Age group changes: information for competition providers
From 1 April 2026, the age groups in which young athletes compete changed from U13, U15, U17 and U20, to U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20. These changes are grounded in a desire to support athletes with their progression through the sport.
All permitted/licensed events will need to comply with the rules of competition.
Sitting outside of the formal rules of competition, primary school-aged athletes are 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
👧 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. U14 and U16 athletes compete in lower age group YDL meetings, while U18 and U20 athletes 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 to compete (standards for U18 athletes must be achieved before they are allowed to compete in the NAL).
What will be the club competition opportunities across the U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20 age groups?
The Home Countries offer national championship competition for U16s upwards and 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 make their own decisions on which of the newly implemented age groups they wish to cater for.
Are there competition opportunities for current U11s (year 1 U12s from 2026)?
Athletes aged in school year 6 and below 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 funetics Multi-Challenge are just two examples of the types of competition for this age group – find out more about funetics multi-challenge by clicking here.
Can U12 athletes compete as U14s?
No, U12 athletes will not be able to compete as U14s, and have competition opportunities within their own age group – just as U11s previously had.
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.