COLUMBUS – Girls varsity flag football has officially earned its place among Ohio’s sanctioned high school sports.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors unanimously approved girls flag football as a fully recognized varsity sport beginning with the 2026-27 school year, making it the organization’s 29th sanctioned sport. The decision marks a significant milestone for one of the fastest-growing sports in the state.
The announcement follows several years of rapid expansion across Ohio. This past spring, 162 Ohio high schools fielded girls flag football teams, compared to just 20 schools three years ago. The sport first began gaining momentum in Ohio in 2021 with the creation of a girls’ high school division in Northeast Ohio and has continued to grow through partnerships with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL.
“The OHSAA is so proud to welcome girls flag football to our family,” OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute said following the vote. He credited the Browns, Bengals and NFL for helping promote the sport and expanding opportunities for female student-athletes across Ohio.
Earlier this year, the OHSAA partnered with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the Pro Football Hall of Fame to conduct its inaugural state tournament event at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Macedonia Nordonia captured the first OHSAA state championship, showcasing the competitive growth of the sport.
The sanctioning also reflects a national trend. Ohio becomes the 23rd state high school association to fully sanction girls’ flag football, while 40 states now offer girls’ high school flag football programs. The sport is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, providing even greater visibility and future opportunities for young athletes.
Officials from both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns praised the decision, calling it a historic moment that will continue opening doors for female athletes throughout the state.
Dates and tournament information for the 2027 OHSAA girls flag football season are expected to be announced in the coming months. Schools interested in starting a program can find additional information through the OHSAA’s flag football resources.
