USA Football Joins Olympic Family, Certified as National Governing Body

In a landmark moment for the sport, USA Football has been certified by the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as a national governing body (NGB), paving the way for flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, as per The AP.

The certification places USA Football alongside established NGBs like track and field, swimming, and gymnastics.

This designation makes USA Football the 38th Summer Olympics NGB and grants it the authority to oversee all aspects of American football as it pertains to selecting, training, and supervising the US men’s and women’s national teams.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted in October 2023 to add flag football, along with baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash, to the 2028 Olympic program in Los Angeles. USA baseball, softball, and squash were already certified NGB members due to their participation in the Pan American Games, while USA lacrosse and cricket are working towards their certifications.

The popularity of flag football has experienced a significant surge, particularly after its inclusion in the Olympic program. Even NFL stars, including Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes, have expressed interest in potentially vying for a spot on the Olympic roster.

USA Football also benefits from a strong marketing partnership with the NFL, which has been instrumental in organizing programs and leagues. The NFL is actively promoting the sport globally, aiming to elevate its competitiveness on an international scale. This support bodes well for flag football’s sustained success and potential for continued Olympic inclusion beyond the Los Angeles Games.

USA Football’s volunteer board of directors also boasts strong NFL connections, including Mark Murphy, the president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, and Pete Ward, the chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Colts.

The women’s game has witnessed particularly impressive growth, with 14 states now sanctioning high school girls flag football as a varsity sport, and several NAIA schools offering college scholarships. In 2023, over 230,000 girls ages six to 17 participated in flag football.

The football will be played under the rules set by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The format will be five-on-five, with all players eligible to catch a pass. The field will measure 50 by 25 yards (46 by 23 meters), with 10 yards (9 meters) designated for each end zone. A touchdown will be worth six points.

Team USA has consistently performed well in both men’s and women’s flag football on the international stage. Both teams secured gold medals at the IFAF flag football world championships held in Lahti, Finland, last year, with the men defeating Austria and the women triumphing over Mexico.