The future of the sport

Youth program

Junior Olympic track and field and cross country for athletes 8 and under through 17–18. Your age group is your age on December 31.

Youth membership2026 age groupsJunior Olympics guide
Next youth championship Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships Saturday, November 14 at Ash Creek Preserve, Monmouth 0d 00h 00m 00s
2026 season

Age groups

Your age group is based on your age on December 31 of the competition year. Athletes compete only in their own age division, relays included.

Youth questions

2026 Junior Olympic age groups and birth years
Age groupAgesBorn in
8U8 and under2018–2020
9–109 and 102016–2017
11–1211 and 122014–2015
13–1413 and 142012–2013
15–1615 and 162010–2011
17–1817 and 182008–2009

Verify your athlete’s age in USATF Connect with a birth certificate, passport, certified baptismal certificate or state-issued ID.

Oregon to Nationals

Three championship rounds. Exceptions can be requested ahead of time at youth@oregon.usatf.org.

  1. 01

    Oregon JO Championship

    Hit the qualifying mark at the Association meet. Washington athletes can enter after an Association transfer request.

  2. 02

    Region 13

    Qualifiers move on to the Region 13 Championships.

  3. 03

    National Junior Olympics

    Qualify at Region 13 for the National Junior Olympic Championships.

Next up

Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. Entries opened October 2 at 9:00 a.m. on Athletic.net.

Young runners on a forest cross country course
Saturday, November 14
Where
Ash Creek Preserve, Western Oregon University, Monmouth
Who
Youth athletes, 8 and under to 17–18, with a current membership and a verified age
Entries
On Athletic.net, opened October 2, 9:00 a.m.
Enter on Athletic.netRead the announcement
Stay in the loop

Monthly youth meetings

  • First Sunday of every month, 7:00 p.m.On Zoom. The link is sent in advance to club contacts in USATF Connect. Schedule subject to change.
  • QuestionsDoug Burnett, Youth Chairyouth@oregon.usatf.org
  • Meet-day preparationWhat to expect at Developmental and Junior Olympic meets.Read the guide

Safe, fair, sanctioned

The standards every youth coach, athlete and meet director signs up to.

  • Codes of conduct

    Separate codes for coaches and for athletes set out how everyone behaves at practice, at meets and online.

    Coaches (PDF)Athletes (PDF)

  • Sanctioning youth events

    A sanction brings better public perception, use of the event designation logo and cost-effective insurance. Talk to Sanctions Chair Debi Hanson at debihanson@me.com.

    • Public perception
    • Event designation logo
    • Cost-effective insurance

  • SafeSport

    The SafeSport program works to prevent sexual misconduct and abuse, bullying, hazing, harassment, and physical or emotional abuse. Check any coach or official against the directory of compliant members.

    Compliant member directorySafeSport FAQ

Youth sections

Their first start line.

Every Junior Olympic athlete needs a current youth membership and a verified birth date before entering.

Join USATFJunior Olympics guide