How many age groups and similar events can my athlete enter?

Question

Accepted Answer

From the Australian Athletics Championships Technical Regulations (8 April 2026):

Under 20 athletes may enter their own age group plus Open.
Junior Championships (Under 14 to Under 20), able-bodied: an athlete may enter a maximum of two age groups in the same or similar event, with at least a two-year age gap. For example, the same or similar event cannot be entered in both Under 15 and Under 16, or Under 16 and Under 17. Open can also be entered if qualified.
Same or similar events means 80/90/100/110m hurdles; 200/400m hurdles; 3000/5000m and 1500/3000/5000m walk; and each of the throwing events (regardless of change in weight of implements).
Under-age para athletes may enter only one under-age competition (in addition to Open).
Where a separate age group event is run but an athlete competes out of their age group, throwing implement weights are based on the athlete's age.
There is no restriction on athletes competing in both the Australian Athletics Championships and the Australian Little Athletics Championships. For Under 14 athletes, Australian Athletics recommends parents manage the risk of too many events.