Can a U16 or U18 athlete compete in an older age category at national championships?

Athletes may compete a maximum of one age category up at Athletics Canada National Championships, with these conditions:

• Under 14: athletes under the age of 14 in the year of competition may not compete in the U16 National Championships or any higher category.
• U16 athletes may compete in the U18 National Championships. They may compete in the U20 National Championships only if all of the following apply: they are in the top year of the U16 age group; they have achieved an Athletics Canada World U20 Championships standard in U20 event conditions (distance, hurdle height, implement weight and so on); their Branch provides a letter of support; and their parent or legal guardian provides a letter of support.
• U18 athletes may compete in the U20 National Championships. They may compete in the Open Age National Championships only if they are in the top year of the U18 age group, have achieved a CAPP Talent Confirmation standard in open (senior) event conditions, and the Branch and parent or legal guardian both provide letters of support.

Requests and letters of support must be received before the published final entry date for the championship.

Source: Athletics Canada Technical Rules, December 2025.