West Virginia's student-athletes could have an easier path to the high school state tournament in football and basketball if the state Board of Education approves a new classification this summer.

At a Thursday meeting in Doddridge County, state board members voted to place a proposal from the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission on public comment for 30 days. If approved, the policy would allow the state's largest high schools to compete in a new Class AAAA division.

Gary Ray, SSAC director, said the proposal would allow more schools and student-athletes to compete at the state level, but some have questioned the move.

For instance, South Charleston High School Principal Mike Arbogast told the Gazette last month that the proposal would water down the current playoff system and allow schools with losing records into state tournaments.

Another SSAC rule change also could expand a student-athlete's summer workout schedule from three weeks to eight weeks.

High school coaches now have a few weeks during the summer - before football and other fall practices start in August - where they can work with athletes who want to lift weights or train during the offseason.

Ray said the proposal would open that up to a nine-week period that stretches from June to early August. The week of the July 4 holiday would be off limits.

Board members are worried the change would cut into family time and summer vacations, even if the practices are optional, said state schools Superintendent Steve Paine.

"We all know there is an awful lot of pressure to attend those practices," Paine said.

Ron Spencer, a state board member who sits on the SSAC's Board of Directors, said high school coaches also want to spend more time with their players during summer sports camps.

West Virginia's student-athletes could have an easier path to the high school state tournament in football and basketball if the state Board of Education approves a new classification this summer.

At a Thursday meeting in Doddridge County, state board members voted to place a proposal from the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission on public comment for 30 days. If approved, the policy would allow the state's largest high schools to compete in a new Class AAAA division.

Gary Ray, SSAC director, said the proposal would allow more schools and student-athletes to compete at the state level, but some have questioned the move.

For instance, South Charleston High School Principal Mike Arbogast told the Gazette last month that the proposal would water down the current playoff system and allow schools with losing records into state tournaments.

Another SSAC rule change also could expand a student-athlete's summer workout schedule from three weeks to eight weeks.

High school coaches now have a few weeks during the summer - before football and other fall practices start in August - where they can work with athletes who want to lift weights or train during the offseason.

Ray said the proposal would open that up to a nine-week period that stretches from June to early August. The week of the July 4 holiday would be off limits.

Board members are worried the change would cut into family time and summer vacations, even if the practices are optional, said state schools Superintendent Steve Paine.

"We all know there is an awful lot of pressure to attend those practices," Paine said.

Ron Spencer, a state board member who sits on the SSAC's Board of Directors, said high school coaches also want to spend more time with their players during summer sports camps.

State board member Lowell Johnson said he's not inclined to vote for either of the SSAC changes.

"I don't see that we need four classifications in West Virginia," he said of the first proposal.

Of the second proposal, he said, "We ought to be giving students some time to be spending ... time with their parents."

Spencer shares Johnson's concerns.

"I don't feel that there is a justification for four categories," Spencer said. "Personally, I feel we're allowing plenty of chances to make the state [tournament] in all sports."

The girls and boys state basketball tournaments would probably have to start a day earlier each year, which would keep students out of school longer, Spencer said.

"I can see some negative points but I'm going to hear from other people," Spencer said. "Somebody may come up with something that may change my mind."

Ray encourages anyone interested in the matter to comment.

"Either way, take time to make a comment on the rules," Ray said. "You want to know what the public has to say."

To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.