Let Her Play | Chiefs.com
Make Your Voice Heard!
Until we can all play, there will always be a missing piece. It's time to get girls flag football sanctioned in Kansas to expand access to school-based programs, provide more girls the opportunity to play, and strengthen pathways to collegiate opportunities.
On Thursday, April 23, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will vote on whether to sanction girls flag football as an official high school sport. Sign our petition to let the KSHSAA Board know how important this is to girls in Kansas!
Make Your Voice Heard!
Until we can all play, there will always be a missing piece. It's time to get girls flag football sanctioned in Kansas to expand access to school-based programs, provide more girls the opportunity to play, and strengthen pathways to collegiate opportunities.
On Thursday, April 23, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will vote on whether to sanction girls flag football as an official high school sport. Sign our petition to let the KSHSAA Board know how important this is to girls in Kansas!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space is needed for a flag football field?
Flag football fields are smaller than tackle football. In a traditional 7 on 7 game, the field is 80 x 40 yards. In 5 on 5, the field is 70 x 25-30 yards
How many players are needed to have a flag football team?
Minimum roster size in organized flag leagues can be as few as 7 players, which is the amount on the field at any given time. High school teams typically roster 20-30+ players to support varsity and JV levels, accommodate substitutions and special teams. Many schools are seeing rosters fill quickly, with some pilot leagues reporting 60+ girls at tryouts.
When and where is the vote?
The vote will take place on April 23, 2026, at 3pm at the KSHSAA office at 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka, Kansas.
Who is representing and voting for my area?
For information about your representative, visit https://www.kshsaa.org/react/general/Committees.
What does it mean for a sport to become sanctioned?
When a sport becomes sanctioned, it becomes formally regulated by KSHSAA rules and bylaws, and member schools may officially sponsor the sport at the varsity level. The sport then becomes eligible for district, regional, and state championship competition. Ultimately, it leads to more resources, more participation, and greater collegiate opportunities.
Is the public able to attend the KSHSAA Meeting?
Yes, the meeting is open to the public.
Will this take athletes from other sports?
According to the NFHS, about half of the girls playing the sport were not engaged previously in another high school sport.
My daughter is not in high school yet. Are there opportunities for her to play?
Yes! There are all-girls leagues in both Kansas and Missouri for elementary to high school athletes. Find a league near you at www.chiefs.com/chiefsflag.
Why is flag football being considered for sanctioning in Kansas?
From 2024 to 2025, there was a 163% increase in high schools offering girls [LS1] flag football programs in Kansas from Kansas City to Wichita and beyond.
Who decides whether flag football becomes sanctioned?
The KSHSAA Board, comprised of middle/high school principals, athletic directors, superintendents, governor at-large appointees, and school board representatives.
Is flag football sanctioned in other states?
Yes, flag football is currently sanctioned in 17 states, with 22 [LS2] other states running pilot programs.
Is flag football only growing in the United States?
No! With more than 20 million players across 100 countries, flag football is already a global game. The Chiefs support the growth of flag football internationally in Mexio, Germany, and the UK.
Is there a collegiate pathway for flag football athletes?
Yes! More than 100 colleges have flag football programs. NAIA & NJCAA started programs in 2020, while NCAA Divisions I, II, III voted it to emerging sport status earlier this year. Flag football will be in the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the NFL has announced support of a professional flag football league.