VIrginia High School League Considering Major Changes To Fall High School Football Practice

The Virginia High School League is expected to consider sweeping changes to the way high school football programs can conduct pre-season camps.

As early as September, the VHSL could vote on a propsal that would using the NCAA model of banning two-a-day practices on consecutive days. The formal proposal also recommends fewer days will full equipment or contact at the start of pre-season practice, plus limits the amount of time that can be spent on the practice field.

The guidelines have been worked on over the past year with the intent of maximizing safety and minimizing risk to injury from the heat. The new rules really hit home after Stafford high lineman Joey Roberson died of hyperthermia, a heat-related illness, three days after collapsing on the football field near the end of a second workout session on the school's second day of practice.