Article Text

Football programs at Hayfield Secondary School and Fairfax High School violated Virginia High School League rules in 2024, according to the results of an independent investigation into student-athlete transfers and eligibility practices.

The investigation also found that weaknesses in school-division systems and processes, along with actions by some staff members, hindered efforts to identify and correct the violations.

The School Board retained Baker McKenzie LLP in February 2025 to conduct the review. The law firm recently delivered its findings and recommendations to the board and superintendent.

The review identified a need for stronger scrutiny of new-student registrations and more reliable eligibility assessments. It also pointed to the need for expanded training for coaches, including unpaid volunteers.

Several reforms began in 2025. Working with the Virginia High School League, the school division helped revise statewide policies and regulations governing athletic transfers and eligibility.

The division also introduced Guardian, a centralized platform for collecting, reviewing and processing athletic-transfer requests. Its Office of Student Activities and Athletics now conducts the initial review of every athletic transfer, oversees compliance and publishes guidance for schools and families.

That office was also given authority to independently review and investigate eligibility questions.

Training requirements have expanded as well. Directors of Student Activities must complete annual instruction on division and VHSL eligibility rules, while newly appointed directors must attend the VHSL/VIAAA New Athletic Director Workshop. Student Services teams and principals also receive training tailored to their responsibilities in school athletics.

Additional measures planned in the coming weeks include common standards for reviewing new-student registrations with the same rigor applied to transfers within the school system. Investigative resources, protocols, tools and training will also be strengthened, and mandatory eligibility training will extend to coaches at every level, including volunteers.

Any personnel actions taken or planned by the superintendent remain confidential under the law.