VHSL Realignment: The Real Problem Is Six Classifications

Today I break down the VHSL’s latest proposed realignment plan — what works, what doesn’t, and why many of the issues it’s trying to fix stem from something more basic: Virginia simply has too many classifications.There are positives. The plan shakes up stale postseason matchups and moves a few schools into more sensible competitive levels. But bigger problems remain: an over‑reliance on enrollment, regions with wildly different sizes, longer travel, the possible need for power points, and the loss of traditional rivalries.I return to a familiar argument: going back to four classifications — maybe even three — would make it far easier to build coherent regions, preserve rivalries, and create state tournaments where more of Virginia’s best teams actually play one another.Fair competition matters. But the goal should also be compelling competition.