INDIANA—Girls’ flag football has taken a significant step towards becoming a sanctioned high school sport in Indiana. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced on Monday that it has approved girls flag football as an emerging sport, placing it on the established pathway to becoming an officially sanctioned IHSAA sport.
The Indianapolis Colts have been instrumental in raising girls flag football in the state. Led by Colts vice chair and owner Kalen Jackson, the organization has actively promoted the sport, frequently hosting games during halftime or after Colts games to increase visibility.
“The growth of girls’ flag football has accelerated greatly over the past few years, from Little League to high school, all the way to the 2028 Olympics,” Jackson said. “We’re grateful to the IHSAA for continuing this momentum and opening more opportunities for girls and women athletes across Indiana.”
IHSSA Commissioner Paul Neidig highlighted their crucial contribution to the sport’s expansion: “We know in girls’ flag football that most girls who play do not currently play another sport. It’s another opportunity for kids who may not have had it before.”
The Colts launched a girls flag football league in 2023, starting with eight Indianapolis and South Bend teams. This league has since grown to 27 teams, a development that played a key role in the IHSAA’s decision to grant emerging sport status.
According to IHSAA rules, a sport must have 100 participating schools while holding emerging sport status to be considered for full sanctioning. To help achieve this goal, the Jim Irsay family has pledged $1 million to support the launch of 100 girls’ teams in 2025.
The Colts’ “Road to 100” initiative offers eligible high schools grants of up to $10,000 to assist with equipment, uniforms, training, and coaching stipends. As of Monday, 65 Indiana high schools have already committed to establishing a girls’ flag football team for the 2025 season.
Schools interested in starting a girls flag football program can find more information by clicking here.
The IHSAA’s approval marks a significant advancement for the sport in Indiana, paving the way for potential official sanctioning and expanded opportunities for female student-athletes across the state.
