On October 12, Oregon’s high school athletic association voted to make girls flag football an official sanctioned sport, with its first season in spring 2027. That makes this a good moment to answer the question we get more than any other: which states actually sanction high school girls flag football, and when do they play?
Here’s the complete, up-to-date list.
The Short Answer
By our count, 24 states plus Washington, D.C. now sanction girls flag football as an official high school sport with a state championship. Oregon’s association calls itself the 25th state. Counts vary depending on whether a list includes D.C. or states still in a pilot phase, but every list agrees on the direction: up, fast.
Beyond the sanctioned states, more than 37 states offer high school girls flag in some form, including pilot programs, district leagues and NFL-backed leagues.
Every Sanctioned State, by Season
Seasons aren’t the same everywhere. Some states play in the fall alongside boys’ football, some in the spring, and two play in the winter.
| State | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fall | State title in December |
| Alaska | Fall | |
| Arizona | Fall | |
| California | Fall | |
| Colorado | Fall | |
| Connecticut | Spring | State finals in late May |
| Florida | Spring | |
| Georgia | Fall | Title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Hawaii | Spring | |
| Illinois | Fall | |
| Kansas | Fall | First sanctioned season is happening now |
| Kentucky | TBD | Play begins in 2027–28 |
| Maryland | Fall | First sanctioned season; title games at M&T Bank Stadium |
| Mississippi | Spring | |
| Nevada | Winter | State title at Allegiant Stadium |
| New Jersey | Spring | First official season spring 2027 |
| New York | Spring | |
| North Carolina | Fall | First sanctioned season; 150+ schools |
| Ohio | Spring | State tournament in May |
| Oregon | Spring | NEW: first sanctioned season spring 2027 |
| Pennsylvania | Spring | |
| Rhode Island | Spring | Begins spring 2027 |
| Tennessee | Spring | |
| Washington | Winter | |
| Washington, D.C. | Spring |
Seasons and details are based on state association announcements and news coverage as of October 2026. Check your state association’s website for the latest dates.
Playing Right Now: The Fall States
Ten states are in season right now: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland and North Carolina.
Three of them are making history this fall. Kansas, Maryland and North Carolina are all playing their first-ever sanctioned seasons and will crown their first state champions in the coming weeks. Maryland’s title games will be played at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.
Maryland is playing its first sanctioned season this fall. Photo: @cburg_flag
Spring and Winter States
Most sanctioned states play in the spring, which means seasons in places like Florida, New York, Ohio and Connecticut start in February or March. Interest meetings and tryouts are often announced in the winter, so now is the time to ask your athletic director.
Nevada and Washington play in the winter. Nevada’s state championships are held at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Florida is one of the biggest spring flag football states. Photo: @longhornsflagfb
Why Oregon Matters
Oregon didn’t get here overnight. The sport spent two years as an emerging activity, and last spring 57 varsity teams and more than 1,400 athletes took the field. The Seattle Seahawks have supported the sport in Oregon for years, including a $30,000 donation and equipment to help schools launch teams.
That’s the pattern in almost every state: girls show up, programs grow, and the state association makes it official. Every new state makes it easier for the next one.
My State Isn’t on the List. Now What?
You still have options. Many states without official sanctioning have pilot programs, district leagues or NFL-backed leagues. Our guide on how to find a girls flag football team near you walks through five ways to get on the field, from NFL FLAG leagues to club teams to starting your own.
And if you want your state to be next, the path is the same one Oregon took: build teams, show up in numbers, and make noise.
Gear Up for Your Season
Whether your season is happening now or starts in the spring, Flag-Up makes gear for female flag football athletes, including the MVPocket sports bra with a built-in mouthguard pocket.
Is your state next? Tell us on Instagram. We’ll keep this list updated as more states join.
Her Game. Her Gear. Raise Your Flag-Up.
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