Key information for off-track age group changes

The 2026-2028 UKA Rules of Competition now apply across the sport, and there have been some key changes to age groups and the competition year that will apply for the first time this coming cross country and road season. 

Athletes in the same age group for all disciplines

Under the new rules, athletes will move age group (or into the upper year of their existing age group) on 1 October.

For example, an athlete who is currently in school year 7 and competing as an U14 this summer, will stay as an U14 for the following road and XC season and next summer’s track and field, when they will be in Year 8 at school. 

An athlete who is currently in school year 8 and competing as an U14 this summer will compete as an U16 in the autumn road and XC season, and next summer’s track and field when they will be in Year 9. 

The new rules simplify things for athletes, as they change age groups for all disciplines at the same time. Athletes will be in the same age group for all disciplines, contrary to the previous rules. 

Historically, athletes stayed in their summer track and field age groups for the Road/Cross Country season that followed, while they moved into their new age group (or to the upper end of their existing age group) for indoor track and field. For example, an athlete might have been U15 for XC and U17 for track and field at the same time, which was confusing for athletes and parents. 

September off-track competitions

Off-track competitions held in September (i.e. before the official start of the new competition year) will be able to use the age groups that apply for the following off-track season. 

For example, an athlete currently in Year 8 and competing as an U14 this summer, would compete as an U16 in a September cross country race, moving up to their new age group early to align with the rest of the season. 

The new rulebook states:

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.

Essentially, competition providers can use the 2026-27 competition year age groups for their event if it's held in September and is part of the same season. So area road relays in September, regardless of whether they are a formal qualifier for the national relays, would be covered. 

Flexibility is needed during this autumn period so that competition providers use the most appropriate age groups either aligning with the end of the track and field season or the start of cross country.

Any questions?

Please email trackandfieldproject@englandathletics.org with any questions on the above information.