The annual calendar for juvenile athletics is an exciting one, with lots of options for individual participation, team events and something for all abilities. With so much going on throughout the year it can be a bit confusing, especially for anyone new to the sport. We would encourage all parents to take a look through the calendar and the FAQ below and keep an eye out for emails from the Race Secretary.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your child’s coach for guidance.

Juvenile Athletics Competitions –  U9 – U19
Month	Competition	Age
Indoor Track & Field (T&F) Events
January / February	Dublin Indoor Championships	U12 – U19Relays are the only events for U10, U11
Championships for all indoor athletics events. Competitive but fun with the 4x200m relay as a good team event. More disciplines and distances available as athletes get older. Held over 4 days at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.
February	Spraoi Games	U9, U10, U11
A team competition and fun introduction to the athletics disciplines of ‘run, jump, throw’.
March / April	National Indoor Championships	U12 – U19
Top 4 from Dublin Championships qualify (except for the 600m, where 3 qualify). Direct entry allowed for athletes 16 and older subject to certain conditions.
November – March	T&F Live	U16 – Adult ages (all together)U12 – U16
Good races for older teens to enter, although there are juvenile options too. Senior races are graded by estimated performance times so athletes run against others of a similar standard. Held  at the NIA Dublin & in Athlone.
Outdoor T&F Events
April / May / June	T&F Leagues	U10 – U16(U9 may compete at U10)
A relaxed introduction to T&F Competitions. A great opportunity to try new events and to get some competition experience and practice. Held over 3/4 days at various tracks around Dublin.
May / June	Dublin Outdoor Championships	U12 – U19
Championships for all outdoor athletics events. Competitive but fun with the 4x100m relay as a good team event. More disciplines and distances available as athletes get older. Held over 4 days at various tracks around Dublin.
June / July	National Outdoor Championships	U12 – U19
Top 4 from the Dublin Championships qualify. Direct entry allowed for athletes 16 and older subject to certain conditions.  Held over 4 days in Tullamore.
May – August	Dublin Athletics T&F Graded Meets	U16 – Adult ages
Good races for older teens to enter. Races are graded by estimated performance times so that athletes run against others of a similar standard.
Cross Country (XC) Events
September – November	Dublin XC Leagues	U9 – U19
A fun introduction to XC running with fellow team mates. The distances are short in the first race and get slightly longer at each subsequent race as athletes grow in confidence. It’s about participation with children supporting their team members and earning points at each race.
October / November	Dublin XC Championships	U9 – U19
Competitive but fun. A great opportunity to compete as a team with individual and team places counting. Each member contributes to the team score. This event also creates an opportunity for individuals and teams to qualify for the National XC Championships.
October	National XC Relays	U11 – U17
Good opportunity to compete at a National level in a team event.
November / December	National XC Championships	U9 – U19
Individual & team qualifiers gain a great opportunity to race against athletes from all over the country in an exciting day of athletics

FAQ 

How do I know what competitions and events to enter my child in?

The Club’s competition secretary will email you in advance of the competitions that are covered by your registration fee to ask if your child wants to take part. If you have any questions about the suitability of an event for your child you should contact their coach. 

What does my club registration fee cover?

Membership must renewed before athletes can enter races. This is particularly relevant for the Dublin Indoor Championships at the start of the year. Full Juvenile Membership fees include entry into the following events:

• T&F Leagues
• Indoor and Outdoor T&F Championships 
• XC Leagues and Championships

How do I know what the correct age group is for my child?

Age categories in Athletics Ireland events are by calendar year. No athlete may obtain a birthday in the year of competition and compete in that age. An under 10 athlete in 2025 will turn 9 in 2025, an under 16 athlete in 2025 will turn 15 in 2025 etc. It is possible in some events for an athlete to ‘age up’ a year. More information will be given by the race secretary at the time of an event if that is relevant.

Here’s a breakdown of the age categories for 2025:

Juvenile Age Groups (Under 19):

• Under 9 (U9): Born in 2017
• Under 10 (U10): Born in 2016
• Under 11 (U11): Born in 2015
• Under 12 (U12): Born in 2014
• Under 13 (U13): Born in 2013
• Under 14 (U14): Born in 2012
• Under 15 (U15): Born in 2011
• Under 16 (U16): Born in 2010
• Under 17 (U17): Born in 2009
• Under 18 (U18): Born in 2008
• Under 19 (U19): Born in 2007 

How do I enter events where the club does not cover the entry fee?

Most events are available to enter here: https://entry.athleticsireland.ie/

You will need the athlete’s Athletics Ireland registration ID to enter some races. You can find it here: https://membership.athleticsireland.ie/findliferegid.html

Why are parents needed to volunteer at competition events?

Athletics competitions are organised by volunteers and each club is required to provide volunteers to help officiate. No experience is required. It is better if parents who are not coaches with the club volunteer as officials, so that coaches are available to direct and warm-up the children for their competition.

What do athletes need to wear at competitions?

A Skerries AC T-shirt, singlet or top must be worn. These can be purchased on the club shop here:https://www.jfsports.ie/product-category/club-shop/skerries-a-c/. There are also t-shirts available to loan for athletes new to the club as online orders can have a long lead in time.

Footwear needed will depend on the type of competition entered.