The attached written testimony is submitted in support of House Bill 50 and is intended to provide a constituent and parent perspective on the importance of evaluating the feasibility of adding cricket as a sanctioned high school sport in Planning District 8.
The feedback explains that cricket is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in Northern Virginia, with significant participation already occurring through community and club programs. However, there is currently no formal pathway for this student interest to be reflected within public school athletics. The attachment emphasizes that HB 50 does not mandate implementation of cricket as a school sport but instead supports a measured, data-driven feasibility study led by the Virginia High School League in consultation with local school divisions and community stakeholders.
The written testimony focuses on two key themes. First, youth participation: expanding the range of school-sponsored athletic opportunities helps engage students who may not participate in traditional varsity sports, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and school connection. Second, school athletics diversification: as student populations evolve, athletic offerings that reflect student interest can strengthen overall engagement, inclusion, and school pride.
The purpose of the attachment is to support HB 50 as a reasonable, locally focused step that allows decision-makers to assess student interest, facilities, cost, and equity considerations before any future action is taken. The feedback respectfully encourages the subcommittee to advance the bill so that this evaluation can proceed.
The attached written testimony is submitted in support of House Bill 50 and is intended to provide a constituent and parent perspective on the importance of evaluating the feasibility of adding cricket as a sanctioned high school sport in Planning District 8. The feedback explains that cricket is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in Northern Virginia, with significant participation already occurring through community and club programs. However, there is currently no formal pathway for this student interest to be reflected within public school athletics. The attachment emphasizes that HB 50 does not mandate implementation of cricket as a school sport but instead supports a measured, data-driven feasibility study led by the Virginia High School League in consultation with local school divisions and community stakeholders. The written testimony focuses on two key themes. First, youth participation: expanding the range of school-sponsored athletic opportunities helps engage students who may not participate in traditional varsity sports, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and school connection. Second, school athletics diversification: as student populations evolve, athletic offerings that reflect student interest can strengthen overall engagement, inclusion, and school pride. The purpose of the attachment is to support HB 50 as a reasonable, locally focused step that allows decision-makers to assess student interest, facilities, cost, and equity considerations before any future action is taken. The feedback respectfully encourages the subcommittee to advance the bill so that this evaluation can proceed.