Short answer: Look for soft-shell headgear with a 5-star rating on the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's flag football list, full coverage of the forehead, temples, and back of the head, and a weight low enough that athletes will actually keep it on. Expect to pay $60-$75. If you're in Georgia, 5-star Virginia Tech rated headgear is required for sanctioned GHSA girls flag football, and other states are reviewing the same standard.
Why girls flag football headgear is suddenly a topic
Girls flag football is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country, with state associations sanctioning it at a pace nothing else has matched, and the sport is headed to the 2028 Olympics. More athletes on the field means more incidental contact - collisions on flag pulls, diving catches, falls on hard ground. Researchers reviewing nearly a decade of emergency department records identified more than 22,600 injuries among female flag football players, with close to one in four involving the head, face, or neck.
Georgia responded first: the GHSA requires protective headgear carrying a 5-star Virginia Tech Helmet Lab rating for sanctioned girls flag football. Read the Georgia rule explained →
What to look for
1. A 5-star Virginia Tech rating on the flag football list
This is the only independent, public, apples-to-apples test of flag football headgear. Manufacturers can't pay for a rating and don't grade themselves. Make sure the rating is on the flag football list specifically and belongs to the exact model being sold. How the ratings work →
2. Full circumferential coverage
Forehead, temples, and the back of the head. Falls backward onto turf are one of the most common ways flag players get hurt, and a lot of "headbands" only cover the front.
3. Weight and breathability
Headgear that gets pulled off between plays protects no one. Look for 2.5-4 ounces and a breathable soft shell. Athletes who've refused bulky headgear before usually accept a low-profile option.
4. Sizing that actually fits a teenage girl
A lot of protective gear is cut for adult male heads. One-size stretch designs that fit youth through adult avoid the problem, and they also work for ponytails and buns.
5. A price a whole roster can afford
Quality 5-star soft-shell headgear runs $60-$75. Below that you're usually looking at unrated foam bands.
Our recommendation
| CLOUD Halo | CLOUD Halo Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Tech rating | 5-Star, ranked #1 | 5-Star, ranked #3 |
| Weight | About 4 oz | About 2.5 oz |
| Colors | 10 team colors | Black |
| Price | $69.99 | $64.99 |
| Meets GHSA rule | Yes | Yes |
CLOUD Halo is the highest-rated flag football headgear on Virginia Tech's published list and comes in school colors. CLOUD Halo Lite is the one for athletes who want to forget it's there. Both are made in America, both fit youth through adult, and both ship next business day. Not sure which? Halo vs. Halo Lite compared →
Outfitting a whole team
There are no minimums, so a coach can order three or thirty. Team colors, team pricing, and a person who answers the phone: custom team orders start here. Schools can also set up a team store so parents order and pay directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is headgear required for girls flag football?
In Georgia, yes - GHSA-sanctioned girls flag football requires 5-star Virginia Tech rated headgear. Most other states leave it optional for now, though several are reviewing Georgia's standard. Check your state association and league rules before the season.
What is the best headgear for girls flag football?
On the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's flag football ratings, CLOUD Halo is ranked #1 with a 5-star rating and CLOUD Halo Lite is ranked #3, also 5-star. Among 5-star products, choose the one your athlete will keep on.
Does flag football headgear work with a ponytail?
Yes. Soft-shell headband designs like CLOUD Halo sit around the head rather than over it, so ponytails and buns aren't a problem.
Does headgear prevent concussions?
No headgear prevents concussions. 5-star rated headgear reduces the head accelerations associated with concussion risk in lab testing. More on what the testing shows →
Shop CLOUD Halo → | Shop CLOUD Halo Lite →
CLOUD Athletic is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, or the GHSA. Ratings referenced are published independently by the lab and can be verified at its website. No protective equipment can prevent all injuries, including concussions. Confirm current ratings and league requirements before purchasing.