Age Group Changes – Join our webinar on 24 July

Friday 19th July 2024

scottishathletics is hosting the second of two webinars on Wednesday 24 July to provide further information on the upcoming changes to age group calculations in Scotland.

From April 2026, UK Athletics rules will change the sport’s age groups in the UK to under-even (U12, U14 etc.).

Further consultation is now required to discuss with the sport the implementation of this change.

The consultation will ensure that members are aware of short-term impacts and can fully assess options for the implementation in Scotland, considering the best approach for coaching, athlete development, club development and competition.

We are inviting all those involved in the sport to join our online session to talk more about the issue and the changes.

The session will last approximately half an hour, with further time for questions. Please register below.

Wednesday 24 July, 6.30pm

REGISTRATION LINK

The webinar will cover the impact of the age group changes within Scotland including proposed implement weights and hurdle spaces and distances. They will also cover the planned timeline for implementing the changes.

The webinar is open to all interested parties, and will provide an opportunity to ask questions either in advance or on the night.

It is proposed that the implementation of the new age groups commences from 1 January 2026, prior to the publication of the next edition of the UKA rule book on 1 April 2026.

This is to allow athletes competing indoors during winter 2025/26 to participate within their new age group as they prepare for the Summer 2026 season.

Off track events in the winter of 2025/26 will not be affected, with the new age groups for road and cross country coming into effect at the beginning of the 2026/27 cross country season.

A key area for discussion is whether to use 31 December or 31 August as the cut-off date for determining an athlete’s age group.

All scottishathletics athlete and coach members will receive an email next week that contains a link to a feedback form requesting their opinion on the best approach to the upcoming changes.

Further information will be provided during the webinar, and clubs will be canvassed for their opinion over the coming months in advance of a final decision being in advance of a final decision being ratified at the scottishathletics Annual General Meeting on Saturday 28 September 2024.

The scottishathletics team will also be available during lunch breaks at this summer’s National Senior and Age Group Championships in Grangemouth on 10-11 and 17-18 August to assist with any questions.

Please send any further comments or queries to events@scottishathletics.org.uk.