The VHSL released a draft of what it is calling “The Championships +1” containing the possible format for the regular season and playoffs across all sports. Under the plan, all sports would start in December, February/March, or April and play abbreviated seasons.
Sports starting in December (regular season start date in parentheses):
Basketball (12/21), Gymnastics (12/28), Indoor Track (12/28), Sideline Cheer (1/6), Swim and Dive (12/28), and Wrestling (12/28).
Sports starting in February (regular season start date in parentheses):
Football (2/22), Competition Cheer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Volleyball (3/1)
Sports starting in April (regular season start date in parentheses):
Tennis (4/21), Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Outdoor Track and Field (4/26)
The number of games in the regular season for each sport would shrink. For example, football would only play six games before the playoffs, and basketball 14. Typically football plays a minimum of ten games, and basketball teams play 18 to 20 games.
The playoff system could change as well. Fewer teams would qualify for regional tournaments in some cases. In all sports, an idea has been suggested: teams playing in an event similar to a college football bowl game, essentially serving as a bonus game but not advancing the winning team further into the postseason.
At present, it is also unknown what schedule restrictions or guidelines would be placed on schools. Thomas Dale, Meadowbrook, and Matoaca always play the traditional Central District while L.C. Bird plays the old Dominion District for the lion’s share of the schedule.
As for now, the situation remains rather fluid, and no decisions are finalf yet. The Village News will keep abreast of developments.
