Kudos to the DOE, HHSAA, ILH, OIA, private-side entrepreneurs/donors, politicos, general enthusiasts, and others who have not only constructed the template for high school girls’ flag football leagues locally, but who already have plans to hold the first state championship in 2025!
No additional meetings, studies, committees, panels, or surveys are necessary (aside from working out the details), because this pigskin has cleared the uprights and will officially kick off in spring, 2025. As many as 50 local high schools might field a team in year one- including most, if not all, of the O`ahu OIA- that represents more than half of the high schools in the entire state!
And why not! Flag football mandates minimal contact besides yanking flags to bring a player “down”, promotes agility, speed, strategic and analytical thinking, teamwork and communication. As with other team sports, players must get along to get things done. Hmmm, Congress should be forced to play this game… daily.
The NFL, a possible benefactor here, formally committed to flag football 30-years ago and now has 700,000 boys and girls in its programs. Future NFL fans? Of course… Over seven million are now estimated to be playing the game, either competitively or recreationally, throughout the U.S. By the time Hawaii’s first high school teams kick off, at least 13 states will have sanctioned high school girls programs, while 16 other states plan to soon in the fun, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
And heads up parents and interested kids- some Division II and III colleges are offering college aid for flag football players. And… men and women will be playing for flag football gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
As each high school game will last about an hour, schedulers can stack multiple games on one field. Equipment needs are minimal (a suggestion: have referees bring standardized flags to ensure uniformity… and no “substance abuse” controversies with the Velcro or pop socket flags).
ESPN recently inked a five-year deal to televise the NFL Flag league, and over 30 games were aired/streamed last month on ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channels. The seven vs. seven contests feature no blocking, and every player can receive a pass, pitch, or hand off. A great game (started overseas by U.S. servicemen during WWII 80 years ago) will now showcase Hawai`i’s female student-athletes; that’s a touchdown.
Think about it…