Pennsylvania Approves Girls’ Flag Football as High School Sport

Pennsylvania has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a high school sport, a significant development driven by a push from the state’s NFL teams to promote female participation in sports. This decision, made by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), paves the way for the sport to be recognized officially starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

The PIAA set a requirement for at least 100 schools to participate in flag football before granting it official status. That milestone was achieved in April, whereby 65 schools were involved in the Philadelphia Eagles’ flag football league and 36 in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ league.

Jeff Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed his excitement about this development. He noted, “This is not just an important day for the Eagles and Steelers, but for the sport of football and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Lurie pointed to the launch of their girls’ flag football league in 2022, which aimed to achieve official sanctioning within five years. Seeing this goal realized two years ahead of schedule highlights the sport’s rapid and organic growth.

Lurie emphasized the collective efforts of the participants, administrators, coaches, officials, and parents who have been instrumental in elevating the profile of girls’ flag football in the state. He thanked the PIAA for acknowledging a sport that can create new opportunities for girls in communities across Pennsylvania.

This new official status will not only encourage school districts to add flag football to their athletic programs but also allow schools to compete for state championships. This development is expected to help create a talent pipeline for college football and further down the line.

Participation in flag football among girls has seen a remarkable surge, as reported by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The 2023-2024 school year witnessed 42,955 female participants, marking a 105% increase from the previous year.

Reflecting on this growth, Don Smolenski, president of the Eagles, noted during a girls’ flag football event that engaging young athletes fosters lifelong fans of the game. With more girls participating and enjoying flag football, they not only learn valuable life lessons but also contribute positively to the sport and the NFL.

Pennsylvania joins a growing list of states that have incorporated girls’ flag football into their high school athletic programs. Other states include Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, and Hawaii.

The rise in interest for flag football is at an all-time high, especially after the International Olympic Committee announced that flag football for both men and women will be included as an official Olympic sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This recognition could further boost the visibility and popularity of the game, opening doors for more participation and opportunities for athletes across the nation.