For the first time in over two decades, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has added a new sport to its roster: Girls Flag Football. As of August 1, 2025, the sport will be officially sanctioned, giving female student-athletes across the state the opportunity to participate in structured competition—if their schools choose to offer the program.
This milestone reflects growing momentum behind the sport. For the past two years, the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission's Athlete of the Year program has recognized standout athletes from high schools with flag football programs. In 2024, Emerald Ridge High School claimed the Girls Flag Football State Championship. Though it was classified as a club event at the time, future championships will now fall under official WIAA sanctioning.
Nationally, interest in girls' flag football has surged. Participation has grown by 63% since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. The NFL has played a key role in this growth by sponsoring leagues and collaborating with organizations like USA Football to expand the sport’s reach.
Flag football’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has only amplified its popularity. Colleges across the country are now exploring the sport as an emerging varsity offering, potentially opening the door to scholarship opportunities for student-athletes.
For more details on Girls Flag Football and other decisions made during the WIAA Representative Assembly, visit wiaa.com/amendment-results-25.