Appendix B committee recommends girls flag football; board to consider coaching positions in February

The Appendix B committee recommended that Community High School District 94 add girls flag football as an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sport beginning in fall 2025 and requested funding for coaching positions to support the inaugural season.

The committee presented background noting girls flag football debuted as an IHSA sport in fall 2024 and has registered roughly 170 teams statewide; committee members reported that 10 of 14 Upstate 8 conference schools were expected to participate. An athletics-department interest survey projected approximately 40 to 50 District 94 students might play in the initial season.

Recommendation and cost: The Appendix B committee unanimously recommended hiring three coaching positions — one head coach and two assistants — placed at group-4 placement. The cost for those positions was cited as approximately $9,954. The committee asked the board to discuss the recommendation at this meeting and to present it for approval at the Feb. 18 board meeting.

Operational questions: Board members asked about potential overlaps with other fall sports (volleyball, girls’ tennis, girls’ golf, cross country) and scheduling logistics, including whether contests would occur on evenings when the boys’ football team is playing. District staff said girls flag football would likely play more often than boys’ tackle football and that scheduling would depend on opponents and the number of levels offered. The district confirmed uniforms will be provided and that helmets are not expected to be required for flag football.

Next steps: Staff will present a formal approval request at the February 18 board meeting. No board vote occurred at this meeting.