Can I play in a younger age group, or change age group during the tournament?

• Younger only: a player may only play in an age group younger than their actual age group. For example, a 47-year-old may play in the 35s, 40s or 45s competition but not the 50s or older. Players cannot play in an older age group.
• Dispensation: before the tournament and in exceptional circumstances, a member association may apply to HAMC for age dispensation for up to 2 players who are a further 12 months younger than the age definition for that age group (see the Age Group Matrix).
• Changing during the tournament: once a player has played a game in their nominated age group, they cannot change age groups unless exceptional circumstances apply and the Tournament Director gives express written permission. If a move is approved, the player cannot return to their original age group or seek a further exemption in the same tournament. Disciplinary statistics (such as suspension cards and points) follow the player into the new age group, but best and fairest points do not.
• Division 2: Division 2 players may be promoted into the Division 1 team in exceptional circumstances with the Tournament Director's written permission. Once promoted, the player cannot return to Division 2 or move age groups.

Source: Hockey Australia Tournament Regulations, Masters Championships 2026 (Appendix 10), https://cdn.sanity.io/files/a5i57b7j/production/fc7698484262da8869940ecbd55575c2becb7c23.pdf