By the IHSA’s Matt Troha-Associate Executive Director

(8/21/2025) The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) conducted its inaugural State Finals in Girls Flag Football during the fall of 2024, bringing the total number of IHSA sport and activity offerings up to an even 40. 

Fremd High School (Palatine) claimed the first-ever IHSA Girls Flag Football State Championship, as the Vikings outscored Guilford High School (Rockford) 18-6 in the second half of the 2024 title game en route to a 24-12 victory.

Girls flag football is back for year two in the fall of 2025, and in addition to welcoming more than new 60 new teams, the sport will look a bit different when games begin on Monday, August 25, 2025. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is publishing official high school girls flag football rules for the first time in 2025, which will be utilized by all IHSA schools. In 2024, the IHSA wrote its own rulebook that was used to govern competition. 

IHSA Associate Executive Director Tracie Henry, who administered the sport in 2024 –

IHSA Associate Executive Director Tracie Henry, who administered the sport in 2024

“Many of the 2024 IHSA rules directly align with the new NFHS rulebook, but there are differences, some subtle and some more significant. We had many coaches and players who were new to the sport last year, so we recognize that it isn’t ideal to have them learn a rulebook in year one and then have to adapt in year two. Ultimately though, this will have an overall positive impact on the sport, as unifying the rules at the high school level will strengthen the sport around the country.”


A few of the significant rule changes in 2025 include:

Timing: Four 12-minute quarters will be the new standard in 2025, as opposed to two 20-minute halves in 2024. While a running clock will be utilized once again, there are more clock stoppages under the new rules as well.

Elimination of the ‘No Run Zone’: In 2024, teams were required to attempt pass plays when they were at, or inside of, their opponent’s five-yard line. The NFHS rulebook eliminates this restriction, opening the door for short yardage run plays near the goal line.

Pass rush limitation eliminated: A year ago, a blitzing defender was required to start seven yards or more from the line of scrimmage in order to rush the quarterback or ball carrier in the backfield upon the snap. This rule has been modified to allow a defender who is one yard off the neutral zone (or more) to be able to blitz. There is no limit on the number of blitzing players and they do not have to declare they are blitzing, as was required last year.

Line of scrimmage player requirements: The 2024 IHSA rules required a certain number of offensive and defensive players to begin each play on the line of scrimmage. Beginning in 2025, the offensive center/snapper is the only player required to be on the line of scrimmage, allowing coaches to be more creative with formations and schemes.

For a complete rundown on all the rule changes, see the IHSA documents below: