Is it a violation of any KHSAA rule to use an air horn at a high school football game

[theguru]

In another thread Hardin County Preps posted the following:

 

I am a passionate fan for the game of football and am trying to bring some spirit and passion to the Central Hardin fan base but recently had a negative experience. I attended the Meade/ Central Game and used an airhorn to try and get this fan base motivated. While I beleive this is a harmless way to incite the fan base, I was told by school personnel that it was a violation of KHSAA rules to use it. I have used this airhorn for years at John Hardin games without any incident. I have been unable to find any guidance on this matter on the KHSAA website and was wondering if somebody had some guidance on this matter

[Wireman]

I don't think it's a violation.

[Clyde]

It's certainly not a national rule but I have read where some states have banned air horns.

[hoss403]

They are used all the time at John Hardin games. I love them.

[theguru]

It's certainly not a national rule but I have read where some states have banned air horns.

 

Anything specific on Kentucky?

[75center]

If not a violation it should be. In the hands of some anyway.

[Imhisdad]

If not a violation it should be. In the hands of some anyway.

 

Agree. Nothing more annoying or invasive. Hate em whether they're for my team or against.

[Clyde]

Anything specific on Kentucky?

 

Checking.

[Pick-six]

I thought there was a rule against any "artificial noise makers" like air horns, cow bells, etc...

[Clyde]

I thought there was a rule against any "artificial noise makers" like air horns, cow bells, etc...

 

Basketball rule. Not football.

[Voice of Reason]

From the 2014-15 KHSAA Handbook, Competition Rules for Football:

 

J) Band or other school Provided Music During Live Ball

1) The band is not to play or cheers be given when the ball is alive

by rule.

2) Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create

any noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals. Drums,

cymbals, bells and mechanical noisemakers shall not be used to

assist cheering.

[Clyde]

From the 2014-15 KHSAA Handbook, Competition Rules for Football:

 

J) Band or other school Provided Music During Live Ball

1) The band is not to play or cheers be given when the ball is alive

by rule.

2) Persons subject to the rules, including bands, shall not create

any noise that prohibits a team from hearing its signals. Drums,

cymbals, bells and mechanical noisemakers shall not be used to

assist cheering.

 

I can't tell if that applies to fans.

[theguru]

I can't tell if that applies to fans.

 

Great point, if it does apply to fans, the term "fans" should have been in the rule. Furthermore, if the KHSAA is regulating fans it should be specific what fans can't do in addition to an air horn. Additionally, air horn should be specifically listed.

[Voice of Reason]

I can't tell if that applies to fans.

 

I agree. It is not specific. However, as with most laws/rules, the intent of the rule is clear and I would say it is a violation to use "mechanical noisemakers".

[theguru]

I agree. It is not specific. However, as with most laws/rules, the intent of the rule is clear and I would say it is a violation to use "mechanical noisemakers".

 

I disagree, an air horn is very specific and a rule shouldn't be so vague in a case like this. The rule could give the obvious examples of an air horn and a cow bell as part of an included but not limited to clause.