News: Virginia High School League Sets New Direction for Classifying Schools

Special to VivaLoudoun
Charlottesville (Jan. 4, 2011) - At its Dec. 7 meeting the VHSL Executive Committee voted unanimously to direct the R&R Committee to develop at its Feb. 2 meeting a four-, five- or six-classification model for presentation to the Executive Committee on Feb. 22.

On Dec. 19 an Ad Hoc Task Force of the Executive Committee clarified the purpose, goals, boundaries and timeline of classification and identified issues, concerns and guidelines that could impact the work of the R&R Committee. The minutes of this meeting have been posted on the VHSL website: http://www.vhsl.org/classification. The Ad Hoc Task Force decided to propose a six classification model for presentation to the Executive Committee.


"This latest decision to establish six classifications promises to be the most significant step the League has taken in more than 40 years,” said VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley. In 1970-71, the VHSL switched from four classifications to the current three classes. “The interests of the membership will be met by correcting many of the concerns with the present three classification structure.

“Among the concerns that exist with our current system of division play is that disparities are created when schools are allowed to play up in classification and by setting divisions on a region basis rather than separating divisions statewide. The six classification format recommended by the Task Force greatly reduces size disparities among the classes and eliminates regions altogether.

“Under the new format, there is potential for greater consistency in playoff opportunities for sports and activities. Specific policies for playoff representation will be developed in the coming months. The Executive Committee could begin this process in February by appointing one or more committees to make recommendations. A Football Ratings Committee is already in place to deal with that sport.

“Nearly 90% of schools responding to the latest classification survey indicated they prefer to stay in their current district, so the new format allows for that. Schools will be able to maintain their current local alignment for regular season play. Scheduling can stay virtually the same to allow for natural rivalries and to keep geographic proximity.

“Obviously, there will be other issues to study, such as governance and the organizational structure of the League. Distribution of playoff revenue will also need to be addressed. We have an excellent opportunity to deal with these matters during our Strategic Planning initiative which begins next week with a series of meetings statewide that include representatives from each current district. Discussions will also be ongoing at region meetings this winter and spring and at the VHSL's March meetings in Richmond.

“As the VHSL prepares to celebrate its 100th year of operation in 2012-13, this action by the Executive Committee will have an exciting and generational impact on high school athletics and activities,” said Tilley. “What better way to honor our historic past and enter our second century than by implementing a new forward thinking classification system that will provide more opportunities to serve student participants and our diverse membership while becoming an even stronger organization in the future.”