Hawaii has officially become the 12th state to sanction high school girls’ flag football, marking a significant step in the sport’s growing popularity across the United States.
This move underscores the rapid expansion and enthusiasm for the sport among young athletes nationwide and young girls in particular.
At a joint press conference, HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi emphasized the historical significance of this development, stating that the initiative provides an unparalleled opportunity for approximately 1,000 female athletes to participate in the inaugural season.
“These young women are not just making history—they are trailblazing a path for future generations of female high school athletes. Their involvement will inspire and empower countless others in the years to come,” Hayashi said.
Hawaii joins Colorado, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Illinois, California, Alaska, and Alabama as states having sanctioned girls flag football.
The Hawaiian initiative had garnered support from various stakeholders, including the state’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who highlighted its alignment with the legacy of Patsy T. Mink and Title IX, according to a press release.
Girls’ flag football in Hawaii will be played in a 7-on-7 format during the spring season and teams from all of the state’s 44 public schools, along with several private schools, will compete in leagues across the state, according to HIDOE. The tentative start date for the season is Feb. 27, 2025, with a state tournament scheduled for April.
Chris Chun, executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, expressed pride in expanding athletic opportunities for female students, noting that education-based athletics offer significant benefits.
The inaugural season will be supported through private sponsorships, with the NFL and the Seahawks providing grants for equipment, and Nike supplying uniforms. Other contributors include the Hawaii Medical Service Association and Hawaii Dental Service, which will provide protective gear.
Mario Bailey, vice president of community engagement & legends at the Seattle Seahawks, celebrated the sport’s growth and the opportunity for girls in Hawaii to play at a high level.
“The Seahawks are proud to continue our efforts across Hawaii to help grow their girls flag programs through clinics, events, and grant funding,” Bailey said.
The inclusion of flag football as a sanctioned sport in Hawaii reflects broader national and international trends.
The NFL, through its NFL FLAG program, is actively working to expand the sport’s reach by partnering with schools and communities to integrate flag football into physical education curricula.
This rapid expansion is largely due to flag football’s accessibility and inclusivity, allowing people of all ages and abilities to participate.
As the sport has gained momentum, it has also been recognized at the collegiate level, with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics declaring women’s flag football an emerging sport in 2020, the NFL said.
Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, further solidifying its status as an emerging global sport.
