After speculation weeks ago regarding the finalization of lacrosse becoming a spring sport in 2022, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett has told The Owensboro Times that at the moment the requirements to make it an official sport have not been met.
This wasn’t always the case, as there was interest from a number of schools across the commonwealth in years past.
“In 2018-19, the member schools of the association indicated on the triennial survey that more than fifty (50) schools were interested in postseason competition,” Tackett said. “The policies of the Association, adopted as state regulation through 702 KAR 7:065 require that fifty schools indicate their desire for KHSAA sponsored championship competition before such competition shall be held.”
Postseason play for lacrosse for those schools that did have the sport across the commonwealth was approved for this year initially, but that has since changed after the pandemic.
“During the 2019-20 school year, prior to the suspension of sports due to the pandemic, the Board approved a report from staff specifying that the 2021-22 school year would be the first year for postseason play, in a spring season that would closely parallel the seasons in baseball and softball,” Tackett said. “This was of course, dependent on the requisite number of teams sponsoring a team. As of today, the number of schools falls short of the number necessary.”
According to Tackett, 29 girls teams and 25 boys teams are listed at the varsity level by the member schools, thus falling short of the requirements.
Tackett said the designation of fielding a team is a simple step in the KHSAA school management system and if there are other schools interested, it is their obligation and initiative to indicate such.
With interest seeming to grow at times, the idea of starting lacrosse as an official spring sport will be discussed in a meeting soon.
“The item will be a topic of discussion at the July 23rd meeting of the Board of Control where they will be able to determine if the association proceeds toward implementation of a championship, or it is delayed until at least the 2022-23 school year,” Tackett said. “In addition, the number indicating participation falls below the required thirty (30) schools for staff resources to be directed at this time. That will be another point of discussion.”
While the prospect of implementing lacrosse is all tentative, with a lack of opponents for schools in surrounding areas the wait for the sport will continue.
“Without a clear indication from schools as to their entry into sanctioned play, regional boundaries cannot be established, and arrangements cannot be completed,” Tackett said. “Right now, those interested in a KHSAA championship should be helping to prompt the member schools that have not responded.”
