Illinois at a glance
| Governing body | Illinois High School Association (IHSA) |
|---|---|
| Girls flag football | Sanctioned (source) |
| Headgear | No headgear rule found |
| Youth concussion law | 105 ILCS 5/22-80 (Youth Sports Concussion Safety) |
Does Illinois require flag football headgear?
We found no statewide flag football headgear rule from the Illinois High School Association as of November 5, 2026. That means we checked and found none, not that headgear is banned. Check the IHSA website for the current season, and ask your league, which can set its own rule.
The IHSA approved girls flag football in February 2024, with the first season in fall 2024. The Chicago Bears backed the sport before sanctioning.
What this means for Illinois leagues
- No statewide rule applies, so your league decides. If you require headgear, name a minimum rating, such as Virginia Tech 4 or 5 stars, and put it in your rulebook.
- Follow Illinois' youth concussion law: 105 ILCS 5/22-80 (Youth Sports Concussion Safety). Read the official text for who it covers and what it requires.
- Build your protocol from the youth flag football concussion protocol guide, and train coaches with CDC HEADS UP.
What this means for Illinois parents
- Ask your league or school whether it requires headgear. If you buy it anyway, compare models in the Virginia Tech headgear ratings.
- No headgear prevents concussions. Learn what to do from the CDC HEADS UP page on responding to a concussion, and talk to your child's doctor about any head injury.
- See girls high school flag football teams in Illinois, or find a flag football league in Illinois.
Sources
- Illinois High School Association, checked November 5, 2026.
- Girls flag football status source. See every state on the girls high school flag football by state page.
- 105 ILCS 5/22-80 (Youth Sports Concussion Safety).
- CDC HEADS UP.