Age group changes: information for competition providers
From 1 April 2026, the age groups in which young athletes compete will change from U13, U15, U17 and U20, as is currently the case, to U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20. These changes are grounded in a desire to support athletes with their progression through the sport.
The indoor track and field season and the upcoming cross country season will operate under the current rules and age groups, with the change coming into effect on 1 April 2026.
All permitted/licensed events will need to comply with the rules of competition, which will be amended to reflect the changed age groups.
Sitting outside of the formal rules of competition, primary school-aged athletes will be encouraged to compete in U10 and U12 age groups in competitions that will utilise multi-event based run, jump, and throw formats.
Download competition format guidance (PDF 320kB) View technical information spreadsheet (XLS 38kB)Top tips for competition providers
✍️ Review and update competition age categories
🏃 Plan for off-track distance requirements
📊 Read up on new para-throws implement weights
💭 Decide whether to pilot the new age groups ahead of April 2026
👧 Prepare for U10 and U12 participation formats
🗣️Join the conversation
Combined Events scoring
We strongly encourage all competition providers to familiarise themselves with the changes now and ensure the correct tables are applied within your results systems. These updated tables reflect the revised age groups and new approach, and must be used for any combined events taking place on or after this date.
The full PDF scoring tables are available to download below and should be shared with your relevant officials and the results providers for your competitions (Roster, OpenTrack, Entry4Sports etc.)
Download new Combined Events scoring tables (PDF 1.5MB)Implements for para throws
We have developed a set of recommendations for competition providers regarding para-throw implement weights under the new age group classifications. To support this, we’ve compiled these reference documents outlining the relevant specifications from World Para Athletics and World Athletics, along with updated weight guidelines for para-throws.
Download new age group implements for para throws by age (PDF 250kB) Download new age group implements for para throws by class (PDF 252kB)FAQs for competition providers
Will the dates of the competition year be changed?
The competition year will run from 1 October to 30 September and so athletes will compete in the same age group from October through to September in cross country, road, and track and field.
Which age groups will the YDL and NAL meetings use?
UK Youth Development League (YDL) meetings have confirmed their age groups for next outdoor track season. U14 and U16 athletes will compete in lower age group YDL meetings, while U18 and U20 athletes will compete in upper age group YDL meetings.
The National Athletics League (NAL) have also confirmed their age groups for competition, with U18, U20 and Senior athletes set to compete (standards for U18 athletes must be achieved before they are allowed to compete in the NAL).
Other competition providers are invited to get in touch with us to let us know which age groups they will be providing, by emailing trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org.
What will be the club competition opportunities across the U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20 age groups?
As is currently the case, the Home Countries will offer national championship competition for U16s upwards and will provide guidance and recommendations to competition providers on the competition formats and approaches suitable at each age group.
Other organisations such as leagues, counties, areas and open competition providers will make their own decisions on which of the newly implemented age groups they wish to cater for. For example, currently an open meeting may focus on U13s and U15s, post 1 April 2026 they may choose to focus on U14s and U16s, or alternatively they may prefer U12 and U14.
Are there competition opportunities for current U11s (year 1 U12s from 2026)?
As is currently the case, athletes aged in school year 6 and below will continue to access local competition opportunities with an emphasis on personal improvement, building a love of the sport and being part of a team. Sportshall Athletics and QuadKids are just two examples of the types of competition for this age group that will continue. In England, we are currently piloting a new competition format for primary aged athletes – funetics multi-challenge
Which age groups should off-track competitions held in September use?
For Cross-Country and Road Running competitions taking place during the month of September that are being used to feed into Championship or League events taking place in the following Competition Year, the Competition Provider may set entry conditions using the age groups applicable to that subsequent Competition Year.