The issue as I see it is that the VHSL is the sanctioning body for Virginia high school athletics. Theoretically, school districts could band together and enact guidelines that run contrary to the VHSL’s stated policy. However, if they do, the games would not only not count for any official tally, but could also lead to some sort of penalties from the VHSL for violating their policies/procedures. I could see the VHSL forcing a program to suspend operations for year(s) should they choose to buck the VHSL.
That’s apart from the liability issue, which would be financially devastating if a school district went against the VHSL and had an athlete become ill.