QUICK SUMMARY
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has sanctioned girls' flag football as a high school varsity sport starting August 1, 2025. This decision follows a 63 percent national increase in girls' participation in flag football since 2019. The move aims to provide female athletes in Washington with new opportunities and recognizes the sport's growing popularity.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has officially sanctioned girls' flag football as a high school varsity sport, set to launch on August 1, 2025. This historic decision represents the first new varsity sport in Washington in over 20 years and comes amid a 63 percent increase in national participation among girls since 2019. Executive Director Mick Hoffman highlighted the partnership with the Seattle Seahawks as instrumental in this development. Currently, 83 high schools in Washington offer flag football, with nearly 60 colleges and universities recognizing it as a sport. Local organizations, such as the YMCA of Snohomish County, have been laying the groundwork for girls' flag football, with initiatives aimed at training and mentoring young players. The YMCA's girls' league serves as a launchpad for aspiring athletes, with a dedicated coordinator to guide the program's growth. Registration for the fall league opens on May 10, targeting athletes in grades 1-12. This new varsity designation is expected to enhance opportunities for female athletes across the state.