Justin Cabrera

One of the many gameplay differences that makes girls flag football more distinct from traditional football is the lack of the use of field goals. Due to the high emphasis on passing and running plays, field goals are removed from flag football. CIF rule book rules that a team may only score touchdowns, points after touchdowns, and safeties.

With no helmets or pads, a smaller field, less time on the clock, and a quicker pace of play, girls flag football separates itself from the traditional football that comes to mind. The use of flags makes it less physical but equally as strategic. For the past year, interest in the sport has grown exponentially according to Athletic Director Randy Bell.

The California Interscholastic Federation, otherwise known as CIF, is the governing body for high school athletics. Divided into 10 sections, CIF decides whether a sport is officially recognized or not.

“Last year, in CIF council meetings across the state, girls flag football was proposed to be added as a sanctioned CIF sport, and membership overwhelmingly approved that,” said Bell.

The rise in interest in girls flag football can be seen with the implementation of the sport both on campus and at Edgewood High School. Edgewood’s team has already competed during the fall of 2023 and West Covina is looking to join the competition this upcoming fall. Despite a short notice meeting in March, there are already 32 girls who are interested in competing this fall.

“It can offer opportunities for girls that aren’t interested in fall sports like distance running and cross country. It’s also an opportunity for winter and spring athletes to have a fall sport to gravitate towards,” said Bell.

So far, CIF league scheduling for girls flag football has games planned for Mondays and Wednesdays. The overlap of girls flag football and traditional football, allows for the two sports to coexist more smoothly. Once a coach is cleared and hired, girls flag football can potentially be ready by May 2024. Potential opportunities for girls flag football in the summer may be present if all goes as planned.

Overall, girls flag football is another option available for athletes who don’t have anything going on in the fall.

“The best part of my job day in and day out is watching our student-athletes go go go, whatever the sport, so I’m looking forward to that. It’ll be a new experience for me too. I have not been to a school that had flag football. But more than that, I’m just hoping to add it to our repertoire of offerings for student-athletes to play and have a good experience,” said Bell.