Girls flag football will officially become a sanctioned high school sport in Ohio beginning with the 2026-27 school year after the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors unanimously approved the move during its June meeting.
The decision makes girls flag football the OHSAA’s 29th recognized sport and the 15th sport offered for girls statewide.
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute said the organization is excited to welcome the rapidly growing sport into its official lineup.
“The OHSAA is so proud to welcome girls flag football to our family,” Ute said in a statement. “Flag football has grown so rapidly and will continue to do so. The Browns, Bengals and NFL put in so much work to promote the game and bring us to this moment to welcome girls flag football to the OHSAA.”
The sport has seen significant growth across Ohio in recent years. This spring, 162 high school teams participated in girls flag football programs statewide. Just three years ago, only 20 schools fielded teams.
In May, the OHSAA partnered with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the Pro Football Hall of Fame to conduct a statewide tournament, which was won by Macedonia Nordonia High School.
Ohio joins a growing national movement. According to the OHSAA, 23 state high school associations now sanction girls flag football, while 40 states offer girls high school football programs. The sport is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Bengals Vice President Elizabeth Blackburn called the decision a landmark moment for the sport.
“The Bengals are proud to support girls flag football and celebrate this historic milestone, which will help pave the way for the sport’s continued growth and success,” Blackburn said. “The rapid expansion of flag football across Ohio reflects the passion, talent and commitment young women have for the game. We are excited to see the opportunities this creates for future generations of athletes.”
The Cleveland Browns have been heavily involved in expanding girls flag football opportunities throughout Ohio and applauded the OHSAA’s decision.
“The recognition of girls flag football as an official varsity sport in Ohio is a tremendous milestone for student-athletes across the state,” Browns Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a joint statement. “We believe in creating more opportunities for young athletes to learn, compete and grow through the game of football, and this decision marks just the beginning of that journey for many young women across Ohio.”
The OHSAA has worked alongside flag football organizers and supporters for several years as participation numbers climbed. Girls flag football is now also included within the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association.
Officials said dates and tournament details for the inaugural sanctioned 2027 season will be announced at a later date. The Browns and Bengals are expected to remain heavily involved in supporting the sport’s continued growth throughout Ohio.
