Our annual Powderpuff game is just around the corner, a girls’ flag football event that pushes people out of the standard concept of football, but what is the history behind this? 

The ideals people led with during pre-women’s rights movements focused on a woman being presentable, respectable, and valued as a homemaker. As time moved forward, things progressed through the work of activism. Although progress was made, it was only a mere stepping stone towards social and gender equality.

 In 1974, the United States Flag-Football Association held a flag football tournament specifically for women. About twenty years later in 1995, the National Women’s Flag Football League was created, sparking more attention.

While the first women’s tournament was in the 70’s, the game of Powderpuff has been around much longer. It originated from South Dakota in the 1940s, during World War II, as homecoming week was approaching. At Eastern State Teachers College, there was a lack of men able to play football because of their participation in the war, so the women took matters into their own hands to continue the homecoming spirit. There was resistance from the committee against the idea since women were not known to play football, but they eventually accepted it, pushing the event into play.

Due to this abnormal idea, the college titled the event “Powderpuff,” described as “the cosmetic powder traditionally used by women, implying a light and dainty connotation.”

This name was used as mockery, but through the years, the name has remained the same because of the many who view it as a fun and traditional event. As others see it as a form of sexism and outdated gender stereotypes, schools vary on how they proceed with the event.

Canyon Hills had its first Powderpuff game a few years back and has continued the tradition to this day. Participation in this game not only contributes to fundraising for the junior and senior classes, but it also plays as a bonding experience for many girls. 

Canyon Hills senior, Adison Bradley, shares her reason for choosing to participate this year saying, “I’ve always wanted to play Powderpuff. I think it’s so fun, and I think it’s a good way to come together as a senior class and make some new connections.”

Though there is competitiveness between the juniors and seniors, it doesn’t stop the connections between the classes. “A couple of my friends that are seniors said it was really fun last year and that they think I should try it,” junior Alana Gonzalez states, “my favorite thing is the practices because it is fun trying to learn how to play, and I like my team.”

High School is a place for connections, relationships, and new experiences. Powderpuff is a great event to engage in, both as players and spectators. As the boys’ football season ends in November, Powderpuff is an exciting chance to support the school and enjoy another football game before the school year comes to an end.

My participation as a junior was a lively and enjoyable experience which is why I am continuing to participate as a senior. Though the juniors lost last year, the team bonding and fun we had were worth it. I suggest being a part of Powderpuff in any way for the upcoming years of High School because of the fellowship it can provide. 

The game of Powderpuff came from a movement of women taking charge, and it has been transformed into an annual event at most American High Schools, including Canyon Hills itself. As we continue this tradition, we can cut down on stereotypes and introduce new ideals and interests through the years.