Interest growing in girls flag football, yet few area schools ready to make the leap

Jul. 29—Multiple schools in the Miami Valley have indicated they do not plan to add girls flag football to their list of athletic programs.

Cox First Media surveyed area high schools about their interest in offering girls flag football as a varsity activity following its approval by the OHSAA as its 29th sport. No area school that responded to the survey provided a "yes"-type response outside of the schools that already offer the sport.

School administrators did provide positive feedback on the sport's growth and acceptance by the OHSAA.

Northmont athletic director Micah Harding indicated the school is not in a position to add any new programs as it attempts to avoid further expenses, but believes it could be something that is explored in a better financial situation.

Sustainability is also on the mind when it comes to growth. Miamisburg AD Jason Shade believes it would be difficult to ensure a program could make it through its infancy due to declining enrollment and a low percentage of upperclassmen females.

The established spring sports in place at many schools already have the attention of many student-athletes, according to several responses.

"That said, we will continue to have conversations internally and gather feedback from our student-athletes and families regarding future interest," Shade said.

Bellbrook AD Charlie O'Dell said he is happy to have added several girls sports in recent years, including wrestling, bowling and golf, but the total number of sports offered when compared to the district's steady enrollment numbers does not create the opportunity to add anything more.

Those that already have the sport are proud to be at the forefront.

The 2027 season will be the third year Trotwood has offered the sport. AD Jonas Smith said he is excited about its potential future. The school has also added flag football as a middle school sport.

"Flag football has generated tremendous enthusiasm among our student-athletes, and our young ladies have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate and compete," Smith said.

The sport will continue to have a place in the area as it enters its first full season as part of the OHSAA. Trotwood, Badin, and all six Dayton City League members fielded teams in the 2026 Spring season.

Badin were the inaugural state champions in 2025 as part of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association tournament and reached the first sponsored OHSAA state tournament in 2026.

Ponitz CTC has won three consecutive city league titles.

Girls flag football became the 29th sport recognized by the OHSAA in June and made Ohio the 40th state in the country to offer it. The OHSAA now sponsors more girls sports (15) than boys (14) and says 162 schools — the majority being in the greater-Cincinnati and Cleveland area — participated during the 2026 Spring season.

Dates and sites for the 2027 state championships are to be determined. The finals were held at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton the past two seasons.

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