Girls Flag Football in Maryland: Sanctioning, Schools & College Pathway
Maryland's MPSSAA sanctioned girls flag football as its 26th state championship sport on April 24, 2026, effective the 2026-27 season. More than 130 schools across 10 county systems participate, with state title games set for M&T Bank Stadium.
Girls flag football is an officially sanctioned high school sport in Maryland. On April 24, 2026, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) voted unanimously to elevate the sport from "emerging" status to Maryland's 26th state championship sport, effective the 2026-27 school year. State championship games will be staged at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens.
The sport grew rapidly from a pilot that began in Frederick County in 2023. By 2026, more than 130 schools across 10 county school systems fielded teams, clearing the MPSSAA threshold for championship consideration. The Baltimore Ravens contributed more than $1 million in funding and uniforms, and the Washington Commanders joined the effort in 2025 to support Prince George's and Montgomery County programs. A statewide per-player participation total has not been published; the verified figures are school counts.
Maryland players also have a growing college pathway. The NAIA national championship in spring 2027 offers scholarship opportunities, and the NCAA added women's flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026, with a vote on full championship status expected in January 2027. With flag football set for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and girls participation having more than quadrupled since the 2021-22 NFHS survey, Maryland athletes are entering the sport at an opportune moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is girls flag football sanctioned in Maryland?
Yes. The MPSSAA voted on April 24, 2026 to sanction girls flag football as Maryland's 26th state championship sport, effective the 2026-27 school year, with title games at M&T Bank Stadium.
Who governs girls flag football in Maryland?
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) governs high school girls flag football in the state.
How many schools participate?
More than 130 schools across 10 county school systems participate as of 2026. A per-player participation total has not been published.
What is the college pathway for Maryland players?
The NAIA sponsors a women's flag football national championship (first held spring 2027), the NCAA added women's flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program, and NJCAA programs are expanding — creating scholarship opportunities for Maryland players.