UKA Junior Age Group Changes - What it means for your Equipment!

You should by now be well aware of the forthcoming changes to the UKA Junior Age Groups, which is being introduced from 1st April 2026. 

One of the motivations for these changes is to reduce pressure on athletes taking major exams such as GCSE and A-Levels, as the new Age Groups will place them in the first year of their age-group during school years 11 and 13.  If this can ease the stress of athletics training for major competitions at the same time as revising and sitting exams, then surely it must be a good thing!

In this blog, we investigate the impact on equipment choices, both for individuals and clubs.  The main thing to note is that the impact is not enormous, so relax and read on...! 

Throwing Implements Changes

Timing of weight changes

The new rules shunt the implement weights down for athletes, so athletes are slightly older when they move to a new weight.  For example, girls doing shot put under the current rules move from a 2.72kg to a 3kg shot at age 13 for the U15s.  From 2026 they will only throw the 3kg at age 14 when they move into the U16 age group.

So an athlete currently in the second year of U13, U15 or U17 will now keep their same weight implement for another year.  Great news - reduce the need for new kit and also gain more time to work on technique before adding extra weight strain on young bodies.

New Implement Weights

The entry-level weight for the youngest junior categories is now 2kg for both shot and hammer. 

For shot, the U12 girls and boys can choose either 2kg or 2.72kg, and for hammer the 2kg is used by U12 and U14 girls and U12 boys. 

There has been a bit of a panic about the availability of the 2kg implements, but Masters Women 75+ have been using 2kg shot and 2kg hammers for years, so there are plenty of implements already available in clubs around the country, and we have them in stock to purchase.

Hurdle Changes

Competition Hurdles

The lowest competition hurdle height is still 68.5cm, which is the lowest setting on most competition hurdles.  Therefore no new hurdles should be required to run junior competition events.

The exception to this is that U10 athletes now have the option of a 60m hurdle race set at either 60-68.5 cm, or 40-60cm.  However, the UKA age group tables state that

"45-60cm height for the U10s hurdles: Adapted hurdles, such as Sportshall Hurdles or SAQ hurdles [ed: Speed Hurdles] can be used for this development event. Focus should be on fun and progressive introduction"

Training Hurdles

None of these rule changes impact on hurdle training, and it is still important to have junior sized hurdles for young athletes.  Very low hurdles encourage athletes to run over them, rather than jumping - developing good technique and building confidence.  Plyometric hurdles, speed hurdles, board hurdles and foam hurdles are all great options for developing athletes - and they are great for plyometrics for more experienced athletes too!

Steeplechase Hurdles

U14 girls and boys will have the option of a 1200m steeplechase event with 10 hurdles and 3 waterbarriers.  These barriers are set to 76.2cm, which is the same as the existing lowest height.  Therefore, no changes to steeplechase barriers are necessary.

Age-Group Changes Summary

The new age-groups come into play on 1st April 2026, in time for the 2026 season.  Now is a great time to check that you have what you need ahead of any rush on smaller hurdles and 2kg shot/hammers in the spring.  Simply call us if you need any help!