The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced on April 30 that the inaugural girls flag football state championship will take place on Saturday, May 16 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
The event marks a significant milestone as eight high schools will compete in a one-day tournament inside the same venue that hosts the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game and OHSAA tackle football championships. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are set to host regional tournaments in early May, with regional finals occurring on Monday, May 11. The top four teams from each region will advance to the state championship.
Currently, there are 162 high schools across Ohio sponsoring girls flag football. The OHSAA is working together with the Browns, Bengals, and Pro Football Hall of Fame to organize this event. Doug Ute, Executive Director of OHSAA, said: “We are very excited for this state tournament and would like to thank the Pro Football Hall of Fame for hosting it inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This sport has grown so fast over the last few years and we are proud that the young ladies will compete for an OHSAA state championship inside the stadium. We look forward to being a part of a great day in Canton.”
Four playing fields measuring 25 yards by 70 yards each will be set up within the stadium. Quarterfinal games begin at noon across all four fields and will be followed by semifinals and then a final match.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association conducts championship tournaments in 24 sports to celebrate excellence and promote school pride according to its official website (source). It also promotes sportsmanship, citizenship, and character development through athletics as reported by its official website. In addition, scholarships are provided annually by OHSAA for outstanding student-athletes pursuing higher education (source).
OHSAA is affiliated with national organizations such as the National Federation of State High School Associations and works closely with educational groups throughout Ohio (source). Its mission includes supporting member schools while enhancing opportunities for students participating in interscholastic activities (source). Upholding values such as ethics, integrity, fair play—summed up by its motto ‘Respect the Game’—remains central according to information from their official website.
Founded in 1907 with its first championship held a year later, OHSAA serves as Ohio’s governing body for interscholastic sports among public and private high schools statewide (official website).
