On Thursday, Sept. 29, the southern section of the California Interscholastic Federation passed a proposal for flag football to become an official California high school female sport. If ratified by the state council and approved in a final vote in February, the decision will take effect in the 2023-24 school year. 

Flag football is very similar to regular football, but instead of tackling opponents, removing their flag ends the play. Over the past few years, the sport has risen in popularity. Women’s flag football is already an official high school sport in seven states, including Alabama and Nevada, and is offered at 15 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) universities across the country. 

“Girls across the country are fueling their passion for flag football and taking their game to the college level,” said NFLFLAG.com.

Along with offering girls an additional sport option, flag football can teach students about being a team player and cooperating with others to reach a common goal, particularly through its unique gameplay.

“Flag football is the ultimate team sport that teaches leadership, sportsmanship and self-confidence,” said NFLFLAG.com. “NFL FLAG leagues compete 5 on 5, giving every player a chance to make a big impact and learn valuable lessons both on and off the field.”

Since players pull flags rather than tackling, no helmets or padding are needed, making the sport less expensive than tackle football. The National Football League and Nike have committed $5 million to finance girls high school flag football.