Overview
- KSHSAA’s board, which voted Thursday 61-1, approved girls flag football as an official sport, making Kansas the 18th state to do so.
- Play as a sanctioned activity is set for the 2026–27 school year, with championships offered only after 24 schools participate.
- The decision followed a campaign backed by the Kansas City Chiefs, including a “Let Her Play” petition with more than 11,000 signatures and a video from team leaders.
- Girls have competed in Kansas as club teams for five years, with at least 29 schools fielding teams last season in leagues around Wichita and the Kansas City area.
- Districts say interest is strong but they must address staffing, scheduling, and funding needs, and schools are not required to add the sport.