Learn about the benefits of flag football, injury prevention tips, and when to seek care from CHOP Sports Medicine experts. Flag football is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the world. According to the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), more than 20 million people in 100 countries participate in the sport. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has also reported dramatic growth in youth participation in the United States, especially among girls.During the 2024–25 academic year, participation in girls' high school flag football increased by 60% compared to the previous year. By the 2025–26 season:Sixteen state associations, including Pennsylvania, had officially sanctioned girls' flag football. Eighteen additional states were participating in independent or pilot programs. Several factors are driving this growth. Flag football requires less equipment than tackle football and carries a lower risk of injury, making it an appealing option for many families. The sport is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, further increasing its visibility and popularity.While flag football was once viewed primarily as a stepping stone to tackle football, it has evolved into its own competitive sport that athletes of all ages can enjoy throughout their lives.Is flag football safe for kids?Parents often ask whether flag football is a safer alternative to tackle football. While no sport is completely injury-free, flag football generally involves fewer high-impact collisions than tackle football, resulting in a lower risk of serious contact injuries, including concussions. However, injuries can still occur, making proper coaching, conditioning, and safe play important.Common flag football injuries in children and teensAs participation in youth flag football continues to increase, specialists at the CHOP Sports Medicine & Performance Center are also seeing more flag football-related injuries. This trend is not surprising, as more athletes participating in any sport typically leads to more injuries – even in a lower-contact sport like flag football.Research to-date shows that the most common injuries among children and adolescents playing flag football are caused by falls and player collisions, and include:Fractures (according to one study of national emergency department data1)Sprains and strains, particularly among girls participating in flag football2Although concussions are commonly associated with tackle football because of its high-impact nature, studies show there are fewer head impacts in flag football than in traditional tackle football.3 This lower risk makes flag football an attractive option for athletes who want to develop football skills while reducing exposure to high-impact contact.How to help prevent injuries in flag footballParents, coaches and athletes can take several steps to facilitate safe play and help kids stay healthy throughout the flag football season. Our sports medicine experts recommend youth athletes follow these tips for flag football injury prevention:Warm up properly before playing - Practices and games should begin with dynamic stretches and movement-based warm-up exercises to prepare muscles and joints for activity. A proper warm up can improve flexibility, increase blood flow and help reduce the risk of strains and other injuries.Stay hydrated - Young athletes should drink water before, during and after practices and games, especially in hot weather. Proper hydration supports performance, helps regulate body temperature and reduces the risk of heat-related illness.Wear appropriate footwear - Shoes designed for field sports can provide the traction and support needed for running, cutting and changing direction quickly. Wearing properly fitted footwear may help reduce slips, falls and lower-extremity injuries.Learn safe movement techniques - Flag football requires athletes to accelerate, decelerate, pivot, cut and change direction frequently. Learning proper movement mechanics and body control through coaching and training can help players perform more efficiently while lowering their risk of injury.Report pain early - Soreness after exercise can be normal, but ongoing or worsening pain should never be ignored. Athletes who report pain early and seek evaluation when needed may be able to prevent minor issues from becoming more serious injuries that require time away from the sport.Benefits of playing flag footballFlag football offers many physical and developmental benefits for children and teens. Its accessibility, emphasis on fundamental athletic skills, and lower-impact nature make it appealing to athletes of all ages and experience levels.Many sports injuries occur when athletes are out of position, lack body control, or are forced into awkward movements. Flag football naturally develops many of the movement skills that help reduce injury risk, including:Balance Coordination Acceleration and deceleration Lateral movement Body control Spatial awareness Because players cannot rely on physical contact to gain an advantage, they must focus on technique, timing, decision-making, and execution. These skills translate well to higher levels of football and can help athletes become more complete players over time.As flag football continues to grow in popularity, our sports medicine team is here to provide expert care for athletes with sports injuries or concerns. Our team is dedicated to helping young athletes stay healthy, recover safely, and perform at their best.Locke AR, Koehne NH, Yendluri A, et al. Sex- and Age-Specific Review of Flag Football Injuries in the United States: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data. Sports Health. 2025;17(6):1347-1352. doi:10.1177/19417381251326575Balachandran U, Koehne N, Locke A, et al. The Current State of American Flag Football Injuries Among Female Athletes: A 10-Year Epidemiological Review of National Injury Data. Orthop J Sports Med. 2025;13(8):23259671251360345. Published 2025 Aug 12. doi:10.1177/23259671251360345Sarmiento K, Waltzman D, Devine O, et al. Differences in Head Impact Exposures Between Youth Tackle and Flag Football Games and Practices: Potential Implications for Prevention Strategies. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(8):2218-2226. doi:10.1177/03635465211011754
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