KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following today's vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board, girls Flag Football has officially been sanctioned as a high school sport in the state of Kansas – marking a historic milestone for student-athletes, schools, and communities statewide.
With the decision, Kansas becomes the 18th state in the United States to sanction girls Flag Football at the high school level, reflecting the sport's continued nationwide momentum and growing demand for expanded opportunities for female athletes.
The decision comes after weeks of widespread community engagement and advocacy, highlighted by a Chiefs-led grassroots campaign that generated overwhelming public support. In total, more than 11,000 individuals signed the "Let Her Play" petition, urging Kansas leaders to expand access and opportunity for girls through school-based Flag Football.
In advance of the vote, members of the Kansas City Chiefs organization – including Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach, and Head Coach Andy Reid – recorded a video message from the club's Draft Room that was shared with decision-makers ahead of deliberations. The video reinforced the organization's commitment to girls Flag Football, highlighted the strong regional support, and underscored the lasting impact sanctioning would have for students across Kansas.
"Today's vote will make it possible for so many girls across the state of Kansas to play flag football," said Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. "We're incredibly grateful to the fans, families, educators, school leaders, and communities across Kansas who raised their voices and showed up in support of these athletes. This outcome reflects a collective effort, and we're proud to stand alongside everyone who helped make it clear that girls Flag Football deserves a place in Kansas high schools."
Sanctioning girls Flag Football allow schools statewide to establish officially recognized programs, implement standardized rules and governance, and compete for state championships – creating a sustainable pathway from youth participation through high school athletics and beyond.
The Chiefs will continue their commitment to growing Flag Football through youth programming, school partnerships, coaching education, and community initiatives across both Kansas and Missouri. The organization is also actively supporting the growth of girls Flag Football across the region, with the sport currently at emerging status in Missouri and a planned launch of programming in Nebraska beginning this fall. More information and available resources can be found at chiefs.com/hsflag.
