The Virginia High School League (VHSL) and the Eastern District principals have publicly expressed their disagreement with a ruling from a Portsmouth Circuit Court judge that reinstated the Manor High School girls basketball team into the Class 4 state and Region A tournaments. This decision by Judge Brenda Spry, made on March 15, 2024, vacated the ineligibility of a Manor player and overturned the team’s forfeiture of a region tournament game.
The ruling followed a self-reported eligibility violation by Manor’s former athletic director concerning a failure to submit a waiver form for an in-season transfer. This oversight led to the forfeiture of their quarterfinal match against Gloucester High School, preventing them from competing further in the tournament. In response to the ruling, parents and players from Manor sought an injunction to allow the team back into the competition, which Judge Spry granted.
In her decision, Spry noted that the player and her father were not informed about the potential ineligibility and were unaware of their right to appeal. The judge’s ruling effectively placed responsibility on the VHSL for not communicating these issues clearly.
Despite not appealing the ruling, the VHSL and Eastern District released statements expressing dissatisfaction with the court’s decision. They emphasize that the waiver rule is outlined clearly in the VHSL Handbook, and all member schools are expected to adhere to these guidelines. The organizations argue that many athletes across various schools are currently following these rules.
VHSL Executive Director Ty Gafford stated, “While we respect the court’s time and the judicial process, we are disappointed in the Portsmouth Circuit Court Judge’s decision and firmly believe that the League correctly applied VHSL Handbook Rules and Policies regarding postseason ineligibility.” He referred specifically to the rules PM 28A-7-1 (5) and PM 28A-7-1 (7) that Manor allegedly violated.
In a letter dated March 19, 2024, Eastern District chair Thomas Smigiel, principal at Granby High School, reiterated the district’s stance. He mentioned that comprehensive guidance regarding the transfer rule, waiver procedures, and postseason eligibility requirements had been shared with all Eastern District principals and athletic directors during meetings held on August 20, 2023, and December 15, 2023.
Smigiel also noted that the Eastern District has processed 62 transfer waiver requests this school year alone. He pointed out that at no point did the Portsmouth Circuit Court reach out to the Eastern District for clarification on the implementation of the transfer rule or member responsibilities.
Despite the ongoing disagreement, the Manor girls’ basketball team returned to the court on March 20, 2024, and secured a victory over Warhill High School, affirming their spot in the state tournament. Gafford and Smigiel remain resolute about the importance of adhering to VHSL rules, with Gafford stating, “We remain confident that our 319-member schools expect adherence to the rules outlined in the VHSL Handbook and Policy Manual.”
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding eligibility rules and the responsibilities of schools within athletic organizations. As the Manor girls continue their journey in the state tournament, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate throughout the Virginia high school sports community.
