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SR 81

A RESOLUTION urging the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) to recognize girls flag football as an official sport for its member schools.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cassie Armstrong

Urges KHSAA to recognize and sanction girls flag football as an official interscholastic sport in Kentucky.

adopted by voice vote
#athletics #education #elementaryandsecondary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 81

Summary: SR 81 (2026RS) — Resolution Urging KHSAA to Recognize Girls Flag Football as an Official Sport

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution (non-binding)
  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (2026RS)
  • Subject: Encourages the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) to recognize and sanction girls flag football as an official interscholastic sport for its member schools.
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsor: Cassie Armstrong

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution urges the KHSAA to formally recognize girls flag football as an official sport offered by the association.
  • It frames sanctioning as a continuation of the KHSAA’s long-standing history (60 years) of expanding athletic opportunities for young women through interscholastic athletics.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Directs the Kentucky Senate to encourage the KHSAA to consider recognizing and sanctioning girls flag football as an official sport within the KHSAA framework.
  • Section 2: Requires the Senate Clerk to transmit a copy of the resolution to the KHSAA Commissioner, Julian Tackett, and the KHSAA address.

Supporting Context (as provided in the resolution)

  • Flag football is rapidly increasing in popularity, especially among youth and girls, due to its lower risk of violent collisions compared to traditional football.
  • National trend: 17 states have sanctioned girls flag football as an official interscholastic sport; 21 additional states (including Kentucky) have unsanctioned pilot programs.
  • Kentucky-specific activity: The Kentucky Girls High School Flag Football Association (KGHSFFA) completed its second year of competition as of November 2025, growing from 12 teams in year one to 24 teams in year two.
  • Notable outcomes: In the KGHSFFA 2025 championship, Assumption High School (Rockets) defeated Mercy Academy (Jaguars) 13–6 for their second consecutive title.
  • Participant sentiment: A Kentucky high school senior (and former gymnast) highlighted positive personal engagement with the sport.
  • School interest: A KHSAA survey indicated that 88 member schools would field a girls flag football team if sanctioned by the KHSAA.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary/Impact: High school female athletes across Kentucky who would have access to a sanctioned interscholastic flag football program.
  • Educational Institutions: KHSAA member schools that currently participate in or are considering participation in girls flag football.
  • Governing Bodies: KHSAA, which would be responsible for officially recognizing and sanctioning the sport if the resolution progresses to action.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status in 2026: The resolution has been adopted by the Kentucky Senate by voice vote (February 13, 2026) after introduction and committee referral earlier in February.
  • Next Steps (informational): While not binding, the resolution articulates the Senate’s position and requests action by the KHSAA. It serves as political encouragement rather than a directive.
  • Transmission: Section 2 requires the Clerk to send a copy to KHSAA Commissioner and address.

Approximate Word Count (Summary): 200–350 words

This resolution communicates legislative support for the formal recognition of girls flag football by the KHSAA, aligning with broader national trends and Kentucky’s observed growth in the sport through pilot programs and student participation. It highlights potential benefits in expanding opportunities for young women in athletics and references survey and championship data to bolster the case for sanctioning. It remains a non-binding, advisory measure aimed at prompting organizational action by KHSAA.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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