Colorado High School Activities Association Sanctions Girls Flag Football as Permanent High School Sport

The Colorado High School Activities Association has made a groundbreaking decision to sanction girls flag football as a permanent high school sport, following a successful pilot program. With over 50 schools in Colorado already signed on, including many in the Denver metro area, this move is set to revolutionize the high school sports scene in the state.

Colorado now joins 10 other states in the country that have sanctioned girls flag football for high school athletes. CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger expressed his excitement about the decision, stating that it not only promotes athleticism but also provides more opportunities for female athletes to participate in sports. This move is seen as a step towards fostering leadership, confidence, and equality both on and off the field.

The impact of this decision goes beyond high school sports, as more than a dozen NAIA colleges are now offering scholarships for girls flag football players. Additionally, the sport is set to make its debut as an Olympic event at the 2028 games in Los Angeles, further solidifying its place in the sports world.

The Denver Broncos played a significant role in advocating for girls flag football in Colorado schools, with the Denver Broncos Foundation providing financial aid to schools that adopted the sport. Partnerships with Nike and USA Football ensured that all teams had the necessary equipment and uniforms to compete.

Carrie Walton Penner, one of the Broncos owners and chair of the Denver Broncos Foundation Board, emphasized the importance of this decision for girls in Colorado. She highlighted the empowerment, inclusion, and sense of community that girls flag football can provide for the next generation of female athletes and leaders.

Overall, the sanctioning of girls flag football in Colorado is a historic moment that is set to pave the way for more opportunities and empowerment for female athletes in the state.