be directed to the NCDPI, www.dpi.nc.gov.
2.2
GAME AND SPORT ADMINISTRATION - SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
2.2.1
Game Rules - All high schools participating in interscholastic athletics shall use the game rules as set forth
by the NFHS.
NOTE: Golf and tennis shall use USGA and USTA rules respectively, except where local modifications apply.
2.2.2
Athletic Contracts - A standard contract is recommended for use in all sports for non-conference competi-
tion (with two-year terms for football and basketball). The standard contract template may be found on the
NCHSAA website.
(a)
All provisions of the contract must be fulfilled by both parties unless canceled by mutual agreement.
(b)
The NCHSAA has no responsibility for enforcing oral contracts.
2.2.3
Facilities
(a)
Court and Field Diagrams - The NCHSAA has adopted the playing rules of the National Federation of
State High School Associations for most sponsored sports.
(1)
Diagrams for the court or field for each sport are contained in the respective rulebooks.
(2)
The National Federation also publishes a Court and Field Diagram Guide covering all sports.
(3)
A copy of rule books for individual sports or of the comprehensive guide may be obtained
directly from the National Federation.
(b)
Lighting Standards - The NCHSAA has adopted standards for the lighting of events sponsored by the
NCHSAA or any member school.
(1)
These standards incorporate the most current data available regarding the lighting, electri-
cal and structural issues that apply to the installation and maintenance of safe, effective
lighting systems.
(2)
These standards were developed by a Standards Advisory Committee made up of experi-
enced engineers, architects, electrical contractors, attorneys and insurance underwriters.
(3)
They are divided into recommended minimums and desirable features. The minimums
establish criteria which are important to the safe conduct of sponsored activities. The desir-
able features are intended to provide guidelines for lighting systems that give added values
of durability, energy-efficiency, environmental sensitivity and cost effectiveness.
(4)
NCHSAA playoff events are intended to be held at sites that meet the minimum standards.
(5)
A copy of the revised lighting standards may be viewed on the NCHSAA website.
(6)
Member schools are encouraged to complete a SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
CHECKLIST form annually to ensure that electrical and structural components of facility
lighting systems are up to code with NEC (National Electric Code) and IBC (International
Building Code) standards.
(c)
Drone Policy - The use of drones is prohibited within the confines of stadiums, fields and arenas
during NCHSAA contests. This policy includes not only the restricted playing area of the venue(s),
but also the physical confines of the entire stadium, field, arena and structure. The policy extends to
pre- and post-game activities.
(d)
NCHSAA Hosting of Playoffs and Championships - During the playoffs, the NCHSAA has the right to
require host teams to find an adequate facility based on expected attendance or quality of venue. In
order to host NCHSAA Playoffs (Recommended for regular season) in any sport, member schools’
facilities must:
(1)
Have measures in place that ensure the safety and protection of the well-being of all partici-
pants and spectators;
(2)
Maintain seating for participants and spectators, with one-third (1/3) of the available seat-
ing reserved for the visiting team’s spectators. These specifications are recommended for
regular season games in all sports, with the exception of football, which provides its own
minimum seating regulations;
(3)
Comply with requirements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
(4)
Have restroom facilities available for both spectators and participants;
(5)
Provide areas for teams and game officials to dress for competition;
(6)
Be conducive to the charging of admission; and
(7)
Show, upon request, that facility lighting meets minimum NCHSAA lighting standards [See
Rule 2.2.3(b)] and the NCHSAA website.
2.2.4
Starting Time
(a)
Regular Season Contest - The starting time for all regular season games in all sports shall be deter-
mined by the home team, within certain limits.
(1)
A contest may not usually begin until after the last regularly scheduled instructional period.
(2)
Recommended starting time in regular season is no earlier than 5:00 pm for baseball,
lacrosse, softball, volleyball and soccer.
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