INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Colts are teaming up with RefReps to expand girls flag football in Indiana by offering free officiating education to current and aspiring officials.
The Colts are the first NFL team to provide free RefReps training for girls flag football officials. The program, open to all officials regardless of experience, must be completed before officiating any games to promote player safety and ensure officials understand the rules of the sport.
The initiative is part of the Colts’ Road to 100 campaign, which aims to make girls flag football a fully sanctioned high school sport in Indiana.
In May, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) named girls flag football as an emerging high school sport, the first step toward it being fully recognized and gaining a state tournament.
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RefReps provides a standardized video-based officiating education system featuring immersive point-of-view scenarios to better equip officials, coaches and educators. More than 37,000 learners globally use the platform.
For information on becoming an IHSAA official, visit IHSAA.org and click on “Become an Official.” More details on the Colts’ Road to 100 initiative are available online.
The Indianapolis Colts hosted a free Girls Flag Football Clinic at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, open to high school girls in grades 7 through 12, regardless of skill level and experience. (Provided Photo/Colts.com)
Statements
“We believe every girl who wants to play should have the opportunity to compete, lead and thrive through flag football. Partnering with RefReps gives officials access to educational tools that will enhance the player experience while improving the quality, safety and consistency of officiating.”
Andy Matis, Colts senior manager of football development
“This partnership is yet another way the Colts are showing they are true leaders and innovators in the sports world. They understand what it takes to build lasting infrastructure—not just opening doors for girls across Indiana but keeping them open.”
Kyle Armstrong, founder and CEO of RefReps
Participants had the opportunity to learn from coaches on the Women’s Flag National Team and top flag football coaches in Indiana, all while honing their football skills and staying active during the offseason. (Courtesy Colts.com)