These and the remaining rules in the LHSAA handbook may seem to be expansive and overwhelming, but we take steps to ensure that our association’s members are well-versed in all rules and regulations by training them through our Handbook Certification courses.
A few years ago, the principals of LHSAA’s member institutions passed a rule stating that members are required to have an on-site administrator attend and complete an in-service course on the rules listed in our handbook. Schools failing to comply with certification rules face a $500 fine and potential ineligibility for championship honors in all sports.
Attendees can and have included a school’s principal, athletic director or coaches, and a majority of our member schools have had more than one person certified in the course. The certification lasts for three years, at which time it must be renewed, and will follow an individual if they change schools.
The three-hour Handbook Certification course is offered between four and six times each year), free of charge for anyone who attends. A large portion of the course is dedicated to covering student-athlete and member eligibility issues, and the course includes a review of every section of the LHSAA Constitution and By-Laws. There is plenty of time available for any questions attendees may have, most of which involve transfer regulations and scholastics.
Certification course attendees generally provide us with positive reviews, indicating that they learn new information and enhance their understanding of LHSAA rules and regulations. Fostering a good working knowledge of the LHSAA handbook is the best way to make sure our member institutions are doing everything they can to support their athletic programs and to ensure that the association itself promotes fair and equitable competition to its best abilities.
Kenny Henderson is executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
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