Age Group Competition – Consultation

29 September 2015 – Rules Advisory Group update on Age Group Consultation

Further to a request from the Home Country Athletic Federations (England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Welsh Athletics and Athletics Northern Ireland), supported by the UK Members Council, the UKA Rules Advisory Group conducted an extensive survey of clubs and competition providers across the sport to establish views on the pros and cons of bringing UK age groups in line with those in place globally under IAAF rules.

The consultation elicited a healthy response from members and clubs across the country. It was clear that the two principle issues causing concern with any change to the Age Groups were:-

i) the impact on the Cross Country Season (with a change of year happening on 1st Jan)

ii) potential impact on schools athletics – especially competitions organised by English Schools Athletics Association. That concern relates to different cut off points for school years and possible impact of different hurdle heights and implement weights.

It was clear from the responses received that the majority were not in favour of adopting IAAF Age Groups, and consequently the Rules Advisory Group will not be recommending any change in the current Age Groups to the Board of UK Athletics as part of the proposed amendments to the 2016-18 Rule Book.

The Rules Advisory Group would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the consultation process.

Roger Simons
Cherry Alexander
John Temperton
Mike Heath
Chris Cohen
Keith Davies

10 July 2015 UPDATE:

Age Group Consultation

The consultation on the matter of Age Groups has elicited a good response from members and clubs across the country. The feedback is clear that there are two principle issues causing concern with any change to the Age Groups:

  • The impact on the Cross Country Season (with a change of year happening on 1st Jan).
  • The potential impact on schools athletics – especially competitions organised by English Schools Athletics Association. That concern relates to different cut off points for school years and possible impact of different hurdle heights and implement weights.

UKA will present this feedback to the UK Members Council, Chief Executives Forum, Competition Strategy Group and other key partners for consideration. There will be further information provided to the sport once those discussions have taken place and ahead of any proposal being put forward to the UKA Board to consider in the Autumn of 2015 as a result of the consultation.

Proposed Age Group Changes

Adopting IAAF Age Groups FAQs

Rule Book and Age Group Feedback Templates