The IHSA Adds Girls Flag Football as the Latest Official High School Sport
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is expanding its roster of official high school sports by introducing girls flag football. Starting next fall, teams from over 100 schools will vie for the state title in this exciting new sport, with another 40 expressing interest in joining for the 2025 season.
With this addition, the IHSA now oversees a total of 40 official high school sports and activities, including recent additions like girls wrestling, esports, lacrosse, and competitive dance. The inclusion of girls flag football aligns with the IHSA’s mission of providing diverse participation opportunities for high school students in Illinois.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for the growth of girls flag football in a statement, saying, The sport has experienced significant growth in a short amount of time, and our member schools are excited to see it become an IHSA sport.
To ensure the smooth implementation of girls flag football, the IHSA Girls Flag Football Advisory Committee has already held two meetings. The committee will continue working towards finalizing the rulebook and structure of the state championship at upcoming meetings.
High school athletes and fans alike can mark their calendars for the inaugural IHSA Girls Flag Football State Finals, which will be held on October 11-12, 2024.
This latest development is a significant step in recognizing the increasing popularity and demand for girls flag football as an organized high school sport. As the IHSA continues to adapt and expand its offerings, it creates more opportunities for female athletes to showcase their skills and passion on the playing field.
The IHSA’s decision to include girls flag football reflects the growing demand for more inclusive and diverse sports options in high school athletics. By embracing this exciting sport, the IHSA is not only providing a new avenue for female athletes but also sending a message of equality and empowerment within the sports community.
As the IHSA works towards finalizing the details of the state championship, the anticipation and excitement among participating schools and athletes will undoubtedly continue to build. The addition of girls flag football to the IHSA’s official high school sports lineup is a significant milestone, and it promises to propel the sport further into the spotlight, inspiring future generations of young female athletes.
The IHSA’s commitment to expanding its offerings and providing equal opportunities for all high school athletes is evident in this latest announcement. With the inclusion of girls flag football, high school sports in Illinois continue to evolve, fostering a diverse and inclusive athletic environment for young men and women.
