Girls’ Flag Football Approved as New High School Sport

At the Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Board of Education Meeting, Girls' Flag Football was approved as a CIF-Southern Section sanctioned sport at the High School Level in the CVUSD. This approval followed the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) decision to sanction the sport in September 2022 where the door was opened for the formation of teams, leagues, and playoffs at the high school level.

CVUSD Board approval of the new sport follows the District’s completion of a survey at all three comprehensive high schools (Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake High Schools) which showed an overwhelming number of students stating their interest in the sport.

Girls’ Flag Football is designated as a fall sport. In the school years ahead, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, teams may be developed at each CVUSD comprehensive high school based on student-interest. 

Girls' high school flag football is a relatively new sport that has soared in popularity in California in recent years. Flag football is a modified version of American football, where instead of tackling the player with the ball, the defensive team must pull the flag attached to the ball carrier's waist to stop them. Other facets of the game include seven on seven gameplay, four quarters of 12 minutes each, and a running clock for the majority of the game.

This exciting and competitive sport is another excellent opportunity for students who are interested in athletic participation. CVUSD is proud to pave the way for this new sport opportunity to be added to comprehensive high school sites, which will allow student-athletes the chance to showcase their skills and talents on a competitive stage as well as promote the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership.