Women’s flag football. Photo taken by Stephanie Romeo.
Since the 1950s, flag football has slowly been growing in popularity. The International Olympic Committee announced that Flag Football would be a part of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
What is Flag Football?
Flag football closely resembles American Football but maintains its distinction as a no-contact sport. The game requires the opposing defensive team to take a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to end a down. As of mid-October, for the first time, flag football would be a sport that countries around the world could compete in. Outside of a worldwide level, the National Football League introduced new rules to their Pro Bowl season adjusting the game to flag football standards.
Although women’s flag football does not have official recognition as an OSAA sport, South Salem High School coaches expect that it will in the next few years as the sport constantly gains traction.
South funds the sport because it lacks official recognition. Donations and sponsors are greatly appreciated as they help support the cost of referees, equipment and supplies. Any contribution to the team helps extremely.
Making Sports Headlines
As the sport gains a bigger and more positive reputation, more high schools include it in their sports programs or clubs. Originally, when women’s flag football became a club sport at South in 2023, only eight teams were in the league including South. As of 2024, there are now around 30 teams that have signed up and are hoping to join the league. For South’s team, Coach Daniel Correa and Coach Zach Dufault have led the team to be successful for their 2023 season.
“I’m super excited and really glad more teams joined the league so we can have more competition to play,” Briella Mathis ‘26 said.
Not only has the sport become more recognized in high school sports, as of last year, the National Football League and RCX Sports brought women’s flag football to the college level. Thanks to this, now 15 colleges offer women’s flag football and many more are planned to be added.
The Positive Influence that Flag Football creates
Many see the sport as beneficial as it promotes confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship. It brings students together and creates a sense of community between the girls and the coaches. Practice does not always surround the game though, many of the players bond over school, friendship or even the Instagram Reels the team posts on their Instagram, (@she_scores_tds).
“Everybody is so inclusive and there are such nice people on the field, everybody is very welcoming. Coach Correa and Dufault are very fun to be around and are helpful overall,” Ysela Arroyo Delgadillo ‘26 said.
Practices vary but are often on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Bennett Field, this may vary depending on the weather, players or coaches.
Games and tournaments are listed as follows: April 19 at Sprague, April 20 at South, April 22 at West, April 26 at South, April 27 at South and May 4 at South.
