CHSAANow

Category: Press Releases

  • 40-second play clock, state option for postseason instant replay among changes in football

    Prairie Weldon Valley football
    (Dustin Price/dustinpricephotography.com)

    INDIANAPOLIS — In an effort to establish a more consistent time period between downs in high school football, the play clock will start at 40 seconds instead of 25 seconds in many cases beginning with the 2019 season.

    Colorado has successfully piloted this rule for the past two seasons.

    This change was one of seven rules revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its January 13-15 meeting in Indianapolis, which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

    The play clock will continue to start at 25 seconds (a) prior to a try following a score, (b) to start a period or overtime series, (c) following administration of an inadvertent whistle, (d) following a charged time-out, (e) following an official’s time-out, with a few exceptions, and (f) following the stoppage of the play clock by the referee for any other reason. In all other cases, 40 seconds will be placed on the play clock and start when the ball is declared dead by a game official.

    Previously, the ball was marked ready-for-play when, after it had been placed for a down, the referee gave the ready-for-play signal and the 25-second count began. Beginning next season, in addition to the above situations when the 25-second count is used, the ball will also be ready for play when, starting immediately after the ball has been ruled dead by a game official after a down, the ball has been placed on the ground by the game official and the game official has stepped away to position.

    “The entire committee needs to be commended for its thorough discussion regarding the move to a 40-second play clock, except in specific situations that will still have a 25-second play clock to show play is ready to begin,” said Todd Tharp, assistant director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee. “This is one of the most substantial game administration rules changes to be approved in the past 10 years, and without detailed experimentation from several state associations over the past three years, along with cooperation of the NFHS Football Game Officials Manual Committee, all the elements needed to approve this proposal would not have been in place. 

    Another significant change approved by the committee was the addition of a note to Rule 1-3-7 to permit state associations to create instant-replay procedures for state postseason contests only. This revision would allow game or replay officials to use a replay monitor during state postseason contests to review decisions by the on-field game officials. Use of a replay monitor would be on a state-by-state adoption basis, and the methodology for reviewing calls would be determined by the applicable state association.   

     “The ultimate goal of each game official and each officiating crew is to get the call correct,” Tharp said. “Each state association, by individual adoption, can now use replay or video monitoring during its respective postseason contests to review decisions by the on-field game officials.  Each state association, if it adopts this rules revision, will also create the parameters and scope of the replay.”

    With regard to uniforms, the NFHS Football Rules Committee clarified the size requirements for numbers on jerseys through the 2023 season and added a new requirement effective with the 2024 season. Clarifications to Rule 1-5-1c (in bold) that are in effect through the 2023 state that the numbers, inclusive of any border, shall be centered horizontally at least 8 inches and 10 inches high on front and back, respectively. In addition, the entire body of the number (the continuous horizontal bars and vertical strokes) exclusive of any border(s) shall be approximately 1½-inches wide. Finally, through the 2023 season, the body of the number (the continuous horizontal bars and vertical strokes) shall be either: (a) a continuous color(s) contrasting with the jersey color; or (b) the same color(s) as the jersey with a minimum of one border that is at least ¼-inch in width of a single solid contrasting color.

    Effective with the 2024 season, the entire body of the number (the continuous horizontal bars and vertical strokes) of the number shall be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey.

    “The purpose of numbers on jerseys is to provide clear identification of players,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS director of sports and sports medicine and staff liaison to the NFHS Football Rules Committee. “In order to enhance the ability to easily identify players, the committee has clarified the size requirements for jersey numbers through the 2023 season and added a new requirement for the 2024 season.”

    Two changes were approved by the committee in an effort to reduce the risk of injury in high school football. First, tripping the runner is now prohibited. Beginning next season, it will be a foul to intentionally use the lower leg or foot to obstruct a runner below the knees. Previously, a runner was not included in the definition of tripping. Second, in Rule 9-4-3k, the “horse-collar” foul was expanded to include the name-plate area, which is directly below the back collar. Colgate said grabbing the name-plate area of the runner’s jersey, directly below the back collar, and pulling the runner to the ground is now an illegal personal contact foul.

    A change in the definition of a legal scrimmage formation was approved. A legal scrimmage formation now requires at least five offensive players on their line of scrimmage (instead of seven) with no more than four backs. The committee noted that this change will make it easier to identify legal and illegal offensive formations.

    The final change approved by the NFHS Football Rules Committee for the 2019 season was a reduction in the penalty for illegally kicking or batting the ball from 15 yards to 10 yards. 

    A complete listing of the football rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Football.”

    According to the 2017-18 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, 11-player football is the most popular high school sport for boys with 1,036,842 participants in 14,079 schools nationwide. In addition, there were almost 30,000 boys who participated in 6-, 8- and 9-player football, along with approximately 2,500 girls who played the sport for a grand total of 1,068,870.

  • CHSAA Hall of Fame announces Class of 2018

    2017 CHSAA hall of fame
    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    30th Anniversary Class Features Patty Childress, Morton Dickson, Scott Elarton, Jack Klapper, Bart Stevens, Terri Ward and the 1999 Columbine High School Football Team

    AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 30th Anniversary Hall of Fame class, a six-member, one-team group that depicts the rich history of the Association, along with providing real-life examples of what participation, coaching, leading and advocating for students can do. Each of these people has established themselves as a role model for today’s young people seeking their way to adulthood.

    The CHSAA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018 includes three of the state’s top former athletes in Scott Elarton (Lamar), Jack Klapper (Denver East) and Bart Stevens (Flagler), along with volleyball coach Patty Childress, music teacher/judge Morton Dickson and one of the state’s top female sports ambassadors, Terri Ward (Niwot). The 1999 Columbine football team, which staged a remarkable season following the tragedy at the school that spring, will also be inducted.

    “Each year, after every CHSAA Hall of Fame announcement, we wonder how the selection committee can come up with a class to rival the previous one. Then the Hall of Fame presents the new class, ones who have equally impacted Colorado high school activities,” CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in making the announcement. “We have an exemplary class. It is humbling in a year of remembrance so specific to our state that the CHSAA Hall of Fame will recognize student participants’ courage, resilience and team unity in the face of tragedy by honoring the 1999 Columbine championship football team. We will also induct a former Dave Sanders Award recipient during this event. I’m excited for the 2018 inductees, as well as for our new date and location in DTC.”

    The CHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee is headed by Bob Marken (Buena Vista). Committee members include Kevin Boley (Legend), Glenda Bates (Prairie View), Larry Brunson (CHSAA Hall of Fame), Dick Katte (CHSAA/NFHS Hall of Fame), Ellie Kempfe (Prospect Ridge), Jeremy Kerns (Byers), Shelli Miles (Widefield), Dan Mohrmann (CHSAANow.com), David Robinson (Montezuma-Cortez) and Cherie Toussaint (Pueblo SD 70 Schools).

    “Selecting a hall of fame class is a challenging endeavor. The committee was focused on exceptional achievement, impact on the state of Colorado, community focus and character. They debate and advocate knowing that there are so many deserving of this recognition. The 30th class reflects the efforts, passion and love Colorado has for high school activities,” CHSAA Hall of Fame administrator Bert Borgmann said.

    The Class of 2018 will be inducted during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the Marriott Hotel-Denver Tech Center (I‑25 and Orchard). Individual tickets may be purchased for $60 each by contacting the CHSAA. The festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.

    The selection of the one student participant to the CHSAA Hall of Fame puts the total number of participants in the hall at 71. There are now 71 coaches/sponsors, 28 administrators, 17 officials and 12 significant service contributors enshrined in the CHSAA Hall of Fame that began in 1989. There are also five teams in the hall. The Hall of Fame now features 204 inductees.

    Biographies of the newest additions to the hall include:

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    PATTY CHILDRESS (Otis, Palisade, Grandview) – [Coach/Sponsor]

    Longtime volleyball coach who posted a 493-170 career coaching record. Her teams won 5 state titles, finished second five times and had another two final 4 appearances.

    She has earned numerous coaching honors from the Colorado High School Coaches Association and the Sportswomen of Colorado.

    She was coach of the year 8 times and was the Dave Sanders Award recipient in 2013.

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    MORTON DICKSON (Woodland Park) – [Coach/Sponsor]

    Morton Dickson was a vocal music teacher for Woodland Park for 34 years, during which time his programs were one of the most active and successful ones in the CHSAA Music Festivals.

    Rarely did his programs receive any rating lower than “Superior.” His students regularly earned top spots in the CMEA All-State Choir.

    He continues to judge the CHSAA festivals.

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    SCOTT ELARTON (Lamar) – [Student Participant]

    One of the state’s most dominating prep athletes, Elarton’s baseball team won four consecutive state titles and were runners-up twice in basketball.

    He was named Player of the Year six times, four in baseball and twice in basketball.

    He earned Prep All-America honors in baseball.

    He was a first round selection in the 1994 MLB amateur draft by the Houston Astros, and played professional baseball for 19 years, 10 of those in the major leagues.

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    JACK KLAPPER (Denver East) – [Student Participant]

    One of the state’s most dominating tennis players, Klapper won three No. 1 singles championship (only 3-year high schools back then) and was just the second player to ever do so.

    The other one is in the CHSAA Hall of Fame. He led his team to three straight state team titles under CHSAA Hall of Fame member Bill Weimar.

    Following high school, Klapper played tennis and squash at MIT. He has been a neurologist in Denver for the past 50 years.

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    BART STEVENS (Flagler) – [Student Participant]

    One of the state’s top small school athletes, Stevens led Flagler High School to a 45-5 football record and was named the A8 Player of the Year twice.

    He was a four-time all-state selection in football and ran for 1,956 yards, threw for 4,559 yards, scoring 25 times on the ground and had 67 TD passes. He played basketball for two years and medaled at the state tournament twice.

    He played collegiately at CSU-Pueblo and then became a teacher, coach and administrator.

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    TERRI WARD (CCGS/Niwot) – [Significant Contributor]

    Dedicated to girls’ sports, Ward has been the constant driver and facilitator for the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports.

    Her tireless efforts on behalf of young female athletes is unsurpassed in Colorado.  A teacher and coach at Niwot, Ward has been at the center of many activities benefiting and enhancing opportunities for the girls’ athletes of state.

    She has been a fixture for women’s leadership throughout her career with CCGS, Sportswomen of Colorado, Niwot High School and many volunteer activities at the state and national level.

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    COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 1999 – [Team]

    April 20, 2019 is the 20th Anniversary of the Columbine shootings. Its impact on the world, nation, state and community was immense and devastating.

    People across the globe followed the Columbine football team, watching the healing process and resiliency of that school and, in particular, its football team. Media scrutiny was overwhelming and the pressure on the team incredible.

    The team beat Cherry Creek 21-14, and head coach Andy Lowry was coach of the year and three players made the All-Colorado team that year, more than any other school.

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    Additionally, the staff has selected the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, which exists to honor those individuals who merit recognition and distinction for their exploits, accomplishments, and leadership in sports and athletic endeavors in the state of Colorado with its Colorado Tradition Award. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame has sponsored the Class 4A and 5A state football championships at Broncos Stadium at Mile High for the past 12 years, as well as providing funding to a number of youth programs across Colorado.

    The CHSAA staff has also selected Cal Butcher (state volunteer for Spirit, Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball) and Special Olympics Colorado Senior Vice President of Programs Chaka Sutton to receive the Distinguished Service Award this year.

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    Tickets are $60 per seat or $600 per table of 10. Please contact Laikyn Cooper (lcooper@chsaa.org) for reservations. Contact the CHSAA office with questions.

  • Eaglecrest administration and programs sanctioned after failure to report violation in 2017

    Strasburg Burlington football
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    AURORA — All activity and athletic programs at Eaglecrest High School are on probation after an administrative self-report revealed that the school had failed to report a violation during the 2017 football season.

    The football team played an ineligible player for two games in the 2017 season. As a result, the school has vacated wins against Bear Creek (Sept. 28, 2017) and Rocky Mountain (Oct. 6, 2017). Their 2017 regular season record will be reflected as 8-2, which would not have removed them from the Class 5A playoffs.

    Because of that, the investigation turned from postseason play to a failure to report the violation.

    Restrictive and unprecedented sanctions have been placed on the Eaglecrest administration and former athletic staff to stress the importance of educationally-based activities. Included in the sanctions is a year-long restriction of any supervisory roles at CHSAA activities for one staff member; another staff member will not be permitted to serve on any CHSAA committees or seeding committees for four years.

    Among the bylaws cited is 2330.1, through which a restriction can be imposed for “any action or conduct that the Commissioner deems detrimental to the mission of the Colorado High School Activities Association.”

    Included in the letter from CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green to the Cherry Creek School District: “In the event that the on-going investigation reveals additional violations, the CHSAA staff reserves the right to apply rulings that could affect any 2017 postseason honors earned by the football program.”

    “We would like to thank the Cherry Creek School District administrative team, especially superintendent Scott Siegfried, district athletic director Larry Bull, and CHSAA assistant commissioner Bud Ozzello, for their leadership as we navigated this unfortunate, yet preventable situation,” Blanford-Green said.

    In a letter to the Eaglecrest community, Siegfried wrote: “The Cherry Creek School District takes this matter and all potential violations of CHSAA rules and regulations very seriously. We are committed to fairness and transparency in all of our programming, including sports and activities. I want to thank CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green for her partnership and CHSAA’s continued support of our students.

    “Eaglecrest High School has a strong and committed staff with deep roots in the school community who will ensure students continue to receive high-quality education during this interim. Additionally, we have met with players and parents of the varsity football team this evening and we look forward to their continued success this season.”

  • Arapahoe cancels Friday’s football game against Cherry Creek

    Arapahoe Rock Canyon football
    (Tim Visser/timvisserphotography.com)

    In light of the two tragedies that have occurred at Arapahoe High School in the past week, CHSAA issued the following statement in support of the Arapahoe administration for the decision made on behalf of its school community to cancel its football game on Friday:

    We commend principal Natalie Pramenko, athletic director Pat McCabe, coach Rod Sherman, the Arapahoe administration, and the Cherry Creek administration and coaching staff for their immediate and compassionate response to the events of this week. They put kids first, and football took a backseat.

    This is an example of the core values of educationally-based athletics and activities. It sends the message that the well-being of kids physically, socially and mentally is more important than a game.

    Right now, our concerns are for Arapahoe High School, their student body, and school community, at this time. As a membership, we stand with Arapahoe, and our 359 member schools will be there for them in all areas as needed.

    The cancellation of Friday’s football game will result in a forfeit.

  • Broncos and CHSAA to host high school football media day on Friday

    Palmer Ridge Erie football
    (Matt Daniels/mattdanphoto.com)

    ENGLEWOOD — The Denver Broncos and the Colorado High School Activities Association will host their first-ever High School Football Media Day at UCHealth Training Center’s Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse on Friday from 1-4 p.m.

    The event will feature players and coaches from more than 20 of Colorado’s top high school football teams in press conference and one-on-one formats for media availability. The attendees will also participate in a media relations training led by Broncos Public Relations staff and enjoy a facility tour.

    The participating teams are all 2017 playoff teams with representation from all seven state classifications and include six state champions. CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green and Assistant Commissioner Bud Ozzello will also be available for interviews.

    Media interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP via the links in their email.

    A one-hour window for each team is listed below. Please note the schedule is subject to change.

    Time Slot: Schools:
    1 – 2 p.m. Chatfield, La Junta, Sedgwick County, Peetz
    1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Broomfield, Palmer Ridge, Eaton, Classical Academy
    1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Columbine, Mead, Erie, Stratton/Liberty
    2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Pomona, Eaglecrest, Grandview, West Grand
    2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Pueblo South, Pine Creek, Strasburg, Centauri

  • Broncos to host high school football media day

    Longmont Pine Creek football
    (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    The Denver Broncos, in partnership with the Colorado High School Activities Association, are hosting an inaugural High School Football Media day on Friday, August 17 at 1 p.m., in the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood.

    A total of 20 teams will be in attendance. Initially invited teams include the 2017 semifinalists in 5A, 4A and 3A, as well as the state finalists in 2A, 1A, 8-man and 6-man. A final list of teams attending will be available next week.

    CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green and CHSAA assistant commissioner Bud Ozzello will be available for interviews, as well.

    The event will provide sports media members with a one-stop shop to visit with the top programs. Teams will be in attendance wearing their game jerseys, and will be available for interviews, including both time on the podium and one-on-one opportunities.

    Teams will rotate through other breakouts during the day: a Media Relations 101 session with the Broncos Public Relations staff, including education on how social media can positively and negatively impact their reputation and high school experience; a photography session with professional photographers who will take head shots and group shots of all players and coaches; as well as a facility tour.

    Further information will be available next week.

  • CHSAA set to begin 98th year of sports and activities

    CHSAA seal plaque
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    AURORA — The Colorado High School Activities Association and its 359-member schools open the 98th school year with fall practice starting August 6.

    The Association has just concluded four days of meetings, with the CHSAA staff participating in the Colorado High School Coaches Association Summer Clinic last weekend, and then hosting its member schools’ administrators for the New Administrator and All-School Summit. There also was a session for League Presidents as the schools ready for the opening of the 2018-2019 school year.

    Boys’ tennis and golf teams may begin scrimmages and competition August 9, with cross country, field hockey, girls’ gymnastics, boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball allowed their first scrimmages August 11 and competition August 16. Football continues its graduated practices, with the first scrimmage allowed on August 16 and competition begins August 23.

    Check out the CHSAA calendar for scrimmage dates.

    In May, 1921, a group of superintendents and principals met in Boulder and organized the Colorado High School Athletic Conference. The purpose of this organization was to better regulate and develop the interscholastic school athletic program.

    There were nine leagues by the time the first constitution was published, including the Northern, North Central, Western Slope, Suburban, Southeastern, Arkansas Valley, South Central and San Juan Basin leagues.

    The first champions crowned that school year were Colorado Springs in football, Greeley in basketball, and Fort Collins in track and field.

    In 1924, the Colorado High School Athletic Conference joined the National Federation of State High School Associations and has remained an active member of that organization ever since.

    Loveland’s R.W. Truscott was the Association’s first president and Eaton’s J.C. Casey its first secretary (commissioner). Truscott replaced Casey as secretary in December, 1926 and held that post until July, 1948 when Glenn T. Wilson became commissioner. Ray C. Ball took over the commissioner’s post in 1966 and remained in the office until August, 1986 when Ray Plutko assumed the duties. Bob Ottewill became the Association’s sixth commissioner in July, 1990, followed by Bill Reader who served as Commissioner from 2002 until 2010, and Paul Angelico served in the position from 2010-2017, when current Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green took over the reins to the Association.

    The CHSAA has had 60 presidents dating back to 1921. Its current president, Pine Creek High School Assistant Principal Jim Lucas is in the second year of a two-year term as president.

    The Association enters the year with no administrative changes. Rhonda Blanford-Green is in her 2nd year as Commissioner, but 22nd overall with the Association after leading the Nebraska Association for four years and serving on the Louisiana staff prior to taking her position with CHSAA. Associate Commissioner Tom Robinson is in his 18th year on the CHSAA staff, while Assistant Commissioners Bert Borgmann, is in his 31st year, while Bethany Brookens is in her 10th. Assistant Commissioners Bud Ozzello and Jenn Roberts-Uhlig are in their ninth and fifth years, respectively, with CHSAA. Ernie Derrera is entering his second year with CHSAA. Ryan Casey is in his sixth year with CHSAA as Director of Digital Media.

    Cathy Lenz is executive administrative assistant to Commissioner Blanford-Green, while Whitney Webermeier (Borgmann), Sandra Williamson (Brookens), Theresa Muniz (Derrera), Audra Cathy (Ozzello), Lane Ververs (Roberts-Uhlig) and Monica Tillman (Robinson) are the executive administrative assistants to other administrators. Director of Business Operations Kenzie Hewson and mail room coordinator Sharon Aguilar round out the Association staff.

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    CHSAA Board of Directors

    • CHSAA President/Colorado Association of School Executives: (Serving second year of two-year term): Jim Lucas, Assistant Principal (Pine Creek High School [2019]
    • District 1: (San Juan Basin, Western Slope, Southwestern): Luke DeWolfe, Athletic Director (Steamboat Springs High School) [2022]
    • District 2: (Centennial, Northern, Frontier, Tri-Valley): Chase McBride, Athletic Director (Niwot High School) [2020]
    • District 3: (High Plains, Lower Platte, Mile High, North Central, Patriot, Union Pacific, YWKC): Rick Mondt, Superintendent (Briggsdale Schools [2019]
    • District 4: (Jefferson County, East Metro, Colorado 7): Angie Sanders, Athletic Director (Conifer High School) [2021]
    • District 5: (Denver, Metropolitan, Confluence): Caleb Coats, Athletic Director (STRIVE PREP High School) [2022]
    • District 6: (Continental, Front Range, 5280): Michael Hawkes, Athletic Director (Shining Mountain Waldorf) [2021]
    • District 7: (CS Metro 4A, CS Metro 5A, Pikes Peak, Tri-Peaks, West Central): Troy Baker, Athletic Director (Buena Vista HS) [2019]
    • District 8: (Black Forest, Fisher’s Peak, Intermountain, Southern Peaks): Don Steiner, Athletic Director (Evangelical Christian High School) [2022]
    • District 9: (Arkansas Valley, Santa Fe, South Central, Southeastern): Richard Hargrove, Superintendent (Springfield Schools) [2021]
    • At-Large Representative: TBD
    • At-Large Representative: Terita Walker, Athletic Director (Denver East High School) (2021)
    • Colorado Association of School Boards: Tracey Johnson, CASB (Academy School District 20) [2020]
    • Colorado Association of School Executives: Jeff Durbin, Superintendent (Stratton Schools) [2021]
    • Colorado Department of Education: Wendy Dunaway, Colorado Department of Education [2019]
    • Colorado State Assembly: Jim Wilson, Salida (State Representative, Salida) [2020]

  • Self-start initiated in girls lacrosse to increase pace of play

    Cherry Creek Kent Denver girls lacrosse
    (Matt Daniels/MattDanPhoto.com)

    INDIANAPOLIS — In an attempt to increase the pace of play in high school girls lacrosse, self-start has been adopted for restarting play outside of the critical scoring area.

    All 2019 rules changes recommended by the joint National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and US Lacrosse (USL) Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee at its June 18-20 meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, were subsequently approved by the NFHS and USL Boards of Directors.

    “The NFHS/USL Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee viewed these changes as a necessary progression in improving the game – from both an administrative and risk minimization perspective,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports/communications associate and NFHS staff liaison to the Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee.   

    The adoption of the new self-start in girls lacrosse decreases the amount of involvement by officials in restarting play, thus increasing the pace of the game. The new Rule 5-4 “Restarting Play – Self-Start” establishes the specific allowances for restarting play with a self-start. Additionally, Rules 5-4-2 and 5-4-3 outline procedures for the defense during a self-start and establish that failure to move away from the free position may result in a warning, and repeated failures may result in a delay of game penalty.

    The new Rule 5-4-4 establishes that the self-start is not an option when:

    1. The game clock is stopped;
    2. There is a restraining line violation;
    3. The ball is in the critical scoring area, excluding boundary restarts;
    4. There is an alternating possession;
    5. There is an inadvertent whistle; or,
    6. A goal is scored.

    “The Girls Lacrosse Rules Committee did an outstanding job to evolve the rules of the game in ways that encourage pace of play, the enjoyment for athletes and growth of the sport, while reinforcing the safety of our game,” said Caitlin Kelley, the USL liaison to the rules committee.

    Another significant rule change is the establishment of a penalty zone that must be cleared when a defensive player commits a major foul in the 8-meter arc. The committee advanced this safety-based change to minimize risk around 8-meter free positions as well as to increase pace of play by limiting repeated obstruction calls. 

    In Rule 10-1-1, the committee established that a penalty zone is the area 8 meters away from the goal circle above the goal line extended and the area created by the extension of the 8-meter mark to the dots and across the dots. The definition of a penalty zone is also included in Rule 13.

    An additional change in 10-1-1 establishes defensive positioning on the hashmarks closest to the free position on the 8-meter free position and also eliminates stoppage of play for delay of game due to competition for inside position.

    “Establishing the penalty zone and the placement of the defense on the adjacent hashmarks for an 8-meter free position is a rules change that the committee feels will improve the administration of the penalty by increasing the flow of the game and minimizing risk of injury,” Atkinson said.

    Among other major changes were the release of the ball from the crosse in relation to timing, and the administration of alternate possession in the critical scoring area.

    Changes in Rule 4-8 establish the release of the ball from the crosse before time expires as a legal shot, eliminating the judgment call at the goal line. A shot or propelled action must release the ball before time expires, and a goal cannot be scored when the ball is released after the whistle has blown or horn has sounded.

    New language in Rule 4-8-2 states that a shot is deemed complete by an official. A shot is deemed complete when:

    1. The ball enters the goal;
    2. Any player gains possession;
    3. The ball goes out of bounds;
    4. The ball comes to rest on the field of play or inside goal circle; or
    5. The ball touches the ground below the goal line extended.

    In Rule 5-4-3b, alternate possession in the critical scoring area is awarded at the closest dot, regardless of the location of the foul in relation to the goal line.

    A change in Rule 7 PENALTIES establishes that a free position is now awarded at the dot for goal circle fouls by the defense – other than for an illegal deputy – rather than 8 meters out to either side level with the goal line. This allows for easier administration of the penalty and minimizing the risk of injury.

    The committee continues to stress the importance of risk minimization in girls lacrosse with its 2018-19 points of emphasis. The criteria related to the “officiating of obstruction of free space to goal,” “rough and dangerous play” and “empty stick check – intentional vs. unintentional” are the focus of the rules committee for the 2018-19 season.

     A complete listing of the girls lacrosse rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Lacrosse-Girls.”

    According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, there are 93,473 girls participating in lacrosse at 2,717 high schools across the country.

  • Simplification of uniform rule continues in track and field, and cross country

    (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

    INDIANAPOLIS — Further simplification of the uniform rule in track and field, and clarification on the method of determining the order of finish in cross country highlight 2019 rules changes in those two high school sports.

    Seven changes were recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Committee at its June 11-13 meeting in Indianapolis, and all changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

    In Rule 4-3-1, the interpretation of a foundation garment was expanded to include any item worn under the uniform top and/or bottom. The rule now states that “any visible garment worn underneath the uniform top and/or bottom is considered a foundation garment. A foundation garment is not subject to logo/trademark/reference or color restrictions.”

    In addition, Rule 4-3-2 was rewritten to allow schools more options in meeting the uniform rule. The rule now states that “all relay and cross country team members must wear uniforms clearly indicating, through predominant color, school logo and color combination of all outer garments worn as a uniform, that members are from the same team.”

    “It has become increasingly more difficult to officiate the uniform rule given the increase in the number of programs nationwide that are allowing individual team members the option of independently purchasing either all or part of their team uniform,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field/Cross Country Rules Committee. “Slight differences in design of uniform do not negatively impact the identification of a relay or cross country team. The expectation of this rule is that all relay and cross country team members can be clearly identified as representing the same school.”

    The revised 4-3-2 NOTE states that “the official shall have no uncertainty in determining that all members are from the same team.”

    In cross country, regardless of the system used to determine the places of runners, the order of finish should be based on when the torso of the runner crosses the finish line. Changes in Rule 8-3 state that whether hand timing, transponder/chip or image-based timing systems are used, the torso is the determining factor in order of finish.

    The committee also revised Rule 8-1-1 regarding the cross country course which better describes a legal course layout.

    The remaining changes concern field events in Rule 6. In the discus and javelin, measurement shall be recorded to the nearest lesser inch or centimeter. The addition of centimeter allows states using the metric system to give a fairer depiction of the actual performance.

    In Rule 6-9 regarding the long jump and triple jump, the committee established ranges of distances in the events. Rule 6-9-5 NOTE states that the “distance from the foul line or takeoff board may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of competition. Competitors may change which foul line or takeoff board they are using during competition, but only with the prior notification and confirmation of the event judge.”

    According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, track and field is the most popular sport for girls with 494,477 participants and is No. 2 for boys with 600,136. Cross country ranks sixth for girls with 226,039 and sixth for boys with 266,271 participants.

    A complete listing of the track and field/cross country rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Track and Field/Cross Country.”

  • 2018-19 baseball rules changes focus on pitching mechanics

    Windsor Pueblo West baseball
    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    INDIANAPOLIS — The elimination of the requirement for the entire pivot foot to be in contact with the pitcher’s plate is among the changes approved for the 2018-19 high school baseball season.

    This revision in Rule 6-1-3 was one of three changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its June 3-5 meeting in Indianapolis. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

    “We are very fortunate that the state of high school baseball is in an excellent position, which is indicative of the few rules changes that were passed,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and student services and staff liaison for baseball. “We appreciate the hard work of dedicated coaches who, in addition to minimizing risk associated with the sport, teach the game in a way that makes our young people enjoy playing for their high school. We must also acknowledge the highly professional and responsible game umpires. Without their thorough knowledge and implementation of NFHS rules, we would not be able to enjoy the small injury rate and increase in player participation.”

    The rationale behind the change to Rule 6-1-3 is a result of the difficulty for pitchers to consistently make contact with the pitcher’s plate when pivoting. Before starting the delivery, the pitcher shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher’s plate and with the pivot foot in contact with or directly in front of and parallel to the pitcher’s plate.

    “The committee concluded that many pitching mounds are such that it is problematic for a pitcher to have his entire pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate,” Hopkins said. “Therefore, no advantage is gained by having some of the pivot foot not in direct contact with the pitcher’s plate.”

    The committee also approved two new umpire signals. The two new signals, indicating calls for “Correct Rotation” and “Information Available,” were approved to further improve communication between partners.

    “It is always wise to be able to communicate clearly with your partner(s) during a game,” Hopkins said. “With so many moving parts (defensive players, base runners, umpires), it is imperative that umpires communicate easily and inconspicuously from players and fans. These mechanics say a lot without brining attention to the signaling umpire.”

    The “Correct Rotation” signal comes when in a three- or four-man mechanic, the umpires indicate to their partner(s) where they are rotating to a specific base for coverage of an anticipated play. The umpire(s) points with both hands in the direction of the base that they are moving toward.

    To assist in providing pertinent information between partners, the “Information Available” signal occurs when the game umpire is indicating that he/she has some information that is relevant to their partner by tapping two times over the left chest (heart).

    Additionally, the NFHS Rules Review Committee extended the implementation date to January 1, 2020, for baseballs to meet the NOCSAE standard.

    According to the 2016-17 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, there are 491,790 boys participating in baseball at 15,979 schools across the country, and 1,145 girls playing the sport in 269 schools.

    A complete listing of the baseball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page, and select “Baseball.”