Washington high schools could soon add girls flag football

OLYMPIA, Wash - High school girls in Washington could have a new sport to play, if the WIAA passes a proposal next month.

The WIAA is considering adding girls flag football.

The number of girls playing flag football has exploded in recent years.

The National Association of State High School Associations says in 2023, about 500,000 girls 6-17 played flag football, which is a 63% increase since 2019.

NFHS says the sport is seeing an even bigger boost internationally, as flag football has been added as an Olympic sport for men and women starting with the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

The proposal in Washington would have girls playing seven on seven.

The Seattle Seahawks have offered support as well with a Secure the Vote campaign. The Seahawks call girls flag football "the next big thing."

The WIAA says eight states have already sanctioned girls flag football as a high school sports.

The association proposal says this gives more girls an opportunity to play sports.

The expected cost to add a program would cover balls, flags and belts, uniforms and coaching stipends, estimated to be between $5,000 and $8,000.

You can read about the proposal and other matters being considered by the WIAA at this link.

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