USA FOOTBALL STATEMENT ON KANSAS SANCTIONING GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL AS A VARSITY SPORT
The following quote can be attributed to Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and Executive Director of USA Football:
“On behalf of USA Football, I am thrilled to learn that Kansas girls now have the opportunity to play varsity flag football. The sport’s rise in popularity has been incredible. It’s opening new doors for female student-athletes and providing life skills, college scholarships, and a direct pathway to competition at the international level.”
“As the National Governing Body of American football, we know firsthand how many talented flag athletes are out there waiting to be discovered. Our National Team pipeline grows stronger with each new state, high school, and player involved in girls’ flag football. I’m excited to have a front-row seat as the sport continues expanding across the country.”
Background:
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport in high schools across the state. According to the Kansas City Chiefs, Girls’ flag football is now sanctioned in 18 states.
Flag is an inclusive and accessible format of American football that’s fast, creative and exciting, played by people of all ages and genders. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with women and girls driving the surge in participation. According to USA Football research, from 2015 through 2024, the numbers of girls ages six to 12 playing flag football increased by 283%. More than 68,800 girls played high school flag football in 2024 – 60% more than the prior year – according to the National Federation of State High School Associations’ latest participation survey.
As the National Governing Body, USA Football oversees all aspects of American football in the United States. This includes hosting Talent ID Camps for both youth and adult competitors to showcase their skills, refine their techniques, and enter the National Team pipeline. Notably, USA Football will select, train and lead Team USA Football® when flag football makes its debut in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA Football® in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit usafootball.com.