The Virginia High School League has rescinded an order to require masks to be worn while participating in sports.On Dec. 10, the VHSL announced that it “is requiring each school to follow the recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)” that students and coaches wear masks while participating in sports.

This requirement was issued in response to information that the Governor’s Requirement to Wear Face Coverings would include such a provision. However, Executive Order 72 when issued stated that the face covering requirements “do not apply to … individuals exercising or using exercise equipment.”

“VHSL apologizes for any confusion created by its original release,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun. “We ask the public to understand that it is the first mission of VHSL to make sure that athletics are conducted in a safe and healthy environment, and it was that desire that motivated the original decision....