By Declan O’Malley, Journal contributor
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association officially sanctioned girls flag football this week, sparking the question of whether the sport will be introduced at San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor High School.
In a historic move, the WIAA made girls flag football an official high school sport, marking the first addition to its roster since 1999. Starting this fall, female athletes will have the opportunity to compete in the rapidly growing sport, pending participation from individual schools.
WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman expressed his enthusiasm in a statement: “I am incredibly thankful for the membership’s hard work throughout this amendment cycle, and the WIAA is excited to welcome a new activity to the association. We’re grateful to the Seattle Seahawks and James Neil for their leadership in helping bring Girls Flag Football to this point, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as the sport grows statewide.”
“This process has highlighted the leadership and dedication of athletic administrators from across the state, who have spent months engaging in thoughtful discussions and collaboration. Their commitment ensured the amendment process was both inclusive and effective, and we’re proud to move forward with changes that reflect the voices of our member schools,” Hoffman continued.
The Seattle Seahawks have been strong advocates for girls flag football, organizing championship tournaments and providing grant funding to support teams in Tacoma, Seattle Public Schools and several other districts, including Bellevue, Northshore, Auburn, Renton, Puyallup, Mercer Island, Federal Way, Highline and Kent. Last year, several schools in Whatcom County also offered the sport.
Locally, FHHS has yet to decide whether to add varsity flag football to its athletic offerings, and there has been no word on whether any other schools in the Northwest 1B/2B League, of which FHHS is a part, will introduce the sport.
Only time will tell whether girls flag football will be introduced at FHHS or other schools on San Juan Island and within the conference. The sport is set to officially be recognized statewide as a sanctioned activity on Aug. 1.