Brookville parents, players accuse VHSL of inconsistent enforcement and urge board to act
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Summary
Multiple Brookville High parents, players and community members told the school board the Virginia High School League (VHSL) created weeks of uncertainty when it questioned eligibility for two players and later communicated a penalty; speakers urged transparency and protections for student‑athletes.
Several Brookville High parents, students and community members used the school board’s public comment period to describe weeks of uncertainty after the Virginia High School League reviewed the eligibility of two students.
Colin White, a Campbell County resident and youth football leader, told the board he believes the VHSL "strong‑armed" the division and pressured the board after local school officials had ruled the Thomas brothers eligible. "These young men have been ruled eligible," White said, and he questioned why the VHSL later threatened sanctions tied to the October 17 game.
Parent Christy McDaniel described the emotional toll on the team, saying pre‑game meals became "very somber" and that players and coaches cried on the sidelines when eligibility was changed at the last minute. "Those boys did nothing wrong," she said, urging the board to create a stakeholder committee to protect athletes and to consider how future disputes are handled.
Alumnus and parent Brook (Brook Ray) recounted community solidarity for the Thomas family and said she was "shocked" to receive an email outlining a penalty for Brookville; she asked whether the board attempted alternative sanctions that would not affect students. Multiple student athletes, including Lincoln and Camden McDaniel, described being led to prepare for games and then told at the last minute that teammates could not play. "That moment is something that I will never forget," Lincoln McDaniel said.
Speakers repeatedly asked what the board will do next. Board members thanked those who spoke, acknowledged the community’s frustration and said the board sympathizes with the students. Several board members said they would follow up and provide additional feedback to the program, but no formal additional action on the VHSL matter was recorded in the meeting minutes presented at this session.
The comments referenced the VHSL rule book and school board policy as the governing sources for eligibility determinations; community members urged the board to press for clearer, locally agreed procedures for handling eligibility disputes and for transparency when postseason or disciplinary consequences are discussed.
Next steps: the board did not take an immediate formal vote on a new grievance or appeal at this meeting; several members said they would follow up with the community and administration.