Virginia at a glance
| Governing body | Virginia High School League (VHSL) |
|---|---|
| Girls flag football | Not sanctioned (source) |
| Headgear | No headgear rule found |
| Youth concussion law | Va. Code § 22.1-271.5 |
Does Virginia require flag football headgear?
We found no statewide flag football headgear rule from the Virginia High School League as of November 5, 2026. That means we checked and found none, not that headgear is banned. Check the VHSL website for the current season, and ask your league, which can set its own rule.
The VHSL has not decided whether to make girls flag football a championship sport. The Washington Commanders support more than 100 Virginia teams in the meantime.
What this means for Virginia 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 Virginia's youth concussion law: Va. Code § 22.1-271.5. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia, or find a flag football league in Virginia.
Sources
- Virginia 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.
- Va. Code § 22.1-271.5.
- CDC HEADS UP.