The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) voted last week in Akron to add girls flag football to its roster of fully sanctioned sports, setting the stage for the 2026‑27 school year to become the first full season of competition under the association’s umbrella.
A Milestone for Girls Sports
Executive Director Doug Ute said the move reflects a growing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for female students, and he highlighted the partnership with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, who have been instrumental in staging regional tournaments and raising the sport’s profile.
The inaugural state championship was held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on May 16, where eight qualifying schools battled for the title; Macedonia Nordonia edged Mount Notre Dame 20‑19, while Badin captured a 40‑16 victory over Willoughby South two days later.
With 162 high schools already sponsoring the sport, the OHSAA plans to finalize the 2027 tournament schedule in the coming months, promising a continued collaboration with the Browns and Bengals to support growth and visibility.