Girls Flag Football Added to Colorado High School Activities Association’s List of Sanctioned Sports: The Start of a New Era for High School Sports in Colorado

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has approved the addition of girls flag football as the 33rd sanctioned sport, making it the 18th high school sport for girls in Colorado. This exciting news was announced during a vote held on Tuesday afternoon at the DCSD Legacy Campus in Lone Tree.

The council also made other significant decisions, including the implementation of a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity level, starting from the 2026-27 season. Rob Johnson, Chaparral Athletic Director, expressed excitement about this development, stating that it will bring improvements to basketball in Colorado and align it with other states.

In addition to these changes, CHSAA announced that high school ice hockey will start one week earlier in future seasons to maintain consistent venues for the Frozen Four playoff semi-final and state championship games. The spring sports schedules will also be adjusted to prevent championships from overlapping with Memorial Day Weekend in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Furthermore, skiing state championships will now be divided into two separate events – one for Alpine and one for Nordic competition. Coaches returning to CHSAA must complete a concussion course refresher, while schools will receive precise instructions for athlete transfer paperwork completion.

Larry Bull, District Athletic Director for Cherry Creek Schools, expressed his excitement about the addition of girls flag football. He commended the hard work and dedication shown by female athletes who have participated in flag football so far. Bull described their accomplishment as amazing and praised Colorado’s support for young female athletes.

Overall, these changes represent an exciting new era of high school sports in Colorado and are set to take effect in upcoming seasons.