LONE TREE - During its April meeting on Tuesday at the DCSD Legacy Campus, the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Legislative Council voted to approve girls flag football as a sanctioned sport and to add a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity level, among a variety of other proposals and committee reports.
 
“It’s a great day for our female athletes in the state of Colorado,” said Larry Bull, the District Athletic Director for Cherry Creek Schools who has been instrumental alongside Patrick Simpson (District Athletic Director (DAD) for Jeffco), John Andrew (retired administrator for Denver Public Schools (DPS)), Kevin Bendjy (current DAD for DPS) and the Denver Broncos in the piloting of girls flag football in Colorado. “The girls that have participated in flag football have worked extremely hard and have done a phenomenal job. It’s an amazing accomplishment that the state has supported these young female athletes.”
 
Girls flag football will become the 33rd sport sanctioned by CHSAA and will be the 18th sanctioned sport for girls in Colorado. It will join the fall sport lineup with the first state champion being crowned in Fall 2024.
 
In addition, per the approved recommendation by the Classification and League Organizing Committee (CLOC) today, if there are at least 50 schools sponsoring a team, there will be two classifications for the sport in its first season.
 
“Thrilled doesn’t even begin to cover it,” CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger said, regarding the Legislative Council voting to sanction girls flag football. “This isn’t just about the game; it’s about empowerment, teamwork and breaking barriers. By embracing this sport, we’re not only fostering athleticism, but we’re remaining among the nation’s leaders in providing opportunities for female athletes to participate. We are cultivating leadership, confidence and equality – on and off the field – and we are igniting a new era of inclusivity and self-empowerment for every young lady that participates. Get ready to witness the unstoppable force of these girls as they redefine the playing field and inspire generations to come!”
 
The other major change to come from today will be the implementation of a shot clock for boys and girls basketball at the varsity only level, beginning with the 2026-27 season.
 
“This vote means that Colorado basketball is taking the next step forward with the states around us,” said Rob Johnson, the Chaparral Athletic Director who was representing the Colorado Athletic Directors Association (CADA) today. “This will change the way the game’s being played and it should improve the game, our athletes and our coaches. Everything should be improving, and that’s exciting.”
 
Prior to the voting portion of the meeting, CHSAA recognized its retiring administrators and athletic directors – Lisa Chintala and Ron Sukle – the SCHEELS All-Star Award Winners – Austin Eilmes and Lauren Raley from Cheyenne Mountain High School – and the Children’s Hospital Colorado Athletic Trainer Award Winner – Meghan Benkendorf from Elizabeth High School.
 
To conclude the meeting, outgoing CHSAA Board of Directors member Shawn Terry, the Athletic Director at The Academy, was recognized for his dedication to the Board and Niwot Athletic Director Joe Brown’s nomination to the Board was accepted.
 
Additional proposals that passed include:
ADM 1-4: Classification and Enrollment Timelines
The timelines for classification of classes has been adjusted and will now utilize an average of enrollment figures.
 
ADM 5: Concussion Course
A concussion course refresher will now be required for returning coaches to take
 
ADM 6: Transfer
Schools will have clear and specific directions for completing transfer paperwork
 
ATH 2: Ice Hockey Season of Sport
The ice hockey season will start one week earlier so that it has a venue to consistently play its Frozen Four.
 
ATH 3: Keep Spring Season of Sport Consistent
Shift the start dates for spring sports in 2025 and 2026 so that championships don’t run into Memorial Day Weekend
 
Committee Report changes include:

• Windsor Charter and STEM Highlands Ranch moving to full CHSAA membership and Vanguard Classical East receiving a one-year probation extension (CLOC)
• Field Hockey will implement a District Tournament, where all teams qualify, and then a consolation path to the state bracket
• The skiing state championships will be separated into two separate championships, an Alpine and Nordic State Championship

Additional procedural changes:

• A concussion course refresher will now be required for returning coaches to take (ADM 5)
• Schools will have clear and specific directions for completing transfer paperwork (ADM 6)
• A Pre-Participation Exam (PPE) will be required for all schools beginning with 2025-26, with 2024-25 being a pilot year (CR 8 – SMAC)