What are the junior age categories, and how is my child's age worked out?

Age is measured to 31 December of the calendar year in which the rower reaches the stated age:

• Under 17: until 31 December of the year the rower reaches 16.
• Under 19: until 31 December of the year the rower reaches 18.
• Under 21: until 31 December of the year the rower reaches 20.
• Under 23: until 31 December of the year the rower reaches 22.

For example, a rower who turns 16 at any point during 2026 is an Under 17 rower for the whole of 2026. Age categories apply to coxswains too (except in Under 23 and Masters). A rower too old for Under 23 is classified as Open. Masters rowing starts from the beginning of the year in which the rower turns 27.

Source: Rowing Australia Rules of Racing (2025 Edition, updated January 2026), Rules 26 and 29.