LONE TREE - During its April meeting at the DCSD Legacy Campus, the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Legislative Council voted to approve girls flag football as a sanctioned sport and to add a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity level, among a variety of other proposals and committee reports.
“It’s a great day for our female athletes in the state of Colorado,” said Larry Bull, the District Athletic Director for Cherry Creek Schools who has been instrumental alongside Patrick Simpson (District Athletic Director (DAD) for Jeffco), John Andrew (retired administrator for Denver Public Schools (DPS)), Kevin Bendjy (current DAD for DPS) and the Denver Broncos in the piloting of girls flag football in Colorado. “The girls that have participated in flag football have worked extremely hard and have done a phenomenal job. It’s an amazing accomplishment that the state has supported these young female athletes.”
Girls flag football will become the 33rd sport sanctioned by CHSAA and will be the 18th sanctioned sport for girls in Colorado. It will join the fall sport lineup with the first state champion being crowned in Fall 2024.
In addition, per the approved recommendation by the Classification and League Organizing Committee (CLOC) today, if there are at least 50 schools sponsoring a team, there will be two classifications for the sport in its first season.
“Thrilled doesn’t even begin to cover it,” CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger said, regarding the Legislative Council voting to sanction girls flag football. “This isn’t just about the game; it’s about empowerment, teamwork and breaking barriers. By embracing this sport, we’re not only fostering athleticism, but we’re remaining among the nation’s leaders in providing opportunities for female athletes to participate. We are cultivating leadership, confidence and equality – on and off the field – and we are igniting a new era of inclusivity and self-empowerment for every young lady that participates. Get ready to witness the unstoppable force of these girls as they redefine the playing field and inspire generations to come!”
The other major change will be the implementation of a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity only level, beginning with the 2026-27 season.
“This vote means that Colorado basketball is taking the next step forward with the states around us,” said Rob Johnson, the Chaparral Athletic Director who was representing the Colorado Athletic Directors Association (CADA) today. “This will change the way the game’s being played and it should improve the game, our athletes and our coaches. Everything should be improving, and that’s exciting.”
