Girls Flag Football Officially Sanctioned as a Varsity Sport in Washington

Issaquah vs Everett Elite scrimmage in Dec. Credit: Mollie Hostetter

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a high school varsity sport—the first addition to the state’s roster in over two decades.

Flag football has seen a 63 percent national increase in girls’ participation since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. Washington joins 14 other states in formally recognizing the sport at the high school level, a shift fueled by advocacy from school districts and the support of the Seattle Seahawks.

“The WIAA is excited to welcome a new activity to the Association. We’re thankful to the Seattle Seahawks and James Neil for their leadership in helping bring Girls Flag Football to this point, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as the sport grows statewide,” Executive Director Mick Hoffman said.

Everett Elite representing the Seattle Seahawks

Starting August 1st, 2025, female student athletes will have a new opportunity if their school choose to offer the program.

Flag football is already offered by 83 high schools in Washington, and nearly 60 colleges and universities all throughout NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA offer flag football as a possible sport. With the official sanctioning of the sport, female athletes will have new opportunities.

“This is a historic moment for our state and an exciting milestone for all the girls flag athletes in our region who now have the opportunity to play at the highest level,” Chuck Arnold, President of the Seahawks and First and Goal Inc., said in an interview with the Seattle Seahawks.

In Everett, female flag football already has a strong presence. Coach Hiatt runs the “Everett Elite,” the top-ranked girls flag football team in the state, winning the 2023 and 2024 regional championships.

YMCA of Snohomish County Girls Flag Football

And for the YMCA of Snohomish County, the decision affirms what they’ve been building for years.

“We’ve been laying the foundation—training, mentoring, and championing girls through our own girls-only flag football league,” said Chris Bellecourt, Association Youth Sports Director, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Now, we’re ready to grow.”

The Y’s girls flag football league has become a launchpad for young players of all ages and skill levels who want to take their game to the next level. With a dedicated Girls Flag Football Coordinator leading program growth, the Y is uniquely equipped to support and scale participation in response to the state’s new varsity designation.

“I joined the Y because I believe in investing where it matters—right here in our community. We’re not just running a league; we’re building something meaningful for these girls,” said Jacob Hiatt, Girls Flag Football Coordinator, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our goal is to create the best experience possible, both on and off the field.”

With girls’ flag football officially kicking off in the 2025-26 school year, the Y is ready to help players hit the ground running. Registration opens on May 10 for the fall girls league, open to athletes in grades 1-12. To learn more about youth sports at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org/sports.