ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Girls' flag football is growing fast in Illinois. Since becoming an official high school sport in Illinois three years ago, girls' flag football has seen massive growth.
Just three years ago, it became an official high school sport with fewer than 20 teams. This past season, that number has soared to about 200.
Illinois High School Association Assistant Executive Director Tracie Henry says the game is exploding.
"To have females having the opportunity to come off of cheering at tackle football players on the sidelines and to just be a part of the game, I think that has been really appealing to a lot of our high school athletes," said Henry on 'Total Information A.M.'
Henry says the cost to start is minimal compared to tackle-football.
"You don't have cost associated with tackle football when it comes to the pads, the equipment and also the helmets," said Henry. "We do have a softshell helmet that a number of our teams utilize. It is optional at this time for teams to wear those."
Henry adds flag football is a sport that anyone can enjoy with minimal training, and for anyone who wants to participate in the game of football.
Henry adds all you need to start is a mouth guard, flags and a home and away jersey.
Henry encourages girls to ask their athletic director about starting a team.
"Athletic Directors have the ability to request information from our office," said Henry. "We have a number of webinars, we have information about rule books, terms and conditions, season limitations, all information we can get directly to those athletic directors at their local high schools."