By Alyssa Whitney

While it’s hard to believe that another year of NIRSA Championship Series Flag Football is quickly approaching, it’s with great excitement that we look forward to what is sure to be a season filled with great fun, competition, and development for all involved.

Opening weekend of the regional tournaments is October 23–25 with events being hosted at The Ohio State University and the University of Florida. The remaining NIRSA Regional Flag Football Championships held throughout the country will follow; the last tournament is scheduled at the University of Southern Mississippi from December 4–6. You can contact the host sites for information about registering for any of the eleven NIRSA Regional Flag Football Championships.

The return of many great regional hosts, and the addition of some new host schools, provides ample volunteer opportunities for those wishing to get or stay involved in NIRSA Championships Series flag football. The culmination of these great regional events is the NIRSA Championship Series National Flag Football Championships, which will be hosted by the University of West Florida in Pensacola from January 2–4. Registration for the National Championships will open online on Monday, October 19.

Brian Mills, NIRSA Championship Series Flag Football Work Team Chair and Assistant Director of Intramural Sports at the University of Houston, says, “On behalf of NIRSA, the NIRSA Championship Series, and the University of West Florida, we are looking forward to yet another spectacular event in Pensacola. The sport of flag football has deep roots in the history of our association and the national tournament is a culmination of months of play on campuses across the country; 11 outstanding regional tournaments; and years of dedication by players, officials, and staff.”

He goes on to say, “This year’s tournament looks to be one of the largest in recent years and, as always, the competition for the national titles will be fierce. Having been a part of these events since 2000, I can say that the experience of participating at any level is a memory you will not soon forget—memories of not just success on the field, but of friendships, plays, and, most importantly, the journey.”

All collegiate teams are invited to join us on a competitive quest for Men’s, Women’s, and Co-Rec National Champions. This year’s National Flag Football Championships will also include an Open Division. The NIRSA Championship Series continues to uphold values such as participation and inclusivity and, as stated in the Sportsmanship Statement, “is committed to holding tournaments in a safe environment free from bullying.” With three of these tournaments—the University of Florida, the University of Maryland, and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln—featuring a Special Olympics division, you are sure to find something for everyone. You can learn more about NIRSA’s recent partnership with the Special Olympics to expand opportunities for inclusive recreation on college and university campuses across North America on the NIRSA website.

You do not have to be a Regional Champion in order to compete in the National Championships. Team captains only need to pay the registration fee of $400 and provide contact information to get their team signed up. Once you’ve registered, the National Championships staff will contact you with additional information about the tournament.

So get your team together and get ready to sign up starting October 19. We hope to see you in Pensacola, Florida in January!

 

For more information about NIRSA Championship Series flag football, please contact NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs Valerie McCutchan.