Some local public and private high schools plan to add girls flag football to their athletics programs in the spring. Hawaiʻi is the 12th state to sanction the sport.
The Hawaii High School Athletic Association cited an uptick in interest and the benefit of having existing equipment as reasons behind its decision to add flag football. The seven-on-seven game will be the first new girls sport added in over 20 years.
Women's flag football is also set to debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Conversation talked with HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun about what led to the decision and what to expect next spring.
"I think it's something that it was a no-brainer, from admin to parents to players to students — from the top all the way to the bottom," Chun said.
"I mean because of the public-private partnerships that were involved, because of the way the (state) Department of Education supported it, that everything was a positive that if you can add a girls sport, especially in this time frame, especially with these limited costs, that this is something that everyone can get behind."
Twelve teams are already signed up for a flag football state tournament planned for the spring.
The most popular girls sport in the state is currently volleyball, but Chun believes girls flag football will "be one of our most popular sports."
This interview aired on The Conversation on Aug. 12, 2024. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
