Flag football at the Summer Olympics facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flag football at the Summer Olympics |
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The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature flag football for the very first time! This exciting sport is a type of American football. But instead of tackling, players pull flags from the ball carrier's belt. There will be two events: one for men and one for women. Flag football was also played at the 2022 World Games.
Flag Football Joins the Olympics
Why American Football Wasn't an Olympic Sport
For a long time, American football was not an official sport at the Olympic Games. It was a `demonstration sport` twice. This means it was shown off, but not part of the official medal count.
At the 1904 Summer Olympics, college teams played some games. In the 1932 Summer Olympics, one game was played between East and West All-Stars. Even though many American football players have been Olympians in other sports, football itself never made it.
Some people thought American football was not a good fit for the Olympics. Reasons included the high risk of injuries. Also, the game's timing did not always work with the Olympics schedule. Its popularity was also not global enough.
In 2013, the `International Federation of American Football` (IFAF) was recognized by the Olympics. This was a step towards the sport possibly joining the Games. IFAF tried to get football into the 2020 Olympics, but it was not chosen.
How Flag Football Made It to the Games
After American football was not picked, the IFAF tried to get `flag football` into the Olympics. Flag football is a version of the sport with no contact. Players pull flags instead of tackling.
The `National Football League` (NFL) also wanted flag football in the `2028 Summer Olympics`. These Games will be held in Los Angeles, California. The NFL hoped this would make the sport more popular worldwide.
In 2022, the NFL and IFAF started a group called "Vision28." Their goal was to get flag football into the Olympics. They saw flag football as a good choice because it has less contact. It also costs less to play. Plus, both men and women can play it.
At `Super Bowl LVII`, the NFL held a flag football game. Players from Mexico and the U.S. national teams played. Olympic officials watched this five-on-five game. Flag football was also featured at the `2022 World Games`.
In March 2023, the `International Olympic Committee` (IOC) Executive Board approved flag football for consideration. By August 2023, it was one of nine sports being considered for 2028. Other sports included `cricket`, `baseball` / `softball`, and `lacrosse`.
In October, the IOC officially approved flag football. This happened at their meeting in `Mumbai`, `India`. It was one of five new sports for 2028. Only two out of 90 members voted against it.
The Olympic flag football games will be five-on-five. They will be played on a 50-yard field. There will be no `linemen`.
