Can I get a scholarship for flag football?Yes, girls can absolutely get college scholarships for flag football. With the sport’s rapid growth and inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, over 50 colleges—primarily in the NAIA—offer varsity athletic scholarships, with up to 12 full scholarships per team and growing opportunities in the NJCAA and NCAA.  
My high school doesn’t have a flag football team, but I want to play flag football. What do I do?Find a FLAG league in your area and sign up for a team. Some FLAG leagues, Including the 'East Texas Flag Football League, offer girls high school divisions. Ideally you could have enough players sign up from your community to form your own local team and avoid travel for practice. Recruiting players from your area or school is not only allowed but encouraged How do I join my high school team?Ask your Athletic Director. The first step is to find out if your school already has a flag football team. If you’re not sure, ask your school’s Athletic Director, Principal, or other staff member.

Is flag football a sanctioned varsity sport in my state?As of the 2026-2027 school year, 17 state associations have fully sanctioned girls flag football, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio (the OHSAA's 29th recognized sport), and Pennsylvania. States like North Carolina and New Jersey are actively approving and launching play for the 2026 fall season. Check your local National Federation of State High School Associations directory to see your state's current. Texas is not currently an officially sanctioned state for high school flag football under the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for the 2026 season. The UIL has deferred sanctioning for the immediate future to study growth rates and competitive models, meaning official varsity sanctioning will not take effect for the 2026–27 school

My child has never played organized football, should I sign her up for flag football?Every player level is welcome. Our coaches are asked to distribute playing time equally, regardless of ability, experience or background. This includes allowing all kids to have a chance to run with or catch the ball.  
I play other sports; can I still play flag football?Yes. Interested girls may register independently and be placed on a team with local players.  Also, girls high school spring sport coaches (basketball, soccer, softball, track) may register their entire team to build unity during their normal off season and have a little fun in the process. 

How long are games?Games consist of two 25 minute halves, running clock.
When is registration?Any time prior to August 29, 2026.Deadline - August 29  (There is a $20 late fee after August 29).
How do I register?1) Players may register here online (Player Registration/pay link above)2) Payment required to confirm registration.

Can I register a team?Yes. Go to 'Team registration page in navigation bar.

I'm having trouble with registration and/or payment, what do I do?Text 903-617-3495
How much does it cost?  (There is a $20 late fee if you pay after Aug. 22)1st Child - $80Sibling - $60;  Head Coach Child - $25(Payment Plan Available - go to 'register/pay link, scroll down to bottom.)
How do I pay?1) You may pay using register/pay link above (You must pay after you register for registration to become official) 2) Contact us for other payment options  (Text 903-617-3495)
What's included with registration:JerseysMedal or Trophy (All players get an award; Division winners get trophies)
I’m a parent or coach and want to help start a team at a local high school. What do I do?1) Support the joint efforts of your students and Athletic Director.2) Gauge Interest. Survey other students to see if they’d be interested in playing flag football. Host an informational meeting for interested students and parents to gauge interest.3) Volunteer. Volunteer to be a coach or official! These roles are critical to putting together a successful flag season.

Who are the coaches?Parent volunteers. We do not hire coaches. Once teams are assembled, parents will be recruited to coach their team.  No experience is necessary (Assistance provided by league if requested) but must be able to pass a background check. If we are unable to secure a coach for a particular team, that teams' players may be moved to another team or the team may be disbanded and refunded.   
If I volunteer to coach what would be my responsibilities? (Tutorial videos available on YouTube)1) must be able to pass background check.2) Must review rules before start of season!!!  (We've found we have fewer conflicts if everyone is on the same page and familiar with the rules)3) Must commit one hour per week for practice and a couple hours on Saturday morning for games.4)  Schedule practice times and place. (League will assist with location and/or practice structure if requested;  Flag football plays and techniques available on YouTube also)5) Be responsible for player conduct.If you are interested in moving forward text us at 903 617 3495 or use contact page above.
Are there resources for the coaches? Yes. There are tutorial videos available on line (YouTube). Also, the league will assist with practice locations and/or practice structure if requested.
Does league supply uniforms?
Yes.
What format does the East Texas Flag League play?We play an 11v11 format; two 25 minute halves
Why play an 11v11 format when most colleges play 7v7?The two formats serve different purposes. Our 11v11 format is a balanced, recreational game featuring not only running and passing. but rushing and blocking also. In contrast, 7v7 is an intense, passing-only format heavily utilized to sharpen quarterback progression and defensive coverage skills. However, 11-on-11 high school flag football is still a valuable steppingstone to college flag football because adding linemen does not affect the performance or evaluation of receivers or defensive backs. It only adds excitement to the game.
Not only does the full-team11v11 format provide game-like action for receivers, defensive backs and linemen, the format also sets up more natural conditions for quarterbacks.
We also use the 11v11 format for entertainment purposes. It closely resembles an actual tackle football game without the violence while a 7v7 format resembles a scrimmage between two schools, is less inclusive and we believe far less entertaining.
What are the benefits of playing high school girls flag football?1) Opportunity. Flag football is the most inclusive and affordable way to play football. Flag football provides another opportunity for girls in high school to participate in sports and experience all of the benefits. Data collected by the NFHS shows that adding a flag football team increases overall sports participation: approximately 50 percent of girls who join their flag football team are playing a high school sport for the first time.2) Values. Football helps build important values including character, leadership, resilience, and teamwork. These values, and the skills learned through playing the game, can be applied to other sports, academics, and life.3) College / Scholarships. Women's flag football will be offered in nearly 60 colleges and universities across the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA this spring. Playing in high school gives girls the foundation to play in college, qualify for scholarships, and receive a college education for free or at a reduced rate.
What if I have a question not listed here?1) Text 903-617-34952) Email: easttexasflag@gmail.com3) Use contact link above