The Brief
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport, the first new girls’ sport in the state since 1999.
Nearly 500,000 girls are playing flag football nationwide in 2024, representing a 63% increase since 2019.
The Seattle Seahawks have donated $381,000 and pledged another $200,000 this year to help schools with start-up costs for equipment and uniforms.
RENTON, Wash. – In a landmark decision for high school athletics in Washington state, the WIAA has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport. This marks the first addition to the state’s roster of girls’ sports in over two decades.
The organization that oversees Washington’s high school sports approved the measure during their annual amendment vote, giving the green light to a sport that has seen explosive growth nationwide. Starting August 1st, girls across Washington will officially represent their schools on the flag football field.
“The 93 schools who are already playing are like — come on, let’s get this thing going!” said Mick Hoffman, Executive Director of the WIAA. These schools have been at the forefront of a movement that has gained significant momentum in recent years.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Nearly 500,000 girls are playing flag football nationwide this year — representing a remarkable 63% increase since 2019. This participation surge highlights the sport’s growing popularity and the demand for more athletic opportunities for female students.
The push to sanction girls’ flag football received significant backing from the Seattle Seahawks, with support extending throughout the National Football League.
“The Seahawks were very committed to this,” explained Mick Hoffman, WIAA Executive Director. “They’ve donated $381,000 already and pledged another $200,000 this year for start-up costs.”
This financial support will help schools purchase essential equipment, including uniforms, flags, and footballs — removing a significant barrier for schools looking to establish new programs. The NFL’s involvement demonstrates professional sports organizations’ growing commitment to expanding opportunities in women’s athletics at the grassroots level.
The decision represents a significant step toward athletic equity in Washington schools. Flag football will become the first new girls’ sport added to the WIAA’s official lineup since 1999, addressing a long-standing gap in opportunities.
The WIAA’s annual amendment vote covered more than flag football. Seven proposals, including a significant update to student transfer rules, passed.
“It aligns with school choice,” Hoffman noted regarding the transfer rule changes. “If students transfer, they sit out varsity for a year — but it’s a one-time thing. It gives flexibility without encouraging constant movement.”
This modification aims to balance student mobility with competitive integrity, reflecting the evolving landscape of school choice while maintaining fairness in athletic competition.
The WIAA’s decision to embrace flag football aligns with broader trends in high school athletics nationwide. Several states have already sanctioned girls flag football as an official sport, and more are expected to follow as participation numbers continue to climb.
“If we want to stay relevant, we have to offer things people want — and flag football is one of those,” Hoffman emphasized, highlighting the organization’s commitment to evolving with student interests.
The August 1st implementation date gives schools the summer to prepare for the inaugural season. For many of the 93 schools already fielding club teams, the transition to varsity status represents the culmination of years of advocacy and grassroots development.
The NFL’s involvement in promoting girls’ flag football extends beyond Washington state. The league has invested in similar initiatives nationwide, recognizing the sport’s potential to engage new audiences and develop interest in football among female athletes.
For the student-athletes who will benefit from this decision, the sanctioning of flag football represents more than just a new sport — it’s an acknowledgment of their athletic abilities and a commitment to providing equitable opportunities.
As the first official season approaches, schools across Washington prepare for what promises to be a historic moment in the state’s high school sports landscape. The work is just beginning, from securing field space to recruiting coaches and players.
The WIAA’s decision sends a clear message about the future of high school athletics in Washington: inclusivity, innovation, and responsiveness to student interests will guide the organization’s approach in the future.
For the thousands of girls who will now have the opportunity to earn varsity letters in flag football, August 1st marks the beginning of a new chapter in Washington high school sports — one where they’ll be able to showcase their talents on a stage that finally recognizes their sport officially.
From the field to the classroom, change is indeed in motion. And for these athletes, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era in Washington high school athletics.
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