COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio High School Athletic Association has officially added girls flag football as a fully sanctioned sport, making it the organization’s 29th recognized sport beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The decision was approved unanimously by the OHSAA Board of Directors during its June meeting.
Girls flag football now joins 15 girls sports and 14 boys sports sanctioned by the OHSAA. The sport is also expanding nationwide, with 23 state associations now sanctioning girls flag football and 40 states offering high school programs in some capacity. Flag football is also scheduled to debut in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“The OHSAA is so proud to welcome girls flag football to our family,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. He credited the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL for helping promote the sport’s growth across Ohio.
This past spring, 162 Ohio high school girls flag football teams competed statewide. In May, the OHSAA hosted a state tournament in partnership with the Browns, Bengals and Pro Football Hall of Fame, where Macedonia Nordonia captured the championship.
“The Bengals are proud to support girls flag football and celebrate this historic milestone,” said Bengals Vice President Elizabeth Blackburn, noting the sport’s rapid growth and the collaboration between schools, coaches and community partners.
The Cleveland Browns also praised the decision, calling it a “tremendous milestone” for student-athletes and highlighting ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young women in football.
The OHSAA will announce official season dates and tournament structure for the 2027 season at a later time.
Last Updated on June 24, 2026 by AVC News
