Johnston High School in Rhode Island is making strides towards sanctioning girls flag football, a sport that has taken decades to gain recognition. With only nine states currently sanctioning girls flag football, the school’s Athletic Director, Justin Erickson, and team member Olivia Iafrate are leading the way in pushing for official recognition.
The idea for a girls flag football program came from assistant coach Randy Phillips, who approached Erickson with the proposal. Seeing the NFL’s support for flag football, Erickson recognized the opportunity to provide more sports opportunities for girls and level the playing field between male and female athletes.
The team has received positive responses from athletic directors in Rhode Island, with plans to establish a trial league and potentially gain official sanctioning by 2027. Olivia Iafrate, a member of the team, shared her excitement about being part of something new and bringing the community closer together through sports.
For Iafrate, the best part about playing football is the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. She believes that girls flag football becoming a serious sport will have a positive impact on the community and girls’ sports in general.
As the movement towards sanctioning girls flag football gains momentum in Rhode Island, Johnston High School’s team is leading the way in promoting inclusivity and providing more opportunities for female athletes to excel in the sport.
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