The Virginia High School League handbook is published annually and includes current rules, regulations and coaching requirements. All schools that are members of the organization must adhere to the minimum requirements set forth by the group or risk being expelled from the state-sponsored athletic league. League regulations charge school principals with the responsibility of athletic department, coach and athlete compliance.
As of 2011, coaches are required to be certified school teachers who are regularly employed by the school district. The regulation also states that coaches must teach a minimum of three class periods or study hall sessions on a regular basis. The rule recommends that coaches instruct teams comprised of members of the same sex. In instances where a same-sex coach is not available, an assistant of the same sex is strongly encouraged to be present at all practices and games. Exceptions to the teaching requirement for coaching include education students preparing for the profession, administrative staff and retired educators. Non-educators are only permitted for coaching employment consideration if a letter of request is submitted to the VHSL director from the school principal, making assurances that the individual would be trained on league rules prior to working with students.
All coaches must attend an annual rules and interpretations meeting hosted by the VHSL. The school must also send at least one coach from each sport to the state athletic clinic. Penalties are imposed on any school that does not send a representative. Education requirements for coaches include an accredited class in the principles of coaching, certified first-aid course and a handbook training session.
Virginia school districts can require additional coaching education such as diversity training, communicable diseases and coaching-related or sport-specific training. Before being officially hired by a school district, coaches will likely have to submit to a background check. The state board of education and athletic league do not permit coaches with felony records or specific misdemeanors to work with children.