USA Football has been officially certified as a national governing body by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, joining the ranks of other sports like track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. This certification comes ahead of flag football’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
With the support of the NFL, USA Football is poised to make a strong impact in overseeing all aspects of American football, including selecting and training the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams. This marks a significant moment for the sport as it enters the Olympic movement and gains recognition on a global scale.
The road to becoming a national governing body involved various steps, including demonstrating financial support for athletes, creating a robust training and competitive foundation, and prioritizing athlete safety. This process ensures a commitment to the athletes, the sport, and the Olympic and Paralympic community.
Flag football’s popularity has surged since its inclusion in the Olympics, attracting interest from NFL players like Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes. The NFL’s influence has helped grow the sport internationally, making it more competitive on a global level.
Additionally, the women’s game has seen significant growth, with more states sanctioning high school girls flag football as a varsity sport and colleges offering scholarships. Team USA has been dominant in international competitions, winning gold medals at the IFAF flag football world championships.
With the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles, flag football will be played under specific rules defined by the International Federation of American Football. Team USA is excited to showcase their talents on the Olympic stage and continue their success in the sport.
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