Ohio High School Athletic Association sanctions girls flag football

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has officially recognized girls flag football as its 29th sanctioned varsity sport. The decision was approved unanimously by the OHSAA Board of Directors and will take effect starting with the 2026-27 school year.

The move follows rapid growth for the sport within the state. Only three years ago, 20 Ohio high schools fielded girls flag football teams, a number that increased to 162 teams this past spring. The expansion has been supported by organizations including the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ohio joins 23 other states that have associations sanctioning girls flag football. The sport is also scheduled to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.