Ohio at a glance
| Governing body | Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) |
|---|---|
| Girls flag football | Sanctioned (source) |
| Headgear | No headgear rule found |
| Youth concussion law | Ohio Rev. Code § 3707.511 (youth sports organizations); § 3313.539 (schools) |
Does Ohio require flag football headgear?
We found no statewide flag football headgear rule from the Ohio High School Athletic Association as of November 5, 2026. That means we checked and found none, not that headgear is banned. Check the OHSAA website for the current season, and ask your league, which can set its own rule.
The OHSAA made girls flag football its 29th fully recognized sport in June 2026, starting with the 2026-27 school year.
What this means for Ohio 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 Ohio's youth concussion law: Ohio Rev. Code § 3707.511 (youth sports organizations); § 3313.539 (schools). 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 Ohio 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 Ohio, or find a flag football league in Ohio.
Sources
- Ohio High School Athletic Association, checked November 5, 2026.
- Girls flag football status source. See every state on the girls high school flag football by state page.
- Ohio Rev. Code § 3707.511 (youth sports organizations); § 3313.539 (schools).
- CDC HEADS UP.