Girls Flag Football Approved As Official Maryland Varsity Sport Beginning 2026-2027 School Year

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Girls flag football will officially become a sanctioned varsity sport across Maryland public high schools beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing sport and expanding athletic opportunities for female student-athletes.

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association approved the designation following a unanimous vote by its Board of Control and final authorization from the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. The move transitions girls flag football from an “emerging sport” to a fully recognized state championship sport, with postseason play scheduled for fall 2026.

The inaugural sanctioned season is set to begin with fall practices on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, and will culminate in state championship games at M&T Bank Stadium later in the season.

Local Participation Already Underway

In Southern Maryland, Charles and Calvert county public schools participated in girls flag football during the 2025-2026 school year as part of the sport’s expansion phase prior to full sanctioning.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools also confirmed its participation for the 2026-2027 school year during the St. Mary’s County Board of Education meeting held Tuesday, April 8, 2026, where officials discussed expanding athletic opportunities for female students and integrating the sport into the local athletics program.

The sport will now be played across all three Southern Maryland counties as part of the growing statewide rollout.

Growth Meets State Threshold

The decision to sanction the sport follows rapid growth statewide. Participation has expanded significantly since the initial pilot launched in 2023, surpassing the minimum requirement that at least 40% of MPSSAA member schools sponsor the sport.

By the 2026-2027 school year, participation is projected to reach approximately 132 schools statewide, representing a majority of Maryland high schools.

The initiative has been supported through partnerships with the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour, which have contributed funding, equipment and uniforms to participating programs.

Statewide Growth Driven By Partnerships

According to details presented during a St. Mary’s County Public Schools athletics presentation, the rapid expansion of girls flag football has been supported through partnerships with the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour.

The Ravens have committed approximately $10,000 per school over a two-year period, including funding assistance, uniforms and equipment. The organization also provides coaching and officiating training sessions at its Owings Mills headquarters, along with interest clinics hosted within local counties to build participation.

At the collegiate level, institutions including Howard Community College, Harford Community College, Mount St. Mary’s University and the University of Delaware have begun launching programs, signaling a broader pipeline for athletes beyond high school.

What Sanctioning Means

The sport will also be included in conference play locally, including the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference, where teams are expected to compete during the fall season.

Looking Ahead

As Maryland prepares for its first official championship season, school systems across the state — including those not yet participating — are expected to assess program adoption to align with the expanding athletic landscape.

For more information on schedules, classifications and championship details, visit the newly launched Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association website at mpssaa.org.

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