IFAF commits to full gender balance among LA28 Flag Football officials

In a groundbreaking move for gender equity in sports, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced its commitment to ensuring that women make up at least 50% of all International Technical Officials (ITO) appointed for the flag football tournament at the LA28 Olympic Games. This initiative comes as the world gears up for the opening ceremony, just 1,000 days away, and marks a significant step toward inclusivity in American football.

Aiming for gender equity
IFAF’s commitment is part of a broader strategy to promote gender equity both on and off the field. With flag football making its Olympic debut in Los Angeles, the sport is set to play a pivotal role in celebrating women’s sports. For the first time, the Games will feature a majority of female athletes, highlighting the growing participation of women and girls in American football. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls’ flag football is currently the fastest-growing youth sports segment in the United States, with participation increasing six-fold since 2018.

Progress in representation
Historically, women have been underrepresented in American football, particularly in officiating roles. In 2018, only 18% of technical officials at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Panama were women. This number rose to 20% in 2021 and 32% in 2024, finally reaching parity at 50% during The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. The IFAF’s commitment for LA28 aims to build on this momentum, supported by development initiatives like the IFAF Academy project, which plans to train at least 2,028 new officials by 2028.

Global initiatives for female empowerment
The IFAF is not alone in its efforts. Around the world, similar programs are being implemented by IFAF members and partners. In June, a women’s development camp in Cairo, Egypt, saw 36 female coaches and referees from Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco participate alongside the inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships. Additionally, the Nigerian American Football Association’s Gridiron Gems program, in partnership with the Cleveland Browns, aims to train and certify 10,000 new female coaches and officials over the next five years.

Voices of change
IFAF President Pierre Trochet emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“Flag football is truly changing the game for women and girls in American football. We want to ensure our Olympic debut in LA28 contributes to meaningful and lasting progress in how women show up across all areas of our sport.”

He noted that this target is not just a tool for development but also a symbol of a wider commitment to equality and visibility for women in the sport.

Desiree Abrams, a leading international flag football referee and Global Flag Football Ambassador, echoed Trochet’s sentiments.

“LA28 is going to shine an unprecedented spotlight on women in American football and challenge the way men have traditionally played,” she said. “We want young girls everywhere to be inspired to pick up a football, but also to know that there is a place for them at every level of the game.”

Looking ahead
Beyond the field, IFAF is also focused on improving female representation in the governance of American football. Reforms are expected to be proposed at the annual IFAF Congress in December. Additionally, the federation is supporting Danika Taylor, the British American Football Association Youth Flag Team Manager, in participating in the International World Games Association’s Women Lead Sports development program for 2025.

As IFAF continues to champion gender equity, the role of flag football in increasing female representation in American football is becoming increasingly evident. With initiatives like these, the future looks bright for women in the sport, especially as the LA28 Olympics approach.

About IFAF  

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the international governing body for the sport of American football and is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game on a global level. Fully recognised by the International Olympic Committee and a signatory to the WADA Code, IFAF has 75 member nations across 5 continents.