WEST VIRGINIA The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals will review conflicting circuit court orders that have delayed the start of the 2024 high school football playoffs.
The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) filed petitions for writs of prohibition against orders issued by Mason and Wood county circuit courts. The injunctions stem from disputes over playoff rankings and matchups, which were finalized earlier this month.
According to the WVSSAC, the Mason County order requires two play-in games to be held, while the Wood County order prevents any changes to the existing playoff brackets. The commission argues that complying with one order would put it in contempt of the other.
Fayette County Circuit Judge Thomas Ewing was appointed to assist the state Supreme Court in reviewing the case. Chief Justice Tim Armstead announced the appointment Monday after Justice Bill Wooten recused himself from the proceedings.
The WVSSAC postponed the first round of playoff games last week, citing the legal uncertainty. The Supreme Court directed Mason and Wood county school districts to submit responses to the WVSSAC’s appeal by noon Monday.
In its appeal, the WVSSAC challenges the Mason County order, arguing that Mason County lacks jurisdiction over schools outside its county. However, Mason County’s response asserts that its jurisdiction over the WVSSAC permits it to order the play-in games.
Meanwhile, Wood County’s response accuses the WVSSAC of failing to follow its own classification rules when it reclassified several schools in August. The court filing claims the commission acted improperly and without proper procedural review.
WVSSAC Executive Director David Price said the commission is ready to move forward with the playoffs but is waiting for a resolution.
“Whatever the ruling is, it will take a few minutes to see what all has to be changed, if anything, getting on the phones with the teams,” he said. “If not, we are ready to go.”
In a separate matter, the WVSSAC will not appeal a Berkeley County Circuit Court decision restoring four wins to Spring Mills High School. The court ruled that a previously ineligible player qualified under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, which protects homeless students.
The Supreme Court’s decision on the playoff injunctions is expected to determine whether games can proceed this weekend.