IHSAA flag football makes 'better people off the field' through lessons on it

Games are played on shortened fields. There's no tackling, blocking or advancing fumbles and interceptions.

But there is fierce competition and incredible sportsmanship.

It's unified flag football, an IHSAA sanctioned sport, and many schools are adding teams.

Consisting of both kids with and without developmental disabilities, the sport is coed and gives kids an opportunity to play organized sports.

Aside from unified flag football, IHSAA offers unified bocce, track and field and bowling.

"It's neat to see the players mesh and see how they become better people off the field for it," Lorie Bear, the volunteer head coach for the Ben Davis Giants, said.

Contact IndyStar photojournalist Mykal McEldowney at 317-790-6991 or mykal.mceldowney@indystar.com. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.