Guardian LOOP | Girl’s Flag Football Earns Official Recognition in 15 States
This April, Washington became the 15th state to officially sanction girl’s flag football at the high school level – shattering a major piece of the glass ceiling that’s hovered over the sport for decades.
Washington joins Florida, California, New York and others in expanding the sport further. With official state recognition, girls across the nation now have access to better training resources, scholarship opportunities and a thriving, competitive network.
What does a flag football sanction even mean?
Flag football is fully recognized as a varsity sport by the state high school athletic association. A sanction fosters new programs, heightened competition and potential state championship games.
What is a “pilot” flag football program?
In states piloting girl’s flag football, athletic associations are running “test seasons” at select high schools to analyze the sport’s popularity and potential.
“We believe that everyone should have the access and opportunity to play football, and the momentum we’ve seen for girls’ flag has been incredible. Sanctioning girls’ flag is an amazing step in giving these girls a new avenue to pursue playing flag football in college and beyond.”
Building a Legacy
Women and girls have been playing football for over 60 years.
Piloted by tackle football programs, the first organized girl’s flag league emerged in the 1970s. Thanks to an army of trailblazers, the sport is now thriving.
It’s growing at not just the high school and youth levels, but across collegiate divisions, too. As of this spring, nearly 60 colleges and universities throughout the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA offer flag football as a recognized sport.
Safety Amongst Sanctions
The girl’s flag community has committed to building a legacy by increasing participation at all levels and in all places – and doing it safely.
The Guardian LOOP is a multi-sport, soft-shell headgear highly regarded by 7v7 and flag football athletes.
“I’ve been wearing the [Guardian] LOOP for 3.5 years now and I love to preach it everyone, It’s lightweight, breathable and perfect for flag football players.”
