Minnesota at a glance
| Governing body | Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) |
|---|---|
| Girls flag football | Not sanctioned (source) |
| Headgear | No headgear rule found |
| Youth concussion law | Minn. Stat. § 121A.38 (concussion procedures; see § 121A.37 youth sports programs) |
Does Minnesota require flag football headgear?
We found no statewide flag football headgear rule from the Minnesota State High School League as of November 5, 2026. That means we checked and found none, not that headgear is banned. Check the MSHSL website for the current season, and ask your league, which can set its own rule.
The MSHSL board tabled emerging-sport status in June 2026. The Minnesota Vikings run the high school league.
What this means for Minnesota 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 Minnesota's youth concussion law: Minn. Stat. § 121A.38 (concussion procedures; see § 121A.37 youth sports programs). 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 Minnesota 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.
- Ready to play? find a flag football league in Minnesota.
Sources
- Minnesota State High School League, checked November 5, 2026.
- Girls flag football status source. See every state on the girls high school flag football by state page.
- Minn. Stat. § 121A.38 (concussion procedures; see § 121A.37 youth sports programs).
- CDC HEADS UP.