Each summer, high school sports across Kentucky pause for a mandatory break known as the KHSAA Dead Period. Set by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, this two-week break runs from June 25 at 12:01 a.m. through July 9 at 11:59 p.m.
The Dead Period applies to all middle and high school sports and activities, regardless of the season or sport.
What’s not allowed during the Dead Period:
- No contact between coaches and student-athletes, including in person, by phone, text, email, or social media.
- No practices, workouts, or team meetings of any kind — formal or informal.
- No use of school facilities, equipment, or uniforms for athletic purposes.
- No fundraisers, team camps, open gyms, or conditioning sessions.
- No team travel or group athletic activities.
The purpose of the Dead Period is to ensure that student-athletes get a true break from the demands of school sports. It allows time for rest, recovery, family, and personal activities outside of athletics.
While the fields and gyms may go quiet for a while, it’s all part of the bigger picture: helping student-athletes return refreshed, recharged, and ready for the season ahead.