2024-2025-NCHSAA_Handbook
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2023-2024 Handbook
North Carolina High School
Athletic Association
2024-2025
Handbook
2024-2025 HANDBOOK
OF THE
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION,
INC.
NCHSAA OFFICE
Physical Address: 222 Finley Golf Course Road - Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3216 - Chapel Hill, NC 27515
NCHSAA STAFF
Direct Line
Que Tucker, Commissioner
(919) 240-7375
que@nchsaa.org
Brad Alford, Assistant Commissioner, Sports, Championships,
(919) 240-7378
brad@nchsaa.org
and Compliance
Karen DeHart, Associate Commissioner, Development, Marketing
(919) 240-7369
karen@nchsaa.org
and Administrative Services
Mark Dreibelbis, Interim Director, Officiating
(919) 240-7372
mark@nchsaa.org
Rhonda Dreibelbis, Assistant Commissioner, Sports & Championships (919) 240-7373
rhonda@nchsaa.org
Austin Fleming, Director, Sports and Championships
(919) 240-7376
austin@nchsaa.org
Janna Fonseca, Director, Health, Safety and Wellness
(919) 240-7404
janna@nchsaa.org
Juli Kidd, Director, Information Management
(919) 240-7368
juli@nchsaa.org
Brittany Love, Receptionist and Office Assistant
(919) 240-7401
brittany@nchsaa.org
Caitlin McMannen, Assistant Director, Sports and Championships
(919) 240-7379
caitlin@nchsaa.org
Brandon Moree, Director, Communications and Media Relations
(919) 240-7367
brandon@nchsaa.org
Logan McNeill, Admin. Assistant, Sports, Championships & Officiating (919) 240-7377
loganm@nchsaa.org
Kim Newman, Executive Assistant and Office Manager
(919) 240-7364
kim@nchsaa.org
Evan Sauer, Director, Development, Marketing and Student Programs (919) 240-7370
evan@nchsaa.org
Tavares Toomer, Director, Business and Finance
(919) 240-7366
tavares@nchsaa.org
Beth Zinkand, Finance and Officiating Assistant
(919) 240-7365
beth@nchsaa.org
The NCHSAA office is usually open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when our member schools are in session. Staff mem-
bers will usually stagger their schedules to attempt to cover the office at all times, with lunch hours scheduled for
office personnel between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
NCHSAA HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Introduction
Staff Listing and Office Hours
Message from the President
Message from the Commissioner
Board of Directors Listing
Executive Committee
Board Committees
8
Nominating Committee
Association Advisors/Consultants
Introduction
Other Publications
Special Deadlines and Dates
Commitment to Excellence
10
Mission and Core Values
10
Regional Meetings
11
Regional Map
11
Articles of Incorporation
12
Bylaws
14
NFHS
18
I.
Student Requirements for Interscholastic
Athletic Participation
19
1.1
Memorandum of Understanding/Definitions 19
1.1.1 16 NCAC 06E .0201 Definitions
19
1.1.2 Administering Organization Definitions
19
1.1.3 Membership Entity Policies
20
1.1.4 Mandatory Rules
20
1.1.5 Compliance and Non-Retaliation
20
1.1.6 Non-Sanctioned Sports
20
1.2
Eligibility
20
1.2.1 Participation Restricted to Eligible Students 20
1.2.2 Master Eligibility Sheet
21
1.2.3
Residency Requirements
22
1.2.4
Enrollment Requirements
23
1.2.5
Transfer Requirements
24
1.2.6
Scholastic Requirements
25
1.2.7
Age Requirements
26
1.2.8
Biological Requirements
27
1.2.9
Medical Requirements
27
1.2.10 Felony Conviction
28
1.2.11 Amateur Rule
28
1.2.12 National Governing Body Sanctioned Events 29
1.3
Waiver of Eligibility Rules
29
1.3.1
SBOE Waiver Rule
29
1.3.2
Waiver Procedure
30
1.4
Final Decisions and Appeals
31
1.4.1
Final Decision of NCHSAA
31
1.4.2
Appeals Process for PSU Aggrieved Parties
31
1.4.3
Process of Appeals for Non-Boarding
Parochial Schools
32
1.5
Recruiting/Undue Influence
32
II.
School Administration of Interscholastic
Athletic Program
33
2.1
General Requirements
33
2.1.1
Organization of School
33
2.1.2
High School Definition
33
2.1.3
Non-Boarding Parochial Schools
34
2.1.4
Enrollment Date
34
2.1.5
Membership Dues
34
2.1.6
Coaching
34
2.1.7
Coaching Requirements
34
2.1.8
Athletic Director Requirements
35
2.1.9
Middle School Rules and Regulations
35
2.2
Game and Sport Administration -
School Requirements
35
2.2.1
Game Rules
35
2.2.2
Athletic Contracts
35
2.2.3
Facilities
35
2.2.4
Starting Time
36
2.2.5
Practice Time
36
2.2.6
Sunday Participation
36
2.2.7
Postponed and Suspended Games
36
2.2.8
Tie Games
37
2.2.9
Unplayed and Forfeited Games
37
2.2.10 Weekly/Player Limits
37
2.2.11 Season Limitations
37
2.2.12 Split Squads
37
2.2.13 Unattached and Unaffiliated Athletes
37
2.2.14 Sports Seasons
37
2.2.15 Summer Regulations
39
2.2.16 Weight Training and Conditioning
39
2.2.17 Filming, Videotaping, or Video Streaming
39
2.2.18 Radio-TV Fees
39
2.2.19 Travel Checks
40
2.3
Health and Safety
40
2.3.1
State Board Health and Safety Rule
(Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act)
40
2.3.2
Health and Safety Personnel 41
2.3.3
Fundamentals of Heat Illness Prevention and
Management for All Sports 43
2.3.4
Acclimatization (Football)
43
2.3.5
Prevention of Heat Illness
44
WBGT Index and Athletic Activity Chart
44
2.3.6
Recognition of Heat Illness
44
2.3.7
Management of Heat Illness
45
2.3.8
CrashCourse Concussion Video Viewing
Requirement
45
2.3.9
Cardiac Safety Program
46
2.3.10 Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests
During Lightning or Thunder Disturbances
46
2.3.11 Tobacco Products, Alcoholic Beverages and
Controlled Substances
46
2.3.12 Performance Enhancing Substances
46
2.3.13 Infectious Disease Policy
46
2.3.14 Catastrophic Insurance (Mandatory)
47
2.3.15 Hazing
47
2.3.16 Pre-game Emergency Action Plan Review
47
2.4
Gameday Administrator Responsibilities
47
2.4.1
Gameday Administrator Designation
47
2.4.2
Gameday Administrator Duties Relative
NCHSAA HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
to Health and Safety
48
2.4.3
Gameday Administrator Pre-Contest Duties 48
2.4.4
Gameday Administrator Duties During
Contest
49
2.4.5
Gameday Administrator Duties After a
Contest
49
2.4.6
Guidelines for Police and Security
49
2.5
Sportsmanship
49
2.5.1
Social Media Policy
50
2.5.2
Sports Wagering Position Statement
50
2.5.3
Conduct at Games
50
2.5.4
Guidelines for Student-Athletes
50
2.5.5
Guidelines for Cheerleaders
50
2.5.6
Guidelines for Coaches
51
2.5.7
Code of Conduct for Coaches
51
2.5.8
Inappropriate Behavior/Misconduct
51
III.
State NCHSAA Administrative
Responsibilities to Member Schools
51
3.1
State Game and Sport Administration
51
3.1.1
Executive Committee
51
3.1.2
Conferences
52
3.1.3
Athletic Passes
52
3.1.4
Admission to State Playoffs
52
3.2
Conduct and Unsporting Behavior
52
3.3
Penalty Code, Penalties, and
Restitution Rule
53
3.3.1
Penalty Code
53
3.3.2
Cooperation in Investigations
53
3.3.3
Sanctions
53
3.3.4
Unreconciled Payments and Sanctions
54
3.3.5
Maximum Sanction for Infraction Levels
54
3.3.6
Penalty Code by Level
54
3.3.7
Sportsmanship/Ejection Policy
55
3.3.8
Penalties for an Ejection
56
3.3.9
Ineligible Student-Athlete Procedure
57
3.3.10 Restitution Rule
57
3.3.11 Penalties that May be Imposed by the State
Department of Public Instruction
57
3.3.12 Statute of Limitations
58
3.4
Officiating
58
3.4.1
Sport by Sport Officials Information and Fees 58
3.4.2
Officiating Regulations
61
3.4.3
Regional Supervisor Contact Information
64
3.5
Special Programs
69
3.5.1
Cheerleading
69
3.5.2
Philosophy of Cheerleading
69
3.5.3
Scholar-Athlete (Team)
69
3.5.4
Scholar-Athlete (Individual)
69
3.5.5
Scholar-Athlete Team and Individual
Grade Point Average
70
3.5.6
Scholar-Athlete Procedures
70
3.5.7
Hall of Fame
70
3.6
Student Services
70
3.6.1
Coaches Workshops
70
3.6.2
Student Athlete Summer Institute (SASI)
70
3.6.3
Special Recognition Programs
70
3.6.4
Student Athlete Advisory Council
71
3.6.5
Student Leadership Conference
71
IV.
Interscholastic Athletic Activities
72
4.1
Competition
72
4.1.1
Mailings
72
4.1.2
Classifications
72
4.1.3
Organizational Meeting
72
4.1.4
Preseason Certification (Eligibility
Summary Form)
72
4.1.5
Preseason Scrimmages
72
4.1.6
Eligibility Sheets
72
4.1.7
Ejection Reports
72
4.1.8
Team Championships
73
4.1.9
Interstate Competition
73
4.1.10 Games with Non-Conference Opponents
73
4.1.11 Tie-breaking Procedure
73
4.1.12 Playoff Declaration
75
4.1.13 Reporting Playoff Qualifiers
75
4.1.14 Submission of Incorrect Record
75
4.1.15 Playoff Ranking Formula
75
4.1.16 Bracket Sizes
76
4.1.17 Playoff Berths/Qualification
76
4.1.18 Seeding
76
4.1.19 Reporting Playoff Advancement
76
4.1.20 Body Paint
77
4.1.21 Noisemakers
77
4.1.22 Clinic Dates
77
4.2
Baseball
77
4.2.1
General
77
4.2.2
Playoffs
79
4.2.3
State Championship Series
80
4.3
Basketball
80
4.3.1
General
80
4.3.2
Playoffs
81
4.3.3
Regional Championship
82
4.3.4
State Championship
82
4.4
Cross Country
83
4.4.1
General
83
4.4.2
Regionals
83
4.4.3
State Championships
84
4.5
Football
84
4.5.1
General
84
4.5.2
Skill Development Guidelines
85
4.5.3
Practice and Conditioning
86
4.5.4 Playoffs (Brackets, Reporting, Seeding)
87
4.5.5
Playoffs (General Requirements, Officials,
Press Conference, Sites)
88
4.5.6
Financial Arrangements
89
4.6
Golf
90
4.6.1
General
90
4.6.2
Regional Playoffs
91
NCHSAA HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
4.6.3
State Championship
92
4.7
Lacrosse
92
4.7.1
General
92
4.7.2
Playoffs
93
4.7.3
State Championship
94
4.8
Soccer
94
4.8.1
General
94
4.8.2
Playoffs
96
4.8.3
State Championship
97
4.9
Sofball
97
4.9.1
General
97
4.9.2
Playoffs
98
4.9.3
State Championship Series
99
4.10
Swimming and Diving
100
4.10.1 General
100
4.10.2 Regional Information
101
4.10.3 State Championship
102
4.11
Tennis
103
4.11.1 General
103
4.11.2 Regular Season Rules and Regulations for
Dual Team
104
4.11.3 Playoffs (Dual Team)
105
4.11.4 Playoffs (Regionals-Individual
Competition)
106
4.11.5 Playoffs (State Championships -
Individual Competition)
107
4.11.6 Playoffs (State Championships -
Dual Team)
108
4.12
Track and Field
108
4.12.1 General
108
4.12.2 Regionals
108
4.12.3 State Championships
109
4.13
Volleyball
110
4.13.1 General
110
4.13.2 Playoffs
111
4.13.3 State Championship
112
4.14
Wrestling
112
4.14.1 General
112
4.14.2 Establishing Mandatory Certified
Minimum Weight
114
4.14.3 Weight Loss Guidelines
116
4.14.4 Regionals (Individual)
116
4.14.5 State Tournament Championships
(Individual)
117
4.14.6 Dual Team Wrestling Championships
117
V.
Resources
119
Playoff Share Chart
119
Playoff Ticket Prices
120
Official Adopted Game Ball Chart
120
Event Sanctioning Chart
121
1A Conference Alignment
122
2A Conference Alignment
123
3A Conference Alignment
124
4A Conference Alignment
125
Sports Dates and Deadlines (Calendar)
126
Playoff Broadcast Rights Fee Chart
127
Hall of Fame
128
NCHSAA Presidents
130
History of the NCHSAA
131
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Members of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association:
I want to welcome you to another exciting year of high school athletics in North
Carolina. As members of this great organization, you and your staff members
continue to do a great job of providing special opportunities for the student-ath-
letes across our state. These opportunities lead to the display of competition,
teamwork, and good sportsmanship at a high level. For that, I say "thank you."
While the opening of the 2024-2025 school year is exciting, I also want to take
a moment to "thank" the many partners who support the North Carolina High
School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). These partners include: the North Caro-
lina Coaches Association, the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association, the
North Carolina School Boards Association, the State Board of Education, and the North Carolina Depart-
ment of Public Instruction. In addition, I want to "thank" our officials, umpires, and referees across the
state for their dedication and partnership. Their loyalty to high school athletics is greatly appreciated and
does not go without notice. The colleges, universities, and corporate sponsors also deserve a lot of credit
for their continued support of our organization. In short, the NCHSAA has a great staff in Chapel Hill as
well as great member schools throughout the state. However, its success of more than l00 years would not
have been a reality without the partnership of the previously-noted groups as well.
The 2024-2025 school year will have some challenges. However, no challenge will be larger than the work
on re-alignment. The move of the NCHSAA from four classifications to eight classifications will be historic.
Nonetheless, I am confident that the member schools, the organization's staff, the Board of Directors, and
the members of the Re-alignment Committee will handle this challenge like "champions." The source of
this confidence is the fact that everyone's focus will be on "what is best for the student-athletes of North
Carolina."
Please know that I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as a member of the Board of Di-
rectors for the NCHSAA. Like many individuals throughout our great state, this organization has had a
profound impact on my life. Thus, I will do all possible to help maintain this organization's work at the
highest level in my current role.
In closing, I look forward to another great year of high school athletics in North Carolina. It is exciting to
watch our very talented high school coaches, high school athletic directors, and high school principals do
their great work every day in all parts of our state to ensure that this wonderful opportunity for children,
"high school athletics in North Carolina," continues into the future at the highest level. Without a doubt, it
is a great time to be a member of the NCHSAA!
Respectfully,
Stephen Gainey
NCHSAA President
Dr. Stephen Gainey
Superintendent
Randolph Co. Schools
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER
WELCOME to another exciting year of education-based athletics as a
member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. I am
pleased to introduce you to the 2024-2025 edition of our NCHSAA
Handbook. It is a valuable resource that outlines the State Board of
Education’s eligibility requirements, and NCHSAA regulations for ad-
ministering your athletic programs during the regular season as well as
post-season. You can also find information about the Board of Directors,
the staff and the Association’s Articles of Incorporation and its Bylaws.
Even though these are changing times, we believe that participation
in athletics is a vital part of the educational experience. Your athletic
programs not only promote physical fitness and skill development but
also teach and foster teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among
NCHSAA student-athletes. This handbook plays a crucial role in guiding
athletic programs toward success, both on and off the field.
Within this handbook, you will find essential information on eligibility requirements, practice
schedules, game day protocols, travel policies, academic expectations, and codes of conduct. It is
imperative that all coaches and student-athletes review and understand these guidelines thor-
oughly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable season for everyone involved.
It is our belief that each member school’s athletic department and its coaching staff, is committed
to providing a supportive and positive environment where each athlete can thrive and achieve
their personal best. We encourage all participants to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and
dedication, both during practices and competitions, as well as in their everyday interactions.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to embrace the opportunities for growth and
camaraderie that athletics offer. Your dedication and commitment to good sportsmanship will
contribute significantly to the reputation of your school.
Best wishes for a rewarding and memorable 2024-2025 school year! We are excited to see what
achievements lie ahead.
Que Tucker
NCHSAA Commissioner
Que Tucker
Commissioner
NCHSAA
NCHSAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephen Gainey, Randolph County Schools
President
Mark Garrett, Henderson County Schools
Vice President
Chris Blanton, Watauga County Schools
Past President
Que Tucker, N.C. High School Athletic Association
Commissioner
Brian Carver, Enka High School
June 30, 2025
Chad Duncan, Gaston County Schools
June 30, 2025
Tanya Turner, Perquimans County Schools
June 30, 2025
Stefanie Phillips, Pinecrest High School
June 30, 2025
Paige Badgett, North Surry High School
June 30, 2026
Sam Jones, West Stokes High School
June 30, 2026
Andy McCormick, Union Pines High School
June 30, 2026
Bryan Tyson, Cabarrus County Schools
June 30, 2026
Larry Williford, Farmville Central High School
June 30, 2026
Don Phipps, Caldwell County Schools
June 30, 2027
Allen Plaster, East Forsyth High School
June 30, 2027
Henry Rice, Pamlico County Schools
June 30, 2027
John Williams, Northampton County High School
June 30, 2027
Dana Ayers, Jackson County Public Schools
June 30, 2028
Jamie King, Sampson County Schools
June 30, 2028
Joe Franks, N.C. Coaches Association
Affiliate Member
Wendell Hall, N.C. State Board of Education
Affiliate Member
Burt Jenkins, N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Affiliate Member
Elbert Lassiter, North State Football Officials Association
Affiliate Member
Roy Turner, N.C. Athletic Directors Association
Affiliate Member
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Stephen Gainey
Allen Plaster
Mark Garrett
John Williams
Que Tucker
Brian Carver
Sam Jones
BOARD COORDINATOR
Kim Newman
Russell James
Risk Management
Michelle Wood
Claims Contact
Kinsey Davis
Senior Client Manager (Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC)
Paul Sun and Kelly Dagger
General Counselors (Ellis & Winters, LLP)
Randolph Cloud
Legislative Liaison
Reginald Holley
Legislative Liaison
Blackman and Sloop
Certified Public Accountants
ADVISORS/CONSULTANTS
BOARD COMMITTEES
Finance/Personnel
Chair:
Mark Garrett
Vice Chair:
Chad Duncan
Committee:
Tanya Turner
Andy McCormick
Wendell Hall
Staff Advisors:
Que Tucker
Karen DeHart
Tavares Toomer
Sports
Chair:
Brian Carver
Vice Chair:
Sam Jones
Committee:
John Williams
Allen Plaster
Roy Turner
Joe Franks
Staff Advisors:
Rhonda Dreibelbis
Policy
Chair:
Paige Badgett
Vice Chair:
Chris Blanton
Committee:
Don Phipps
Dana Ayers
Burt Jenkins
Stefanie Phillips
Staff Advisor:
Brad Alford
Review/Ofciating
Chair:
Bryan Tyson
Vice Chair:
Larry Williford
Committee:
Henry Rice
Jamie King
Elbert Lassiter
Staff Advisor:
Mark Dreibelbis
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Region
Member
Chair
Marc Payne
Ashe County
1
Charles Simmons
Hertford County High School
2
Darren Hulen
Lakewood High School
3
Angie Miller
Nash County Public Schools
4
Michael Baker
Fairmont High School
5
TBD
6
TBD
7
TBD
8
TBD
Staff Advisor:
Que Tucker
Committee Coordinator:
Kim Newman
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