CIF On Verge of Adding Girls Flag Football

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is on the verge of adding girls flag football to its list of in-state athletic offerings.

A recent column from the LA Time’s Eric Sondheimer outlined how the CIF’s 10 section commissioners are growing with excitement at the possibility of girls flag football in the high school ranks.

Below is an excerpt from the LA Time’s column.

The proposal was initiated by the Southern Section and will have the first read at its council meeting on Sept. 29, followed by a first vote on Jan. 31 that would send it on to the State Federated Council for a read and get other sections to endorse for a possible start in the fall of 2023.

It was discussed at a meeting of section commissioners last week in Sacramento.

City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos, who played soccer and ran track at Mission Hills Bishop Alemany, is a 100% supporter of flag football for girls.

“I was born too soon,” she said. “I could have been good at it.”

Also discussed among the commissioners is an initiative related to sportsmanship. The CIF will be passing onto schools a complete “sportsmanship kit” with guidance on how to effectively handle officials, fans, players and coaches.

“It’s going to be an incredible tool for the schools,” Lagos said.

NIL questions answered by the CIF. pic.twitter.com/tD3pk6UMhg

— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) September 5, 2022

As for addressing name, image and likeness compensation for high school athletes, the commissioners reviewed the current CIF rules in a question-and-answer format. Sections have been alerting schools to remove photos of players wearing or appearing in photos with their uniforms promoting products. Lagos said Narbonne and Dorsey were each told to have players remove wrist bracelets that promoted an organization.

“This is a learning curve for all of us,” she said.

To read the full story from the LA Times, click here.