Kansas Girls Flag Football Vote April 23rd: Chiefs Push for Official Sport Status

The Chiefs are pushing for girls' flag football in Kansas high schools. Over 100 colleges already have flag football programs, showing a growing trend.
By Newsroom | Sports, Kansas |

The Kansas City Chiefs have launched a public campaign, "Let Her Play," advocating for the sanctioning of girls' flag football as an official high school sport in Kansas. The push culminates ahead of a critical vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) on April 23rd. Currently, girls in Kansas high schools are unable to compete in organized flag football for state championships, a situation the Chiefs aim to change by mobilizing fans and community partners.

'Let her play': Chiefs launch petition for high school girls' flag football in Kansas - 1

The initiative seeks to establish structured programs, formalize rules, and enable official KSHSAA state competitions for girls' flag football, thereby creating new athletic opportunities.

'Let her play': Chiefs launch petition for high school girls' flag football in Kansas - 2

The Chiefs' campaign involves a petition, accessible online and via QR codes at various events, for community members to demonstrate support. Over fifty Chiefs staff members are reportedly engaging with the public across several Kansas locations, distributing promotional items such as "Let HER Play" flags and keychains. This effort includes organizing clinics, coaching development sessions, and other youth programs designed to assist schools and communities interested in implementing girls' flag football.

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The absence of sanctioning for girls' flag football in Kansas represents a missed opportunity for young athletes.

Concerns have been raised by some regarding potential player diversion from other sports if flag football gains official status. However, the Chiefs' campaign highlights the growing interest and existing pathways for flag football, noting that more than 100 colleges already feature flag football programs, suggesting a collegiate trajectory for athletes.

The Chiefs' advocacy for girls' flag football in Kansas has been ongoing for an estimated six years. The "Let Her Play" initiative includes a promotional video intended to garner broader public attention and support. The KSHSAA's upcoming vote on April 23rd will determine whether girls' flag football will be officially recognized and supported by the state's high school athletic association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the vote to make girls' flag football an official sport in Kansas high schools?
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) will vote on making girls' flag football an official sport on April 23rd. The Kansas City Chiefs are actively campaigning for this change.
Q: What is the 'Let Her Play' campaign by the Kansas City Chiefs about?
The 'Let Her Play' campaign is led by the Kansas City Chiefs to support making girls' flag football an official sport in Kansas high schools. They want girls to have the chance to compete for state championships.
Q: How are the Chiefs supporting the 'Let Her Play' campaign before the April 23rd vote?
The Chiefs are using petitions, engaging with the public at events in Kansas, and giving out promotional items. They are also organizing clinics and coaching sessions to help schools start flag football programs.
Q: Why is sanctioning girls' flag football important for Kansas athletes?
Sanctioning the sport means structured programs, formal rules, and official KSHSAA state competitions. This creates more athletic opportunities for girls, similar to programs already offered at over 100 colleges.
Q: Are there any concerns about making flag football an official sport for girls in Kansas?
Some people worry that flag football might take players away from other sports. However, supporters point to the growing interest and the increasing number of college programs as reasons to support it.