For those who are not aware EA will be bringing in age group changes from 1st April 2026.
The old age groups remain for the indoor season and then change for the outdoor season, so for an example, an athlete can be U15 indoors and U14 outdoors for this season only.
The age groups are U14, U16, U18 and U20(unchanged).
U12’s are not under EA rules and EA have stated that they will not be putting competitions on for U12’s, so it is down to clubs and counties. EA have asked clubs to register U12 athletes.
What does it mean:
Primarily, the impact is on throwers and hurdles where the weights and heights may change.
In addition, English Schools will not change until Sept 2026(correct at writing), so qualifying for hurdles and throws may be complicated….
What does it mean for the club:
- Club events have rule changes – YDL, Northern League and NAL(YDL – U14/U16 = lower, U18/U20 upper, some event changes, Northern League and NAL allow U18’s with no min standards)
- Membership rates will be changed to new age groups
- Club records have been updated for new age groups
For further technical information please go to England Athletics website.
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