The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has adopted a rule that applies to all VHSL events in the state that says hate speech and comments that are racist or ethnically inappropriate are not allowed. The League said that the Executive Committee accepted the policy on November 9, 2021, to keep participants safe and promote good sportsmanship at all member schools.
The rule applies to all sport’s coaches, team personnel, and student-athletes. Anyone who directs hate speech at a participant or official is immediately disqualified and becomes ineligible for the next contest, as cited by the policy. Beginning July 1, 2022, educational or restorative interventions are required before return to participation, according to the League.
“Any coach, team personnel and/or contestant who confronts or addresses a coach, contestant or official using hate speech, ethnically or racially insensitive expressions will be disqualified for the contest and will be ineligible for the team’s next scheduled contest,” as quoted by the VHSL policy.
Reporting and Review
Schools must notify VHSL within two working days after administrators learn of an alleged incident, according to the policy. Each principal has five working days to submit a response to the League. A committee of principals, athletic directors, and coaches then reviews the materials and makes a recommendation to the executive director for action. Decisions may be appealed to a Sportsmanship Committee, as cited by the League.
Penalties for Individuals and Schools
The baseline sanction for a first offense is ejection and at least a one-game suspension, according to the policy. A second offense is for a player or coach ineligible for the remainder of that sport or activity season. Program-level consequences can escalate from warning to probation; teams on probation cannot enter district, regional, or state playoffs, according to the VSHL policy. The VSHL policy also allows school suspension from League competition and fines up to \$1,000, with fines possible for failing to report violations, as cited by the VHSL handbook.
Spectators and Preseason Education
While VHSL rules directly govern schools, athletes, and coaches, member schools are responsible for spectator conduct at regular-season events, according to the League. Recommended responses for spectators who use hate speech include removal from the venue for a first offense, a semester ban for a second, and a one-year ban with a no-trespass notice for a third. Schools are also directed to hold preseason meetings with parents, players, and coaches to set expectations on cultural awareness, equity, and behavior; these meetings became required on July 1, 2022, as cited by the policy.
“Hate speech” is defined as “abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group,” as quoted by the VHSL policy.
Why It Matters
The policy pairs swift game-level penalties with education and school accountability. For families and teams, the practical steps are clear: report promptly, expect a formal review, and complete required interventions before returning to play—because participation depends on it, according to the League.
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