Gwinnett schools to start girls flag football program

“The state of Georgia has some of the larger gaps in male versus female athletics,” said Chris Millman, director of community relations for the Atlanta Falcons. “Piloting the program is a pretty significant investment and we’re determined to do it right.”

The program is the newest for the charity, which has as a part of its mission innovative approaches to increase time kids spend in physical activity. The foundation looks for ways to change the lives of children who traditionally are most likely to miss out or opt out of physical activity.

Various national reports have highlighted the disparity in physical activity between boys and girls. According to the Georgia Department of Education 2014-2015 Annual Fitness Assessment, a smaller percentage of girls than boys reach a "healthy fitness zone." That means most girls in Georgia have a lower degree of protection than boys against diseases that can result from sedentary living .

To help turn those numbers around, the Blank Foundation approached the Georgia High School Association to sanction girls flag football in the state. Although the officials were receptive to the idea, their timeline wasn’t as aggressive as the foundation wanted.

So it approached the largest school district in the state. After some discussion among administrators and the approval of the superintendent and school board, the program will begin in October.

Although Gwinnett has added programs such as slow-pitch softball and day-long cheer and dance events, this is perhaps the largest-scale approach to offering more opportunities for physical activity for girls.

“Our main focus is an attempt to increase the opportunities for female students,” said Jon Weyher, Gwinnett Schools director of athletics, student activities and community schools.

An informal poll indicated enough interest to get the teams in place, said Weyher.

The first practice is set for Oct. 1 with a scrimmage Oct. 15, the first game on Oct. 22 and a championship game Dec. 8.

And although it will take place during the same season as boys’ football, Millman said it’s different enough to garner interest.

“We haven’t worked out all the details, but we want to make it a fun experience for the spectators as well as the players,” said Millman.

There are no pads, helmets or tackling; in fact, the teams look more like they’re playing soccer.

The sponsors hope the excitement spreads and in five years would like to see all 159 counties in the state with girls flag football teams.

“This is a real sport,” said Millman. “There are uniforms, coaches, officials … We want to brag about the program and maybe spread it across the country.”

Flag Football Rules

General

7-on-7, 12- to 15-person roster

60-minute game, played over two 30-minute halves

Running clock, except for the final two minutes of the second half

Field divided into four 25-yard boxes, and first downs are awarded each time the offense reaches the next box

No blocking, kicking or fumbles

Only one lateral allowed per play

Post-Snap

Once the ball is snapped, the defense has to wait two seconds to rush, and the quarterback will have a total of four seconds to release the ball or cross the line of scrimmage

The quarterback cannot run unless rushed

The defense can blitz five times per half without waiting two seconds

All players are eligible downfield, except for the center

North/south handoffs not allowed but pitches and handoffs to east/west runners permitted

Scoring

Six points per touchdown under 50 yards, seven points for touchdowns over 50 yards

Teams will have option based on distance to conversions of one, two or three points

Penalties

Most penalties will not award yardage, but rather a free play or loss of down

Ball will generally go into play at the spot of the foul or the previous spot

Source: National Flag Football League