What age groups are used in athletics now, and what changed?
Rule- England
- England Athletics
- UK Athletics
- Under 12
- Under 14
- Under 16
- UKA Rules 2026
- 2026/27
- Parents
From 1 April 2026, the UKA Rules for Competition moved young athletes to even-numbered age groups:
| Old age groups | New age groups (from 1 April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Under 13 | Under 14 |
| Under 15 | Under 16 |
| Under 17 | Under 18 |
| Under 20 | Under 20 (unchanged) |
Below these, England Athletics uses Under 10 and Under 12 for primary school-aged children. Above, Seniors are 20 and over, and Masters start at 35.
England Athletics' stated aims are to simplify age-group dates, support long-term athlete development, and mean athletes are at the top of their age group in non-exam school years. The new groups applied from the 2026 track and field season onwards.
Added 21 Oct 2026