school at which the
student may participate, if such participation is permitted by
local policy. School districts with multiple schools may not
establish an “open choice” option for the purpose of athletics.
Case BL-16-4- When is a student enrolled at a KHSAA
member school for the purposes of Bylaw 16?
Restrictions exist in Bylaw 16 that prohibit coaches from having
impermissible contact or providing improper benefits to non-
enrolled students and therefore the point in time at which a
student is enrolled is critical to application of the rule.
During the school year, enrollment may be verified by enrollment
as a full-time student and currently attending classes at a
member school. In addition, students below grade nine(9)
enrolled at a feeder school per the regulations of, and under
the same the local board of education as the member school as
detailed in Section 2.
At an A1 school (KDE school federal organization type),
enrollment must be verifiable through the Infinite Campus
system.
A student is enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start
of the school year when:
(1) it is a student who has attended the school and sat for one or
more class periods while listed as an enrolled student;
(2) it is a student who attends a feeder school of the school as
dened by the local Board of Education adopted policy and
participates at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw
4, Sec. 2 (a) and (b);
(3) it is a student who is an incoming 9th grade student who is
no longer enrolled at the non-feeder school and is enrolled
at the member school and only that member school for the
upcoming school year having ofcially withdrawn from any
previous school;
(4) it is a student who is newly enrolling to the school, is in
grades ten, eleven or twelve who is not subject to the
provisions of Bylaw 6, 7 or 8; and is enrolled at the member
school and only that member school for the upcoming school
year having ofcially withdrawn from any previous school; or
(5) it is a student who is newly enrolling to the school, is in
grades ten, eleven or twelve who is subject to the provisions of
Bylaw 6, 7 or 8 and for which the Designated Representative
has completed and submitted the KHSAA Transfer Form (if one
is required by the Bylaw 6, 7 or 8 situation); and is enrolled
at the member school and only that member school for the
upcoming school year having ofcially withdrawn from any
previous school.
Case BL-16-5- What are permissible contacts by coaches,
athletic directors and other individuals with a
connection (direct or indirect) to the athletic program
or school?
Permissible contacts include:
(1) Public high school representatives contacting students at
feeder public schools (elementary, middle school, junior high
school) where there is a dened feeder pattern;
(2) Nonpublic school representatives contacting students at
feeder nonpublic schools (elementary, middle school/junior
high school) where there is a dened feeder pattern;
(3) A representative of the school initiating a meeting with
students at a school that is dened as a feeder school or
meet with students who are zoned to attend that school the
following year provided such is approved by the Principal of
the school at which the student is currently enrolled. This visit
shall be cleared by Principals of both schools and shall not be
specic to athletic opportunities;
(4) Any student or family or individual that contacts a coach
about attending a school where he or she coaches who is
then informed that they are being referred to the Principal,
admissions department or guidance department; and
(5) Any meeting with coaches regarding athletes or prospective
athletes or their families which is at the request of the family
to the individual(s) responsible for admissions and takes place
at the school in the presence of the Principal or Designated
Representative.
Case BL-16-6- What is impermissible contact and what
are some examples by coaches, athletic directors and
other individuals with a connection (direct or indirect)
to the athletic program or school whether or not
the prospective student has an athletic participation
record?
A person or persons exceeding what is appropriate or normal,
or offering any incentive or inducement to a student or the
student’s family, with or without that student having an
athletic participation record shall be considered to have had
impermissible contact and be in violation of this bylaw.
Impermissible contact includes, but is not limited to, any contact
between a non-enrolled parent or student and a member
school coach or other athletic representative without an
immediate referral to the appropriate school personnel
(Principal, Guidance Counselor, Admissions Personnel or other
non-athletically related school administration).
The fact that an unenrolled student or that student’s family has
shown an initial interest in attending a school or playing for a
team (such as signing up for mentoring, shadowing, testing
or a facility tour) does not allow any member of the coaching
staff or anyone else affiliated with that athletic program to be
involved with that student until the student is fully enrolled at
the school.
Specific examples of impermissible contact with students include:
(1) Contact or communication concerning potential enrollment
or athletic participation at the school, other than the initial
referral to school administration if approached by the family
or the student in the school’s dened feeder pattern;
(2) Contact with any student not enrolled in the school’s dened
feeder pattern concerning potential enrollment at the school
which is initiated by a coach or any others with a connection
to the athletic program;
(3) Contact with any student not enrolled in the school’s
dened feeder pattern by individuals (including the parent
of a current player) who might be interested in the school’s
athletic program that attempts to inuence a student or his/
her parents;
(4) Coaching, managing and/or otherwise directing sports-
specic athletic activities in which the non-enrolled student
is a participant outside of the scope and allowable contact
periods contained in Bylaw 23;
(5) The use of school facilities, uniforms, transportation or
equipment including other “school team opportunities”, such
as tournaments and leagues by students not enrolled in the
school’s dened feeder pattern;
(6) High school exhibit and/or promotion space or materials
specic and exclusive to the school’s athletic program
or a specic athletic team, including mass mailings or
communication (electronic or otherwise) that cannot be
restricted to exclude non-feeder pattern individuals if related
exclusively to an athletic team or program;
(7) School representatives attending grade school, junior high
or middle school games for the purpose of evaluating specic
student-athletes not enrolled in the school’s dened feeder
pattern, or for the purpose of promoting the member school’s
BylawsBylaws
48 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
athletic program or at a time when No by Bylaw 23;
(8) Contact prior to, during, or after practices, scrimmages
or contests at elementary schools, middle and junior high
schools except where there is the same dened feeder pattern
involving the schools;
(9) Requesting students, parents, boosters or alumni from a
school to discuss the merits of a school’s athletic program
with a prospective student-athlete not enrolled in the school’s
dened feeder pattern or member of his/her family;
(10) Providing transportation for a student not enrolled in the
school’s dened feeder pattern or other inducement to take
a qualifying examination at a school or to meet with school
ofcials, etc.;
(11) Entering into discussions or offers of nancial aid with a
student not enrolled in the school’s dened feeder pattern, or
the student’s family, whether or not that aid is available to the
general student body;
(12) Contacting any prospective student-athlete not enrolled in
the school’s dened feeder pattern (at any grade level above,
in or below grade 9) or his/her parents/family by phone, email,
text, social media, fax, in person, by letter or by other means;
(13) Making athletic facilities (including weight rooms and other
training facilities) available to students not enrolled in the
school’s dened feeder pattern during the school year;
(14) Nonpublic school representatives contacting students
enrolled at the public schools (or his/her family) or enrolled at
any school not in the school’s dened feeder pattern without
permission of the public school Principal. Permission for
such contact in any case, shall come from the feeder school
Principal and shall be approved by the KHSAA member school
Principal; and
(15) Public schools representatives contacting students enrolled
at nonpublic schools (or his/her family) or enrolled at any
school not in the school’s dened feeder pattern without
permission of the private school Principal. Permission for
such contact in any case, shall come from the feeder school
Principal and shall be approved by the KHSAA member school
Principal.
NOTE: It is not considered a violation for a coach or other school
representative to have normal community contact with a
student who attends a junior high or middle school of the same
system that is a feeder to the high school at which the coach
is employed to coach.
Case BL-16-7- What are some examples of improper
benets that may not be provided to enrolled student-
athletes or non-enrolled prospective student-athletes
(or family members) by coaches, athletic directors
and other individuals with a connection (direct or
indirect) to the athletic program including the booster
organization?
No special benefit may be given to student-athletes or prospective
student-athletes (below grade 9, or grades 9-12) including:
(1) Money or any item of tangible benet or other valuable
consideration such as free or reduced tuition, room, board,
textbooks, or clothing during the regular school year or
summer school;
(2) Offer or acceptance of any benet (nancial or otherwise), or
privilege not afforded to non-athletes;
(3) Offer or acceptance of employment opportunity (including
summer or non-school period work), or pay for work that is
not performed or that is in excess of the amount regularly
paid for such service;
(4) Offer or acceptance of free transportation;
(5) Offer or acceptance of a residence or housing provisions, free
or reduced rent, moving expenses, or assistance in locating
housing;
(6) Offer or acceptance of help in securing a college athletic
scholarship;
(7) The host family or other community representative paying
for the housing of a nondomestic student except for the host
family’s primary domicile or paying any required fees for the
transportation, registration or placement of a nondomestic
student;
(8) Underwriting travel fees or providing transportation to a
non-enrolled student to a school function;
(9) Special gifts including apparel representative of the school or
school’s athletic interests;
(10) Paying the entry fee for camps or competition events for
students to participate who are not enrolled within that
school’s dened feeder pattern; and
(11) Offering opportunities for non-enrolled students outside
the dened feeder pattern to use free passes or tickets or
complimentary admission to attend high school athletic
practices, scrimmages or contests without a previous
afrmative request for admission. As an example, schools
could offer students a voucher to attend a contest after
they have taken the initiative to participate in an otherwise
permissible voluntary activity (tour, open house, meeting,
school visit) but cannot summarily ignore charged admission
without such voucher. However, schools could not use mass
mailings or communication (electronic or otherwise) that
cannot be restricted to exclude non-feeder patten individuals
and offer admission to contests. Another allowable example
would be to permit all members of a specic league/school/
team to attend a game in uniform or with some other means
of general identication and admission without regard to any
selective means of identifying the recipient.
Case Situations for Bylaw 17- Certification Of
Eligibility
Case BL-17-1- How does the Principal certify eligibility
and entries?
A roster of players and coaches is to be entered on the KHSAA
website. No student-athlete is eligible to participate in a
contest at any level unless currently included in the online
eligibility system.
Within the rules of the particular sport (detailed in the Competition
Rules), additions and deletions may be made throughout the
regular season. Each sport has specific deadlines which shall
be followed for postseason roster entries, including specific
event entries in some sports. The Principal or Designated
Representative should be familiar with the restrictions for each
sport.
The standard game contracts (KHSAA Form GE14) allow the
member schools to request the exchange of eligibility lists/
rosters as a condition of the contract. This is not a state
requirement for all contests and should be delineated in the
contract. Exchange of eligibility lists is done using the online
roster system reports.
Each Principal shall also develop a mechanism to check eligibility
under KHSAA Bylaw 5.
At the close of each academic year, each member school shall
compile an Annual Participation List which shall be compiled
from the online roster system and shall list all of the individuals
who competed at any level in practice, scrimmages or contests
for the school at the freshmen, junior varsity or varsity level
during that school year. The list shall specifically designate
those players who have engaged in a varsity contest during
the year for the purpose of verifying transfer restrictions if
necessary.
Case BL-17-2- If a Principal unknowingly plays an
ineligible player, shall the school be penalized?
Each case is reviewed on its own merits whenever a student is
found to have played while ineligible. Pursuant to Bylaw 17,
Sec. 4, if a student enters a scrimmage or contest and is not
eligible, when the facts were present to prevent such an error,
the school shall be penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27.
Case Situations for Bylaw 18- Supplying
Information And Reports
Case BL-18-1- Are schools required to compile reports
regarding the Financial Aid, Heat Index and the Title
IX reporting requirements, or other sports specic
reports?
Yes. In accordance with Bylaw 18, these reports are required
to be compiled. The Commissioner’s office will direct the
membership as to which reports are to be submitted to the
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 49
office by prescribed deadlines and which reports are to be
maintained on file at the member school. Other reports may be
added as requirements and requested by the Board of Control
with notice to the membership.
Case BL-18-2- Are students or their parents compelled to
le written responses or answer eligibility inquiries?
Yes. In accordance with Bylaw 18, these reports are required
to be submitted when requested as necessary to verify the
eligibility of a student.
Case Situations for Bylaw 19- Comparable
Opportunities
Case BL-19-1- Are schools required to sponsor fastpitch
softball if that school offers softball?
The provisions of HB490 which amended KRS 156.070 and
have been incorporated into KHSAA Bylaw 19, require that
if a school offers a sport comparable to one for which NCAA
schools offer scholarships, it shall offer the version of the sport
in which scholarships are offered.
Case BL-19-2- Are schools required to have a girls’
basketball team if that school elds a Boys’ team?
Yes. KRS 157.350 makes no reference to “sponsoring” and
states under subsection (5) KRS 157.350 (5) Any secondary
school which maintains a basketball team for Boys for other
than intramural purposes, shall maintain the same program
for girls. Though this statute in particular addresses those
schools accepting SEEK funding, all members of the KHSAA,
irrespective of the state funding issue, are compelled to comply
with this requirement.
Case Situations for Bylaw 20- Officials Division Of
The Association
Case BL-20-1- Are there rules, statutes or documents that
govern licensed KHSAA ofcials, assigning secretaries
and the KHSAA Ofcials Division?
Yes. The Officials Division exists because of the 1971 Federal
Consent Decree that resulted from a matter initially litigated
regarding Officials’ Assignments. This decree and relevant
policies are found in the KHSAA Policies and Procedures
section of the Handbook.
Case BL-20-2- Is it permissible for administrators
or other school personnel to ofciate in contests
involving their team?
No. In the team sports of baseball, basketball, field hockey,
football, soccer, softball and volleyball, coaches (paid or
unpaid) are prohibited from officiating in contests involving
their schools, as are Principals, Superintendents, assigning
secretaries and other parties directly affiliated with the
competing schools unless approval from all teams is received
in writing. For the interpretation of these rules, a contest is
defined as a regular season contest, game, tournament, or any
postseason game or tournament in which his or her school is
participating.
For the purpose of the individual sports of cross country, golf,
swimming, tennis, track and wrestling, the use of such persons
as officials is almost a requirement for a successful meet and
to have enough staff to administer all meet functions. Event
managers are strongly encouraged to monitor the placement
of coaches within events where they might have authority over
one of their own athletes, and to make adjustments to the
schedule of events or to the assignment of officials in order to
prevent conflicts of interest. If a school is notified in advance
that a coach will be involved in officiating and chooses to come
to that contest, they are considered to have agreed to the use
of the coach as an official.
Case BL-20-3- Is a school obligated to use licensed
baseball, basketball, eld hockey, football, soccer,
softball, volleyball and wrestling ofcials?
The use of licensed officials is a requirement in these sports, the
penalty for violation being possible suspension of the school,
school representatives or the official. If there is any question
about an official being licensed, he/she should be asked to
show his/her license.
Individuals officiating a high school contest, while not properly
licensed with the KHSAA, may be fined as well as the member
school being penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27.
Member schools should refer to the KHSAA website for updated
officials listings.
The Commissioner’s office may also impose a fine on any
assigning secretary who assigns an unlicensed official to a
contest.
Case BL-20-4- Are licensed ofcials required to be used
for scrimmage contests?
No. However, if anyone other than the participating coaches act
in the role of officials at a scrimmage, they must be licensed
with the KHSAA. Coaches of the participating schools acting in
the role of an official and supervising the play by the student-
athletes are not required to be licensed.
Case Situations for Bylaw 21- Protests and Practice
Of Sportsmanship
Case BL-21-1- Is it permissible for decisions of ofcials
in athletic scrimmages or contests, including ejections,
to be protested to the Commissioner or the Board of
Control?
No. The decision of the official, right or wrong, shall prevail. The
Commissioner’s office will intercede only when ejected players
or coaches have been misidentified, when the situation involves
an incident or fight where video is available to ensure accurate
punishment per the Board of Control video review policy
(including additional identification of incident participants), or
when an administrative misapplication of a playing rule has
resulted in an erroneous ejection. Misapplication could include
applying the penalty of ejection to a foul for which the playing
rules preclude such a decision.
Case BL-21-2- Is the Association staff permitted to use
videotape to review situations related to ghts and
other incidents to help determine the proper identity
of those involved in unsporting incidents?
Yes. Per published Board of Control policy, such video may be
used. Per the NFHS playing rules, the game officials’ jurisdiction
extends through the lead official’s declaration of the end of
the contest. The contest officials retain clerical authority over
the game through the completion of any reports, including
those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions
occurring while the game officials had jurisdiction.
Because state associations may intercede in the event of unusual
incidents that occur before, during or after the game officials’
jurisdiction has ended, or in the event that a game is terminated
prior to the conclusion of regulation play, the KHSAA has an
adopted policy. The KHSAA will use all methods and evidence
available to help properly determine the persons involved, and
the appropriate course of action.
Video or other recording may not be used for purpose of reversing
or changing the judgement call of an official,
Case BL-21-3- What is the obligation of school ofcials
with regard to sportsmanship?
School officials shall practice the highest principles of
sportsmanship, and shall make every effort to teach this type
of behavior to their players, members of the student body and
fans. Officials shall be protected and scrimmages or contests
conducted in an orderly manner. A violation of this rule may be
cause for suspension.
Case BL-21-4- Is it permissible for a player ejection
by ofcials in athletic scrimmages or contests to be
protested or appealed to the Commissioner or the
Board of Control?
No. A judgement call by the official, right or wrong, shall prevail.
An ejection, or the offense leading to ejection, are judgement
calls by deifniton.
The Commissioner’s office will intercede only when ejected
players or coaches have been misidentified, when the situation
involves an incident or fight where video is available to
ensure accurate punishment per the Board of Control video
review policy (including additional identification of incident
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50 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
participants), or when an administrative misapplication of a
playing rule has resulted in an erroneous ejection.
Misapplication could include applying the penalty of ejection to a
foul for which the playing rules preclude such a decision.
Case BL-21-5- Is the Association staff permitted to use
videotape to review situations related to ghts and
other incidents to help determine the proper identify
of those involved in unsporting incidents?
Yes. Per published Board of Control policy, such video may be
used. Per the NFHS playing rules, the game officials’ jurisdiction
extends through the lead official’s declaration of the end of
the contest. The contest officials retain clerical authority over
the game through the completion of any reports, including
those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions
occurring while the game officials had jurisdiction.
Because state associations may intercede in the event of unusual
incidents that occur before, during or after the game officials’
jurisdiction has ended, or in the event that a game is terminated
prior to the conclusion of regulation play, the KHSAA has an
adopted policy. The KHSAA will use all methods and evidence
available to help properly determine the persons involved, and
the appropriate course of action.
Case BL-21-6- What is required of contest ofcials and
member schools in the event of an ejection?
The game official(s) shall complete the electronic ejection report
within twenty-four hours of the ejection.
These reports shall be made promptly since the player or coach
is disqualified from further competition at that level until
reinstated by a member of the Commission.
An official or school may be fined, suspended or otherwise
penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27 for failing to properly
and timely report a disqualification or request reinstatement.
Case BL-21-7- What procedure is followed by a member
school in the case of an ejection in order to request
reinstatement?
The member school is responsible for imposing the requisite
penalty immediately, whether or not a formal ejection report
is receioved.
The administrators at a member school should normally receive a
report via email regarding the ejection. From there, the school
can complete a request for reinstatement.
The penalties are in place whether or not a response is
immediately received from the association.
Case BL-21-8- What is the member school obligation in
the case of an unreported disqualication?
KHSAA member school representatives are obligated to impose
the minimum suspension penalty for the ejection per these
published guidelines, even in those cases when an ejection
is not reported in a timely manner, including ejections which
occur during out-of-state contests or those during school
breaks.
School administrators should contact the Association office with
any questions.
Whether or not a timely report is received, the obligation of
the member school administration is to adhere to the penalty
provisions.
Case BL-21-9- If a coach or other nonplayer is ejected from
a scrimmage or contest, how long is the suspension
and what may occur during the suspension?
(1) The suspension is considered immediate and indefinite when
the ejection occurs.
(2) The suspension is in effect for any further interscholastic
competition on that day (i.e., the freshmen coach ejected
during the first game may not be in the gym for the subsequent
varsity game, baseball/softball coach ejected in first game of
multiple game tournament may not be at the field during any
subsequent games that day).
(3) The suspended coach or non-player may not participate
in another contest at that level until being reinstated by a
member of the Commission.
(4) Following review, the Commission may extend the suspension;
(5) When a coach is ejected from a scrimmage or contest, the
coach is to leave the vicinity of the playing area and remove
himself/herself completely from the area of the playing facility.
In football and soccer for example, this means leaving the
field and stadium area; in basketball, this implies leaving the
building altogether (not simply relocating to another room); in
other sports, completely leaving the venue;
(6) An ejected coach may not have any further communication
with the game officials during or following the game;
(7) During the subsequent suspension period of any nonplayer
(coach, administrator, etc.) the coach may not be on school
property where the contests at the suspension level are being
played and may not be at the venue if contests are played at a
non-school site. The nonplayer may not communicate with the
team at any point from the beginning of the contest until the
end of the contest;
(8) Following the date of ejection, there shall be a minimum three
additional games/meets/contests suspension for any coach or
nonplayer ejected from a scrimmage or contest in every sport
or sport-activity except football;
(9) Following the date of ejection, there shall be a minimum two
additional games/meets/contests suspension for any coach or
nonplayer ejected from a scrimmage or contest in football;
(10) For all coaches or nonplayers sitting out in an individual
sport such as swimming, track or wrestling due to suspension,
the penalty shall be for the entire meet schedule, not for a
single event;
(11) If the ejection was during one of the two preseason
scrimmages, the penalty shall be served during the first regular
season contests;
(12) If the ejection was for the final game/contest of the season
and was a coach or nonplayer, the person ejected shall serve
the required suspension in the next varsity level contest at the
member school for the suspended individual;
(13) For the second ejection during a sports season, the
suspension shall be a minimum four-game/contest suspension
(three-games for football) and may be cause for additional
penalties that may include suspension for the remainder of the
season;
(14) For the third ejection during a sports season, the suspension
shall be cause for additional penalties including suspension for
the remainder of the season; and
(15) Any penalty that has not been fully served shall carry
forward to the new school for any coach or nonplayer who
changes schools.
Case BL-21-10- If a player (participant) is ejected from
a scrimmage or contest, how long is the suspension?
(1) The suspension is considered immediate and indefinite when
the ejection occurred;
(2) The suspension is in effect for any further interscholastic
competition on that day (i.e., a freshman ejected during the
first game may not be in the gym for the subsequent varsity
game, baseball/softball coach participant ejected in first game
of multiple game tournament may not be at the field during
any subsequent games that day);
(3) The ejected participant may not participate in another contest
at that level (freshmen, junior varsity, varsity) until being
reinstated by a member of the Commission;
(4) Following review, the Commission may extend the suspension.
(5) When a participant is ejected from a scrimmage or contest,
the participant is to leave the vicinity of the playing area
and remove himself/herself completely from the area of the
playing facility unless the specific playing rules of the sport
call for a different penalty option or the student would be
placed in a position of not being supervised. In those cases, the
administration of the player’s team is responsible for ensuring
that the student participates in no other unsportsmanlike
activity or the school itself may face additional penalty under
Bylaw 27;
(6) An ejected participant may not have any further communication
with the game officials following the game;
(7) During the subsequent suspension period, suspended players
may attend contest(s), but may not be in the game uniform or
other school identifiable clothing and may not participate in
any sport-related activity (warm-up activity) prior to or during
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 51
the game, and will be classified as nonplayer personnel during
that contest as it relates to playing rules enforcement. It is a
local School Choice as to whether or not this student may be in
the vicinity of the bench or team area;
(8) Following the day of ejection, there shall be a minimum
two additional games/meets/contests suspension for any
participant ejected from a contest in all sports and sport-
activities except football;
(9) Following the day of ejection, there shall be a minimum one
additional contest suspension for any participant ejected from
a scrimmage or contest in football;
(10) For participants sitting out in an individual sport such as
swimming, track or wrestling due to suspension, this penalty
shall be for the entire meet schedule, not for a single event;
(11) If the ejection was during one of the two preseason
scrimmages, the penalty shall be served during the first regular
season contests;
(12) If this was the final game/contest of the season, the ejection
was for a student, and the ejected participant is a senior, the full
penalty shall carry forward to the next varsity interscholastic
contest(s) in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport;
(13) If this was the final game/contest of the season, the ejection
was for a participant, and this was in varsity (first team)
competition and the ejected student is not a senior, the full
penalty shall carry over to the next varsity season in the sport
in which the participant was participating when ejected;
(14) If this was the final game/contest of the season, the ejection
was for a student, and this was NOT a varsity (first team) contest,
the full penalty shall carry forward to the next interscholastic
varsity level contest(s) in any KHSAA-sanctioned sport;
(15) For the second ejection during a sports season, the suspension
shall be a minimum three-game/contest suspension (two-
games for football) and may be cause for additional penalties
that may include suspension for the remainder of the season;
(16) For the third ejection during a sports season, the suspension
shall be cause for additional penalties including suspension for
the remainder of the season; and
(17) Any penalty that has not been fully served shall carry forward
to the new school for any player who changes schools.
Case BL-21-11- Has the Board of Control approved any
procedure in conjunction with the Commissioner’s
ofce for sports or schools with multiple ejections in
the same school year?
Yes. On the third and subsequent ejection in a single sport during
three separate contests by representatives of the same school,
such school should be compelled to have an administrative
conference with the Supervisor of Officials and the sport
contacts for the specific sport. Such could also be accompanied
by an additional penalty within Bylaw 27 against the member
school, including fines, reprimands or probation.
Following this penalty, any additional ejection in that sport could
require a conference and professional development with those
individuals in conjunction with the KHSAA office and additional
penalty.
Case BL-21-12- Does an ejection during a permitted
competition the ofcial Bylaw 23 period for the
sport (i.e. Bluegrass Games exceptions for Soccer and
Volleyball, 7-on-7 football competition) have the same
penalty as a contest?
Yes, there is a penalty with a slight modification. For these
competitions that are exceptions to the scrimmage limitations,
coaches and other non-players, as well as players who are
ejected from these competitions are to be suspended from one
of the two permitted scrimmages prior to the season.
During that penalty period, the same provisions on contest
attendance applies as if this were a regular season contest.
Case BL-21-13- Does an ejection in a scrimmage have the
same penalty as a contest?
Yes. The two allowable scrimmages are not an “open opportunity”
for unsportsmanlike conduct. Persons ejected from any
scrimmage are penalized in the first regular season varsity
contest(s) and are not penalized in subsequent scrimmages.
Case BL-21-14- Does Bylaw 21 and its penalty structure
apply to spectators removed by law enforcement or
game management?
No. While there exists a Board of Control policy on specator
conduct, this would be handled between the Association and
the member school in a different manner. Bylaw 21 applies
solely to players and coaches listed on the team roster.
For violations of the spectator ejection policy, member schools
are expected to impose penalties for violation which include
banning the spectator from the game site for at least one
game. Failure to adhere to this policy could result in penalties
imposed by the Commissioner against the school under Bylaw
27 including, among other options, fines or suspension of the
ability to host contests at the school.
Case BL-21-15- Is it a violation for a coach to remove the
team from the oor or eld if the coach believes that
such removal is for the safety of the players; or for an
ofcial to end a game prior to the end of regulation
time?
Yes. Removal of a team from the floor or field without the
permission of the official(s) is a violation of Bylaw 21, Practice
of Sportsmanship. A school or school representative violating
this rule will be penalized in accordance with Bylaw 27
including fines, suspensions or other possible penalties.
If the game is called because of unsporting acts by any player,
coach, team representative or other direct representative of a
member school, it will be considered a violation of this bylaw.
Such shall be reported by the contest official to the KHSAA
and reported by the effected schools within 24 hours of the
incident.
Officials will be penalized by the Association for terminating a
contest before the normal end of regulation play without trying
to secure the assistance of game management or security to
rectify the problem. Such penalty will be governed by the
Officials Division Licensing policies within the Board of Control
Policies and Procedures.
Case BL-21-16- Is it a violation for school personnel to
criticize game ofcials through the media (including
social media) or vice-versa?
Yes. Many times criticisms are offered with regard to officiating.
Done properly, criticism through the proper administrative
channels can be used constructively. However, public media
comments (including social media) that criticize officials
by name, specific position, specific game assignment or
by reference as the contest officials are damaging to the
recruitment and retention of officials.
Individual incidents of this type will be investigated by the
KHSAA and the school or individuals shall be penalized in
accordance with Bylaw 27. Coaches and officials will be held to
the restrictions and policies concerning the use of social media,
which shall be considered media for the purpose of applying
these restrictions.
Member schools will be fined for inappropriate comments by
coaches through the media (including social media).
Case BL-21-17- What is the Association’s position with
regards to racial and ethnic slurs and profanity by
participants?
The KHSAA recognizes the cultural diversity of its member
school athletes, coaches, fans and spectators. The Board of
Control encourages each of its member schools to educate its
participants and all parties involved in the sports program as to
the need for a united approach to solving problems. Prejudice
or discrimination within the athletic program on the basis of
race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or United States
military service cannot be tolerated.
The KHSAA encourages each of its schools to unite in this effort.
The KHSAA has no tolerance for sexual harassment or
discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age,
national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or United States military service. If those acts are
discovered during the course of normal operations, all
information shall be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
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52 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
In addition, it is a renewed point of emphasis for all contest
officials to enforce sportsmanship rules related to the use
of profanity by coaches and participants. Such conduct and
language should not be allowed, and should be appropriately
punished within the playing rules.
Case BL-21-18- Are there any state laws or regulations
applicable to ofcials and unsportsmanlike conduct
against ofcials, including assault?
Yes. Action taken during the 1998 session of the Kentucky General
Assembly (HB 90) enacted KRS 518.090 that now specifically
lists the assault of a sports official as a crime. Officials, right or
wrong in their judgment and application of the rules, shall be
protected and allowed to perform their duties.
A person is guilty of assault of a sports official when he
intentionally causes physical injury to a sports official: (a) Who
was performing sports official duties at the time the physical
injury was perpetrated; or (b) If the physical injury occurs while
the sports official is arriving at or departing from the athletic
facility at which the athletic event occurred.
For the purposes of this section, “sports official” means an
individual who serves as a referee, umpire, linesman, or in a
similar capacity that may be known by another title, and who is
duly registered as or is a member of a national, state, regional,
or local organization engaged, in part, in providing education
and training to sports officials.
A person who is guilty of assault of a sports official shall, for a
first offense, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, unless the
defendant assembles with five (5) or more persons for the
purpose of assaulting a sports official, in which case it is a
Class D felony.
A person who is guilty of assault of a sports official shall, for a
second or subsequent offense, be guilty of a Class D felony.
Case Situations for Bylaw 22- Contests, Sanctions,
Rules, Forfeitures, Faculty To Accompany
Case BL-22-1- What is a contest as referenced in Bylaw
22?
A contest is one of the allowable regular season games/meets/
tournaments/matches detailed in KHSAA Bylaw 23.
Case BL-22-2- What is a school as dened in the Bylaw 22
governing in state opponents?
A school is an entity which is recognized by the Kentucky
Department of Education (or corresponding Department of
Education in another state or country) as an institution whose
primary purpose is the education of high school aged students.
Case BL-22-3- What is a KHSAA sanctioned sport as used
in Bylaw 22?
The sanctioned sports of the KHSAA are those sports approved
by the Board of Control as a sports championship. At press
time, those include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field
Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track
and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Sport-activities are not the
same as sports when applying this Bylaw. The sport-activities
currently sanctioned by the Board of Control for championship
play are Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer,
Dance and Esports.
Case BL-22-4- May a KHSAA member school play in a
scrimmage in a sport against a nonmember school in
Kentucky, an out-of-state or foreign-school team that
does not join that state association, or an outside
team such as an alumni group?
Yes. Only contests that count against the limitations of Bylaw 23
are restricted to member schools.
Case BL-22-5- May a KHSAA member school play in
a contest in a sport against a nonmember school in
Kentucky, a foreign opponent that is not a school
team, or an outside team such as an alumni group?
No.
Case BL-22-6- Is there a summary explanation of the
changes made to Bylaw 22 due to legislative action
in 2018 involving at-home private school teams and
individuals (homeschools and homeschool students)?
Yes. Members should be mindful of the following provisions:
This provision does not allow KHSAA member schools to
participate against other schools in Kentucky that have chosen
not to join the KHSAA, even if some of the students enrolled
at those schools are at-home private school students. The
allowance was for those students who are not enrolled at other
schools.
This change does not allow homeschool students who are not
enrolled full time in a member school of the KHSAA to play for
a KHSAA member school in any sport or activity at the high
school level (grades 9-12) in the regular or postseason.
This change allows KHSAA members to compete against
homeschool students or groups of homeschool students
competing as a team in regular season competition.
Case BL-22-7- What are the restrictions on entries into
meets in cross country, swimming or track and eld
and restrictions to have that meet be permitted under
Bylaw 22?
It is the obligation of each school entering athletes to ensure
that only eligible athletes compete in varsity competition,
regardless of scoring divisions.
It is the obligation of each school entering athletes to ensure that
only permitted athletes compete in non-varsity competition,
regardless of scoring divisions in accordance with Bylaw 14
allowances.
It is possible for a meet manager to conduct multiple divisions
in an event, even with athletes competing simultaneously,
and yet those athletes are not considered to be “competing
against” each other unless being scored in the same division.
A student-athlete who is ineligible for any reason to represent
a member school may not be listed, entered or scored as
unattached or in some other variation of any scoring system.
Only those scored events that involve solely eligible KHSAA
member school student-athletes (or permitted out of state
opponents) shall count toward any postseason qualification.
Case BL-22-8- Why is there an NFHS policy requiring
sanctioning of interstate events?
(1) Interscholastic programs should serve educational goals.
To this end, schools have an obligation to conduct certain
threshold inquiries about events in which their students may
participate.
(2) On occasion, additional inquiries and oversight may be
appropriate at the conference, district, state or national levels.
In order to perform their “inquiry and oversight” functions
fairly and efficiently, decision-makers at various levels have
developed sanctioning procedures.
(3) The specific purposes served by event-sanctioning procedures
include the following:
a. Sanctioning enhances the likelihood that events will adhere
to sound and detailed criteria which meet the specic
requirements of a school or a group of schools based upon
experience and tradition.
b. Sanctioning serves to promote sound regulation of the
conditions under which students and teams may compete.
c. Sanctioning is a means of encouraging well-managed
competition.
d. Sanctioning adds an element of “due diligence” that
encourages compliance with state association rules and
regulations.
e. Sanctioning protects the welfare of student-athletes.
f. Sanctioning protects the existing programs sponsored by
member schools and thereby promotes the opportunity for
larger numbers of student-athletes to gain the benets of
interscholastic competition.
g. Sanctioning helps reduce the abuses of excessive competition.
h. Sanctioning promotes uniformity in obtaining approval for
events.
i. Sanctioning helps protect students from exploitation.
Interstate event sanctioning at the National Federation of
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 53
State High School Associations (NFHS) level promotes nancial
transparency and equivalency of treatment of participating
high schools. NFHS sanctioning forms are available on the
NFHS website (www.nfhs.org).
Case BL-22-9- What are the restrictions and conditions for
National Federation of State High School Associations
sanction of contests?
(1) The KHSAA adheres to the National Federation of State High
School Associations (NFHS) sanctioning policy. NFHS sanction
is required in all sports if KHSAA schools participate in any of
the following types of contests:
a. any interstate event involving two (2) or more schools which
is co-sponsored by an organization outside the high school
community;
b. nonbordering events if ve (5) or more states are involved;
c. nonbordering events if more than eight (8) schools are
involved; or
d. any event involving two (2) or more schools that involves
a team from a foreign country (exceptions are Canada and
Mexico which are considered “bordering states”).
(2) For contests in Kentucky where NFHS sanction is required, the
following steps must be taken:
a. If the contest(s) is (are) to be played in Kentucky and the
event requires NFHS sanction, the host school should go to
the KHSAA website which will link to the NFHS website for
completion of the forms and payment of fees (The KHSAA
receives no portion of this NFHS fee); and
b. This shall be completed and sent to the NFHS along with the
requisite fee in the NFHS published timeline to ensure the
minimization of costs to the host school and to allow for an
orderly ow of communication among all effected parties.
(3) For contests in Kentucky where NFHS sanction is not required,
the following steps must be taken:
a. If the contest(s) is (are) to be played in Kentucky, involves
out-of-state schools and does not require NFHS sanction
but involves only those schools in states contiguous with
Kentucky, the host school shall ensure that the rules of the
opponent’s state association with regard to sanctioning are
followed; and
b. Some state high school associations (i.e. , Missouri, Tennessee,
West Virginia) have additional requirements for schools
participating against their member schools, and the KHSAA
staff can assist in facilitating those requests.
(4) For contests played outside of Kentucky where NFHS sanction
is required, the following step(s) must be taken:
If the contest(s) is (are) played outside of Kentucky and NFHS
sanctioning is required, the KHSAA member school shall
ensure that the host school contacts the NFHS to initiate the
sanction process.
(5) For contests played outside of Kentucky where NFHS sanction
is NOT required, the following steps must be taken:
a. If the contest(s) is (are) played outside of Kentucky and
NFHS sanctioning is not required and involves only schools in
states contiguous with Kentucky, no additional sanctioning is
needed on the part of the KHSAA;
b. Some state high school associations (i.e. , Missouri, Tennessee,
Virginia, West Virginia) have additional requirements for
schools participating against their member schools, and the
KHSAA staff can assist in facilitating those requests.
Case BL-22-10- Are KHSAA schools required to use form
GE14 for scheduling contests or to make written
amendments to contracts in the case of contract
postponement/cancellation?
No, the form is not required. However, the Association will not
arbitrate or attempt to intercede in any dispute regarding a
cancelled contest or other logistic dispute if the contest does
not involve a properly completed and executed GE14 or its
electronic equivalent using an alternative scheduling system.
Included in the proper requirements are the proper signatures
of the Principal or Designated Representative of the member
schools.
In addition, the Association will not arbitrate or attempt to
intercede in any dispute regarding a cancelled contest or other
logistic dispute if scheduling amendments are agreed by the
parties, but not executed in writing between the schools.
Contract amendments verified by electronic mail exchange that
modify prior properly executed contract forms will be reviewed
and assistance offered by the Association as necessary.
Case BL-22-11- Is a written contract on form GE14
required for seeded district games and is there a
dened default forfeit fee for seeded district contests?
No, the form is not required. However per the Competition Rules,
once a proper agreement has been reached to seed, a contract
between all schools is implicit.
The forfeit fee for a forfeited seeded district contest in baseball,
soccer, softball and volleyball shall be $500 if no form GE14 is
signed between the teams.
The forfeit fee for a forfeited seeded district contest in basketball
shall be $1000 if no form GE14 is signed between the teams.
The forfeit fee for a forfeited district contest in football shall be
$1500 if no form GE14 is signed between the teams.
Case BL-22-12- What does the expression “corresponding
date” mean as it relates to scheduling contests and
how does it relate to contract enforcement?
Corresponding date charts (also referred to as Standardized
Calendars) are published for all KHSAA sports in an effort
to aid athletic administrators in planning future schedules.
It should be noted that contracts cannot be enforced by the
Association that call for “corresponding dates” rather than
specific playing dates.
Case BL-22-13- Does a forfeit win/loss or game cancelled
by mutual agreement count against the maximum
number of games that can be played?
(1) If the forfeit is declared and the contracted forfeit provisions
applied after the first legal playing date, the game shall be
counted against the win/loss record, and against the limit of
games.
(2) Games canceled by school administrations and forfeit fees
paid before the first playing date do not count against records
or limits.
(3) Games canceled by school administrations by mutual consent
without forfeit provisions do not count against records or limits.
(4) In districts that have voted to seed in those sports that permit
seeding for postseason placement, the majority decision
to seed shall be interpreted and enforced as an inherent
and immediately implied contract to play all contests upon
implementation of the seeding plan and within the specifics
of the plan.
(5) Seeded district games that are forfeited shall be counted
against the limit of games and shall count on the win/loss
record irrespective of the teams when the contract is cancelled,
no matter what terms under which the contract is cancelled
and whether or not a formal contract is entered into between
the competing teams.
Case BL-22-14 Is the restriction on the accompanying
of a student by the Principal, coach or faculty
representative listed in Sec. 8 a KHSAA regulation or
state law?
This provision is patterned to ensure conformity with KRS
161.185 which states “Boards of education shall require a
certified or classified staff member who is at least twenty-one
years of age to accompany students on all school-sponsored or
school-endorsed trips.”
This stipulation governs accompaniment, and does not supersede
or replace any regulation regarding driver qualification.
This permission should be in writing and should be documented
by minutes of the local Board of Education.
Case Situations for Bylaw 23- Limitation Of Seasons
Case BL-23-1- What is a KHSAA-sanctioned sport as used
in Bylaw 23?
The sanctioned sports of the KHSAA are those sports approved
by the Board of Control as a sports championship. At press
time, those include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field
Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis,
Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Sport-activities are
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54 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
not the same as sports when applying this Bylaw.
The sport-activities currently sanctioned by the Board of Control
for championship play are Archery, Bass Fishing, Bowling,
Competitive Cheer and Dance.
Case BL-23-2- What is the expectation of KHSAA member
schools as it relates to missed school time for regular
season contests?
The KHSAA annually solicits verification through the membership
application from school administrators that these provisions
have not been violated in order to comply with Kentucky Board
of Education reporting requirements.
The KHSAA expects all of its member schools, including those not
normally subject to all rules and regulations of the Kentucky
Department of Education to adhere to the attendance
regulations of the Department of Education.
Decisions on travel (and the possible allowances or restrictions
therein) are solely the discretion and control of the member
school.
Monitoring and definitions regarding the restrictions related to
“school time” must be done at the local level in compliance
with Kentucky Department of Education regulations.
Member schools reported for violating these restrictions will be
referred to the Kentucky Department of Education.
The restrictions on missed school time were placed into KHSAA
Bylaws by the Kentucky Board of Education as a reiteration
of the necessity to prioritize school time, but are not the
Association’s jurisdiction to enforce and apply sanction.
This stance is necessary due to ever changing rules and
regulations about what constitutes school time, and the fact
that the member schools are in better position to monitor this
regulation as they implement new and revised methods of
delivering instruction.
If further clarification is needed relative to local policies which
may be in place as to what constitutes school time, please
have the appropriate district personnel contact the Kentucky
Department of Education.
Case BL-23-3- Is it permissible for students to be counted
present for participation/attendance at regular season
and KHSAA district level events?
No, not within the KHSAA Bylaws and policies.
Schools must comply with the policies of the Kentucky Department
of Education regarding attendance.
It should be noted that KRS 159.035(2)(b) clearly states that
the educational enhancement opportunities allowed by that
statute may not include interscholastic athletics.
If a student does leave school before the scheduled end of the
day for any reason, the time missed is recorded in the daily
attendance log of the school as an attendance event for that
student.
Although local board policy may allow the student to ‘make-up’
any missed work, the absence record remains.
When the student is participating in or attending an athletic
event, the local school board (not school council) attendance
policy controls whether it is counted as an excused or
unexcused absence.
For example, the local board policy might choose to record an
excused absence for those students participating on a high
school athletic team that is playing in a state championship
and not record an excused absence for attendance by a
nonparticipant.
It is also possible that the Board policy is to allow an excused
absence for attendance by nonparticipants with verification.
The impact of excused versus unexcused absence is that with
an excused absence the student may have the ability to make
up the missed school work, but has no such right with an
unexcused absence.
If the school’s team is involved in a very popular event, such as
the state high school basketball tournament, and a significant
portion of the student body will be attending the tournament
and thus missing school, the local board has discretion as
to whether to close school that day(s) in anticipation of low
school attendance, and amend the school calendar to make up
the instructional time.
If further clarification is needed relative to local policies which
may be in place, please have the appropriate district personnel
contact the Kentucky Department of Education.
Case BL-23-4- Are there allowances for students to
be counted present for participation/attendance at
KHSAA region or state events?
Yes. In accordance with KRS 158.070 (6) (b), any member of a
school-sponsored interscholastic athletic team who competes
in a regional tournament or state tournament sanctioned
by the Kentucky Board of Education, or the organization or
agency designated by the board to manage interscholastic
athletics, and occurring on a regularly scheduled school day
may be counted present at school on the date or dates of
the competition, as determined by local board policy, for a
maximum of two (2) days per student per year.
The student shall be expected to complete any assignments
missed on the date or dates of the competition.
When the student is participating in or attending an athletic
event, the local school board (not school council) attendance
policy controls whether it is counted as an excused or
unexcused absence. For example, the local board policy might
choose to record an excused absence for those students
participating on a high school athletic team that is playing in
a state championship and not record an excused absence for
attendance by a nonparticipant.
It is also possible that the Board policy is to allow an excused
absence for attendance by nonparticipants with verification.
The impact of excused versus unexcused absence is that with
an excused absence the student has a right to have the
opportunity to make up the missed school work, but has no
such right with an unexcused absence.
If the school’s team is involved in a very popular event, such as
the state high school basketball tournament, and a significant
portion of the student body will be attending the tournament
and thus missing school, the local board has discretion as
to whether to close school that day(s) in anticipation of low
school attendance, and amend the school calendar to make up
the instructional time.
If further clarification is needed relative to local policies which
may be in place, please have the appropriate district personnel
contact the Kentucky Department of Education.
Case BL-23-5- Does the limit on consecutive day
scrimmages or contests extend to varsity and
nonvarsity teams as well as players?
Yes, both are limited. Each sport at any and all levels (freshmen,
junior varsity and varsity) within a school shall have one day
Monday through Thursday (inclusive) during each week of the
season when school is in session when the team does not
hold a scrimmage or contest. In addition, each student-athlete
within the program at any and all levels shall have one day
Monday through Thursday (inclusive) during each week of the
season when school is in session when the individual student-
athlete is not competing or playing.
This restriction applies to all levels of play, not each level of play.
The intent of the rule is that each student-athlete shall be
guaranteed at least one night (Monday through Thursday)
where participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest
is not required, to allow for time to properly attend to academic
pursuits and other priorities.
Case BL-23-6- For the purposes of Bylaw 23, when is a
student enrolled (date of enrollment) at a KHSAA
member school and how is enrollment veried for a
student?
Following the first day of classes through the last day of the
academic school year (including the extension of play into
the summer per Bylaw 24, Sec. 1), a student is considered
enrollment by being a verified full-time student on the school
attendance system being able to attend classes at a member
school per their regulations. In addition, students below grade
nine (9) enrolled at a defined feeder school per the regulations
of, and under the same the local board of education as the
member school as detailed in Bylaw 4, Sec. 2.
Prior to the first day of classes and after the last date of classes
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 55
during the previous school year, a student may be considered
enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start of the
school year when it is a student who:
(1) is officially enrolled within the adopted policies of the
local board of education as applied to all students and not
enrolled in any manner at any other school;
(2) has attended the school and sat for one or more class
periods while listed as an enrolled student (i.e. summer
school);
(3) attends a formally defined feeder school under the same
local Board of Education as the member school where
participation s desired as defined by the local Board of
Education adopted policy, such is the one and only school at
which participation is permitted, and the student participates
at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw 4, Sec. 2 (a)
and (b);
(4) is an incoming 9th grade student who is no longer enrolled
at a feeder or non-feeder school, is currently enrolled full-
time at the member school where participation is desired
and only that member school for the upcoming school year,
has officially withdrawn from any previous school and is no
longer enrolled; or
(5) is newly enrolling to the school, is in grades ten, eleven or
twelve (whether or not subject to restrictions contained in
other bylaws), is currently enrolled full-time at the member
school where participation is desired and only that member
school for the upcoming school year, has officially withdrawn
from any previous school and is no longer enrolled.
Case BL-23-7- What are the restrictions during the
school year outside of the dened Limitation of
Seasons (off-season) when the school’s team members
are participants or school coaches are involved (Open
Gym/Open Field)?
Coaching is defined as any activity by the coach at a time the
athletes are participating in skills (either preparatory or specific
to that sport) in a setting in which skills are taught, refined, or
practiced. Coincident participation by a coach and an athlete in
a sport, such as a golf outing, where the coach and athlete(s)
are not entered as a entry or group, or in an activity such as
distance running, a community golf scramble or similar activity,
with many competitors but no direct coaching, would not
specifically be considered coaching.
The “off-season” is the period during the school year for each
sport or sport-activity that is outside the defined start and end
dates for the sport or sport-activity as detailed in Bylaw 23.
The restrictions begin on the first day of school and end on
the earlier date of the day following the last day of school or
May 31.
Activity during the off-season by member school coaches has the
following continuing restrictions:
(1) Any restriction includes all members of the athletic coaching
staff, paid or unpaid, head or assistant, and at all levels;
(2) Participation in any activity may not be mandatory for the
students and there may be no penalties assessed, expressed
or implied for nonparticipation;
(3) No school owned or issued equipment (catching gear for
baseball/softball) may be used;
(4) No school uniforms, mascots, team identifying apparel or
transportation may be used;
(5) No coach or school/school system may provide or fund
transportation for these players to play in outside leagues,
even if personal transportation is utilized;
(6) No funds may be used for participation in organized play,
including payments for ofcials, eld usage, eld preparation,
etc. Payment by booster groups is the same as payment by the
school and cannot be used to circumvent this requirement;
(7) There is no insurance coverage with regard to the KHSAA
Catastrophe Policy;
(8) The activity cannot be restricted solely to members or
prospective members of a team;
(9) No member of the coaching staff may be paid for sports
specic instruction at a school owned facility;
(10) Nothing about these interpretations allow for the use of
specic school issued football, baseball or softball gear during
this period except during the allowable time periods of Bylaw
23;
(11) Nothing about these interpretations change any of the
provisions of Bylaw 9 that prohibit players in basketball and
football from participating in an organized game for any
other entity from the start of school to the end of the season
(including KHSAA postseason play);
(12) All activity must have approval from the school Principal.
All other restrictions related to the scheduling, composition,
pool and use of available personnel including coaches, and
other logistical arrangements are the jurisdiction of the
building Principal in compliance with all local district policies.
This applies to any sport or sport-activity held within that local
school facility or off-site activities where the coach and team
members are simultaneously present, in compliance with
Bylaw 1 of the Association;
13) Participation by any non-enrolled student may only be with
written permission of the student’s currently enrolled school
and if the student is not yet enrolled in grade nine, permission
of the member school in the dened feeder pattern of the
student desiring to participate.
The following situations would NOT be permitted due to these
restrictions:
(1) School Team A going to School Team B’s eld/gym and play
a game with umpires;
(2) School Team A going to School Team B’s eld/gym and play
a game as part of a “Fall League” or “Outside League”; and
(3) Any activity expressly prohibited by the school Principal.
With these restrictions in mind, the following activities would be
permitted:
(1) Coaches may provide voluntary individual instruction to
students that have previously represented the school;
(2) Participate in an organized league at a non-school facility;
(3) A school leasing its athletic facility to an outside league/
group (not afliated with the school) provided there is an
existing, written agreement for fair market value for the
usage, and such agreement does not eliminate the other
restrictions including the limitations on members of the
school team participating;
(4) Players and coaches from one school participating in a
league at the city park play against another team that has
players and coaches from another school; and
(5) Members from School A receive instruction from members of
School A coaching staff on site at the school facility provided
all participants were from School A.
Case BL-23-8- How is the determination made as to how
to count a contest against the Limitation of Seasons?
In these sports, a contest counts against the Limitation of
Seasons any time a student-athlete represents a member
school competing against any representative(s) of another
school after the start of practice and prior to the end of the
season as defined within KHSAA Bylaw 23.
(1) The following are examples of activities which would be subject
to classifying the student-athlete as being a “representative”
of the school:
a. Transportation to or from the contest using school
transportation;
b. Representing the school by entering an event under the
name of the school;
c. Representatives of the school entering an event in which
entries are allowed only by school representatives;
d. Attendance of, transportation by, coaching or other
assistance by, any member of the school coaching staff from
that sport; or
e. Any school vs. school competition in a contest in any KHSAA
sport or sport-activity as dened within Bylaw 23.
(2) After the start of practice and prior to the rst contest
against an outside opponent, such activity may be classied
as a scrimmage.
(3) All play shall be classied as the same level by all participants
in scrimmages, contests, games, meets and tournaments
and shall remain classied at the same level through the
completion of the event.
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56 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
For example, one school cannot classify a contest as a junior
varsity game, and the opponent classify the contest as a
varsity game, or one classify the activity as a scrimmage and
one classify it as a contest.
As another example, a school cannot classify some games
in an event (such as a tournament) as varsity games and
others as nonvarsity games.
In addition, the contests cannot be counted as wins or losses
for one-team, and no-contests for another in the case of
event cancellation, etc.
Events shall be constructed such that all competition is held
at the same level and conditions for all competing teams.
(4) Seeded district contests to determine postseason bracketing
may never be counted as nonvarsity contests.
(5) It shall be counted as a contest or scrimmage if the activity
involves competition with, or against, any person who is not
on the school participation list for that gender in that sport.
Case BL-23-9- What is the season, limit of contests and
restrictions for nonvarsity teams?
Nonvarsity teams have the same restrictions on beginning of
practice, beginning of contests and number of games as the
varsity teams.
Case BL-23-10- What is the rst date for nonvarsity
playing of contests (freshmen and junior varsity)?
Nonvarsity games can be played beginning with the first available
date for play by the varsity, with the exception of football in
which case the first nonvarsity contest may not be played until
the day after the first allowed date for varsity competition.
Case BL-23-11- Is there a designated separate “tryout”
or conditioning period for KHSAA sports for member
schools?
No. Tryouts are an organized or semi-organized means of
selecting team members for the coming season.
Provisions of that rule stipulate a beginning date for practice,
which implicitly prohibits practice during the school year prior
to that date.
Tryouts are considered to be part of organized practice and shall
be held during the official practice period spelled out in Bylaw
23.
Nothing can be required between the first day of school and the
first legal date for practice.
There is also no “conditioning period” as some coaches seem to
erroneously tell kids and parents.
Student-athletes cannot be held accountable for missing this
time outside of the limitation of seasons and cannot be made
to “make-up” missed activity as it cannot be required.
Case BL-23-12- Is there a designated separate “tryout”
or conditioning period for KHSAA sport-activities for
member schools?
Yes. Each of the sport-activities allow for a two-week window for
tryouts for the team.
Currently enrolled student-athletes cannot be held accountable
for missing this time outside of the limitation of seasons and
cannot be made to “make-up” missed activity as it cannot be
required.
Case BL-23-13- What are the limitations on the allowable
scrimmages?
A scrimmage is a semi-organized opportunity to participate in a
sport in game conditions prior to the opening contest of the
season.
Scrimmages are designed to be controlled opportunities for
participation NOT exhibition games.
While many state associations prohibit preseason competition
between schools, it is felt that this is the best means of
acclimating to game conditions and preparing for the season
while ensuring competitive fairness and equal participation
opportunities.
The following are the limitations and regulations on allowable
scrimmages:
(1) Each school is limited to a total of two preseason scrimmages
of any type against competitors not eligible to be on the
team’s roster at all levels of play (grades 9-12) in each sport;
(2) Both scrimmages (or one if that is the school’s choice) shall
be held prior to the rst varsity contest in a sport;
(3) The total elapsed time from the start of each scrimmage until
the end shall be no longer than three consecutive hours (start
to nish, including any breaks) and all competition activity
shall be held at the same site.
This time limit is not playing time, but elapsed time on the clock
and starts when the rst team member at any level engages a
person from another team in any manner.
The restriction allows for participation in any fashion with
outside opponents for a single, continuous, three hour
period.
It is possible that the varsity, junior varsity and freshmen
teams could oppose each other in game simulation settings
and only be charged with one scrimmage if the TOTAL
amount of time scrimmaged for all team levels combined
from start to nish is less than three hours.
The three hour time measurement shall be suspended in the
event that inclement weather forces cancellation after a
scrimmage has begun and shall resume when warm-up
activities resume following the suspension;
(4) The limitation is for all levels of play (grades 9-12) at a
school, not each level of play;
(5) Coaches at different levels within a school (freshmen, junior
varsity and varsity) and at sites where many teams are present
should coordinate the schedule of scrimmages to ensure that
these students are given opportunities during the three-hour
scrimmage limit.
The scrimmage sessions are primarily designed to prepare the
varsity team for regular season play, as the entire nonvarsity
season can be considered “scrimmage-like” since no state
championship competition is held;
(6) The scrimmage limitations include any team camp or similar
activity held during the dened practice period for a sport.
Teams attending camps at the same site should exercise extreme
caution not to violate scrimmage limitations.
The total scrimmage time involving team members, regardless
of levels of play, is subject to a total time limit of three
consecutive hours;
(7) Coaches shall be on the eld or in the vicinity of the playing
oor or area;
(8) Schools may, at the discretion of the host school, charge
admission, sell concessions and pay ofcials;
(9) It is recommended that ofcials be utilized for all scrimmage
contests.
If ofcials are utilized (other than coaches exercising normal
supervisory duties), they shall be KHSAA licensed ofcials;
(10) All scrimmage contests shall be reported to the KHSAA if
the Association makes requests for such reports; and
(11) Violators of scrimmage limitations and regulations may be
penalized in accordance to the prescribed penalties in Bylaw
23 as well as the provisions of Bylaw 27.
Case BL-23-14- Are there any exceptions to the
scrimmage rules contained in the Limitation of
Seasons for the Bluegrass State Games or for ofcially
sanctioned Olympic Development Activities?
Yes. High school teams in cross country, cheer, soccer, and
volleyball, together with their coach(es) may participate in the
Bluegrass State Games.
Such play shall not count against the Bylaw 23 scrimmage
limitation provided that the organizers of the games adhere
to all health and safety recommendations of the KHSAA
(including the Heat Index program), and provided there is not
a limit on the number of schools that may enter.
The Board of Control has authorized the Commissioner to
consider, on a case-by-case basis, waivers to any restrictions
contained in Bylaw 9 or Bylaw 23 that would allow
participation by an enrolled student or employed coach in
ofcially sanctioned U.S. Olympic Development activities.
Organizations such as USA Basketball, USA Track and Field and
other similar groups that have ofcially sanctioned Olympic
Development activities, can request, through the appropriate
member school, that these restrictions be waived and
participation allowed.
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 57
Such shall also include the Ryder Cup ofcial competition
between the PGA of America and PGA European Tour.
Case BL-23-15- What is the minimum period for team
and individual practice in the preseason in any sport,
other than football, or sport-activity?
In all sports other than football, and in all sport-activities, there
are no required minimum number of practice sessions or dates
prior to competition against another school.
Case BL-23-16- What are the special allowances for
counting a game/meet/event against the Limitation of
Seasons in cross country, swimming or track and eld?
A meet shall be counted against the limit of meets in cross
country, swimming or track (indoor or outdoor) if any of the
following conditions exist:
(1) It is sponsored by a KHSAA member high school (or co-
sponsored) or legally conducted by an outside entity as a
team entry event in accordance with the NFHS sanctioning
process;
(2) An athlete is wearing the school issued uniform;
(3) A school entity pays the entry fee for the student;
(4) A school representatives accompanies the student-athlete or
transports the student-athlete to the competition;
(5) A member of the school’s coaching staff is present and
offering instruction, advise, evaluation or renement of skills
or exercising other duties dened as “coaching” within the
sport rules; or
(6) The event, by its format, allows entries or fees to be solely
based on representatives of school based competition.
Case BL-23-17- Is it permissible for a local policy board,
ofcials’ association to impose a different time limit
on baseball or softball games at the varsity level?
No. At the varsity level, the NFHS playing rules establish the time
frames and requirements.
At the nonvarsity level, the local regional policy board of the
host school may establish game time or inning limitations for
different levels below varsity. Any time limit (or lack of limit)
adopted for baseball at any level shall also be applied to the
same level of softball. Any time limit (or lack of limit) adopted
for softball at any level shall also be applied to the same level
of baseball.
Time limits (or play limits such as a limit of innings) can only be
imposed in nonvarsity baseball or softball games if the same
limit applies to both sports under the jurisdiction of that policy
board.
Case BL-23-18- What equipment can be worn, what
activities can occur, and what restrictions are in place
for basketball at various times of the school year?
The following are the allowances and timelines for the conducting
of practice or practice-like activity based on specific time of
year:
(1) From the team’s elimination from postseason play through
the end of the school year, is a supervised play period and the
following stipulations are in place:
a. Any on-campus game simulation where another school is
involved (school vs. school) must not involve more than
three players from a single team; and
b. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this
period.
(2) From the earlier of the day following the last date of school
or June 1, through June 24, the following stipulations are in
place:
a. Play is governed by decisions made at the local level. There
are no restrictions on coaching, uniforms, expenditures or
the other things inherent with the Dead Period or the July
period.
b. Nothing during this period can be mandatory, and there can
be no penalty, expressed or implied, for nonparticipation;
and
c. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this period.
(3) From June 25 to July 9 (inclusive of those dates) is the KHSAA
Dead Period (Bylaw 24) with the following restrictions:
a. The restrictions of Bylaw 24, Sec. 3 (Summer Dead Period)
and its interpretations are in place;
b. There can be no practice (individual or team) and no
equipment or facilities may be issued; and
c. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this period.
(4) July 10 to July 31 is the Bylaw 24, Sec. 2 period:
a. The restrictions of Bylaw 24, Sec. 2 (Restrictions on Football
and Boys’ Basketball) and its interpretations, including the
fact that school money cannot be expended for basketball
activities, are in place;
b. No organized basketball activity may occur at a member
school, and
c. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this period.
(5) August 1 to October 15 is a supervised activity period:
a. Any on-campus game simulation where another school is
involved (school vs. school) must not involve more than
three players from a single team; and
b. There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this
period.
(6) October 15 until the elimination of the team from postseason
play is the dened season:
a. Required and supervised practice, scrimmages and contests
may occur during this period;
b. Any play involving at least one player from more than one
team shall count as a scrimmage; and
c. Provided all practice and activity are compliant with KHSAA
rules, the KHSAA catastrophic insurance is in place.
Case BL-23-19- What is postseason play as dened in
spring football practice period if a school chooses
to select their dates following the end of basketball
postseason play?
The “elimination from postseason play in basketball” means the
elimination of both Boys’ and girls’ teams from postseason
play in basketball. For example, if a Boys’ basketball team loses
the first game of a district but the girls’ team remains alive into
regional or state play, the spring practice period cannot begin
until the girls are eliminated.
Case BL-23-20- Can a representative of a school request
to change spring football practice dates after
December 15?
The spring practice dates are to be selected as part of the school
calendar process to eliminate conflicts with other teams. Only
in the case of reconditioned equipment being unavailable for
the selected days, or an authorized request by the Principal
of the member school will a date change be authorized. No
revision will allow for the starting of the three week period
to be beyond the Monday following the school’s originally
calendared spring break as submitted to the Kentucky
Department of Education.
Case BL-23-21- Is it permissible for a member of a
football team to play in an all-star or other type of
full contact activity for an outside entity after July 10?
No, due to the provisions of both Bylaw 9 and Bylaw 23, once
that period starts, any other competition of any type in helmets
or in full gear (or any gear variation) would be considered
to be competition against an outside team regardless of the
sanctioning body.
Case BL-23-22- Is it permissible for a member of a
football team to be issued a helmet for use in activities
on campus involving only the members of that school
team?
Yes. Per previous action of the Board of Control on advice from
the Kentucky Medical Association Committee on the Aspects of
Sports, a helmet may be issued and used during these specific
time intervals provided no representatives of other schools are
present. No activity during this time may exceed USA Football
Level 0 as defined in the bylaw.
Case BL-23-23- Are there provisions that allow for
contests to be played after the regional when the
date for regional tournaments or meets are extended
in Cross Country, Golf, Swimming and Diving, Tennis or
Track and Field?
Yes. The Board of Control shall annually set a two-year advance
planning calendar of dates. In isolated cases, the normal
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58 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
schedule for postseason meets may be altered or allowances
be made to extend possible dates due to facility or scheduling
issues.
For example in intermittent years, it may be necessary to allow
additional time for regional competition or to shift the dates to
allow for facility conflicts. In those years, the Board may permit
schools to conduct regular competition after the regional
meets in those cases where regional meets are held earlier
than the standardized dates.
Any such allowance will be communicated by the staff liasions
for these sports during the issuance of the planning calendar
dates.
Case Situations for Bylaw 24- Summer Sports And
Sports/Activities
Case BL-24-1- What is the purpose of Bylaw 24?
Sec. 1 of Bylaw 24 is critical to clarify the allowances for
those sports that begin prior to the beginning of the school
year, extend beyond the school year, or start their practice/
contests prior to the start of the following school year. This rule
empowers the school to begin the season before school starts,
or play through postseason elimination in spring sports.
Sec. 2 of Bylaw 24 was passed by the membership as a means of
addressing a burgeoning issue in Boys’ basketball and football,
wherein the small population of available male athletes were
being forced to make choices due to the wishes of adults, many
of whom may not have had the overall best interests of the
student-athletes as their number one goal. The rule specifies
a period where school based competition (including anything
that could remotely be perceived as required or using school
facilities) cannot be held in football (June prior to the Dead
Period), and cannot be held in basketball (July, after the Dead
Period).
Sec. 3 of Bylaw 24, the Dead Period was developed following
a nearly year long task force review in the middle-1990s to
address a growing issue where year-round athletics was
eroding family opportunities for a break from participation,
and outside entities were beginning to sponsor a growing
amount of school based summer competition. In addition,
over the years, many sometimes overzealous coaches required
their players to play scores of games throughout the summer,
in addition to a year-round workout regimen. While this may
seem to be in the best interest of developing sports talent, such
is not the purpose of high school athletics.
High school sports are to supplement classroom learning and
allow for in-season competitive opportunities, not a year round
Olympic or professional development period. Families were
complaining that they could not plan vacations and family
outings because of coaches’ requirements and athletes were
complaining of burn out. In addition, schools were increasingly
concerned with liability issues related to the summer. In a
survey conducted by the KHSAA, 80% of Superintendents,
principals and athletic directors who returned the survey
indicated they supported a “dead period” in the summer.
Initial responses were overwhelmingly in support of a four
(4) week dead period. The primary intent of the regulation is
to eliminate, for an approximately two (2) week period, the
leverage a coach has over his/her high school athletes.
Case BL-24-2- Does Bylaw 24 apply to KHSAA Sport-
Activities?
Yes. Any sport or sport-activity governed by the KHSAA Limitation
of Seasons (Bylaw 23) is restricted by this rule and its
interpretations.
The sport-activities of archery, bass fishing, bowling, competitive
cheer, dance and esports don’t have defined limits on contests
but are subject to all other restrictions as detailed in the bylaws.
Case BL-24-3- How is Bylaw 24, Sec. 1 interpreted for
play in the summer held after the end of the school
year and prior to the start of the next school year?
The following are the general provisions regarding summer play:
(1) Any participant is eligible to continue participating in KHSAA
sponsored state championship competition in baseball,
fastpitch softball, tennis and track and eld, even if their
spring semester has ended. Only students eligible during the
spring semester may practice or compete on any of the teams
mentioned;
(2) Individual athletes and athletic teams representing member
schools may participate in non-school competition following
the conclusion of the school year provided that such
competition is not in conict with other KHSAA Bylaws;
(3) School based play during the summer (other than fall sports
after July 15) is governed by the local Board of Education
(except for the Dead Period restrictions) and the local Board
of Education assumes all responsibility; and
(4) Students may begin ofcial practice and play for fall KHSAA
sports and sport-activities as part of the school team even if
the school year has not yet begun.
The following describes the parameters for KHSAA catastrophic
insurance coverage for the summer:
(1) Insurance coverage provided by the Association, including
but not limited to the Catastrophic Insurance Plan, does not
apply to students participating in such activities as Amateur
Athletic Union and other non-school, or out of season play, in
the summer.
(2) The provisions of the Association insurance plan do not
cover students attending individual or team camps during the
summer in any sport prior to the rst legal day of practice.
Case BL-24-4- When is a student enrolled at a KHSAA
member school for the purposes of participating in
summer activity in compliance with Bylaw 24, Sec. 1?
Restrictions exist in Bylaw 24 and summer periods to work
hand in hand with the provisions in Bylaw 16 to prevent
undue influence while allowing for skill improvement and an
opportunity for activity.
Clarifications on non-enrolled students are critical to application
of the rule, and in general, trigger the need for permission from
the student’s enrolled school for these students. Participation
by any non-enrolled student in semi-organized activities
(simulated games, etc. conducted on member school facilities)
may only be with written permission of the student’s currently
enrolled school and, if the student is not yet enrolled in grade
nine, permission of the member school in the defined feeder
pattern of the student desiring to participate.
During the school year, enrollment may be verified by enrollment
as a full-time student and currently attending classes at a
member school. In addition, students below grade nine(9)
enrolled at a feeder school per the regulations of, and under
the same the local board of education as the member school as
detailed in Section 2.
At an A1 school (KDE school federal organization type),
enrollment must be verifiable through the Infinite Campus
system.
A student is enrolled at a KHSAA member school prior to the start
of the school year when:
(1) it is a student who has attended the school and sat for one or
more class periods while listed as an enrolled student;
(2) it is a student who attends a feeder school of the school as
dened by the local Board of Education adopted policy and
participates at a high school within the constraints of Bylaw
4, Sec. 2 (a) and (b);
(3) it is a student who is an incoming 9th grade student who is
no longer enrolled at the non-feeder school and is enrolled
at the member school and only that member school for the
upcoming school year having ofcially withdrawn from any
previous school;
(4) it is a student who is newly enrolling to the school, is in
grades ten, eleven or twelve who is not subject to the
provisions of Bylaw 6, 7 or 8; and is enrolled at the member
school and only that member school for the upcoming school
year having ofcially withdrawn from any previous school; or
(5) it is a student who is newly enrolling to the school, is in
grades ten, eleven or twelve who is subject to the provisions of
Bylaw 6, 7 or 8 and for which the Designated Representative
has completed and submitted the KHSAA Transfer Form (if one
is required by the Bylaw 6, 7 or 8 situation); and is enrolled
at the member school and only that member school for the
upcoming school year having ofcially withdrawn from any
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 59
previous school.
Case BL-24-5- What are the restrictions on football
activity and the use of school-owned equipment from
June 1 to June 24 in compliance with Bylaw 24, Sec. 2?
These restrictions are:
(1) No organized team activity may be held in June from June
1 to June 24 (leading up to the June 25 to July 9 Dead Period
days).
This does not preclude individual workouts by enrolled students
on campus without the use of equipment as detailed in NFHS
Rule 1-5 with the exception of the helmet allowances detailed
above in activity approved by the school administration that
involves only enrolled students.
(2) There is no allowance for attendance at team camps or team-
style or game-like competition of any variation (including but
not limited to 7 on 7, 11 on 11, etc.).
(3) A football player may not be issued any football gear,
including the helmet (except for the individual camp exception
detailed in Bylaw 23), and no organized activity can be held
related to football on school grounds by team members;
(4) School or booster funds may not be expended during this
period;
(5) No activity for a student-athlete may be required by a school
representative in football.
(6) There may be no penalties assessed, expressed or implied for
nonparticipation during this period;
(7) An entry fee may not be paid for a team into a league, camp
or tournament. There can be no school expenditure for camps,
clinics, etc. which any of the players will attend;
(8) Other necessary fees including ofciating fees and game or
facility management fees may not be paid;
(9) Transportation or funding for transportation for team
members may not be provided for student-athletes to go to
games, camps or tournaments;
(10) The school athletics facilities may not be used for organized
football competition at which students from the high school
are participants and for which no rental/lease arrangement
exists using comparable regional fair market values;
(11) The school athletics facilities may not be used for any type
of organized football competition at which students from the
school are participants, and at which members of the high
school coaching staff are involved in coaching or facility
management and preparation;
(12) The school nickname, school name or other accepted
likeness may not be used on school issued apparel, and the
school name, nickname or other accepted likeness may not be
used in any other facet of football activity;
(13) There can be no organized competition against any other
school or any other type of team;
(14) No fund raising activity may require the participation, either
implicitly or explicitly, of the student-athlete or parents; and
(15) There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this
period.
Case BL-24-6- What are the restrictions on Boys’
basketball practice and the use of equipment from
July 10 to July 31 in compliance with Bylaw 24, Sec. 2?
These restrictions are:
(1) No organized team activity may be held in July from July 10
to July 31 (following the June 25 to July 9 Dead Period days).
This does not preclude individual workouts by enrolled students
on campus without the use of school equipment in activity
approved by the school administration that involves only
enrolled students.
(2) There is no allowance for attendance at team camps or team-
style or game-like competition of any variation (including but
not limited to 3 on 3, 4 on 4, etc.).
(3) A player may not be issued any gear and no organized
activity can be held related to boys’ basketball on school
grounds by team members;
(4) School or booster funds may not be expended during this
period;
(5) No activity for a student-athlete may be required by a school
representative in boys’ basketball.
(6) There may be no penalties assessed, expressed or implied for
nonparticipation during this period;
(7) An entry fee may not be paid for a team into a league, camp
or tournament and there can be no school expenditure for
camps, clinics, etc. which any of the players will attend;
(8) Other necessary fees including ofciating fees and game or
facility management fees may not be paid;
(9) Transportation or funding for transportation for team
members may not be provided for student-athletes to go to
games, camps or tournaments;
(10) The school athletics facilities may not be used for organized
basketball competition at which students from the high school
are participants and for which no rental/lease arrangement
exists using comparable regional fair market values;
(11) The school athletics facilities may not be used for any type
of organized basketball competition at which students from
the school are participants, and at which members of the
high school coaching staff are involved in coaching or facility
management and preparation;
(12) The school nickname, school name or other accepted
likeness may not be used on school issued apparel, and the
school name, nickname or other accepted likeness may not be
used in any other facet of basketball activity;
(13) There can be no organized competition against any other
school or any other type of team;
(14) No fund raising activity may require the participation, either
implicitly or explicitly, of the student-athlete or parents; and
(15) There is no KHSAA catastrophic insurance during this
period.
Case BL-24-7- What restrictions are in place for the
member schools during the KHSAA Dead Period (Bylaw
24, Sec. 3) including restrictions on facilities?
The following restrictions are in place for member school
representatives (including groups of schools and school
representatives and booster organizations) during the dead
period, and apply to all persons connected with the member
school, including coaches:
(1) School or booster funds may not be expended during this
dead period;
(2) No activity for a student-athlete may be required by a
school representative in any sport during the Dead Period.
There may be no penalties assessed, expressed or implied for
nonparticipation during that period;
(3) An entry fee may not be paid for a team into a league, camp
or tournament. There can be no expenditure for camps, clinics,
etc. which any of the players will attend;
(4) Other necessary fees including ofciating fees and game or
facility management fees may not be paid;
(5) Transportation or funding for transportation for team
members may not be provided for student-athletes to go to
games, camps or tournaments;
(6) The school athletics facilities may not be used for organized
competition at which students from the high school are
participants and for which no rental/lease arrangement exists
using comparable regional fair market values;
(7) The school athletics facilities may not be used for organized
competition at which students from the school are participants
and at which members of the high school coaching staff are
involved in coaching or facility management and preparation;
(8) The school nickname, school name or other accepted likeness
may not be used on school issued apparel, and the school
name, nickname or other accepted likeness may not be used
in any other facet of athletic activity;
(9) No fund raising activity may require the participation, either
implicitly or explicitly, of the student-athlete or parents; and
the students and coaches cannot be together in any of these
type of activities;
(10) There cannot be distribution of equipment, uniforms or
other school-owned or playing rules required equipment to
student-athletes with eligibility remaining, including but not
limited to football or baseball catching gear;
(11) There cannot be money spent on travel to or from a camp,
clinic or other activity during the Dead Period, even if none of
the practice, competition or evaluation occurs during the Dead
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60 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
Period as this is an expenditure of school funds or resources
in support of athletics;
(12) The can be no direct communication to any student-athlete
by a coach or member of the coaching staff/team regarding
activities that are being held either during the dead period,
or after.
This includes any form of communication, verbal and written, as
well as using any medium including social media within the
restrictions and allowances otherwise detailed.
Case BL-24-8- What specic restrictions are in place
for coaches (paid or unpaid, at any level grade 9-12)
including the sport-activities for the KHSAA Dead
Period (Bylaw 24, Sec. 3) if the activity involves a
student enrolled at the member school where a coach
is employed?
The following restrictions are in place for all coaches, paid or
unpaid, head or assistant:
(1) No coach may coach a student-athlete in any setting if that
student-athlete has previously represented the high school
(varsity, junior varsity or freshmen) and if sports specic skills
are being taught, rened, developed or evaluated;
(2) No coach in a sport at a school may coach other individuals
who are enrolled in grades 9-12 but may not have yet played
for the school;
(3) A coach may not pay the entry fee for a team into a league,
camp or tournament;
(4) Other necessary fees including ofciating fees and game or
facility management fees may not be paid by the coach;
(5) A coach may not provide transportation or funding for
transportation for team members to go to games, camps,
tournaments or any other type of play;
(6) No member of the coaching staff may assist in making
game-like preparations for the school facility including
but not limited to, baseline marking, outeld line marking,
batter’s box marking, maintenance of the mound and base
cut-outs; or the use of school facilities or equipment for such
setup. This does not preclude the coaching staff or others
participating in nonsports specic off-season turf or other
facility maintenance;
(7) No fund raising activity may be held during the period which
would require the student-athlete and the coach to be present.
These activities are inherently or specically mandatory for
the student-athletes and may not be held during the dead
period. Simply stating that something is not mandatory does
not in and of itself make the activity legal. Even if an activity is
totally optional, it is No for the coach(es) and student-athletes
to be together during this period;
(8) There can be no coaching of athletes in a particular sport by
coaches from the same school who coach in another sport.
Coaching, for the purposes of the Dead Period, is dened as
any time the athletes are participating in that coach’s sport
in a setting in which skills are taught, rened, practiced or
evaluated. Attendance at a scrimmage or contest is included
in the denition of coaching. This coaching restriction
includes all members of the athletic coaching staff, paid or
unpaid. This restriction prohibits the delegation or assignment
of activities by any member of the coaching staff to other
individuals, including student-athletes who may or may not
be participating. All coaching restrictions are in place whether
the activity is conducted within, or outside of the school. The
coaching prohibition is on the institution, not the individual;
(9) There can be no observation of student-athletes who are
enrolled at the coach’s high school, even if such observation
is in conjunction with outside employment such as camps,
leagues or clinics. The only exception is detailed in the
allowable activities concerning the observation (including
transportation) of the coach’s children (blood or by marriage)
who are on the playing roster and actively participating on the
regular high school team at a member school; and
(10) There may be no formal or informal communication
between a coach and any member of the team during this
period, including telephone, email, other electronic means
or in person contact if the communication relates in any way
to participation. This restriction includes upcoming meetings,
plans, motivational contact or any other contact during this
period.
(11) Attendance at competition by a high school coach (paid
or unpaid, regardless of level) where student-athletes who
had previously represented the school or played for the coach
at the high school or middle school level unless specically
permitted under Case BL-24-10.
Case BL-24-9- What specic restrictions are in place for
student athletes in KHSAA Sports and Sport-Activities
(Bylaw 24, Sec. 3)?
The following restrictions are in place for student-athletes during
the dead period:
(1) A student-athlete may not wear school issued or school
identifying apparel, including sleeves, jerseys, pants, catching
gear or hats during games, camps or tournaments; and
(2) The school nickname or school name may not be used on
non-school issued apparel during this time.
Case BL-24-10- What activities are permitted during the
KHSAA Dead Period (Bylaw 24, Sec. 3)?
The following activities are permitted by member school
representatives (including booster organizations) during the
dead period:
(1) School facilities may be used for non-high school aged
summer leagues, tournaments and camps provided 1) a
documented market value lease agreement exists; 2) players
from that school are not involved in any manner if a high
school coach is involved; and 3) coaches from that high school
are not involved in any manner if a player is involved;
(2) A school may hold a celebratory activity or activities
commemorating participation in the KHSAA posteason Track,
Tennis, Softball or Baseball State Championships.
The events shall be celebratory in nature, featuring recognitions
of the athletes and squad members where no practice, play
or future season planning or activities may occur;
(3) A school may conduct its annual mass physical exams during
this period provided there is no contact with any member
of the coaching staff for any reason and this is not the sole
opportunity provided to the students at that member school;
(4) Coaches who have a son or daughter (blood or by marriage)
participating may attend contests. Even with attendance
allowed, this person cannot be involved in coaching the team;
(5) Coaches may be involved with outside activities and leagues
as long as there is no contact with members of his/her high
school team and as long as the coach is not in attendance
when any of his/her players are participating. Coaches should
be cautioned against using this type of activity in violation of
Bylaw 16, Recruitment;
(6) Member schools may allow camps to be conducted for
non-high school students on school athletic property by high
school coaches during this period provided there is no contact
with any athlete who had participated at any level within the
school athletic program, regardless of the grade or age of the
student. The members of the high school team may only work
at such a camp if the high school coaching staff is not present;
(7) Coaches may serve as a paid contest ofcial; and
(8) Students who are members of the same high school team
may participate together in outside competition as long as
a member of the high school coaching staff does not coach
them or attend the contests.
Case BL-24-11- What are the restrictions and allowances
on the use of social media during the Dead Period by
schools, coaches and others involved in the program?
Clearly, the intent of the dead period is for the athletes and
coaches to have a period where they are not obligated to one
another in any way. However in today’s world, social media
communication is many times the key way in which information
is shared as well as an opportunity right for circumventing the
dead period.
Allowable communication is permitted from the official School,
School system or Sports Specific Social Media accounts it
individual players are not tagged as follows:
(1) Non-sports specific communication from the official School
Social Media Accounts that is directed to all individuals who
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 61
have agreed to “follow” the account.
(2) Such communication may include building closing and
opening dates, non-athletic information such as the time
and dates for physical exams, and reminders about events
that are not held during the dead period such as the start
of practice following the period or the schedule for an
upcoming season;
(3) Announcements of personnel changes in the athletic
department may be made via social media, but not in-person
and made solely by the administration of the school or
school district;;
(4) Congratulatory recognition involving team members who
have already enrolled and represented the school, whether
or not such recognition is for athletic achievements in the
sport of the athlete in non-school competition.
Non-allowable communication would include:
(1) Communication from non-school accounts where players
are individually tagged;
(2) An communication with sports specific strategy, tactics
and skills (including workouts) are detailed during the dead
period;
(3) Electronic communication announcing in-person events
during the dead period where coaches and players would
both be present;
(4) Recognition communication involving students who have
not represented the school or a defined feeder school (per
Bylaw 4) that is targeted at a specific student.
Case BL-24-12- Does retiring, resigning or otherwise
being relieved of coaching duties waive any of the
requirements for the dead period if the coach is later
asked to come back into coaching in that sport at that
school?
No. A coach resigning, retiring or being otherwise relieved of
coaching following a sports season does not relieve himself/
herself of the responsibilities to observe the dead period
restrictions and would apply to the coach and to any individual
who played for that school during the school year previous to
the dead period.
Case Situations for Bylaw 25- Requirement For
Coaches And Others Working With High School
Teams
Case BL-25-1- What is coaching as used in Bylaw 25?
Coaching is defined as any activity by the coach at a time the
athletes are participating in skills (either preparatory or specific
to that sport) in a setting in which skills are taught, refined, or
practiced. Coincident participation by a coach and an athlete
in a sport such as a golf outing, where the coach and athlete(s)
are not entered as a entry or group, or in an activity such as
distance running with many runners but no direct coaching,
would not specifically be considered coaching.
Case BL-25-2- What is a Coach as referred in Bylaw 25?
Coaching is the act or regularly teaching, training, development
or execution of specific processes, including any and all
skills, tactics, techniques or strategies, by which an individual
attempts to improve the individual or a team’s ability to
perform in sports or sport-activity competition.
It is not required that the teaching, training, development or
execution be solely specific to the skills and tactics of the
sport, but could also include position specific training, overall
physical conditioning training or general aspects applicable to
all sports. Individuals who perform these functions specifically
on behalf of the coach or school, even at outside venues, shall
be considered to be coaching.
Any person, paid or unpaid, that performs these functions is
considered a coach.
This includes specialized instructors such as hitting and catching
coaches, regular cheer or dance instructors, goalie coaches and
other individuals who are providing instruction.
All persons meeting these definitions of a coach are subject to
the restrictions and requirements of Bylaw 25.
Case BL-25-3- Are there positions or opportunities for
involvement as referred in Bylaw 25?
The Head Coach is the head varsity coach for each sport unless
stated specifically within the provision of the rule. A person’s
designation as “head junior varsity coach” is simply an
assistant coach within the varsity team with respect to this rule.
Case BL-25-4- Are there positions within specic Sports
or Sport-Activities that are not considered coaches
and therefore not required to meet the requirements
of Bylaw 25?
Yes. There are several examples within the various programs
of the KHSAA. Each of these examples, while not necessarily
requiring compliance with all provisions of Bylaw 25, would
require that all involvement be with the approval of proper
school authorities and under the supervision of a fully qualified
and compliant Level 1 or 2 coach.
Such examples include:
(1) The boat captain in bass shing whose specic duties are
limited by competition regulations and whose involvement
is primarily the supervision of the participating students to
properly monitor safety regulations; and
(2) The choreographer of a cheer or dance routine whose
involvement and scope are limited to the introduction,
teaching and renement of specic action patterns contracted
by the school;
Even if not specically required, it is always recommended
that at minimum, any of these non-coaches should meet the
regulatory requirements of Level 2 coaches dened within
Bylaw 25.
Case BL-25-5- Are Sport-Activities coaches required to
meet the requirements of Bylaw 25?
Yes. All requirements within Bylaw 25 also apply to Archery,
Bass Fishing, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Dance and Esports
coaches.
Case BL-25-6- What restrictions are in place for those
individuals that a school chooses to utilize (not as a
coach) who do not meet the provisions of a Level 1
coach or a Level 2 coach, whether paid or not paid?
Persons assigned to duties as assistants within the program
shall be limited to the following responsibilities upon approval
of such assignment by the proper school authorities and in
compliance with all adopted regulations.
This shall not preclude any person qualifying as a Level 1 or Level
2 coach from performing these tasks:
(1) Under the supervision of a Level 1 or 2 coach, persons not
meeting the provisions of a Level 1 or 2 coach can assist with
the program by:
a. Helping develop plans for daily and long range athletic
activities;
b. Helping guide participants towards a harmonious team
spirit;
c. Alerting the coaches to the special needs of individual
athletes;
d. Providing assistance with supervision of athletes during
periods of team travel;
e. Recommending the purchase of equipment, supplies, and
uniforms as appropriate for the health, safety, and welfare
of student-athletes; and
f. Performing other non-coaching duties assigned by the
Principal, athletic director.
(2) No person other than those employed as a Level 1 or 2 coach
shall be allowed to participate in any supervisory capacity
with interscholastic Sport or Sport-Activity teams, perform
any other “coaching duty” as prescribed by the playing
rules within a sport, nor shall any otherwise qualied person
exceed his respective duties as set forth in this Bylaw.
Case BL-25-7- What elective courses are required by
the Board of Control for those coaches with less than
sixty-four (64) hours of college as stipulated in Bylaw
25, Sec. 1(b)(4)(c) or 4(d)?
In addition to the base requirements including age, high school
graduation, background check, sports safety course and NFHS
Fundamentals of Coaching, the following elective courses
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62 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
provided through the NFHSLearn.com education platform shall
be required prior to the first contest or scrimmage:
(1) Engaging Effectively with Parents (no charge),
(2) Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behavior (no charge)
(3) Sportsmanship (no charge), and
(4) Concussions in Sports (no charge); and
(5) Additional requirements as may be specified by the local
school board.
Case BL-25-8- Is it permissible for a person who is
employed in one district, but serves as a full-time
teacher in another district, to be employed to coach?
Yes. This person can be hired. However it should be noted that
if these schools were not in the same school district under the
same Board of Education, this person would be considered a
Level 2 coach for the purposes of this bylaw.
Case BL-25-9- Is it permissible for a coach at a high
school level team to coach another level within the
school district outside of the Limitation of Seasons for
the sport?
Yes. As hiring decisions are to be made at the local level, any
provisions preventing a coach from being involved with his/
her own players in play outside of the high school team do
not apply to other levels of play where the coach is hired by
the same local Board of Education for interscholastic play.
For example, the high school coach (any member of the staff)
could be hired to coach the middle school basketball team
within the same local Board of Education, even if a member of
that middle school team had played on the high school level
(freshmen, junior varsity or varsity).
Schools are cautioned that involving school coaches with non-
high school teams, particularly in middle schools which feed
more than one high school, should be monitored to ensure that
problems related to Bylaw 16 (Recruitment) do not surface due
to this coaching.
Case BL-25-10- What restrictions are in place for schools
who hire coaches who are retiring as teachers but
want to remain in coaching?
Individuals retiring from service to Kentucky schools, either as
members of the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System, or the
Kentucky Employees Retirement System, should consult the
system with regard to re-employment provisions.
Certified employees will need to have a KTRS Form E30 approved,
which can only be done post-retirement, in order to comply
with the regulations of the system.
In addition, school representatives should note that a retired
coach who is no longer teaching in the district becomes a
Level 2 Coach and is required (if not already completed) to
successfully complete the Coaching Education program and
other Level 2 requirements.
Case BL-25-11- Does retiring, resigning or otherwise
being relieved of coaching duties waive any of the
requirements for coaching if the coach is later asked to
come back into coaching in that sport at that school?
No. A coach resigning, retiring or being otherwise relieved of
coaching following a sports season does not relieve himself/
herself of the responsibilities such as medical symposium
attendance if in fact they are rehired for the following year.
Case BL-25-12- Does the KHSAA have regulations
regarding job postings for the hiring of coaches?
No. Bylaw 25 includes the requirements for those holding
positions, but hiring, posting and employment policies are
established at the local school district level. Schools shall
comply with published rules on all postings within the district,
as well as all other KDE hiring regulations.
Case BL-25-13- Are coaches required to be paid a salary
and how do member schools hire coaches?
No, there are no salary requirements. Bylaw 25 restrictions
apply whether or not the coach is paid, regardless of the
level (freshmen, junior varsity, varsity). Bylaw 25 states that
“any person assigned to coaching duties at any level (grades
9-12) shall be duly employed through the respective board of
education, and the entire coaching salary shall be paid through
such board in accordance with local Board of Education Policy.”
The provisions specifically address all Level 1 and Level 2 coaches.
These coaches shall be designated, appointed, approved,
or hired within the published policies of the Local Board of
Education.
Coaching salaries (including whether or not coaches are paid)
are the jurisdiction of the Board of Education through the
budgeting process.
There may be some cases, at the discretion of the school and
school system, where Level 1 or 2 coaches are appointed at
no salary.
This is permissible as long as they have been duly designated
through the policies of the local school or Board of Education.
If a salary is paid, it shall be paid entirely through the local
Board of Education.
The KHSAA has no jurisdiction as to whether or not persons that
are neither Level 1 nor Level 2 are used within the athletic
program.
Local Board of Education policies should address persons that
do not meet the requirements of a Level 1 or 2 coach, and
the terms and conditions of their designation shall be in
accordance with applicable state law.
Case BL-25-14- Is it permissible for a coach to receive
in-service credit for Sports Safety Course, Medical
Symposium or Coaching Education Attendance?
This is a local district option. The Kentucky Department of
Education no longer has specific approval for certain types of
in-service credit.
According to the department, the four basic (traditional) days
and the additional five days, if part of the approved program
of in-service in a district, may count in any manner approved
by the local district.
Such things as workshops and conferences, particularly on timely
topics such as HIV and blood borne pathogen education, are
not only approvable, but also encouraged by the department.
The important key is the inclusion in the local district in-service
or professional development program.
Case BL-25-15- What is/are the approved NFHS Coaching
Education Course(s) per Bylaw 25, Sec. 3 and who has
to take the coaching education course?
Per Bylaw 25, Sec. 3, all coaches at KHSAA member schools, paid
or unpaid, varsity, junior varsity or freshman, are required to
complete a coaching education course, with the exception of
those continuously employed as a member of the school system
faculty at that school since the 1995-1996 school year. This
includes Level 1 head and assistant coaches (who were not on
the 1995-96 faculty), and Level 2 head and assistant coaches.
Whether or not the person was a coach on the staff is irrelevant
to this requirement as faculty status is the determinant.
Prior to the 2008-2009 school year, the only approved coaching
education course was the American Sport Education Program
(ASEP, Champaign, IL) Coaching Principles Course. Results and
completion records are searchable on the ASEP website and a
link is also on the KHSAA website.
Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the required course
changed to the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course.
This course is available online through the nfhslearn.com
portal and results and completion records are searchable on
the NFHSLearn.com website and a link is also on the KHSAA
website.
Coaches transferring from out of state with proof of completion
of either course shall be considered to have completed the
course.
Coaches hired for the first time to coach the Sport-Activity of
Archery prior to 2019-20 and who continue to coach Archery
and have completed the Basic Archery Instructor Course
offered by NASP shall have that course satisfy the requirement
for Coaching Education. Beginning with new coaches hired for
Archery for 2020-21 and beyond, there will be no exemption
from the NFHS Coaching Education course requirement.
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2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 63
Case BL-25-16- If a coach has completed the Coaching
Education course and changes schools or districts, do
they have to re-take the course?
No. The coaching certification is a one-time certification and is
not required to be repeated if all of the requirements have
been completed.
Case BL-25-17- Is a school compelled to pay the
required fee for a coach to take the required Coaching
Education course?
No, this is a local district option. The payment (or reimbursement)
of the fee is not mandatory. Districts who are paying the fee
for the coaches may not reimburse the fee to the coaches until
all requirements including the applicable tests, are completed.
Case BL-25-18- Are there any required additional
training courses for specic coaches in specic sports
or sport-activities?
Yes. In several instances, due to the need to protect the member
schools, the Board of Control has, through the Competition
Rules, required additional course work.
At press time, these requirements include:
All schools who have a Track and Field team and desire to enter
the Pole Vault competition in any regular or postseason meet,
shall have a coach that has completed Pole Vault education
prior to the athlete competing. The requirement may be
met by completing the NFHSLearn.com Coaching Pole Vault
Course, or the PVSCB.com course.
All schools who have a Swimming and Diving team and desire
to enter the Diving comeptition in any regular or postseason
meet shall have a coach that has completed the NFHSLearn.
com Coaching Diving course prior to the athlete competing.
All coaches at all levels in the Sport-Activities of Competitive
Cheer and Dance shall have completed the NFHSLearn.com
course entitled Understanding Copyright and Compliance to
ensure the regulations involving the use of music are fully
understood by the staff. Such course shall be completed by
the postseason declaration date.
Case BL-25-19- What is the Sports Safety Course and
who is required to take the course?
HB383 of the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly required each
coach to complete a Sports Safety Course in order to coach,
and to remain current by taking an approved course every
two years. The course shall be taught by a Medical Doctor, a
Doctor of Osteopathy, Registered Nurse or Certified Athletic
Trainer. A coach that has not taken and successfully completed
the course will not be able to coach at practice or contests.
Coaches must remain current in the requirement to be able to
be at practice or competition.
Case BL-25-20- How does a GED count toward the high
school graduation requirement for being a Level 2
coach?
This is a local district decision. The district may choose to
recognize the GED in terms of its employment requirements
or not to recognize the GED, but in the hiring of coaches, the
decision of accepting or not accepting the GED as proof of
graduation shall be consistent with the employment of other
positions in the district.
Case BL-25-21- Is it permissible to take the CPR course
online or is it required to be taken in person, and what
additional training is required of those subject to
Bylaw 25?
Changes made through Acts Chapter 165 (2023) HB331 gave
further clarity to the requirements for Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) / First Aid and Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) training and while the statute does not
mandate in person training, it is clear that in-person training is
the gold standard for this requirement.
The required elements of CPR / First Aid and AED training may
in fact be taken online to ensure the coach remains current
in the required certification. Schools and districts must do
due diligence to ensure the course being used is based on
recognized evidence-based guideslines for cardiopulmonary
resusciatation certification published by a national accrediting
body on heart health.
Each coach, in addition to completing and remaining current with
the KMA / KHSAA Sports Safety Course, must also participate
in the venue specific emergency action plan rehearsal by
simulation prior to performing coaching duties each sports
season.
Case BL-25-22- What are the approved courses/programs/
meetings that allow high school athletic directors
to comply with the requirements for Continuous
Improvement Hours?
At press time, the list of activities that meet the requirements
are as follows:
KHSAA
Annual Meeting (4 hours)
Advanced Athletic Director Institute (Once Annually, 6 hours)
Region Meeting (Once Annually) (4 hours)
Attendance and Participation at Regional Policy Board Meetings
in those regions in which ALL member schools are a member
of the RPB (1 hour per sports season, per year)
Locally required training per 2023 HB331 (Chapter 165 of the
2023 Kentucky Acts).
NIAAA Leadership Options- Foundation (4 hours each)
LTC 501 Athletic Administration: Guiding Foundations and
Philosophies (REVISED 2021)
LTC 502 Athletic Administration: Strategies for Organizational
Management (REVISED 2021)
LTC 503 Athletic Administration: Enhancing Organization
Management (REVISED 2021)
LTC 504 Athletic Administration: Legal Issues I (Liability for
Sports Injuries and Risk Management) (REVISED 2021)
LTC 506 Athletic Administration: Legal Issues II (Title IX and
Sexual Harassment) (REVISED 2021)
LTC 508 Athletic Administration: Legal Issues III — (Hazing,
Constitutional Law, Disabilities Law, Employment Law &
Labor Law) (REVISED 2021)
LTC 510 Athletic Administration: Legal Issues IV (Social Media,
Transgender Participation, Event Management & Security,
Pregnant & Parenting Student-Athletes, & Intellectual
Property) (REVISED 2021)
LTC 511 Athletic Administration: Concepts and Strategies for
Interscholastic Budgeting, Finance, and Planning Using
Spreadsheets (REVISED 2020)
NIAAA Leadership Options- Operations and Management
LTC 601 Developing Athletic Department Handbook (NEW
2023)
LTC 603 Building Pyramids of Success in Athletic Programs
(NEW 2023)
LTC 608 Athletic Administration: Management Strategies and
Organization Techniques (REVISED 2018)
LTC 611 Athletic Administration: Concepts and Strategies for
Interscholastic Fundraising, Marketing, Promotions and
Booster Clubs (REVISED 2019)
LTC 613 Athletic Administration: Technology — Online
Productivity and Collaboration (REVISED 2021)
LTC 614 Athletic Administration: Technology— Enhancing
Public Presentations (REVISED 2022)
LTC 615 Athletic Administration: Athletic Field Management
(REVISED 2016)
LTC 616 Athletic Administration: Management of Indoor
Athletic Facilities Assets (REVISED 2022)
LTC 617 Athletic Administration: Administration of
Interscholastic Sports Medicine Programs (REVISED 2022)
LTC 618 Athletic Administration: Management of Athletic
Player Equipment (REVISED 2021)
LTC 619 Athletic Administration: The Power of Curb Appeal
(REVISED 2022)
LTC 620 Athletic Administration: Concussion Assessment and
Management and the Steps for Proper Fitting of Athletic
Protective Equipment (REVISED 2020)
LTC 621 Athletic Administration: Basics of Synthetic Turf Install
(NEW 2020)
LTC 625 Athletic Administration: Management of Game and
Event Announcing (REVISED 2021)
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64 - BYLAWS 2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK
LTC 626 Athletic Administration: Student Athletes-Effects of
Alcohol, Chemicals and Nutrition on Body and Performance
(REVISED 2019)
LTC 627 Athletic Administration: Administration of
Interscholastic Sports Strength & Conditioning Programs
(REVISED 2019)
LTC 628 Athletic Administration: Mental Health and Wellness
for Student Athlete NEW 2020)
LTC 630 Athletic Administration: Interscholastic Contest
Management— Planning, Preparation and Methods
(REVISED 2020)
LTC 631 Athletic Administration: Emergency Management of
Interscholastic Athletic Events (REVISED 2020)
LTC 633 Athletic Administration: The Administration of
Interscholastic Athletic Programs for Students with
Disabilities [NEW 2021]
LTC 638 Athletic Administration: Creating an Awareness of
Diverse Groups within Athletic Programs [NEW 2022]
LTC 640 Athletic Administration: Role of the Urban Athletic
Administrator REVISED 2020]
NIAAA Leadership Options- Leadership
LTC 700 Athletic Administration: Principles and Philosophies
of a Developmentally Appropriate Middle School (REVISED
2018)
LTC 701 Athletic Administration: Leadership and Administration
of Middle School Athletic Personnel (REVISED 2018)
LTC 703 Athletic Administration: Student Centered Educational
Athletics Performance Beyond the X’s and O’s (REVISED
2019)
LTC 704 Athletic Administration: Recruit/Hire, Mentor and
Retain Coaches (NEW 2022)
LTC 705 Athletic Administration: Coach Centered Educational
Athletics — A Character Based Coach to Coach Mentoring
Program (REVISED 2020)
LTC 706 Athletic Administration: Coaching Coaches to be
Leaders and Educators (NEW 2019)
LTC 707 Athletic Administration: Improvement of Athletic
Programs and Personnel Through Assessment (REVISED
2016)
LTC 709 Athletic Administration: Communications, Methods
and Applications for Athletic Administrators (REVISED 2019)
LTC 710-A Athletic Administration: Current Issues in Eductation-
Based Sports (REVISED 2019)
LTC 710-B Athletic Administration: Current Issues in American
Sports (REVISED 2018)
LTC 712 Athletic Administration: Ethical Decision-Making in
Education-Based Interscholastic Sport Programs (NEW 2021)
LTC 714 Athletic Administration: Dealing With Challenging
People (REVISED 2022)
LTC 715 Athletic Administration: Appropriate Professional
Boundaries: Identifying, Implementing and Maintaining
(REVISED 2020)
LTC 716 Athletic Administration: Partnering With Parents
Building a Positive Culture in Education-Based Athletics
(NEW 2021)
LTC 717 Identifying the Need and Effecting Change in Athletic
Administration (NEW 2023)
LTC 719 Athletic Administration: Leadership, Management/
Supervision and Decision Making Concepts, Methods and
Applications (REVISED 2019)
LTC 720 Athletic Administration: Community Centered
Educational Athletics — A Character Based Ap- proach to
Identifying and Unifying the Whole Team (REVISED 2020)
LTC 721 Athletic Administration: Positive Sporting Behavior-For
the Love of the Game (REVISED 2015)
LTC 723 Athletic Administration: Administration of Professional
Growth Programs for Interscholastic Athletic Personnel
(REVISED 2020)
LTC 724 Athletic Administration: STRESS: Causes, Effects, and
Strategies (REVISED 2019)
LTC 726 Athletic Administration: Student Leadership
Development (NEW 2017)
LTC 790 Athletic Administration: Leadership Training
Instructional Methods and Techniques (REVISED 2021)
LTC 799 Athletic Administration: Standards of Excellence in
Interscholastic Athletic Programs (REVISED 2022)
NFHSLearn.com (1 hour each unless noted)
ACL Injury Prevention
Afterschool Security
Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances
Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors
Coaching Adapted Sports
Coaching Unified Sports
Concussion in Sports
Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
Engaging Effectively w/Parents
Heat Illness Prevention
Introduction to Esports
Introduction to Pitch Smart
Mental Training for Performance
Name., Image and Likeness
NCAA Eligibility
PA Announcing
Play-by-Play Announcing
Protecting Students from Abuse
Social Media
Sports Nutrition
Sportsmanship
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Supervising Afterschool Activities
Teaching and Modeling Behavior
The Collapsed Student
Title IX
Understanding Copyright and Compliance (2 hours)
Understanding Vaping and E-Cigarettes
KAAA Spring Conference Continuous Improvement Hours
NIAAA LTI Concurrent Offerings
Case Situations for Bylaw 26- Rulings, Reporting Of
Violations
Case BL-26-1- How shall requests for rulings be made?
Requests shall be made in writing to the Commissioner, with
all pertinent information given. Rulings will not be made on
hypothetical cases, nor will they be made by telephone. Official
rulings will only be made in writing. While the staff will strive
to interpret the bylaws to aid schools in the administration of
the athletic programs, a written ruling shall supersede and take
precedence over any verbal interpretation.
Case BL-26-2- How does the KHSAA deal with calls from
parents or students regarding eligibility?
The KHSAA staff prioritizes calls from the member school
representatives. The KHSAA staff receives hundreds of phone
calls and electronic mail messages each week from member
schools. Because the KHSAA exists to serve those schools,
responding to their inquiries is the top priority. The large
volume of calls from parents and students has dramatically
effected our ability to serve the member schools. School
administrators will remain the first and preferred contact
resource for parents and students. The KHSAA will refer calls
from parents or students to the appropriate school personnel,
and ask that the administrator contact the KHSAA if there is a
need for more clarity or a specific answer.
Case BL-26-3- How does the KHSAA review and respond
to anonymous calls and letters?
Bylaw 26 requires all material submitted regarding the KHSAA
for protests and reporting of violations to be in writing. If
such reports are anonymous, the letters shall be forwarded
by the Commissioner’s office to the school administrator of
the school in question, with no further action taken by the
KHSAA unless that administrator reports a violation or further
substantiated information is received. Anonymous callers shall
be informed that the KHSAA staff has no authority to act on
anonymous calls unless the caller is willing to provide credible
substantiative evidence to warrant further review.
BylawsBylaws
2023-2024 KHSAA HANDBOOK BYLAWS - 65
Case Situations for Bylaw 27- Imposition Of
Penalties
Case BL-27-1- What are the possible penalties under
Bylaw 27 for the violations of KHSAA rules?
Through the Due Process Procedure, the Commissioner may
impose penalties under Bylaw 27, including each of the eleven
listed options. When cases are before the Board of Control, the
Board has the same penalty options available.
Suspension, either of an individual or a program, is one of those
penalties and could involve removal and restriction from
contests or a reduction in schedule.
Other penalty options include Fine, Forfeit, Warning, Letter
of Reprimand, Probation, Reimbursement, Permanent
Suspension, Redistribution, Vacating/Striking.
Each of these options is described in detail in Bylaw 27 and noted
within each bylaw.
Case BL-27-2- What is a contest ofcial as described in
the permanent suspension provisions?
A contest official could be one of the game officials (referees),
scorers, timers, or other game management personnel working
in an official capacity at the contest.
Case BL-27-3- Are penalties from the KHSAA necessary
when schools violate rules that are more stringent
than KHSAA standards?
No. This is a situation between the member schools and is not
a matter for Association review. For example, if a school has
a more stringent academic requirement than the KHSAA
minimum standard and then inadvertently allows a player to
compete who is eligible by KHSAA rules, but not by local rules,
KHSAA penalties do not apply. However, the offending school
should report these situations to the opponents and take
whatever agreed-upon action is necessary.
