Central High athletic director proposes girls flag football for 2026–27; board to consider December approval
Summary
Central High School's athletic director proposed adding IHSA girls flag football for the 2026–27 school year, citing student interest (survey of 106 respondents), conference alignment, expected rosters and startup costs; the board will consider a formal action at its Dec. 15 meeting.
Michael Sitter, Central High School athletic director, proposed that the district adopt girls flag football as an IHSA sport beginning in the 2026–27 school year and asked the board to consider formal approval at the Dec. 15 meeting.
Sitter said girls flag football is already offered by about 200 schools across Illinois and would align Central with the nine other Fox Valley Conference schools that have fielded teams. He reported student interest from a school survey (106 students expressing interest), discussed roster and coaching assumptions (approximately 15 players per level; head coach plus two assistants) and outlined startup equipment and uniform costs, noting helmets are optional but recommended for availability.
Sitter also described logistical constraints—field space and coach recruitment—and proposed next steps: notify the Fox Valley Conference of intent, create a salary structure with human resources, post coach positions, and begin camp and hiring plans if approved. He said the board could take formal action on the issue at the Dec. 15 meeting.
Board members asked questions about participation levels across the conference, roster sizes and scheduling; Sitter said all nine other conference schools field both varsity and JV levels this year and that scheduling details would be worked out with league partners.
No formal vote was taken; the proposal will return as an action item in December.
