New York State Public High School Athletic Association approves girls’ flag football as sanctioned sport

Twitter photo from @NYSPHSAA
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High school girls’ flag football will be an official sport and play to state championship in 2024.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association sanctioned the sport Wednesday on the 37th anniversary of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

“With the support of the NFL, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has provided thousands of student-athletes with the ability to play girls flag football. In less than one year, the number of schools playing girls flag has nearly tripled in our state. Providing participation opportunities for students continues to be one of our top priorities,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director.

The Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and New York Jets have played key roles in launching the sport in the state.

According to a news release on Giants.com, over 140 schools over eight sections will be playing in 2023.

“We are thrilled with today’s announcement that our high school girls flag football athletes in New York State will experience the thrill of the playoffs and a championship game beginning in 2024,” said Ethan Medley, Giants Director of Community Relations and Youth Football.

“Our collaborative effort with the Bills, Jets, Nike and the NYPHSAA to encourage and support the athletes, coaches and school districts who had an interest in participating in the sport has been a very rewarding experience. To have over 140 schools participating across the state in just the second year is truly beyond even our own expectations and shows the interest and excitement for the sport.”

Related: New York Jets expanded girls’ flag in NJ and NY

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About the Author

Jeff Fisher
Jeff is an award-winning journalist and expert in the field of high school sports, underscored with his appearance on CNBC in 2010 to talk about the big business of high school football in America.Jeff turned to his passion for high school football into an entrepreneurial venture called High School Football America, a digital media company focused on producing original high school sports content for radio, television and the internet.Jeff is co-founder and editor-in-chief of High School Football America, a partner with NFL Play Football.