- Home
- Priorities
- Youth Sports
- Girls Flag Football
Print this page
On July 17, 2025, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) announced they have sanctioned girls high school flag football in the state of Ohio, making Ohio the 17th state to sanction the sport across the United States. Over the last five years, the Browns have played a pivotal role in working towards the sanctioning of girls flag football in Ohio.
The Browns’ journey began in 2021, when they launched their Girls High School Flag Football League in partnership with Northeast Ohio Flag Football. What started with nine teams quickly grew to 88 by 2025, spanning multiple counties and engaging dozens of schools across the state. Through grassroots outreach, pilot leagues, and collaboration with high school coaches, the Browns helped build momentum and credibility for the sport at every level.
In 2023, the Browns began formal discussions with the OHSAA about sanctioning requirements, including the creation of a coaches association. The following year, they joined the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Board of Directors as representatives for a newly established region dedicated to girls flag football—the only NFL team in the nation to hold such a position. Working alongside partners like Gatorade and Bridgestone, the Browns also hosted clinics, summits, and provided equipment and resources to ensure sustained growth for the league.
"The decision to officially sanction girls flag football in Ohio is an important moment not just for the Browns, but for the entire state of Ohio and the game we love. We have seen firsthand how powerful the game of football can be in shaping confidence, leadership, and community, and we are proud that more young women will have the chance to experience that same growth. When we launched our Girls High School Flag Football League in 2021, the goal was to get to this day, but it wouldn't have been possible without the continuous work of the athletes, coaches, administrators and parents who all believed in the future of this sport. We want to thank the OHSAA, the Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL for their partnership on bringing this to life as we continue to grow the game for girls across the state."
Dee and Jimmy Haslam
1 / 22
