Progress for Gender Equality: Colorado Adds Girls Flag Football as 33rd Sanctioned Sport, Introduces Shot Clocks in Basketball and More

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has approved the addition of girls flag football as the 33rd sanctioned sport, making it the 18th high school sport for girls in Colorado. The decision was made during a vote held at the DCSD Legacy Campus in Lone Tree on Tuesday afternoon.

Larry Bull, District Athletic Director for Cherry Creek Schools, expressed excitement for the addition of girls flag football, describing it as a great day for female athletes in Colorado. He commended the hard work and dedication shown by the girls who have participated in flag football, calling their accomplishment amazing and praising the state’s support for these young female athletes.

Another significant change made during the meeting was the introduction of a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity level, starting from the 2026-27 season. Rob Johnson, Chaparral Athletic Director, expressed that this development will propel Colorado basketball to the next level, aligning it with other states and bringing improvements to the game, athletes, and coaches.

In addition to these key changes, CHSAA announced that high school ice hockey will start one week earlier in future seasons to maintain consistent venues for Frozen Four playoff semi-final and state championship games. Spring sports schedules will also be adjusted in 2025 and 2026 seasons to prevent championships from overlapping with Memorial Day Weekend.

Furthermore, skiing state championships will now be divided into two separate events – one for Alpine competition and one for Nordic competition – reflecting an increased focus on promoting gender equality in sports at all levels. Coaches returning to CHSAA will have to complete a concussion course refresher, while schools will receive precise instructions for athlete transfer paperwork completion.

Overall, these changes signify a positive shift towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in sports at high school levels across Colorado.