Tallmadge Board Approves Girls Flag Football as Varsity Sport for Spring 2026

The Tallmadge Board of Education voted Nov. 19 to approve girls flag football as a varsity sport at Tallmadge High School beginning in spring 2026.

The board’s athletic presenter, identified in the meeting as Mister Johnson, told trustees the sport has grown rapidly since a 2021 pilot, is supported by the Cleveland Browns and USA Football and is now sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), which will stage a state championship. "They're providing all of that gear," Johnson said, noting the Browns supply uniforms, balls, flags and conduct coach clinics and a season kickoff at the Browns’ facilities.

Board members asked how long the professional teams would support the program; Johnson said the Browns view girls flag football as part of their core values and he was "confident that it's not going anywhere anytime soon." District staff said the Browns will cover most startup costs and the school’s ongoing outlay is expected to be limited largely to a head coach stipend (a category-3 stipend) and team travel. The presenter estimated about $4,000 for some district costs in early discussion.

Trustees discussed scheduling, athlete overlap with spring sports and travel clustering organized by the Browns that would reduce weekend commitments. After discussion, a motion to approve the program passed on a roll-call vote.

The board’s action allows the district to field a team of up to 25 players under the Browns’ equipment allowance, with volunteer assistant coaches permitted. The district will not host the league in its first year to observe operations before taking on hosting responsibilities.

The board adjourned after completing remaining agenda items. The athletic director and school staff will finalize coach hiring, season logistics and reporting back to the board as the program moves to implementation.