News Summary

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football, making Washington the 15th state to recognize this sport at the high school level. Starting from August 1, 2025, girls will have the opportunity to participate in this exciting new activity as schools prepare for upcoming seasons. The decision came after a strong vote of approval, reflecting a significant increase in participation. With support from local schools and organizations, momentum is building for the growth of girls’ flag football, and excitement is palpable among athletes and fans alike.

Exciting News for Girls in Washington: Flag Football is Coming!

Hey there, Washington! Get ready to rally your friends and gear up because something big is happening in our high schools. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a new sport, and it’s about time! Mark your calendars because these games are set to kick off starting August 1, 2025, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year.

A Big Decision Was Made!

What’s the scoop? Well, during a recent representative assembly meeting, the proposal to sanction this new sport received a lot of love from members. With a vote tally of 22 out of 35 members giving the thumbs up, that’s about 63% approval. Who would have thought that girls’ flag football would finally get the green light after missing the mark last year? The amendment needed at least 60% to pass, and now, it’s all systems go!

The Number Crunch

Washington is now officially the 15th state in the U.S. to recognize girls’ flag football at the high school level! It’s a trend that has been rapidly gaining momentum, with over 90 teams already participating in the sport across five out of six WIAA districts. In fact, almost 500,000 girls were playing flag football in 2024 alone! That’s a whopping 63% increase since 2019. Talk about a growing community.

Planning the Season

For those schools eager to jump into this fun, fast-paced game, decisions about how best to implement girls’ flag football will soon be on the table. Proposals for the season have been floating around, with a current plan running from March 2 to May 16, not to mention alternative options for fall and winter seasons. Exciting times ahead!

Fostering Interest and Support

Already buzzing with excitement, schools like Kelso High School are stepping up. They’ve had girls participating in football for some time now, and they’re gearing up for a mini-season starting May 28 that will feature six schools. The cheer and camaraderie are palpable! To sweeten the deal, the Seattle Seahawks have jumped in with a generous grant of $4,000 aimed at providing a solid foundation for the growth of girls’ flag football across Washington schools.

What Comes Next?

As this new sport gears up, conversations are underway regarding the development of rules, logistics, and maybe even separate championship classifications. The potential for growth is massive, and the anticipation is already building among high school athletes. For instance, Kelso’s Athletic Director has mentioned that an impressive 60 girls have shown a keen interest in joining the team. Imagine the roar of excitement as these young athletes take to the field!

Opening Doors for All

More than just a sport, girls’ flag football opens doors for so many who might have felt left out of the traditional football scene. Coaches are excited about the diversity it brings to the field, and there’s a growing recognition that the time for change is now. Meanwhile, neighboring states like Oregon are also recognizing the sport as an emerging opportunity, with expectations to sanction it by 2025 as well. The ripple effect is sure to bring even more eyes to this thrilling sport.

Let the Games Begin!

As we gear up for this fresh chapter in Washington’s sports history, parents, coaches, and athletes alike are buzzing with anticipation. Sure, there are some logistical hurdles to jump over, especially for athletic directors dealing with tight budgets, but the enthusiasm surrounding this new addition is hard to ignore. Girls’ flag football is here, and it’s ready to shine!

So, Washington, are you ready to cheer on your girls when they hit the field? It’s time to rally and support our future stars in this incredible new sport!

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