Age group changes: information for officials
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.
The rules review process is being undertaken during winter 2025/spring 2026 ahead of publication of the new rulebook, which will include these age group changes.
Top tips for officials
Here are our top tips to help officials prepare and support their athletes smoothly through the transition:
🎯 Understand the new age group structure and the rationale
📘 Familiarise yourself with updated technical specifications
📣 Communicate clearly with athletes, parents, coaches and team managers
🤝 Engage with drop‑in sessions and FAQs
🧭 Support a positive athlete experience during the transition
📧 Keep an eye out for updates
Technical information
Our technical information spreadsheet shows which implements will be used in each age group, what the hurdle heights will be and what will the approved track distances will be.
In producing the recommended hurdle heights and implement weights, care has been taken to propose implements for each of the new age groups that are already in wide use across the sport. Where discussions with implement manufacturers are needed (e.g. around 60cm hurdles), these will take place.
A printed notebook style quick reference guide will be made available in April, but you can also download a version yourself at home (this has been produced to be home-printer friendly), or view a detailed excel spreadsheet.
Download changes quick reference guide (PDF 2MB) View technical information spreadsheet (XLS 38kB)Para throws implements
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)