The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) describes girls flag football as a “high-paced game that highlights key athletic and football skills such as running, throwing, catching, and snapping the ball.” Flag football offers a structured, competitive environment similar to traditional football, but with less physical contact, making it a safer option for girls.

According to Timpview High School, the sport has roots dating back to the early 1940s, when it was played as a recreational activity for military personnel. While flag football has existed for decades, girls flag football officially became a recognized sport in Fall 2024 under the Illinois High School Association (IHSA). Prior to this, many high schools held “powder puff” games, typically once a year during homecoming week, where girls played flag football while boys cheered—an annual tradition that reversed the usual football roles.

An anonymous survey was sent out to all Elmwood Park High School students to gather opinions and information on whether girls flag football should be offered at EPHS. As seen in the results below, the majority voted in favor of introducing the sport.

A follow-up question asked those who voted “yes”: “Why do you think girls flag football should be offered at EPHS, and would you join if it were available?” One student responded, “I would join flag football. I think it’s a very skillful and effective sport to play, and it’s not fair that only boys get to enjoy football. It fosters commitment and dedication within a team, builds new friendships, and strengthens bonds like other sports—all without the physical contact. It should be a permanent team because, like other athletes, players can show passion for the sport while staying active.”

Another student said, “I think it gives girls another opportunity to participate in sports. I wouldn’t join because I’m already in cheer, which I’m really passionate about, but I think it would encourage other girls who aren’t involved in sports to give it a try.”

At EPHS, girls are somewhat limited in their options when it comes to sports. While the current offerings include girls track and field, cross country, basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, tennis, softball, and soccer, there’s always room for more. Its beneficial for girls to have access to a wide range of sports, and flag football would give them one more opportunity to learn a new skill and meet new people. Pumpkin.

Girls should have the opportunity to try a new sport they may have heard of but never had the chance to play. It’s a great way to make new friends, build connections, and form strong bonds within the team. A team that brings girls together and fosters a sense of unity like never before. Developing trust and camaraderie with new people can lead to meaningful friendships, even if you’re not sure how they started. In the end, the friendships girls form while playing flag football will be truly rewarding.

It’s clear that girls flag football should be introduced as a sport at EPHS. It would provide girls the opportunity to try something new, build friendships, and connect with others through teamwork and communication. So, what do you think? Should girls have the chance to play flag football at EPHS?

Works Cited:

• Beruldsen, D. (n.d.). The History of Women’s Flag Football By. IWFFA. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://iwffa.com/about/history/
• (n.d.). Flag Football study guide. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://timpview.provo.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Flag-Football-study-guide1.pdf   
• (n.d.). Flag Football overview 4.12.24 Description: Girls’ Flag Football is a high-paced game that highlights the major athletic and. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.ihsa.org/Portals/0/FFG%20overview%2041124.pdf