Oregon’s girls’ flag football program will move from a trial phase to full sanctioned status, with the Oregon School Activities Association approving the change unanimously on Monday, Oct. 12. The first full sanctioned season is scheduled for spring 2027. Oregon is the 25th state to approve girls’ flag football as a high school sport. The OSAA expects at least 60 schools to offer teams by the time the season begins, while another 20 are exploring adding the sport. The decision follows rapid growth since eight schools began playing in spring 2024. The OSAA designated flag football an emerging sport in 2025, a two-year trial period. Some schools have since added junior varsity teams, and interest meetings have drawn large turnouts. At St. Mary’s, 80 girls attended an interest meeting, OSAA Assistant Executive Director Kelly Foster said. “Several schools in the last two seasons have added JV levels; like, there aren’t enough spots, there aren’t enough games. They want more of this,” Foster said. Foster, who has led the effort to secure sanctioned status, said the vote was an emotional moment. She also pointed to the sport’s relatively low costs for schools and its accessibility as reasons for its appeal. Tualatin coach Bubba Lemon said players have brought enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Lemon, who also coaches the school’s boys basketball team, said he hopes his two daughters will eventually play for their high school team. With the OSAA’s approval, schools can now plan for a statewide spring season rather than operating only within the emerging-sport framework. The projected participation could expand organized athletic opportunities for girls across Oregon, though the number of schools that ultimately field teams will depend on local decisions.