When will the flag football program start at CSB? 

Flag football will field its first team in spring of 2026.  

Is the flag football program varsity, club or intramural? 

The flag football team is an emerging varsity program. This means in the first year, the program will be made up entirely of current students on campus. In subsequent years, a coaching staff will be recruiting students to CSB specifically who are coming to attend CSB and play flag football who will join the current students on the team. At this time, flag football is not an NCAA sport; however, it will be voted on at the NCAA convention in January 2026 where it is expected to move forward with the next step of becoming an official sport.

Who is eligible to join the flag football team? 

Any full-time enrolled CSB student who is in good academic standing and medically cleared to participate.  

Do I need prior experience to try out for the team? 

While prior experience is helpful, it is not required. The coaching staff will welcome athletes of all skill levels who are committed to learning and growing their skills and knowledge of the game. 

How can I try out or join the program? 

If you’re interested in the program, please fill out THIS FORM.

Once a coach is hired, they will determine any try-out dates for the team. 

When and where are practices held and what will the season schedule look like? 

Practices will be two days per week in February and three days per week in March (no practice spring break week). April will be five days per week with all games taking place on Saturdays. There will be an end of year tournament at the Minnesota Vikings practice facility (TCO Performance Center) on the last Saturday of April. Practices will be in Claire Lynch Hall until the snow/weather permits outdoor practice. Once weather conditions allow for outdoor practice, the team will practice on the Saint Benedict campus at the Outdoor Athletic Complex (Schoenecker Athletic Fields). 

Will the team compete against other colleges? 

Yes, the team will compete as part of the Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League as part of the league’s second season. Competitors in the league's inaugural season included: Augsburg, Bethel, Concordia, Gustavus Adolphus, Northwestern-St. Paul, Augustana (S.D.) and UW-Stout. There are six other colleges/universities across the Midwest expected to join the league prior to the beginning of the spring season. 

Where will games be played? 

Games will be played on the CSB campus at the Outdoor Athletic Complex (Schonecker Athletic Fields). 

Are there any athletic scholarships available for flag football? 

No, scholarships are not available for collegiate student-athletes participating in sports at the NCAA Division III level. 

Who is the coach of the flag football team? 

A coach for the flag football team has not yet been hired. The position has been posted and the institution is in the process of making its hire.  

What gear or equipment is required, and is it provided? 

Flags and footballs will be provided for student-athletes. Jerseys and shorts (i.e. uniform) will also be provided. Student-athletes should plan on bringing their own mouth guards, shoes or cleats (non-metal) and gloves, if desired. 

How does flag football differ from tackle football? 

Flag football is a non-contact sport where players wear flags attached to a belt. Instead of tackling, defenders "pull" the flag to stop a play. There are fewer players on the field, generally competing in five-on-five or seven-on-seven games. The field of play is also smaller, generally 70 yards long by 30 yards wide with a 10 yard end zone to accommodate the smaller number of players and faster pace of play.  

How can I support or get involved with the program (e.g., as a manager, fan, volunteer)? 

There are plenty of ways to get involved! Students can support as team managers, volunteers or simply by attending games. Contact the athletics department to express interest. 

Where can I find updates, scores or team news? 

Program, game and score updates will be published on gobennies.com and CSB athletics social media.  

Is the program officially recognized by the NCAA? 

Flag football is not currently an NCAA-sanctioned sport at the Division I, II or III level. It is a part of the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program is expected to become a fully sanctioned sport. It must have at least 40 NCAA schools sponsoring it at the varsity level to be considered for official championship status. Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games for both men and women.  

What is the long-term vision for the flag football program at CSB? 

The vision includes expanding participation, building a competitive schedule and being one of the first programs to compete under varsity status with a full-time head coach. The goal is to provide meaningful athletic opportunities for women, continue to build on CSB’s historic athletic success and create a new generation of football success and tradition at CSB+SJU.  

How does participation in flag football fit into the overall student experience at CSB? 

Flag football will enhance the experience of current students, both those choosing to participate on the team and those choosing to spectate and support from the stands. It will also provide another program/opportunity to recruit students to the institution.