2016 Early Season Football Bulletin

Transcription

2016 Early Season Football Bulletin
CHSAA FOOTBALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
5A – Michael Krueger; Chairman, (2019, 2st Term)
A-6 Kenny Book, Genoa-Hugo (2018)
A-6 Mike Miller, Cheyenne Wells (2019)
A-8 Richard Hargrove, Springfield (2018)
A-8 Jenny Smock, Caliche (2017)
1A John Cure, Wray (2017)
1A Mike Schmidt, Platte Canyon (2019)
2A Zac Lemon, Eaton (2018)
2A Scott Yates, Kent Denver (2019)
3A Scott Manchester, Canon City (2018)
3A Gregg Hawkins, Palisade (2019)
4A Nick DeSimone, Wheat Ridge (2017)
4A Rob Berry, St. Vrain S.D. (2019)
5A Eric Gustafson, Horizon (2017)
5A Chris Noll, Doherty (2019)
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TO:
COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACHES
FROM:
HARRY WATERMAN, CHSAA ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
DATE:
APRIL, 2016
RE:
EARLY SEASON FOOTBALL PROCEDURES - RULES
Attached, please find items of information regarding pre-season procedures and the start of fall 2016
football practice. This information is given to you in brief form and is not intended to be a complete review
of all rules.
The 2016 CHSAA Football Bulletin will be placed on the CHSAA web site (CHSAANow.com) by
August 1, 2016, found under Sports - Football. Please take the time to find the Football Bulletin and review
its contents prior to the start of fall practice.
After reviewing this document, if you have any questions, please consult with your athletic director, check
a copy of the CHSAA By-laws and Constitution, or call me. If you have any questions, please seek an
answer before a potential violation occurs.
Denver area coaches: If you are hosting a varsity football scrimmage on
Thursday, Friday or Saturday August 25, 26 or 27, and would like officials,
please contact Ron Paolucci with the time, place, number of fields, and number
of teams.
Scott Lewis
[email protected]
720-278-9232 (Cellular)
Other area coaches: Contact your officials' area director before August 1 if you
are hosting a scrimmage and want officials. Officials will be assigned on a first
come first served basis.
The CFOA needs officials to cover all levels of high school football. If you know
anyone interested in officiating high school football, please direct them to
www.CHSAA.org/officials/recruits/register.
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Proposed Recommendations on Contact for the 2016-17 Season
CHSAA Football/Sports Medicine Committees
During the “Pre-Season” (all practices leading up to the first contest); football practice (exclusive of 1
scrimmage) per team shall not exceed more than (3) days of contact per week with no more than a total
of ninety (90) minutes of contact practice over the course of those three (3) days. No team shall allow
for more than forty (40) minutes of contact on any one day. This will also include summer camp.
During the “Regular-Season” and “Post-Season” (all practices that take place after the first official
contest); football practice per team shall not exceed more than (2) days of contact per week with no
more than a total of seventy-five (75) minutes of contact practice over the course of those two (2) days.
No team shall allow for more than forty (40) minutes of contact on any one day.
The CHSAA proposes to adopt USA Football’s “Level of Contact” or the purposes of defining contact
in CHSAA football practices:
Definition of Levels of Contact:
1. Air – Players run a drill unopposed without contact.
2. Bags – Drill is run against a bag or another soft-contact surface.
3. Control – Drill is run at assigned speed until the moment of contact; one player is predetermined the ‘winner’ by the coach. Contact remains above the waist and players stay on
their feet.
4. Thud – Drill is run at assigned speed through the moment of contact; no pre-determined
‘winner’. Contact remains above the waist, players stay on their feet and a quick whistle
ends the drill.
5. Live Action – Drill is run in game-like conditions and is the only time that players are taken to
the ground
For the purposes of this recommendation, “contact” will be defined as drills run at the Thud and
Live Action Level. Drills run at the Air. Bags and Control level would not be considered contact.
Interpretation – During the regular-season a team may continue to dress in full pads for practice, but
may only participate in “Thud” drills, “Live Action” drills and game time simulations no more than
seventy-five minutes per team per week and no more than two days during that week. It is assumed
that when players are in shells (shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets) no contact or simulations will occur.
A team may participate in “air,” “bags,” and “control” drills and simulations at any point.
The Pre-Season will simply expand this to ninety minutes per team per week and no more than three
days during that week.
At no time shall any team allow “contact” in excess of forty minutes on any one day.
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CHSAA Sports Medicine Committee Recommendations
for Heat Acclimatization and Early-Season Football
Acclimatization period is from the 1st day of formal practice in the fall through
Labor Day to include summer camp.
Football recommendations during the acclimatization period.

Practice is defined as time on the field including warm-up, stretching, practice and
conditioning.

Any single practice should not exceed 2 hours in length with an additional 25 minutes
added for water breaks. A minimum 2 water breaks should be incorporated each hour.
Water should be readily available at all times.

If a 2nd practice takes place on the same day, this practice should only be walk-through
and no protective gear (with the exception of a helmet) should be worn. A walk-through
is defined as time dedicated to reviewing plays and field positions and should not exceed
I hour.

A minimum of 2 hours should separate practices on the same day.

Total practice time should not exceed 2 hours for one practice and 3 hours total practice
(on days when 2 practices are scheduled). This does not include water breaks.

Helmets should be removed for water breaks during warm weather conditions or after
intense or prolonged exercise. This will help cool the core body temperature.

Every coaching staff should have a heat index application downloaded so they may
monitor heat conditions at every practice.

See the USA Football Heads up link provided for detailed information on heat, hydration
and concussion. http://usafootball.com/health-safety/heat-preparedness
Sports Medicine Committee Members
Jenn Roberts-Uhlig, CHSAA Assistant Commissioner
Larry Bull, District Athletic Director for Cherry Creek Schools
Eddie Hartnett, District Athletic Director for Adams 12 School District
H. Andrew Motz, MD-Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Specialists, P.C.
Karen McAvoy, PsyD-Director, Center for Concussion/rockyMtn. Youth sports Medicine
Dr. Aaron Provance, MD-Children’s Hospital Colorado
Darryl Miller, MS, ATC, CSCS, EMT-DPS District Athletic Trainer
Chad Schmidt, MA, ATC-Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Spine Center of the Rockies
Invited Guests
Harry Waterman, CHSAA Assistant Commissioner
Michael Krueger, District Athletic Director for Aurora Public School/Football Committee Chair
Wayne Voorhees, Head Football Coach at Legacy HS/CHSCA President for Football/Master
Trainer for USA Football Heads Up Program
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CALENDAR
Start of Formal CHSAA Practice: August 15, 2016
All players must have completed physicals and signed parent permission forms submitted to the athletic
director prior to start of practice on this date. Players may start accumulating the required nine days of
practice only after the start of practice on August 15th.
Please note: You may have informal practice, camps/clinics prior to August 15, 2016 but no school
protective equipment may be used (exception: Helmets), nor can these informal sessions, camps or clinics
have mandatory attendance required (see CHSAA By-laws, 1790 Physical Exams and 2300 Practice).
Dummies, shields, etc. are not considered to be protective equipment.
Equipment Use Dates:
Formal Practice Begins: August 15-16, 2016 – Shoes, jerseys and helmets may be worn. Wednesday,
August 17, 2016 – Full uniform/pads, but no contact allowed between players. Sleds, dummies may be
used on all days. Thursday, August 18, 2016 – Full contact allowed.
Summer Equipment Issue Limitations (Article 33, rule 3310, Exception)
The issuing of protective football equipment except during the formal sports season is a violation.
Eight Grade Contact
1900.5 A person, acting in the capacity of the high school coach or serving in a role representing the
high school, may have one informational meeting prior to May 1st with 8th grade students who
live in that high school’s attendance area as established by the school district, or with those 8th
grade students that have pre-registered to attend that high school; the coach may conduct
practice with those eighth graders starting May 1. This contact may include currently registered
underclassmen.
The Sunday Contact rule applies to this contact.
MAJOR CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR’S REPORT:
A. All classes will use the adopted RPI system (¼WP, ½ OWP, ¼ OOWP) to determine the 16
playoff qualifiers.
B. All classes will use a common seeding criteria for the playoffs.
C. In 5A, a two-year average of RPI was used to develop a waterfall system to align schools into
7 conferences.
D. In A6-4A, new conferences were configured for the upcoming cycle.
E. In class 3A, the championship site must accommodate a minimum seating capacity of 5,000.
II.
RATIONALE:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Studies have shown the RPI to be a better indicator of team strength than the current system.
This will provide consistent seeding criteria across all levels.
Each of the conferences will be more competitively balanced.
Each classification was adjusted to accommodate the movement of schools up and down in
classification.
E. The attendance the last 3 championships has more than doubled the current requirement of
2,500.
3310.
EQUIPMENT DATES
3310.1No pads or other components of regular football uniforms except shoes, jerseys and helmets may be worn
by the players until the third day (exclusive of Sundays) of the formal sports season. On the third day of the formal
sports season, players may wear a full regular football uniform and pads while engaging in blocking and tackling
exercises that do not include physical contact between players.
(a)
ISSUE RESTRICTIONS -- the issuing of protective football equipment except during the formal sports
season is a violation.
EXCEPTION 1: To allow individual players who participate in football exercises or drills while in shorts, 7 on 7
competitions, and 7 on 7 drills to use Colorado issued helmets under the following criteria:
1. The issuing of the football helmet is approved by the local school district.
2. Football helmets for drills and 7 on 7 may NOT be distributed before Memorial Day.
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EXCEPTION 2: An individual or team camp may use Colorado high school-issued protective football equipment
under the following criteria:
1. The issuing of the equipment is approved by the local school district.
2. Camps must be conducted by a college/university, an appropriate commercial organization or
an individual high school.
a. High schools may develop their own team camp on site or at any other location.
3. The camp must show proof of liability insurance.
4. Camps must be for students and/or teams from a variety of different schools if it is conducted
by a college/university or an appropriate commercial organization. Players from a minimum of
six schools must be involved in the camp. Individual school camps limit participation to those
students who have completed the registration process for enrollment into that high school.
(Note: only students from the high school sponsoring the camp may participate.)
5. The camp should be for a period of time that is typical for camps/clinics (3-5 days) at a
college/university or an appropriate commercial organization. Camps held at individual high
schools can be a maximum of 10 days at the individual school site over a period of 14 calendar
days.
6. Camps held at individual high schools will be allowed one scrimmage date with up to THREE
other schools who are conducting an individual team camp. The schools must be in days 8-10
of their own camps.
Schools may conduct a lower-level team camp concurrent with the varsity camp, or at a separate
time. An individual may only attend one ten day team camp. If camps are held at separate
times and/or locations, the individual must choose to attend either the varsity or lower-level
camp. He/she cannot attend both.
If camps are run concurrently, the individual may only participate in either the varsity or lowerlevel scrimmage. He/she cannot participate in both.
7. Issuing equipment for camps held at individual school sites will mirror the restrictions of the
formal football sports season. No pads or other components of regular football uniforms except
shoes, jerseys, and helmets may be worn by the players until the third day of the team camp.
On the third day of the team camp, players may wear a full regular football uniform and pads
while engaging in blocking and tackling exercises that do not include physical contact between
players. On the fourth day, full player-player contact may begin.
8. High schools may develop a five-day camp, which would include two days in helmets, one day
of full-pads with no contact and two days of full-pads and full contact. Schools may then attend
a camp conducted by a college/university for a typical period (3-5 days). The five-day camp
and the college/university camp must both fit within the 14 calendar day time frame already
established.
9. Equipment must be returned and collected immediately.
10. Equipment for team camps cannot be issued after August 1.
3310.2 Schools may issue equipment for ONE camp at any point from Memorial Day to August 1.
Schools may not issue equipment to their team or any individual player for a second contact camp.
The following questions are designed to provide clarification on the Summer Contact Camp Rule. They are actual
questions that have been asked regarding the expanded rule.
Q – Can a school hold both a team contact camp at a college and then have one on our campus?
A – No. The by-law specifies one or the other.
Q – Can a player attend both a full contact camp with his team and go to the Mile High Football Camp (or some
camp like that for individual players)?
A – Yes. This change does not affect an individual player’s ability to go to multiple individual skills camps as long
as he is not issued school equipment for a 2nd camp.
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Q – When can a school have the team contact camp on its campus?
A – The by-law specifies dates for both a team camp at a college or sponsored by a corporation or the team camp
at a school as being from Memorial Day until August 1st. No contact team camps are allowed after August 1.
Individual players may attend individual contact camps after that date.
Q – Who can participate in a team camp held at a school and sponsored by that school?
A – Only those students who are registered as students with your school. Incoming ninth graders are also eligible if
they have completed the registration process with your school.
Q – What are the primary differences between the camp sponsored by a school and one run by a
college/university or commercial organizations?
A – Camps that are run by a college/university or commercial organizations must have multiple teams involved, are
held for the typical number of days (3-5); most other similar camps there is a scrimmage element to them. (The
camp sponsored by the school may be up to 10 days in length in a 14-day period, the players work up into full
pads like they do in the fall. They may scrimmage with up to 3 other teams on day 8, 9, or 10 of Camp.
Q – Can a school charge a fee for a team camp that takes place on our campus?
A – Yes.
Q – Can a varsity team go to a contact camp sponsored by a college or commercial organization and its sub-varsity
teams hold a team contact camp on my school’s campus?
A – Yes. However, each Athlete may only participate in one or the other, not both.
Q – School A is holding a team contact camp on its campus from June 1 to June 14 and School B is holding a similar
camp on those same dates. Can the two schools meet for a scrimmage at some point during the camps?
A – Yes. Up to 4 schools may scrimmage on day 8, 9 or 10 of an individual team camp.
Q – School A is planning on attending the 5-day team contact camp at a college/university. Can it also use the five
days preceding the camp to prepare its athletes using any kind of player equipment (helmets, pads, etc.)?
A – Yes, beginning no earlier than Memorial Day, schools should follow the equipment progression used in the fall.
Q – How long each day may the team practice if they hold their own team contact camp? What other limitations are
placed on the activities of a school-sponsored team contact camp?
A – See Practice recommendations as established by the Football Committee and Sports Medicine Committee.
Q - What is the definition of a football “team contact camp?”
A – A team camp is defined as a camp that provides any opportunity for an individual school to meet as a team for
instruction, film study, skill development, scrimmaging, or any other activity deemed to be team related.
Q – Some colleges have team contact camps and then invite specific individuals from schools that do not send their
teams to this camp. What happens if five individuals from School A are invite to a camp like this?
A – That camp would count as an individual camp for those players, but as a team camp for those teams that attend.
The question above provides the parameters of what the membership has determined a team for a team contact
camp.
Q – We have camps where no equipment is issued and occasionally those camps occur outside the summer team
contact camp calendar. What is the status of those camps?
A – Nothing changes with the camps that do not issue equipment. By-law 3310 addresses specific Equipment Dates,
how the equipment is issued and under what conditions it may be issued.
SCHOOLS ATTENDING A TEAM CONTACT CAMP – WHETHER ON ITS OWN CAMPUS OR ONE SPONSORED
BY A COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY OR COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION – MUST PROVIDE NOTIFICATION TO THE
CHSAA OF THEIR INTENTION. SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION ARE SUBJECT TO
PENALTIES AS ESTABLISHED BY THE CHSAA BY-LAWS. A form can be accessed at www.chsaa.org under
the football page.
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Scrimmage Date: August 25, 2016
The first date for a scrimmage is August 25, 2016 for those players who are eligible for interscholastic competition
and who have nine days of practice completed before this date. Each school can have two scrimmage dates. Check
CHSAA By-law 2320, for complete information regarding scrimmages. Teams playing on ZERO Week are permitted
just 1 scrimmage
First Allowable Interscholastic Contest: Thursday, August 25, 2016. (Zero Week)
Equipment Fitting
Coaches may fit equipment to players prior to the start of formal practice. This equipment must be secured
in a location unavailable to players until the above stated equipment use dates. Players should not have
access to this equipment until the specified equipment issue dates.
Transfer/Academic Eligibility
The eligibility for fall 2016 football players should be checked immediately following the end of the second
semester of the 2015 - 2016 school year. General eligibility requirements are found in CHSAA By-law 1700
and the Transfer Rule is found in CHSAA By-law 1800. A good rule of thumb to avoid problems with the
transfer rule is that if you don't recognize the player; make sure the athletic director has cleared him/her to
practice.
Summer School Make-Up
If you have students who have been declared academically ineligible due to failures during the second
semester, they may regain eligibility through summer school courses. The student must make up previous
failures and the school must accept this credit and place it on the school transcript. The deadline for the
completion of summer school make-up credit is September 1, 2016. (CHSAA By-law 1740.1)
Out-of-State Travel
All travel out of state to participate in a scrimmage or game requires CHSAA approval 60 days prior to the
contest.
National Federation Rule Changes – https://www.nfhs.org/activities-sports/football
Games Wanted - http://chsaanow.com/tools/games-wanted
Rules Meeting Required for All Head Coaches
Head coaches in all varsity sports are required to attend a CHSAA-approved rules clinic in their sport prior
to the start of the first game of the season. This is a mandatory meeting and there are a number of ways
coaches can meet this requirement, including attendance at the officials’ rules session at Colorado High
School Coaches Association Clinic in the summer. The list in this bulletin includes these clinics as part of
the National Association of Sports Officials National Summit. Go to chsaa.org and look for other meetings
that will meet this requirement.
Coaches will be required to sign in and should be prepared to have a form to be signed for file with
their athletic director.
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Master Clinics 2016: Location, dates, time:
LOCATION
ATTENDEES
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
DATE/TIME
1- Mesa University
Grand Junction
GJ, Steamboat Spgs, Glenwood Spgs.
Sat. 7/16 – 9AM
2- Mercy Hospital
Durango
Durango, Cortez, Monte Vista
Sun. 7/17 – 1PM
3- Canon City HS
Canon City
Wed. 7/20 – 5PM
4- Englewood HS
Denver, Longmont
Sat. 7/30 – 9AM
5- Pueblo Community
College or CSU-P
Pueblo, LaJunta, Lamar, Trinidad
Sun. 7/24 – 9AM
6- Ft. Morgan HS
Wray, Greeley, Fort Collins
Sat. 8/6 – 10AM
7- Palmer Ridge HS
Monument
Colorado Springs
Tue. 8/9-5PM
The by-law appears below;
1650.
COACHES REQUIRED TO ATTEND RULES MEETINGS
1650.1
All head varsity coaches shall attend annually a CHSAA approved rules clinic in their
sport prior to the start of the first interscholastic contest.
Penalty: Coach placed on probation for first offense; restriction for subsequent offenses.
Q1:
Are head coaches required to attend CHSAA approved rules clinics?
A1:
Yes. A varsity head coach will be placed on probation for his/her first offense
unless he/she has attended at least one rules interpretation clinic recognized by
the CHSAA in his/her sport prior to the start of current season.
Q2:
When did rule 1650.1 become mandatory?
A2:
In the 2003-2004 school year.
Q3:
Would a rules interpretation clinic, presented to the team and coaching staff
during a preseason scrimmage, suffice as an approved clinic?
A3:
Notification of the clinic, with the names of the clinic presenters, would have to be
approved by the CHSAA prior to the scrimmage date.
Q4:
What happens when a coach violates rule 1650.1?
A4:
On the first violation, the coach will be put on probation. If a second violation
occurs, the coach will be put on restriction.
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ATTENTION ZERO WEEK TEAMS:
Teams playing zero week contests do NOT get to start formal practice prior to Monday, August 15th.
Please see by-law below.
3300.21
This game will replace one of the two scrimmages allowed in 2320.11. Schools
playing a zero week football game will be allowed one scrimmage date.
The football season shall be from 9 days prior to the competitive season (exclusive of Sundays). The
competitive season shall be from the second Thursday prior to Labor Day until the final state championship.
Zero week games –August 25-27, 2016 (Schools no longer need permission to play zero week).
Week 1-September 1-3, 2016
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2016-18 6-Man Football Conferences (34 schools)
(Enrollment: 1-75)
East Central
Arickaree/Woodlin
Flagler
Hi-Plains
Idalia
Otis
Stratton/Liberty
Central
Colorado D & B
*Cripple Creek/Victor
Edison
Elbert
Genoa-Hugo
Hanover
Southwest
Aguilar
Antonito
Cotopaxi
La Veta
Manzanola
Mountain Valley
Primero
Sierra Grande
North
Briggsdale
Fleming
Longmont Christian
North Park
Pawnee
Peetz
Prairie
Weldon Valley
Southeast
Branson/Kim
Cheraw
Cheyenne Wells
Eads
Kit Carson
Walsh
*Play Down
A6 QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
6-man football will consist of an 8 week regular season. At the end of the 8 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. The
#2 team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
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on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
Information Items
 JV opponents will not accumulate RPI points.
 A team that wins due to forfeit will count the game as a win for their season record. A team that
forfeits a game will count the game as a loss for their season record.
 If a school fails to field a team before the start of the season (does not play a game) each scheduled
game they were supposed to play shall be counted as a no contest.
 If a team plays at least one game and discontinues its schedule, each of its remaining games scheduled
prior to the season shall count as a forfeit and will be computed into the power points.
2016 A-6 BRACKET
October 29
November 5
November 12
November 19
#1
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round.
12
2016-18 8-Man Football Conferences (37 schools)
(Enrollment: 76-135)
Plains
Akron
Caliche
Dayspring Christian
Haxtun
Merino
Sedgwick County
Southeast
Granada
Holly
Las Animas
McClave
Springfield
Wiley
Northwest
Hayden
Gilpin County
Plateau Valley
Rangely
Soroco
West Grand
Central
Belleview Christian
Justice
Miami-Yoder
Pikes Peak Christian
R. M. Lutheran
South Park
Southern
Custer County
Fowler
Hoehne
Kiowa
Simla
Swink
Southwest
*Del Norte
Dove Creek
Mancos
Norwood
Sanford
Sangre de Cristo
Sargent
*playing down
A-8 QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
8-man football will consist of a 9 week regular season. At the end of the 9 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. The
#2 team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
13
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
2016 A-8 BRACKET
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
#1
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round
14
North Central
Burlington
Holyoke
Limon
Wiggins
Wray
Yuma
2016-18 1A Football Conferences (42 schools)
(Enrollment: 136-321)
Northern
Foothills
Byers
Bennett
^Cornerstone Chr.
Clear Creek
Estes Park
Front Range Chr.
Highland
Manual
Lyons
Platte Canyon
Strasburg
Vail Christian
Southern Peaks
Centauri
Center
Dolores
Ignacio
John Mall
Monte Vista
Western Slope
Cedaredge
Grand Valley
Hotchkiss
Meeker
Olathe
Paonia
Tri-Peaks
Buena Vista
CSCS
Lake County
Peyton
Rye
St. Mary’s
Santa Fe
Calhan
Crowley County
Dolores Huerta
Ellicott
Rocky Ford
Trinidad
Independent
% Nederland
^ playing up
% Not eligible for
post-season
1A QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
1A football will consist of a 9 week regular season. At the end of the 9 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. The
#2 team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
15
Informational Items
 Following the first round of the playoffs, if both teams have played the same number of home games
during the playoffs, the team with the higher seed will host.
 The 1A championship home site must accommodate a seating capacity equal to twice the maximum
enrollment of the respective classification. Example: 1A has an enrollment maximum of 321 x 2 = 642
minimum seating capacity. Bleachers may be brought in to the site to accommodate the seating
requirement.
2016 1A BRACKET
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
#1
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round
16
2016-18 2A Football Conferences (42 schools)
(Enrollment: 322-709)
Colorado
Bishop Machbeuf
Elizabeth
Englewood
Kent Denver
Ridgeview
Sheridan
Flatirons
*Arvada
Denver West
D’Evelyn
Faith Christian
Jefferson
Middle Park
Patriot West
Academy, The
Eaton
Pinnacle
Prospect Ridge
^Res. Christian
University
Tri-Peaks
Classical Academy
Florence
Lamar
La Junta
Manitou Springs
Salida
Western Slope
Aspen
Basalt
Coal Ridge
Moffat County
Roaring Fork
Steamboat
Intermountain
Alamosa
Bayfield
Cortez
Delta
Gunnison
Pagosa Springs
Patriot East
Brush
Ft. Lupton
Platte Valley
Sterling
Valley
Weld Central
^ Playing up
*Playing down
2A QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
2A football will consist of a 9 week regular season. At the end of the 9 weeks, the following procedure
will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
17
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. Th#2
team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
Playoff Hosting Policy and Procedure
 The higher seeded team shall be the host in the first round. In subsequent rounds, the team with the
fewest number of home games shall be the host. If equal, the following criteria will determine the
host:
-If opponents are from the same conference, the school with the higher conference
standing in the regular season shall be the host.
-If opponents are not from the same conference, the higher seed shall host.
 On each schedule, the first scheduled (chronologically) non-classification opponent shall count toward
RPI for the next higher classification. A first scheduled 1A opponent would count as 2A points for a
2A team.
 2A championship home sites must accommodate a seating capacity equal to twice the maximum
enrollment of the respective classification. Example: 2A has an enrollment maximum of 709 X 2 =
1418, minimum seating capacity.
18
2016 2A BRACKET
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
#1
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round.
19
2016-18 3A Football Conferences (42 schools)
(Enrollment: 710-1239)
Northern
Centaurus
Fort Morgan
Longmont
Northridge
Silver Creek
Thompson Valley
Tri-Valley
Berthoud
Erie
Frederick
^Holy Family
Mead
Roosevelt
West Metro
Alameda
Conifer
Evergreen
Green Mountain
^Lutheran
Skyview
South Central
Durango
Harrison
Pueblo Central
Pueblo County
Pueblo East
Sierra
Southern
Canon City
Discovery Canyon
Falcon
Lewis-Palmer
Mitchell
Woodland Park
Western Slope
Battle Mountain
Eagle Valley
Glenwood Springs
Palisade
Rifle
Summit
East Metro
Denver North
John F. Kennedy
*Lincoln
Palmer Ridge
Thomas Jefferson
Vista Peak
^ Playing up
* Playing down
3A QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
3A football will consist of a 10 week regular season. At the end of the 10 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. Th#2
team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
20
Playoff Hosting Policy and Procedure
 The State Championship game will be played at the highest seed, regardless of the number of
previous games hosted in the playoffs.
 On each schedule, the first scheduled (chronologically) non-classification opponent shall count toward
RPI for the next higher classification. A first scheduled 2A opponent would count as 3A points for a
3A team.
 The 3A championship site must accommodate a seating capacity equal to or greater than 5,000.
Playoff schools that cannot accommodate the minimum seating capacity of their classification must
designate a site prior to their first playoff contest
2016 3A BRACKET
November 12
November 19
November 26
December 3
#1
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
TBA (Home Site)
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round.
21
2016-18 4A Football Conferences (42 schools)
(Enrollment: 1240-1809)
Northern
Fort Collins
Greeley Central
Monarch
Mountain View
Skyline
Windsor
Longs Peak
Brighton
Broomfield
Grand Junction
Greeley West
Loveland
Niwot
Plains
Adams City
Chatfield
Dakota Ridge
Gateway
Golden
Heritage
Southern
Air Academy
Mesa Ridge
Pine Creek
Pueblo Centennial
Pueblo West
Widefield
Pikes Peak
Coronado
Littleton
Montrose
Palmer
Rampart
Vista Ridge
Foothills
Cheyenne Mountain
Central G. J.
Liberty
^Ponderosa
Pueblo South
Sand Creek
Mountain
Denver South
Fruita Monument
George Washington
Standley Lake
Thornton
Wheat Ridge
^ Play-up
4A QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
4A football will consist of a 10 week regular season. At the end of the 10 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
22
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. Th#2
team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
Playoff Hosting Policy and Procedure
 On each schedule, the first scheduled (chronologically) non-classification opponent shall count toward
RPI for the next higher classification. A first scheduled 3A opponent would count as 4A points for a
4A team.
 4A semifinal sites must accommodate a seating capacity equal to or greater than 3,500. Playoff
schools that cannot accommodate the minimum seating capacity of their classification must designate
a regional site prior to their first playoff contest.
2016 4A BRACKET
November 12
November 19
#1
November 26
December 3
Sports Authority
@ Mile High
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round.
23
2016-18 5A Football Conferences (42 schools)
(Enrollment: 1810-up)
Mt. Elbert
Cherry Creek
Fossil Ridge
Horizon
Denver East
Prairie View
Far Northeast
2
13
16
27
30
41
Mt. Massive
Grandview
Overland
Arapahoe
Doherty
Boulder
Smoky Hill
Mt. Lincoln
3 ^ Valor Christian
12 F. Ft. Carson
17 Lakewood
26 Poudre
31 Legend
40 ^Highlands Ranch
Mt. Evans
5 ^Pomona
10 Cherokee Trail
19 Chaparral
24 Mtn. Vista
33 Rock Canyon
38 Hinkley
6
9
20
23
34
37
Mt. Antero
Regis Jesuit
Legacy
^Bear Creek
Westminster
Aurora Central
Douglas County
7
8
21
22
35
36
1
14
15
28
29
42
Mt. Cameron
^Columbine
Fairview
^Mullen
ThunderRidge
Mountain Range
Northglenn
4
11
18
25
32
39
Mt. Wilson
Ralston Valley
Rocky Mtn.
Eaglecrest
Rangeview
Castle View
^Arvada West
^Play-up
5A QUALIFYING FORMAT
The seeding committee will be made up of 1 member from each conference. No coaches are permitted
to serve on the committee. The committee will meet at the CHSAA office on the Sunday following the
final week of the regular season.
5A football will consist of a 10 week regular season. At the end of the 10 weeks, the following
procedure will be followed:
The top 16 teams in the classification based on the final RPI rankings will be placed into the post-season
bracket. If a conference champion is not ranked in the top 16 based on RPI ranking, they will replace the
lowest ranked team that is not a conference champion in the top 16.
Seeding Criteria (once qualifiers are determined)
 The following criteria will be taken into consideration when seeding bracket, in no particular order:
geography, RPI, common opponents, and head to head competition.
 A conference champion in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be a top 8 seed and will host a first
round game.
 A conference champion not ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings will be placed in the
bracket but will not be guaranteed a top 8 seed and will not be guaranteed to host a first round
game.
 Conference opponents will not be paired against one another in the first round.
Seeding Procedure
 Conference champions that are ranked in the top 16 of the final RPI rankings are placed on the
board for consideration.
 The seeding committee will determine the #1 overall seed and place that team on the bracket. Th#2
team from the same conference as the #1 overall seed will then be placed on the board for
consideration. The seeding committee will then determine the #2 overall seed and place that team
on the bracket. The #2 team from the same conference as the #2 overall seed will then be placed on
the board for consideration. This process will be followed until all 16 teams are seeded.
Playoff Hosting Policy and Procedure
 On each schedule, the first scheduled (chronologically) non-classification opponent shall count toward
RPI for the next higher classification. A first scheduled 4A opponent would count as 5A points for a
5A team.
24


Sub-varsity contests must be at the opposite site of the varsity contest.
5A semifinal sites must accommodate a seating capacity equal to or greater than 5,000. Playoff
schools that cannot accommodate the minimum seating capacity of their classification must
designate a regional site prior to their first playoff contest.
2016 5A BRACKET
November 12
November 19
#1
November 26
December 3
Sports Authority
@ Mile High
#16
#8
#9
#4
#13
#5
#12
#3
#14
#6
#11
#7
#10
#2
#15
Higher seed is home team in the first round.
5A FOOTBALL BYLAWS
CHAMPIONSHIP DETERMINATION
A full conference schedule of games will be played with the best percentage record determining the
conference finish.
TROPHY
Trophy – one awarded to the champion.
STATE REPRESENTATION
State Representation – as per CHSAA guidelines.
TIE BREAKING METHOD
Head-to head (record against each of the teams involved).
In case of a 3-way or more tie, take the top two RPI teams and use head to head to determine the
conference champion.
Upon determination of the top team, go back to the beginning to determine conference finish for All
Conference Nominations.
25
RULES
Games are to be played according to the National Federation Football rules and in accordance with the
Colorado High School Activities Association rules and regulations.
If any player other than 9th grader is going to play in the game, the coach of the opposing team must
approve prior to the athlete being allowed to participate in the freshman game.
OPENING DATES
The opening dates for football practice shall be in accordance with the date set by the Colorado High
School Activities Association rules and regulations.
SCHEDULE
Varsity games played on Thursday or Friday Night will coincide with JV and C at the opposite site on
Saturday morning, freshman at 9:00am and JV at 11:00am. If Varsity is played on Saturday, freshman
will play the preceding Friday afternoon at 4:00pm and JV on the following Monday afternoon at
4:00pm. Time for Varsity, Thursday and Friday is 7:00pm, and Saturday is 1:00pm. Other arrangements
must be mutually agreed upon by the two schools involved.
WARM-UP TIME
Teams will have a minimum of 30 minutes to warm up before the opening kick-off.
SCOUTING
Scouting of opponent’s practice during the football season is unethical. The scouting of varsity games
may not be done in the stadium press box.
SCOUTING BY VIDEOTAPE
Videotaping by scouts must be done from a designated area in the stands.
No electrical power will be provided by the home team
No videotaping from the press box.
FILM/HUDDLE EXCHANGE
All of the current season’s video will be made available on HUDL by 12:00 noon on Saturday. If a team
has a Saturday game, then the video will be made available by 12:00 noon on Sunday.
Any team that does not have all of their games available, will not be allowed to participate in the video
pool.
OFFICIALS
Varsity games will use five officials per game; the junior varsity and freshman will use four.
OFFICIAL’S PAY
All contest officials are to be paid by the home school at the prevailing rate. The team that cancels a
game will be responsible for the payment of the officials.
USE OF BANDS
Bands are to be off the field five minutes before the kick-off and twelve minutes after the end of the
first half. Bands must stay clear of the field immediately before half time until both teams have left the
field. Arrangements for a visiting marching band are to be made by invitation only. Pep band members
will be admitted at no charge with their sponsor and if they have their instruments.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
As per guidelines set by CHSAA.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
A postponed varsity football game must be made up as soon as possible by mutual agreement of the
schools involved. Make up for JV games must be by mutual agreement.
ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTION
Each team’s coaching staff will nominate their own All-Conference designees. The number nominated
will depend on their finish in the Conference, according to the following distribution:
26
1st place
15 nominations
2nd place
13 nominations
3rd place
11 nominations
4th place
9 nominations
5th place
7 nominations
6th place
5 nominations
These will be submitted after the 9th week of the season, a ballot will be distributed listing each player
by school, position, grade, and number. A maximum of 4 players per category, per school may be
nominated in the following categories:
All-Conference Offense Selections - 14
i. Offensive Line/TE (6)
ii. Quarterback (1)
iii. Running Back/Fullback (3)
iv. Wide Receiver (2)
v. All Purpose (1)
vi. Place Kicker (1)
All-Conference Defense Selections – 14
vii. Defensive Tackle (2)
viii. Defensive End (2)
ix. Linebacker (4)
x. Defensive Back (4)
xi. Punter (1)
xii. Return Specialist (1)
Vote at Meeting: Off Player of the Year, Def Player of the Year, Coach of the Year
Czars submit 1st Team All-League to Ryan Casey, [email protected]
Note: Coaches who nominate a player All-conference on offense and defense would count as two
selections.
HALFTIME
The rules of the game concerning half time activities will apply unless officials are contacted prior to the
start of the game.
UNIFORMS
The home team will wear dark jerseys, and the visiting team will wear light jerseys.
GATE LIST
Visiting Team will provide a gate list (up to 20) to the Home Team. Home Teams will do the same when
they do not operate the stadium.
TICKET PRICES
$4.00 STUDENTS AND SENIORS
$6.00 ADULTS
FIELD PHONE COMMUNICATION
Both teams have the option to provide and utilize their own school’s field phone communication system
either as the primary, secondary or as a supplementary means of communication to and from the field
in addition to the field phones provided by the host facility. In this situation, the equity of field
communication (number of phones) shall not be monitored or enforced.
ATHLETE/COACH OF THE YEAR
Each conference will select an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year and a Coach of the Year at the
conclusion of the regular season. The Players of the year must be a member of the All-Conference team.
Both will be selected by a vote of the coaches at the All Conference Meeting.
Note: Awards will not be provided by any central entity. Awards and certificates will need to be taken
care of by the recipient’s school or league.
27
I.
POLICIES (ALL CLASSES):
1. Forfeits:
A. A team that wins because it is awarded a forfeit will count the game as a win for its season
record. A team that loses because of a forfeit will count the game as a loss for its season
record.
B. If a school fails to field a team and does not play one game, each of its scheduled games
shall be counted as no contest.
C. If a school plays at least one game and discontinues its schedule, each of its games
scheduled prior to the season shall count as a forfeit and will be computed in the RPI
standings. If a non-conference game is canceled because a team discontinues its
schedule, a school may reschedule another game during that week to replace the forfeit,
or accept the forfeit.
D. All games scheduled after the start of the season must be approved by the Commissioner
in order to count in the RPI standings.
2. RPI Tie-breaker:
A. In the event that two teams have the same RPI in the final standings, the following
tiebreaker shall be used (in the order listed):
1) Head-to-head competition
2) Winning percentage
3) Opponents’ winning percentage
4) Opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage
5) Highest-rated win against a team in the final RPI standings
6) Next-highest rated win until the tie is broken
7) Coin flip
3. Teams playing an opponent twice will receive separate RPI points.
4. Zero Week games shall count as a regular season game and be counted in the RPI standings in
all classes.
5. JV opponents will not accumulate RPI points.
6. Enrollment for out-of-state schools will be equated to Colorado classifications.
7. The number of points a team scores in a game will have no bearing on the RPI point system.
8. NO GAMES - conference or non-conference - WILL END IN A TIE. If the game is to be extended,
the National Federation tiebreaker method (10-yard line) shall be used.
I. PLAYOFF TIMES, SITES AND OTHER INFORMATION:
1. It is the desire of the Association that schools mutually establish game times and dates which
best accommodate the interests of each school and community.
NOTE: All mutually established game times and dates are subject to final approval by the CHSAA
office. When mutual agreement for the game time and date cannot be reached the following
statements will apply:
1.
2.
3.
Saturday, 1:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 p.m. are preferred.
Semifinal games will be played on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. Exception: Semifinal games may
be played on Friday, 7:00 p.m. if it is mutually agreed upon by both teams, if there is a
facility conflict, or there is a television opportunity.
Thursday playoff games will be allowed through the quarterfinals if mutually agreed
upon by both teams. If not agreed upon the preferred game times will be Friday at 7:00
p.m. or Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
28
4.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When mutual agreement cannot be reached and travel distance is 150 miles or greater,
then the game will be played on Saturday. Friday night will be considered a reasonable
option if the distance is less than 150 miles.
5.
Both home and visitor will be provided the opportunity to supply input in the scheduling
process but more weight shall be given to the home team preference.
6.
Six or seven days rest following the previous game shall be considered adequate and
will not be a consideration when establishing the date.
7.
The Commissioner shall have the sole province to designate game times, dates and
sites, including weeks when a school district is hosting more than one game.
Stadium Arrangements – The Commissioner (or his designee) has the authority to select the site
based on the adequacy of the seating, field conditions, etc. Minimum seating capacities have
been established and can be found in the respective playoff format sections.
Playoff games shall not be postponed without the permission of the Commissioner (or his
designee).
The Commissioner (or his designee) shall have the authority to select an alternate site in the
event of poor playing conditions.
Determining sites for State Football Playoff Games (ALL CLASSIFICATIONS) - In the opening
round of the state playoffs, the teams with the higher designation (No. 1 higher than No. 2) will
host.
The home team at each subsequent playoff game shall be that team which has had the fewer
home games during the state playoffs. If both teams have had an equal number of home games,
then:
In Class A6 & A8, a coin flip will be conducted by the Commissioner to determine home site.
In Class 1A/2A/3A/4A & 5A, the team with the higher designation will host that game.
EXCEPTIONS: in 2A, if home playoff games are equal and the match-up involves two league
opponents, the team with the higher regular season standing will host regardless
of seed.
In 3A, the championship game will be played at the higher seed regardless of the
number of home games hosted in the playoffs.
For bracketing purposes, the team designated on the bracket or by a coin flip shall remain as
the designated home team regardless of where the game is played.
Situation 1: Team A is designated the home team by a coin flip, but will not guarantee Team B's
expenses. Team B guarantees A's expenses and hosts the game.
Ruling 1: For future site consideration, Team A has played a home game, while team B has been
away.
Situation 2: Team A wins the coin flip, but chooses to travel to Team B.
Ruling 2: Team A has been home; Team B has been away.
Situation 3: Team A, designated as the home team, cannot meet the seating requirements and
plays the game at Team B's field.
Ruling 3: Team A has been at home; Team B has been away.
Situation 4: Teams A and B agree to play at a neutral site.
Ruling 4: Home and visiting team must still be designated based on the criteria above.
6. State playoff officials for all classifications will be assigned by the CHSAA office.
29
7. For all playoff contests, there will be an exchange of the most recent two complete digitals. If
one school films/videos and the other school does not, the upcoming opponent may secure a
film from a previous opponent so that an exchange of digitals can be completed. The exchange
must be consummated by 12:00 noon on Monday preceding the next contest. If distance is a
factor, schools must use overnight mail to insure meeting the deadline. (A6-4A)
8. A field to be used for any playoff game must have a field clock, or an extra official shall be hired
in order that official time may be kept on the field by officials.
9. Five-man official crews will be used in all state playoff contests for football.
10. Regulation field for A8-Man is 40 x 100 yards with 15-yard side zones.
11. Mercy Rule:
In classes A8, 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A and at all levels (all conference and non-conference
games), when a 40-point differential exists at any time during the game a running clock
shall be used for the remainder of the game regardless of whether the score drops back
below the mercy rule differential. (In A6, the margin is 45 points). See the following
procedures below:
The clock will not be stopped when:
1. The ball goes out-of-bounds.
2. A forward pass is incomplete.
3. A score or touchback occurs.
4. A fair catch is made or awarded.
The clock will be stopped when:
1.
The period ends.
2.
Charged or injury time out.
The mercy rule will not be used in any live televised championship games.
12. Equal Facilities (Field Phone)
If telephone facilities for both teams are provided as a standard practice (during the regular
season) at a playoff site, then the same number of telephone facilities must be provided
for both teams. This number must stay consistent throughout the contest. If one set of
phones becomes inoperable during the contest, then neither team may use the phones
initially provided. Teams are permitted to bring their own set of phones to a contest.
These phones will be considered "extra" and are not under the procedure as outlined
above.
The responsibility for notifying both teams of phone problems should belong to the
referee.
If a school does not provide phone facilities to both teams as a standard practice (during
the regular season), then it is up to each team, home or away, to provide its own phones.
The home team will not be required to provide phones to the visiting team if it is not done
during the regular season.
13. Warm-up Time
A minimum of 45 minutes should be allowed for each team for pre-game warm-up.
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III.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. State Association Adoptions:
The NFHS rulebook (Table 1-7, pg 23) delegate's authority to the state associations for certain
rules. The following shall apply in Colorado:
1-1-4 Note Determining the number of game officials – A6 = 4, A8 = 4 (5 preferred); 1A-5A = 5.
1-3-2 Note Mandating specific ball for all playoff competition – Any NFHS approved Wilson
ball must be used for all playoff contests.
1-3-7 Use of supplementary equipment – Authorized.
1-5-1c4 Note Commemorative Patches – Must be requested of CHSAA on a case-by-case basis.
1-5-2d Use of artificial limbs – Authorized.
1-5-3b Note 1 Use of drum for deaf teams – Authorized.
1-5-3b Note 2 Use of device to enhance a required hearing aid – Authorized.
3-1-1 Procedure to resolve ties- NFHS overtime procedure.
3-1-2 Mercy Rule – Running clock procedures are on p. 8 of the football handbook.
3-1-4 Continuation of interrupted games – Subject to league policy.
3-1-5 Note 2 Length of halftime intermission – Subject to league policy.
3-2-1 Determining when coin toss is held – On the field, 3-5 minutes prior to the scheduled
start time.
3-5-7L TV/radio timeouts are authorized when a game is broadcast.
8-3-1 Exc & OT 5-1-1– If a touchdown is scored during the last down of the fourth period or in
overtime. The try is not attempted unless the point(s) would affect the outcome of the game.
Rule 1 Size of A6 and A8 fields – 100 yards for 8-man; 80 yards for 6-man.
2. The football committee strongly recommends that coaches share film with officials following
each contest in an educational effort to improve the game.
3. The CHSAA Football Advisory Committee reminds schools that in the case of extreme travel,
teams can elect to establish a site more conducive to that travel for a playoff game. This does
not, however, alleviate the home school of its responsibility as host.
4. The Wilson football has been the designated ball for the CHSAA playoffs and must be used in all
playoff games.
5. It is strongly encouraged that leagues do not use a point differential as a tie-breaker in league
standings. Having point differentials as part of the criteria has created hard feelings and
unsporting acts, due to late scoring attempts in order to reach the maximum point differentials.
6. P. A. announcers shall remain neutral.
7. Schools should assign official’s escorts to and from the locker rooms at halftime and at the
conclusion of the game. Officials should never be escorted through spectators.
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VIII. COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Michael Krueger, Chair, Aurora Public Schools; Kenny Book, Genoa-Hugo; Mike Miller, Cheyenne
Wells; Richard Hargrove, Springfield; Jenny Smock, Caliche; John Cure, Wray; Mike Schmidt, Platte
Canyon; Zac Lemon, Eaton; Scott Yates, Kent Denver; Scott Manchester, Canon City; Gregg Hawkins,
Palisade; Nick DeSimone, Wheat Ridge; Rob Berry, St. Vrain S.D.; Eric Gustafson, Horizon; Chris Noll,
Doherty.
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FOOTBALL FIELD DIAGRAMS
*Eight and Six Player Diagram
*Colorado Association adopted 8-man football to play on 100 yard field.
Eleven Player Diagram
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