Oregon becomes 25th state to sanction girls flag football as varsity sport
The Oregon School Activities Association's Delegate Assembly voted unanimously to sanction girls flag football as an official varsity sport, making Oregon the 25th state to do so. The sport had been operating as an emerging activity since spring 2023, with 57 high school programs participating as of the 2026 spring season. The inaugural sanctioned season is scheduled for spring 2027, with 30 teams listed as full participants on the OSAA website. Girls flag football is the second sport to earn full sanction through the OSAA's emerging activity process, following boys volleyball in 2025-26.
Girls flag football is now a sanctioned varsity sport in the state of Oregon.
Why it matters
For brands: Nike has pledged home and away jerseys for all Oregon varsity flag football teams in the inaugural season, with the commitment extending to any program that adds the sport over the next three seasons.
For coaches: Schools and coaching staffs can now plan and build programs around an officially sanctioned schedule, with a plan book and season dates to be released by the OSAA.
For parents: Families of high school girls in Oregon will have access to a new varsity sport pathway starting in 2027, backed by institutional support from the NFL, USA Football, and Nike.
For athletes: High school girls in Oregon can now compete in flag football as a fully sanctioned varsity sport starting in spring 2027, with greater structure and official recognition.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Girls Flag Football now a sanctioned sport