The NCAA RECOMMENDS WOMEN’s COLLEGE FLAG FOOTBALL.
Saydee Sifuentes of Arizona State University Lady Sun Devils women's club college flag football team avoids a tackle.
WCFF Team– A significant milestone has been reached for women's collegiate athletics. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics has officially recommended that Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to add flag football to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. This pivotal decision marks a crucial step in the sport's journey towards official NCAA recognition and championship status, signaling a powerful expansion of opportunities for female athletes nationwide.
The committee's recommendation, announced February 12th, 2025, sets the stage for each division to consider and potentially adopt legislation that would integrate flag football into the NCAA's governance structure. For a sport to achieve emerging status, a minimum of 40 schools must sponsor it at the varsity level, accompanied by stringent contest and participation requirements. Currently, over 65 NCAA institutions are actively sponsoring women's flag football, either at the club or varsity level, with projections indicating further growth in 2026.
The sport's rapid ascent is undeniable. Women's flag football has captured the hearts of athletes and fans alike, offering a dynamic, fast-paced, and inclusive platform for competition. The NAIA, recognizing this potential early on, launched women's flag football in 2020 and has proudly hosted championship events since 2021. This established foundation, coupled with the NCAA's recent recommendation, underscores the sport's undeniable momentum.
Beyond the collegiate level, the sport's growth is evident at the grassroots. Fourteen states have already sanctioned girls' flag football as a varsity high school sport, and according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, it was the 12th most popular girls' sport in 2023-24, boasting 42,955 participants. NFL FLAG reports nearly half a million girls aged 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023, showcasing the sport's widespread appeal across all age groups.
The inclusion of flag football in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics further solidifies its global recognition and underscores its potential for continued expansion. This international stage will provide unparalleled visibility, inspiring future generations of female athletes and driving further excitement for the sport.
The NCAA's recommendation carries significant implications. Achieving emerging sport status will pave the way for increased scholarship opportunities, enhanced funding, and greater visibility for women's flag football programs. As the sport progresses through the NCAA governance structure, it moves closer to the ultimate goal: full championship status. Many successful active club programs, such as the one pictured above at Arizona State University now see a path to varsity inclusion at the Division I level, as colleges such as Alabama State University and Mount St. Mary’s University have both announced full varsity programs.
So, what's next? The NCAA divisions have to vote on this recommendation. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and if you're passionate about flag football, make some noise! Support your local teams, spread the word, and let's keep this momentum going. And of course, make sure to follow WCFF on socials for the latest
Women’s College Flag Football
More than a game- A movement