VHSL UPDATE: League Working On Fall Guidelines

The following statement was released Tuesday afternoon by the Virginia High School League office in Charlottesville. While it states that officials are actively working on solutions and multiple solutions with regards to reopening league athletic and academic activities for the fall semester, no decisions have been made, and we shouldn't expect to see any in the very near future.

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To ensure all compliance with possible state directives from the Governor, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the CDC with the reopening of schools for the fall of 2020, the Virginia High School League is developing plans for the reopening of fall athletics and activities by putting the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, student-activity participants, coaches, administrators, officials and supporters first. In all instances, reopening will only happen in accordance with the Governor’s directives on when to return to school, when schools can return to practice, and when schools can return to competition.

VHSL staff continues to meet regularly with region superintendents, principals, athletic directors, and the VHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC). VHSL staff will begin meeting with Coach Advisory Committees of fall sports to discuss developing reopening plans. VHSL is drawing input to provide answers to the questions: How and when do VHSL sports and activities return?  The goal is to develop plans for multiple scenarios related to start dates, safety measures for resuming practices, regular season schedules, and state playoffs for fall sports. 

“What we have been doing and will continue to do, is to strongly advocate for our student-athletes for a reopening of fall sports and activities.  We know much has been taken away from our students by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to advocate for them and the return of high school athletics and activities,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun.  “It is important to say, and many already have, as we develop plans there are more questions than answers. Because of that, we cannot put a timeline on when decisions will be completed and announced to the public until many of those questions become answerable. 

“We continue to fully support our Governor’s directives, work with advisory groups, government agencies, other states, and medical experts to come up with a safe and sound plan to implement sports and activities for the fall.”

In addition, VHSL Executive Director, Dr. Haun serves on the VDOE Return to School Recovery Task Force and VHSL Associate Executive Director, Tom Dolan, and Director of Communications, Mike McCall, along with Dr. Haun, have provided ongoing recommendations to the Return To School Committee for VDOE.

As a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the VHSL works closely with other states in developing guidelines for the reopening of sports, as well as monitoring NCAA reopening guidelines. The VHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will use the National Federation of State High School Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities to create guidelines for Virginia’s schools.

VHSL UPDATE: No Changes Yet To Out Of Season Guidelines

The following statement was released Friday afternoon by the Virginia High School League:

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The VHSL has received numerous inquiries from school divisions regarding out of season practice guidelines for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

The VHSL will continue to follow all protocols and guidelines issued from the Governor, CDC, and the Virginia Department of Health.  At the present time this means out of season practice and all activities this summer are cancelled until further notice.  The current relaxing of the Governor’s stay at home order applies only to businesses.  Schools remain closed and in-school facility use is off limits.

Once the Governor declares schools can re-open and guidelines are provided for the reopening, the VHSL will work with the Executive Committee to draw up protocols and guidelines for resuming athletic activities.  We ask every member school to support the Governor’s directives and the DOE during this time.

Every decision will be made in compliance with those orders and will continue to be made with the best interest of our student-athletes and the public. Safety will always be our number one priority.

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VHSL Update On Academic Activities And Events

The following was released by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) on Thursday.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After meeting with the VHSL Management Crisis Committee, the VHSL has provided an update on the status for each academic activity due to COVID-19 to better assist our principals, athletic directors, academic activity participants, and parents.

Forensics – Competition had been completed through the Super Region level.  The State event has been cancelled.

Debate – Competition had been completed through the Region or Super Region level.  The State event has been cancelled.

Film Festival – The State event has been cancelled.  Since the deadline for submission had not been reached, we will be seeking a waiver from the Executive Committee to allow films created by underclassmen in the current school year, to be entered next year if the school chooses.

Robotics – Deadline for submission of portfolio materials has not been reached, however given the timeline for completion and that major platforms for competition have cancelled for the year, entries and the State event have been cancelled.

Creative Writing – Deadline for submission was before the state closure, and all materials are in the hands of judges working remotely.  Awards in this program take place by mail.  Creative Writing awards and critiques will be sent as scheduled.

Publications Evaluation and Multimedia – Deadline for submission of materials is June 15, judging occurs over the summer, and awards and critiques are given at the Media Championships in September.  The deadline for entries will remain June 15, and the Media Championships will continue to be scheduled (tentatively) for September 26, 2020.  ENTRIES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY beginning this year.  Additional information and submission instructions will be made available on the website www.vhsl.org beginning May 1, 2020.

Esports – Official matches for Season two are cancelled as well as the Season Two Tournament Championships..  Students will continue to have access to the platform through the remainder of the semester per PlayVS.

VHSL Announces Decision Regarding 2020 High School Spring Sports Season

You will find below the official statement of the Virginia High School League released on Tuesday regarding spring sports for the 2019-2020 school year.

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VHSL will delay decision to provide options on spring sports season until May

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The VHSL held a conference call Tuesday morning with its VHSL Crisis Management team to discuss all options relating to spring sports and academic activities after the current academic year ends and into the summer.  The VHSL Crisis Management team unanimously recommended to delay any final action until May.

“While we recognize the importance sports has on our students and communities, the COVID-19 threat is real and people need to follow all the regulations and recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and the Governor. We must make that our number one priority,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun.  “The Crisis Management team overwhelmingly felt a decision on an extension to the spring sports season should be put on hold until May. Any options for the spring sports season will require that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and poses no health risks to our student-athletes or the public.

“This is extremely serious and a lot has to happen before May for us to extend the season. In every situation, every decision we make has been, and will be made in the best interest of our student-athletes and public safety.”

In addition to discussing COVID-19, the Crisis Management team discussed at length other obstacles that would have to be resolved before implementing any options for the spring sports season for any athletes. To better assist stakeholder understand the vital issues discussed the VHSL has provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

• Currently, the first week of July is a total dead period.  Would schools be allowed to sponsor events?  The VHSL Executive Committee would need to take action and provide a one-time waiver to allow teams to practice and play.

• How would the Amateur Rule affect student-athletes who would want to participate in an extended season? Any athlete signing a Professional contract (Baseball has its draft and signing in the second week of June) will not be eligible.

• Currently, the VHSL calendar has the Spring Sports seasons ending in June.  Would holding practices and playing games in July be a violation of the Sports Season Rule?  Yes.  The Executive Committee will need to approve a revision of the published dates for the end of the Spring Season.

• Will student-athletes have insurance if practices and games occur in July? Risk and Insurance Statement on the Physical/Participation Form. Parents are required to certify that the student athlete has insurance and respond to the following statement: The participant has student medical/accident insurance available through the school (yes___ no ___); has athletic participation insurance coverage through the school (yes___ no___); is insured by our family policy. Students will be required to have a new physical beginning July 1 and parents will certify on the new form.

• Will students who have graduated meet Enrollment/BonaFide Student Rules?   Students entering College and taking summer classes that are NOT part of any dual enrollment situation are no longer in high school which would violate both these rules.

• Will 2019 – 2020 student (PPE) physical forms be effective for students to participate in July?  June 30 is the expiration date for the PPE (14 months of coverage). Students will be required to have a new physical beginning July 1.

• If any games are played during the summer, will there be a state champion recognized for the 2020 season?  The answer is no.  If there is an option to allow games to be played, there will be no 2020 VHSL Champions recognized for spring sports.

STATE TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

We're on the final stretch on "The Road To Siegel", where twelve teams will lift VHSL state championship trophies on March 12th, 13th and 14th. Here's the bracket information for tournaments including teams in The RVA Sports Network coverage area.

NOTES: All Semifinals are set for Tuesday March 10.

Tickets to all games for the rest of the playoffs are $10.


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BOYS:

CLASS 6:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Massaponax 58, Thomas Dale 53 (per @804Varsity)
Game 2: South County 56, Washington-Liberty 51
Game 3: Centreville 82, Lake Braddock 79
Game 4: Western Branch 66, Potomac 56


CLASS 5:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Green Run 78, Varina 52
Game 2: Potomac Falls 69, Albemarle 47
Game 3: Patrick Henry-Roanoke 53, Riverside 42
Game 4: Norview 61, Henrico 50


CLASS 4:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: King's Fork 66, Monacan 62 (Chiefs season ends at 20-6)
Game 2: GW-Danville 63, Loudoun County 55
Game 3: Millbrook 61, Halifax County 58
Game 4: Woodrow Wilson 66, Courtland 61


CLASS 3:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Lakeland 60, Armstrong 52
Game 2: Western Albemarle 51, Northside 49
Game 3: Cave Spring 66, Liberty Christian 52
Game 4: Central-Woodstock 46, Petersburg 45


CLASS 2:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Radford 58, Central-Wise 52 (OT)
Game 2: Gate City 59, Glenvar 49
Game 3: East Rockingham 77, Brunswick 70
Game 4: John Marshall 136, Stuarts Draft 99

Semifinals:

Gate City 61, Radford 55
John Marshall 78, East Rockingham 44

Championship:

Gate City vs. John Marshall, Thursday 3/12, 2:30pm, Siegel Center
(LIVE Tweet Coverage: @TheRVASportsNet)


GIRLS:


CLASS 6:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: James River 53, Osbourn Park 39 (per @804Varsity)
Game 2: James Madison 46, West Springfield 39
Game 3: Thomas Edison 49, George Marshall 41 (OT)
Game 4: Western Branch 72, Colgan 71

Semifinals:

James Madison 62, James River 42
Thomas Edison 53, Western Branch 35


CLASS 5:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Princess Anne 91, Henrico 48 (Warriors season ends at 19-8)
Game 2: Woodgrove 51, William Fleming 47
Game 3: Patrick Henry-Roanoke 57, Briar Woods 51
Game 4: Highland Springs 59, Norview 55 (OT)

Semifinals:

Princess Anne 107, Woodgrove 45
Highland Springs 59, Patrick Henry-Roanoke 35

Championship:

Princess Anne vs. Highland Springs, Saturday 3/14, 4:30pm, Siegel Center


CLASS 4:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Hampton 58, Hanover 31 (Hawks end season 22-3)
Game 2: Loudoun Valley 74, E.C. Glass 51
Game 3: Millbrook 65, Pulaski 58
Game 4: Monacan 70, Grafton 25

Semifinals:

Hampton 54, Loudoun Valley 49
Monacan 74, Millbrook 64

Championship:

Hampton vs. Monacan, Friday 3/13, 12:30pm, Siegel Center


CLASS 2:

Quarterfinals:

Game 1: Gate City 53, Floyd County 43
Game 2: Union 83, Martinsville 30
Game 3: Luray 58, Poquoson 31
Game 4: Strasburg 47, Thomas Jefferson 27

RVA Locals Only: Monacan Girls Basketball Head Coach Larry Starr

Join us Thursday morning at 9:30 for "RVA Locals Only" on ESPN Richmond for a complete look at all of the state quarterfinal action in basketball coming up Friday, plus a live conversation with the head coach of the Region 4B Girls Basketball Champions, Larry Starr of Monacan!

Plus surprising softball news this week and more!

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