WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - One of the most rapid growing sports in the country, girls flag football, has seen a recent boom in the state of Kansas. But even with teams across the sunflower state adopting programs, it’s still not considered a sanctioned sport under the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).
The Kansas City Chiefs have recently become an advocate to change that fact.
> Let Her Play 🔥 We're proud to announce our support for sanctioning high school girls flag in Kansas.
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> — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) [April 2, 2026](https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/2039719507573514323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
During the KSHSAA board meeting on April 23, the sport will be put to a vote to potentially become a sanctioned varsity sport in the state of Kansas. This would mean that schools would be able to compete in official state tournaments, have the opportunity to play for state champions among other benefits.
“There’s something different about wearing your team’s name and jersey, representing it at working towards state championship that is recognized by the state,” Chiefs head of football development Sheila Sickau said.
In order for the sport to become sanctioned, 24 schools must have played the sport prior to the vote. Kansas had 28 schools, according to KSHSAA assistant executive director Mark Lentz.
After the participation requirement, 51% of the 73 KSHSAA board members will have to vote yes when the vote comes later this month.
It’s a vote that KSHSAA says it will be sure to weigh both pros and cons.
“They’re going to look at: One, is it the right time to add it?” Lentz said. “Number two is they’re going to look at: Will we have enough schools really want to play the sport if it’s sanctioned?”
If the vote were to pass, it would be integrated as soon as the fall season of 2026. If the vote were to fail, however, the Chiefs say that doesn’t mean the door is shut.
“\[We’ll\] make it as big as possible where they can’t say no the next time,” Sickau said. “Keep growing the numbers, keep showing up, keep coming to the bigger events that we have, post about it, talk about it.
No matter the outcome, Sickau says the Chiefs organization will continue to keep pushing for change, and not just in Kansas.
“Either a yes or no vote, we’re not going anywhere,” she said. “If you build it, they will come. I would tell a lot of them, I think you’ll be very surprised by the amount of girls that when given the opportunity will show up.”
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