Information for Parents

Competitions and Age Groups

The club adheres to the UKA rules on competition years and age groups. The current Rule Book runs from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS NEW RULE BOOK INTRODUCED CHANGES TO AGE GROUPS THAT CAME INTO EFFECT ON 1ST APRIL 2026. JUNIOR AGE GROUPS MOVED FROM ODD TO EVEN NUMBERS. THE INFORMATION BELOW SUMMARISES WHAT THE NEW RULES DICTATE IN RESPECT OF COMPETITION.

The Competition Year for all  disciplines other than Fell and Hill running will be from 1st October each year to the following 30th September. Fell, Hill and Mountain Events shall be from 1 January to 31 December each year.

The operative date for determining membership of age groups for all athletes under the age of 18 shall be the 31st August at the end of the Competition Year (other than for Fell, Hill and Mountain running).

• Under 14 Boys and Girls  (School Years 7 and 8)- Competition for Under 14s shall be confined to competitors who are aged 12 or 13 on the 31st August within the Competition Year, as defined above.
• Under 16 Boys and Girls (School Years 9 and 10) – Competition for Under 16s shall be confined to competitors who are aged 14 or 15 on 31st August within the Competition Year, as defined above.
• Under 18 Men and Women (School Years 11 and 12) – Competition for Under 18s shall be confined to competitors who are aged 16 or 17 on 31st August within the Competition Year, as defined above.
• Under 20 Years Men and Women – Competitions for Under 20s shall be confined to competitors who are 18 or over on 31st August within the Competition Year, as defined above, but Under 20 on 31st December in the calendar year of competition.
• Seniors – A Senior is a competitor who is at least 20 years of age on 31st December in the calendar year of competition.
• Masters – Events for Masters shall be confined to athletes who are at least 35 years of age on the day of competition.

There are Under 10 and Under 12 age groups but they sit outside the formal rules of competition. The Rules Book does give some guidance on these age groups and signposts where advice can be obtained for competition providers from England Athletics.

Competitions for the Different Junior Age Groups

Under 10

There is very limited competition opportunity for under 10s as the focus is about developing fundamental movement skills. However, Under 10s will be permitted to compete in the Bury AC Mini-League competitions (see below for more details) and the Lancashire Rose Cross Country League.

Under 12s

The under 12 group is all about the children having fun, developing their skills and improving their fitness which will help to increase their confidence. The best way to improve a child’s confidence is for them to compete in the various events that are held throughout the year. These events are also a good way for the children to meet new people and develop a good team spirit. Here are the main league competitions that provide competition experience throughout the year:

• Lancashire Rose League (Cross Country) – 4 races which are held October – December
• Sports Hall Athletics –  various competitions which are held November – March
• Bury AC Mini-League Competitions – informal track and field competitions held April – July
• Mid Lancashire League Competitions – track and field league fixtures held May – August

There are other competitions available which include open events and the Greater Manchester championships. All events require the athlete to wear the club vest. Speak to your coach for more details.

Lancashire Rose League is cross country for children age 8 and over, helping to increase a child’s stamina.

Sports Hall League is for children age 9 and above and keeps the children fit and works on their endurance during the winter months.

Mini-League Competition Bury hold a Mini League competitions in April, May, June and July usually held the second Wednesday of the month. It is suitable for children 8 years of age and over to take part in a competition in a fun environment.

Mid Lancashire League  – track and field competition. There are 5 fixtures in the year starting in April and ending in July. The final meeting is a medal meeting. Speak to the coaches about competing.

Competitions for Under 12’s shall be confined to competitors who are aged 10 or 11 on the 31st August within the competition Year.

Under 14s

Under 14s can compete in the same competitions detailed above for the under 12s. They may also represent Bury in the:

North of England Track and Field Championships – all under 14s are eligible to compete in the regional championships, usually held in August.

North of England Cross Country Championships – all under 14s are also eligible to compete in this race, usually held in January.

Greater Manchester Track and Field Championships – Usually held in May and offering one sprint, one distance, one jump and one throw event to under 14 athletes. All registered club athletes are eligible to enter.

The fixture list for competitions for under 14s can be found in the clubhouse.

Under 16s

The under 16s compete in the same competitions as the under 14s, other than the Bury AC Mini-League – which is confined to younger athletes.

Under 18s

The under 18s can compete in many of the same competitions as the under 16s. However, Sportshall athletics is not available to this age group and they are also eligible for selection for:

North of England Track and Field League – under 18s are also eligible to be selected for the senior team for this league competition. There are 4 fixtures in the track and field season running from May to August. The team manager is Byron Edwards.

School Competitions

Club athletes may be selected to represent their school, Bury or Greater Manchester at cross country and track and field competitions. These are separate from the club competitions and whilst Bury AC assist in the staging of some events, the selectors are based in the school system.