In a landmark decision that signals the continued rise of flag football across the nation, New Jersey has officially become the 21st state to sanction girls flag football as a high school state championship sport. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure, with a staggering 311-18 vote, marking a new chapter for female athletes in the Garden State.
This move comes on the heels of similar approvals in Maryland and the District of Columbia just over a week ago, as well as Kansas, which became the 18th state to sanction the sport. The rapid expansion underscores a growing national trend: girls flag football is no longer just a recreational activity—it's a legitimate varsity pathway. Participation has surged to nearly 69,000 athletes nationwide during the 2024-25 school year, according to NFHS Network data, and more states are either running pilot programs or preparing to join the movement.
What makes New Jersey's approval particularly noteworthy is the unique collaboration that helped drive it. Traditional NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, joined forces as community partners to advocate for the sport's growth in the state. Their joint efforts played a key role in bringing this milestone to fruition, proving that when it comes to empowering young athletes, even the fiercest competitors can become allies.
With New Jersey now on board, here is the complete list of the 21 states and districts that currently sanction girls flag football as a high school championship sport: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington.
For young athletes across New Jersey, this decision means more than just a new jersey on the field—it represents a future where girls flag football is recognized, resourced, and celebrated at the highest level of high school competition.