| Q. |
What is the VHSL? |
| A. |
The VHSL is a non-profit,
voluntary organization composed of the 308 public high schools in the Commonwealth of
Virginia. The League is a service organization whose purpose is to build better citizens
through interscholastic activities such as athletics, drama, debate, forensics,
cheerleading, creative writing and publications for students throughout Virginia. More
than 194,000 boys and girls participate in League programs each year.
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| Q. |
How does a school become a
member of the VHSL? |
| A. |
Accredited state public schools
in Virginia -- with the expressed written authority of their respective school boards --
may apply for membership. For the 2006-07 school year, 308 public schools are members of
the VHSL.
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| Q. |
Can nonpublic schools interact
with VHSL schools? |
| A. |
Yes, League members may compete
against non-League members that are listed in the Appendix of the League Directory or out
of-state schools that are members of their state association.
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| Q. |
What services does the VHSL
provide its members? |
| A. |
League membership affords member
schools numerous benefits that include:
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- Equitable competition for all |
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- Common set of rules for
competition |
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- Student services and leadership
education |
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- Workshops and competition for
drama, debate, forensics, creative writing and publications |
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- State championships in athletic
competitions |
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- Awards, materials and supplies |
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- Catastrophic insurance for
students
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| Q. |
Does the League play a role in
training and regulating game officials? |
| A. |
Yes, athletic officials must be
certified by the League, which requires that they pass a test, receive proper training and
pay a membership fee. Contest judges in debate, drama and forensics are also approved by
the League.
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| Q. |
Are League schools organized
into smaller groupings based on geography and size? |
| A. |
Yes. To equalize opportunities,
schools are classified by enrollment into one of three divisions -- Group A (smallest),
Group AA (middle) or Group AAA (largest). Each group is subdivided into four geographical
regions, each consisting normally of three districts, with an average of seven schools per
district.
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| Q. |
How is the VHSL financed? |
| A. |
Nearly half of the League’s
annual revenue is derived from a share of the gate receipts from state playoff games.
Additional income accrues from annual membership fees paid by each member school,
registration fees from officials, corporate sponsorships, and miscellaneous
activity-related fees.
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| Q. |
Who governs the VHSL? |
| A. |
The VHSL is governed by a
30-member Executive Committee, meeting four times each year, to set League policy and
enactlegislation. Membership on the committee consists of one elected school principal
representing each of the 12 regions, eight superintendents representing geographical
regions, three athletic/activities directors, the Executive Director, the past League
Chairman, two members of the General Assembly and one representative each from the State
Department of Education, VSBA and PTA. Principals of the 308 member schools, each with one
vote, serve as the membership and meet twice a year to conduct League business; the
membership does have a veto power (two-thirds vote) over the Executive Committee.
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| Q. |
By what process are League
rules reviewed and adopted? |
| A. |
VHSL regulations are constantly
being scrutinized by a number of different sources. Any member school principal or
Executive Committee member may submit proposed changes to rules or new legislation for
consideration. In addition, there are special advisory committees consisting of coaches,
teachers, medical professionals and the general public who can recommend legislation.
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| Q. |
Where can League rules be
found? |
| A. |
A VHSL Handbook is published
annually. It contains individual eligibility rules for student participants as well as
regulations and policies that govern the administration of League programs. Copies are
distributed to all member schools and school division offices. The Handbook may also be
ordered by contacting the VHSL office.
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| Q. |
Can League rules be appealed? |
| A. |
Yes. A school, a student or a
student’s parents may appeal decisions that are rendered in compliance with VHSL
rules and regulations. All hearings are conducted in an expeditious manner and at no costs
to the appellant when the case is heard during regularly scheduled meetings. Details of
appeals procedures can be found in the VHSL Handbook. A summary of the appeals process as
well as criteria for considering waivers to the rules are also available from the League
office. |