Скачать или смотреть OHSAA sanctions girls flag football as varsity sport with state championship starting in 2026

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) announced Thursday it will sanction girls flag football as a varsity sport with a state championship beginning in the spring of 2026.

Thursday's announcement came during a press conference at the NFL FLAG Championships in Canton, where OHSAA leaders were joined by representatives from the NFL, the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Flag football is growing rapidly, and we look forward to working closer with teams, coaches and schools to help that growth,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “The Browns, Bengals and NFL have already put in so much work to promote the game and bring us to this moment.”

Girls flag football has gained traction in Ohio since 2021, when the Browns helped establish the first high school league in Northeast Ohio. At that time, just 20 schools fielded teams. Today, that number has grown to 80, and continues to rise.

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