Policy

Athletic associations embrace girls flag football

Seventeen states have officially sanctioned a state championship event for the sport.
Team AFC and Team NFC play during the NFL High School Girls Flag Football Showcase, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Content Services for the NFL)

School athletic associations across the country are embracing girls flag football programs as the sport explodes in popularity ahead of its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

Ohio last month became the 17th state to officially sanction a state championship event in girls flag football, set to be held next spring in Canton, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Another 17 states are operating pilot programs to test the popularity of the sport.

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