brian1269

OK I know district champions don't get an automatic berth into the playoffs anymore, but is there any district realignment? According to the schedule the VHSL released, it has conflicting district games throughout. Is the LPD dropping to a four-team district and the Cumberland to six teams because of consolidation? Or is any team moving to another district? And I'm wondering about the four Region D districts specifically.

Released today by the VHSL: Charlottesville--In light of a controversial officiating call in the final minute of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Division 1 State Football Championship Game between J. I. Burton and Riverheads High Schools, VHSL staff conducted a review of the events in question. School and game officials were contacted for input, and game tapes were reviewed by VHSL Assistant Director and State Football Rules Interpreter Tom Zimorski as well as several independent individuals with extensive officiating experience. Following this thorough review, it is the opinion of VHSL staff -- as well as the officials association that was assigned the game and the official who made the call -- that the penalty for non-contact unsportsmanlike conduct for excessive celebration against J. I. Burton High School was incorrect in that the player's conduct did not rise to the level of an unsportsmanlike act for excessive celebration as defined in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Book. While the outcome of any contest cannot be altered in cases involving the real or alleged failure of contest officials to interpret or apply game rules properly or to render correct decisions in matters of judgment, the VHSL acknowledges that sometimes errors do occur. The League staff, the officials association and the official himself deeply regret that an incorrect call was made in this particular case and, coming at such a crucial time in the contest, that it might have had a bearing on the outcome of the game. "We apologize to all parties affected by this error," said VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley. "This play situation will be a point of emphasis in football rules clinics next year, as will be the proper steps a crew should take in reviewing a coach's request for an explanation of a play call. Furthermore, the officials association is in the process of considering measures it will take in dealing with the crew in this game and plans to strengthen its local training relative to these situations. "It's extremely important to learn from mistakes and take steps to avoid repeating them," Tilley added. "Our constant goal is to provide a quality officiating program that serves well our student athletes, and our efforts now and in the future will focus on that objective."