[DukeBoy]

Wouldn’t it be pleasant for some of the final 4 teams to get to play in the middle instead of having to drive 3 or 4 hours on a Friday?I don’t really care about what the RPI says, I think neutral ground would be a great place to host these type games.  I know it’s probably a little inconvenient but just saying.

[Orange Blaze]

Wouldn’t it be pleasant for some of the final 4 teams to get to play in the middle instead of having to drive 3 or 4 hours on a Friday?I don’t really care about what the RPI says, I think neutral ground would be a great place to host these type games.  I know it’s probably a little inconvenient but just saying.

Ohio does neutral locations after the second round.  Ironton, Ohio is a contender to win their division and likely would have been a top 2 RPI team here and they’ve had to travel the past 2 weeks and they have to travel over 100 miles this week for their semifinal game at a neutral site.

[RAMDAD50]

You have all season to do what you need to do so you can play at home in the playoffs l. So I guess we should reward a team with a lower RPI that hasn’t won the games that the higher RPI has? Reward the a team that’s underperformed ?? Nah …..playing at home the day after thanksgiving is special. The community gets behind the kids and it’s a great memory. Why do people wanna take that from young kids ???

[Sportsdadof2]

Ky should but won’t. Just don’t understand the home field thing this late in the year. Some of it is probably just an easy button so they can be lazy and not have to workout neutral sights.

[Orange Blaze]

Ky should but won’t. Just don’t understand the home field thing this late in the year. Some of it is probably just an easy button so they can be lazy and not have to workout neutral sights.

Personally I like the neutral venues after round 3 at the latest.  I followed Wheelersburg, OH a few years back when they made a deep run and it was a fun experience to get to go to different venues that you wouldn’t visit otherwise.  I can see both sides of the argument though.

---

Ky should but won’t. Just don’t understand the home field thing this late in the year. Some of it is probably just an easy button so they can be lazy and not have to workout neutral sights.

Personally I like the neutral venues after round 3 at the latest.  I followed Wheelersburg, OH a few years back when they made a deep run and it was a fun experience to get to go to different venues that you wouldn’t visit otherwise.  I can see both sides of the argument though.

If I am correct I believe Ohio was very selective with venues and the host site had to have turf and meet capacity criteria.  Logistically that may be difficult in KY.

[Sportsdadof2]

Ky should but won’t. Just don’t understand the home field thing this late in the year. Some of it is probably just an easy button so they can be lazy and not have to workout neutral sights.

Personally I like the neutral venues after round 3 at the latest.  I followed Wheelersburg, OH a few years back when they made a deep
run and it was a fun experience to get to go to different venues that you wouldn’t visit otherwise.  I can see both sides of the argument though.

I grew up in Cincinnati and played football. My best friends son played for Lasalle when they won back to back titles. Neutral sights makes sense. Just easy way out for KHSAA.

[IAM22]

I don' think enough people would go to the games to make it cost effective.

Ohio is a totally different animal when it comes to high school football. Not to mention their state has about 2 1/2 times the population.

Indiana does not do neutral sites.

Does Tennessee?

[Orange Blaze]

Ky should but won’t. Just don’t understand the home field thing this late in the year. Some of it is probably just an easy button so they can be lazy and not have to workout neutral sights.

Personally I like the neutral venues after round 3 at the latest.  I followed Wheelersburg, OH a few years back when they made a deep
run and it was a fun experience to get to go to different venues that you wouldn’t visit otherwise.  I can see both sides of the argument though.

I grew up in Cincinnati and played football. My best friends son played for Lasalle when they won back to back titles. Neutral sights makes sense. Just easy way out for KHSAA.

I like a lot of things that the OHSAA does better.  They seem more organized than Kentucky across various sports.

---

I coach Track and Field and we go to Ohio for most of our meets. It’s amazing to me how much more efficient they are over there. The thing that stands out in that sport is they have OHSAA licensed officials in every meet and not just volunteers like you see in KY.

[BEChargers]

I think semi final games would be great at neutral locations. Wouldn't want to before that, but I would love several semi's at the same location. I would watch four good games on the same weekend.

[Hound05]

I guess I’ll go against the grain on this one. I like the home field environment. Even if it isn’t ours

[RTruth]

Would make sense in Kentucky because there are some really, really bad fields as far as capacity and field conditions go.

[Orange Blaze]

Would make sense in Kentucky because there are some really, really bad fields as far as capacity and field conditions go.

The best recent example was 2 years ago when West Carter hosted Beechwood in the semifinals.  I get it it was awesome for the community but that venue had no business hosting a state semifinal game.  That game should have been held at Morehead State or KCU.

---

I think it would make sense for the KHSAA to partner with all of the regional colleges across the state to host the semifinal games.

[Hound05]

Well…. What if, for those who want a neutral site, consider having minimum standards put into place. As far as seating capacity? If they can’t make it, then they get to select a site, but it cannot be any further than what the traveling team was supposed to travel originally. I just like the atmosphere coming into a place like mayfields, or beechwood’s, Johnson centrals, maybe Corbin? I don’t know how intimidating it really is? But it’s got that hometown HS feel to it. But if they were to replace the current system with a neutral site, I wouldn’t want it for the region down.

[Orange Blaze]

Well…. What if, for those who want a neutral site, consider having minimum standards put into place. As far as seating capacity? If they can’t make it, then they get to select a site, but it cannot be any further than what the traveling team was supposed to travel originally. I just like the atmosphere coming into a place like mayfields, or beechwood’s, Johnson centrals, maybe Corbin? I don’t know how intimidating it really is? But it’s got that hometown HS feel to it.  But if they were to replace the current system with a neutral site, I wouldn’t want it for the region down.

As I stated in a previous post, I think the KHSAA partnering with the regional universities would be the best option logistically.  With this you could have:
Morehead State
EKU
WKU
Murray St
NKU
UPike
The Cumberlands
Georgetown
Campbellsville

As you can see all of the major regions of the state are covered and the sites would be determined by attempting to make the travel equivalent for both schools.  You wouldn’t have NCC go to NKU or Pikeville at UPike for example.  Since those 2 teams actually meet this week, Morehead would be the best option.  This would only be for the semifinals.  I like the first 3 rounds as they are but I think the semis should be at a neutral site.  Obviously we don’t have that and may never have that but it’s still a fun discussion.

[Hound05]

Well…. What if, for those who want a neutral site, consider having minimum standards put into place. As far as seating capacity? If they can’t make it, then they get to select a site, but it cannot be any further than what the traveling team was supposed to travel originally. I just like the atmosphere coming into a place like mayfields, or beechwood’s, Johnson centrals, maybe Corbin? I don’t know how intimidating it really is? But it’s got that hometown HS feel to it.  But if they were to replace the current system with a neutral site, I wouldn’t want it for the region down.

As I stated in a previous post, I think the KHSAA partnering with the regional universities would be the best option logistically.  With this you could have:
Morehead State
EKU
WKU
Murray St
NKU
UPike
The Cumberlands
Georgetown
Campbellsville

As you can see all of the major regions of the state are covered and the sites would be determined by attempting to make the travel equivalent for both schools.  You wouldn’t have NCC go to NKU or Pikeville at UPike for example.  Since those 2 teams actually meet this week, Morehead would be the best option.  This would only be for the semifinals.  I like the first 3 rounds as they are but I think the semis should be at a neutral site.  Obviously we don’t have that and may never have that but it’s still a fun discussion.

Yea I can’t put up much of an argument as far as the semis like you said. As you can tell I wouldn’t like it, but I completely see and get your point. The only is RPI wouldn’t matter much anymore, and I personally like RPI. Maybe just seed regions by RPI. Or break it down by East and west and do RPI that way. Then the final two from each would meet based on it. You would have possibly a little more travel in the first rounds but not a whole lot. There’s one or maybe more, not sure, that would hold less than Corbin and most HS’s. That’s cumberlands. I would support it more if say EKU and WKU hosted it every year. Because  places like Upike for example in 4A would hardly ever be used because of travel distance. But again, outside of me personally not liking it, I can’t argue with your logic on it. It makes sense.

[Real Badman]

neutral sites are the dumbest idea ever.

[DukeBoy]

Traveling 4 hours because some computer picked you .000001 lower than the other team makes absolutely zero sense either. If you are in the SEMIS, you have earned the right to play on Neutral ground. Look at how Breathitt got hosed last week against Lloyd. That was good ole boy home cookin af it’s finest. May not happened at EKU or Centre College. But that was just Round 3. Round 4 shouldn’t be left up to the refs.

[wolfcat]

I could be convinced either way I see the argument for both sides. Im just glad they did away with that odd year even year crap. I can think of several instances were a team that should have been playing at home in 3rd or 4th round had to travel several hours to play a team just because it was an odd year. 
I'm not a huge fan of the RPI but it beats the old setup

[jamesclay]

I guess I’ll go against the grain on this one. I like the home field environment. Even if it isn’t ours

I'm with you. There's nothing better than a playoff home field in big games. Even if it's Corbin.

---

Traveling 4 hours because some computer picked you .000001 lower than the other team makes absolutely zero sense either.  If you are in the SEMIS, you have earned the right to play on Neutral ground.  Look at how Breathitt got hosed last week against Lloyd. That was good ole boy home cookin af it’s finest.  May not happened at EKU or Centre College.  But that was just Round 3.  Round 4 shouldn’t be left up to the refs.

I didn't watch but what happened at Lloyd that would not have happened at let's say Morehead State or EKU?

[EKUAlum05]

neutral sites are the dumbest idea ever.

I actually have always been a fan of neutral sites for the Semi's only. Kentucky is a very long state, with pretty crappy roads, and you have too many crappy facilities for schools.

With that said...

Most likely will never happen. 

Going to be tough to slice that pie for the gate and concessions four ways. KHSAA would want their cut to facilitate and oversee, you have the two participants, and then obviously the host school.

The RPI system at least gives the KHSAA a scapegoat. When homefield advantage was literally predicated on "Even or Odd" it was a lot worse.

What I will say is this... there are a good number of schools who do not have the facilities that should be allowed to host a Semi-Finals game. This should be addressed. Playing at home is one thing, but when the visiting team doesn't have room to get dressed or the visiting team's fans don't have enough room to sit more than 200 fans, that should not occur in a game deciding who plays for a Championship.

The KHSAA should be able to deem if a school is eligible to host the Semi-Finals before the season. Either the school is deemed eligible or they will be responsible for sourcing an alternate site that is eligible. If that site is across town or an hour away, it is still their responsibility to negotiate an agreement by the Monday of Semi's week. If they are unable to secure an approved facility they forfeit the right to host.

Requirements That Must be Submitted and Approved prior to the Season:
- Proof of Ample On-Site and Handicapped Parking and a contingency parking plan for overflow.
- Proof of designated visitor seating for a minimum of 800 fans 
- Proof of functioning restrooms in compliance of ADA properly accessible from visitor seating.
- Proof of an approved playing condition surface. Either turf or a maintained approved grass surface.
- For grass surfaces, proof of fully functioning drainage system.
- Proof/Plan of ample visitor dressing area with proper restrooms and safe storage.
- Proof of ample press box access/space for visiting radio crew and visiting coaches/spotters. Confirmation of Wifi access and power.
- Proof of agreements and contingency plan for Security & EMS.
- Fully functioning play clocks and scoreboards.

[IAM22]

Well…. What if, for those who want a neutral site, consider having minimum standards put into place. As far as seating capacity? If they can’t make it, then they get to select a site, but it cannot be any further than what the traveling team was supposed to travel originally. I just like the atmosphere coming into a place like mayfields, or beechwood’s, Johnson centrals, maybe Corbin? I don’t know how intimidating it really is? But it’s got that hometown HS feel to it.  But if they were to replace the current system with a neutral site, I wouldn’t want it for the region down.

As I stated in a previous post, I think the KHSAA partnering with the regional universities would be the best option logistically.  With this you could have:
Morehead State
EKU
WKU
Murray St
NKU
UPike
The Cumberlands
Georgetown
Campbellsville

As you can see all of the major regions of the state are covered and the sites would be determined by attempting to make the travel equivalent for both schools.  You wouldn’t have NCC go to NKU or Pikeville at UPike for example.  Since those 2 teams actually meet this week, Morehead would be the best option.  This would only be for the semifinals.  I like the first 3 rounds as they are but I think the semis should be at a neutral site.  Obviously we don’t have that and may never have that but it’s still a fun discussion.

NKU does not have football

[Orange Blaze]

neutral sites are the dumbest idea ever.

I actually have always been a fan of neutral sites for the Semi's only. Kentucky is a very long state, with pretty crappy roads, and you have too many crappy facilities for schools.

With that said...

Most likely will never happen. 

Going to be tough to slice that pie for the gate and concessions four ways. KHSAA would want their cut to facilitate and oversee, you have the two participants, and then obviously the host school.

The RPI system at least gives the KHSAA a scapegoat. When homefield advantage was literally predicated on "Even or Odd" it was a lot worse.

What I will say is this... there are a good number of schools who do not have the facilities that should be allowed to host a Semi-Finals game. This should be addressed. Playing at home is one thing, but when the visiting team doesn't have room to get dressed or the visiting team's fans don't have enough room to sit more than 200 fans, that should not occur in a game deciding who plays for a Championship.

The KHSAA should be able to deem if a school is eligible to host the Semi-Finals before the season. Either the school is deemed eligible or they will be responsible for sourcing an alternate site that is eligible. If that site is across town or an hour away, it is still their responsibility to negotiate an agreement by the Monday of Semi's week. If they are unable to secure an approved facility they forfeit the right to host.

Requirements That Must be Submitted and Approved prior to the Season:
- Proof of Ample On-Site and Handicapped Parking and a contingency parking plan for overflow.
- Proof of designated visitor seating for a minimum of 800 fans 
- Proof of functioning restrooms in compliance of ADA properly accessible from visitor seating.
- Proof of an approved playing condition surface. Either turf or a maintained approved grass surface.
- For grass surfaces, proof of fully functioning drainage system.
- Proof/Plan of ample visitor dressing area with proper restrooms and safe storage.
- Proof of ample press box access/space for visiting radio crew and visiting coaches/spotters. Confirmation of Wifi access and power.
- Proof of agreements and contingency plan for Security & EMS.
- Fully functioning play clocks and scoreboards.

I agree that there should be baseline criteria for hosting a semifinal game.  TBH the criteria that you listed should be the standards for hosting a home game at any point in the season.

[wolfcat]

I get home field advantage and all but when a team intentionally alters a field to give them an advantage to me is an issue. When a team waters down a field to the point of it being a quagmire to gain an advantage over a passing team or one with more athletes to me is a problem. I understand home field advantage and all but that creates an unsafe and unfair situation. As someone mentioned before if the supposed home team's field is not suitable for a semi state game whether it be parking, field conditions, attendence capacity or whatever it should be moved to an approved neutral site.
It works for basketball with the region tournament . I know the 14th region tournament is a great atmosphere anywhere they hold it. I don't see why football can't be the same.

[Sportsdadof2]

Well…. What if, for those who want a neutral site, consider having minimum standards put into place. As far as seating capacity? If they can’t make it, then they get to select a site, but it cannot be any further than what the traveling team was supposed to travel originally. I just like the atmosphere coming into a place like mayfields, or beechwood’s, Johnson centrals, maybe Corbin? I don’t know how intimidating it really is? But it’s got that hometown HS feel to it.  But if they were to replace the current system with a neutral site, I wouldn’t want it for the region down.

As I stated in a previous post, I think the KHSAA partnering with the regional universities would be the best option logistically.  With this you could have:
Morehead State
EKU
WKU
Murray St
NKU
UPike
The Cumberlands
Georgetown
Campbellsville

As you can see all of the major regions of the state are covered and the sites would be determined by attempting to make the travel equivalent for both schools.  You wouldn’t have NCC go to NKU or Pikeville at UPike for example.  Since those 2 teams actually meet this week, Morehead would be the best option.  This would only be for the semifinals.  I like the first 3 rounds as they are but I think the semis should be at a neutral site.  Obviously we don’t have that and may never have that but it’s still a fun discussion.

NKU does not have football

They don’t but you have other options I think NKU was just an example used. Thomas More University does.

---

neutral sites are the dumbest idea ever.

That’s a great argument lots of thought went into that one…

[dodger]

West Virginia has these requirements to host:

1. FIELD:
a) Field surface must have proper drainage.
b) Surface shall be in a safe and playable condition in late season. It must have a
grassy surface without extensive rough spots. Excessive use lessens safety and
playable conditions. It is suggested that activities in excess of 15 events on most
grass fields is probably too much.
c) The field may not be used for practice (unless artificial surface) other than a runthrough on the night preceding regular season games. Practice by activities which
include bands or other teams as well as other events must be limited to this standard.
d) Unanchored team benches must be provided and these benches shall be at least
4 yards from the sideline.
e) A field barrier, whether permanent fencing or temporary structures, should be no
closer to the out-of-bounds lines than 5 yards. This field barrier shall have controlled
access to permit teams and bands to enter the playing area but must be constructed
in such a way that fans cannot enter the playing area. It is preferred that team
access be separate. E
f) Field markings must conform to Rule 1-2. This includes sidelines, end lines, yard
8
lines, pylons, field yard-line markers, properly padded goal posts and team box
areas (which shall be a full 6 feet from the sideline). A 4-inch wide broken
restraining line 6 feet outside of and around the playing field is required.
Goalline shall be white.
g) Field lights must be operable and of sufficient illumination for night games.
h) An operable electric score board must be available.
i) An operable 25 second field clock. (Required beginning with the 2007 season).
j) An operable on field microphone. (Required beginning 2022)
2. SPECTATOR SEATING: (18" per occupant) AAA - 4,000; AA - 3,000; A - 2,000
a) Seating includes that provided for bands, including band seating inside field barrier.
b) Seating to be included in total shall only include elevated seats. It is recommended
that these seats be elevated at least 3 feet above ground level.
c) Handicapped seating must be considered and, if at field level, removed at least 5
yards from any field boundary.
d) Seating must meet all local safety standards and have safe and easy access and
egress.
3. DRESSING ROOMS: These must be separate and accessible for both teams.
a) AAA must have space for a minimum of 60 players and structures (lockers, hangers
or pegs) available to get clothes up off the floor as well as seating. AA must have
50 spaces and A must have 40. Space for coaches must be considered.
b) Adequate shower and rest room facilities shall be included. Recommendations
are: AAA shall have a minimum of 10 operable shower heads, AA 8, and A 6.
c) Rest room facilities for players shall be available (at least semi-private).
d) A suitable writing surface must be available for coaches of both teams. (Examples:
chalkboard, dry eraser board, etc.)
e) A separate and private dressing facility must be provided for game officials with
adequate accommodations including showers and rest room facilities.
4. PRESS BOX: This structure shall be high enough to give timers and score board
operators a clear view of the entire field. Adequate electrical outlets must be available.
a) Space shall be provided for press and radio/TV.
b) Assistant coaches shall be separated from their opponents and space for film
crews must be available.
c) AAA should have minimum space for 18 personnel, AA 15, and A 12.
5. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: On-field medical assistance must be available for both
teams.
a) Sideline areas may be set aside for these personnel within the team box.
b) A plan for transport to a nearby hospital must be considered.
6. PUBLIC REST ROOMS AND CONCESSIONS:
a) Easily accessible to spectators.
b) Rest room commode/urinal combinations for each sex; numbers suggested are:
AAA 8, AA 6, A 4. Portables are permitted to accommodate large crowds.

[wolfcat]

West Virginia has these requirements to host:

1. FIELD:
a) Field surface must have proper drainage.
b) Surface shall be in a safe and playable condition in late season. It must have a
grassy surface without extensive rough spots. Excessive use lessens safety and
playable conditions. It is suggested that activities in excess of 15 events on most
grass fields is probably too much.
c) The field may not be used for practice (unless artificial surface) other than a runthrough on the night preceding regular season games. Practice by activities which
include bands or other teams as well as other events must be limited to this standard.
d) Unanchored team benches must be provided and these benches shall be at least
4 yards from the sideline.
e) A field barrier, whether permanent fencing or temporary structures, should be no
closer to the out-of-bounds lines than 5 yards. This field barrier shall have controlled
access to permit teams and bands to enter the playing area but must be constructed
in such a way that fans cannot enter the playing area. It is preferred that team
access be separate. E
f) Field markings must conform to Rule 1-2. This includes sidelines, end lines, yard
8
lines, pylons, field yard-line markers, properly padded goal posts and team box
areas (which shall be a full 6 feet from the sideline). A 4-inch wide broken
restraining line 6 feet outside of and around the playing field is required.
Goalline shall be white.
g) Field lights must be operable and of sufficient illumination for night games.
h) An operable electric score board must be available.
i) An operable 25 second field clock. (Required beginning with the 2007 season).
j) An operable on field microphone. (Required beginning 2022)
2. SPECTATOR SEATING: (18" per occupant) AAA - 4,000; AA - 3,000; A - 2,000
a) Seating includes that provided for bands, including band seating inside field barrier.
b) Seating to be included in total shall only include elevated seats. It is recommended
that these seats be elevated at least 3 feet above ground level.
c) Handicapped seating must be considered and, if at field level, removed at least 5
yards from any field boundary.
d) Seating must meet all local safety standards and have safe and easy access and
egress.
3. DRESSING ROOMS: These must be separate and accessible for both teams.
a) AAA must have space for a minimum of 60 players and structures (lockers, hangers
or pegs) available to get clothes up off the floor as well as seating. AA must have
50 spaces and A must have 40. Space for coaches must be considered.
b) Adequate shower and rest room facilities shall be included. Recommendations
are: AAA shall have a minimum of 10 operable shower heads, AA 8, and A 6.
c) Rest room facilities for players shall be available (at least semi-private).
d) A suitable writing surface must be available for coaches of both teams. (Examples:
chalkboard, dry eraser board, etc.)
e) A separate and private dressing facility must be provided for game officials with
adequate accommodations including showers and rest room facilities.
4. PRESS BOX: This structure shall be high enough to give timers and score board
operators a clear view of the entire field. Adequate electrical outlets must be available.
a) Space shall be provided for press and radio/TV.
b) Assistant coaches shall be separated from their opponents and space for film
crews must be available.
c) AAA should have minimum space for 18 personnel, AA 15, and A 12.
5. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: On-field medical assistance must be available for both
teams.
a) Sideline areas may be set aside for these personnel within the team box.
b) A plan for transport to a nearby hospital must be considered.
6. PUBLIC REST ROOMS AND CONCESSIONS:
a) Easily accessible to spectators.
b) Rest room commode/urinal combinations for each sex; numbers suggested are:
AAA 8, AA 6, A 4. Portables are permitted to accommodate large crowds.

I wish Ky would implement this. I can think of lots of current sites that don't come close to meeting these requirements.

[TD Hounds]

I don’t really have a dog in this fight, I can watch Corbin as easily at Cumberlands field as I do at home. All that being said this is brought up every year and nothing changes because the inept and corrupt KHSAA at the end of the day doesn’t care what any of us think….If you haven’t realized that by now you haven’t been paying close attention

[Jack Lambert]

You have all season to do what you need to do so you can play at home in the playoffs l. So I guess we should reward a team with a lower RPI that hasn’t won the games that the higher RPI has? Reward the a team that’s underperformed ?? Nah …..playing at home the day after thanksgiving is special. The community gets behind the kids and it’s a great memory. Why do people wanna take that from young kids ???

My thoughts exactly!!!

[Orange Blaze]

You have all season to do what you need to do so you can play at home in the playoffs l. So I guess we should reward a team with a lower RPI that hasn’t won the games that the higher RPI has? Reward the a team that’s underperformed ?? Nah …..playing at home the day after thanksgiving is special. The community gets behind the kids and it’s a great memory. Why do people wanna take that from young kids ???

What about a team like Belfry in 2021 that finished the regular season with a losing record because they played a really hard schedule? They ended up winning a state title and certainly didn’t underperform but were punished by RPI for playing one of the most difficult schedules in their class.

[Kentuckysfinest]

Would make sense in Kentucky because there are some really, really bad fields as far as capacity and field conditions go.

The best recent example was 2 years ago when West Carter hosted Beechwood in the semifinals.  I get it it was awesome for the community but that venue had no business hosting a state semifinal game.  That game should have been held at Morehead State or KCU.

---

I think it would make sense for the KHSAA to partner with all of the regional colleges across the state to host the semifinal games.

That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard. It’s called home field advantage. If you don’t like playing on the road I suggest they get the highest RPI score in the class.