FAQ KSHSAA Guidelines/Rules

Frequently asked KSHSAA guideline and rule questions for middle and high school:

During the school season of an activity:

1. A student may not practice with or play on a *non-school team in the same sport/activity (see KSHSAA Handbook Rule 22 – Outside Competition).
*Non-School/Outside Team = Any team that is not part of the school program. 

2. A student may play on a non-school team in a different sport (subject to the school squad limitations).

3. A student may receive *private instruction at any time of the school year, subject to the limits outlined in the KSHSAA Handbook, Rule 26.
(NOTE: Private instruction is defined as one student receiving instruction from one person during the period of instruction.)  
Group sessions are not considered to be private instruction.
 *Private Instruction =  Defined as one student receiving instruction from one person during a period of instruction.  A support person (no more than 2) may be present at Private Instruction but may not receive instruction.  For example, during a basketball lesson one person could pass the ball while another played defense but may not receive instruction.  Another example may be a pitcher receiving a pitching lesson – they may have a catcher there as a support person. 

4. A student may not attend camps or clinics in the same sport/activity.

5. A student may attend camps or clinics in different sports/activities.

6. A student may serve as a clinician for a camp conducted by their school coach for their sport/activity.

7. A student may serve as a clinician for a youth development camp or clinic for elementary students (Pre-K – 8th grade) being conducted by non-school agencies or organizations (e.g. softball pitcher instructing at a softball clinic) without violating the Outside Competition Rule.

8. A student may officiate the same sport they are participating in. 

During the school year outside of season of sport/activity:

Students may play on non-school teams but there are restrictions on the number of same school squad teammates which may be rostered, practice or play together on non-school teams.   Limits are:  3 for basketball; 4 for volleyball; 4 for 6 player football; 5 for 8-player football, baseball and softball; 6 for 11-player football and soccer. 

Partial summary of KSHSAA Eligibility Requirements

Contact the school's athletic director on any matter of eligibility. 
Below are eligibility rules that are frequently questioned. The complete eligibility regulations are published in the official KSHSAA Handbook.

You are eligible if:

Age: You are not 19 years of age (16, 15 or 14 for middle school student) on or before August 1 of the school year in which you compete.

Semesters: Eligibility begins immediately each semester.   A student shall not have more than two semesters of possible eligibility in grade seven and two semesters in grade eight. A student shall not have more than eight consecutive semesters of possible eligibility in grades nine through twelve.

Outside Competition: You do not engage in outside athletic competition in the same sport while you are a member of a school squad. Consult your athletic director before you participate individually or on a team in any game, training session, or tryout conducted by an outside organization.

Physical Requirement: You have passed the PPE physical examination by an approved health care provider and have the written consent of your parents or legal guardian. (The completed form must be in the hands of your school athletic director/school nurse prior to your first practice.)

Transfer Requirement: You are a transfer student and have met the requirements of the Transfer Rule as explained on your Physical Examination form. Contact the athletic director concerning this regulation.