Trenum Sponsors Amended Regulation to Allow Eighth Graders to Participate in High School Sports

While stakeholders debated the inclusion of a swimming pool in the plans for the 12^th high school, another controversial issue came before the School Board Wednesday night: eighth grade participation in high school sports.

Following an investigation by School Division staff, Brentsville District Representative Gil Trenum presented for consideration modifications to an existing regulation that would allow middle school students to participate in sub-varsity sports at the high school level.

When Trenum first proposed the idea at the Nov. 20 School Board meeting, he was met with a divided School Board, who ultimately voted 5-3 in favor of directing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven L. Walts to draft or modify a policy and regulations for the controversial measure

While no vote was taken Wednesday evening, Trenum discussed the revised regulation, which included new language:

• Whether high schools allow eighth grade students the opportunity to try out for and participate in high school sports will be at the discretion of building principals
• Participation must be in compliance with existing Virginia High School League eligibility rules
• The purpose of this opportunity is to encourage students to remain at their base schools and help schools complete rosters and field teams

Trenum assured board members that such a measure would reduce the numbers of students transferring to different high schools.

“Some schools are under capacity, due to a transfer issue; more transfer out than transfer in at some high schools. So, one of the things I was looking at was a way to help build some bridges between middle and high school students within their district,” he said.

Board members Vice Chairman Dr. Michael Otaigbe (Coles) and Lisa E. Bell (Neabsco) both offered reservations about the policy, citing the legal issues and a concern for student safety.

"I recall when this presentation was initially brought up by Mr. Trenum and Fred Mibert our did an excellent presentation in collaboration with the ADs at the high schools and middle schools; there was quite a few disadvantages to advantages and both the middle school and high school ADs  were not in favor of this," Bell said. "I just wanted to remind the Board that we did have that presentation and it was quite extensive."

During Citizen’s Time, prior to Trenum’s presentation, two county student activities directors expressed concerns about the legal and liability issues surrounding allowing younger students to participate against older students.

Chairman At-Large Milt Johns later said the board would only consider legal issues surrounding the amended policy before the board attorney in closed session.