The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has officially added girls flag football to its roster of sanctioned sports, bringing the total to 29 and marking a historic expansion for female athletics in the state.
The move follows a unanimous vote by the OHSAA Board of Directors and will take full effect for the 2026‑27 academic year, positioning Ohio as the 23rd state nationwide to recognize the sport.
Participation has surged dramatically, climbing from just 20 schools three years ago to 162 high school teams last season, underscoring the growing appetite for the game among young women.
The inaugural state tournament was held in May at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, where the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals played prominent roles in promoting the league.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While exact dates for the 2027 season and tournament remain pending, officials expect further growth and increased visibility, driven by the passion of participants and the backing of major local brands.