Posted on Sep 18
Pennsylvania officially sanctions girls' flag football as a high school sport starting 2025: Eagles owner Jeff Lurie
u/alex •
Pennsylvania sanctions girls' flag football as a high school sport, opening doors for female athletes.
Why it matters: The approval by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) grants recognition and opportunities to girls interested in participating in flag football at the high school level.
By the numbers: The PIAA set a requirement of at least 100 participating teams from across the state, which was met with 65 schools in the Philadelphia Eagles' league and 36 schools in the Pittsburgh Steelers' league. This demonstrates the growing interest and potential for the sport.
What's new: The sanctioning of girls' flag football allows school districts to add the sport to their athletic programs, providing girls with the chance to compete and develop their skills on a competitive stage.
The big picture: Girls' participation in flag football has been on the rise, with a 105% increase in the 2023-24 school year alone. This growth reflects the increasing popularity and recognition of the sport among female athletes.
Yes, but: While Pennsylvania is now joining several other states in offering girls' flag football as a high school sport, there is still progress to be made on a national level to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes in all states.
What to watch: With the International Olympic Committee's announcement to include flag football as an official Olympic sport for both men and women in 2028, the visibility and importance of the sport will continue to grow.
What's next: As flag football becomes more established in high schools across Pennsylvania, attention will turn to the development of talent and the potential for college scholarships and future professional opportunities for female players.
The bottom line: The sanctioning of girls' flag football in Pennsylvania marks a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in sports and providing young girls with the chance to participate in and excel at a popular and exciting sport.