Calendar (FAQ's)

The calendar is being released progressively to ensure that as soon as event details are confirmed, they are made available to the community without delay.

We anticipate that the remaining dates, including the Distance Championships, Zone and Region Championships, Treloar Shield, and Specialist Series, will be released by the end of August.

This staged approach helps us provide timely, accurate information while still finalising important venue and logistics details behind the scenes.

Due to the large number of participants and events, a fully combined delivery across a single weekend is not currently feasible with the existing workforce capacity. In 2025, several enhancements, such as the full use of the Warm-Up Track and improved scheduling, were implemented and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from athletes and families. Preserving this level of event quality remains a key focus.

That said, Athletics NSW and Little Athletics NSW remain firmly committed to the strategic goal of delivering a unified 9s–U20 Championship. This remains a shared priority for both organisations. However, any shift to a combined model must be implemented carefully to ensure the availability of the required officiating and volunteer workforce, and to maintain a high-quality experience for all participants.

Several key initiatives are underway:

• Launch of the Grassroots Officiating Scheme later this year
• The implementation of Officials and Coaches Conference
• Paid officiating scheme

These efforts are already delivering results, with both the 2025 NSW Junior and Little Athletics Championships seeing the highest officiating levels in over 20 years. But we acknowledge there is more to do, and we are committed to this aim, to ensure that we have the required workforce to enable our optimal competition properties.

Yes. The format remains:

• Weekend 1: 8s–12s
• Weekend 2: 13s–Masters

The Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC) is undergoing a scheduled track resurfacing from October to January. This essential upgrade occurs approximately once every 10 years and is critical to ensuring that NSW’s premier venue remains compliant and capable of hosting major competitions well into the future.

NSW Athletics fully supports the resurfacing project. In the interim, Blacktown International Sports Park provides a suitable and high-quality alternative for the 2025 Relay Championships, and we are confident it will deliver a positive experience for all participants.

The relocation to Blacktown introduces some logistical challenges. While it is a great venue, it does not offer the same level of infrastructure or capacity as SOPAC, particularly in areas such as field-of-play layout, parking, and event site density.

For example, at SOPAC, we operated up to 10 long jump pits simultaneously across two tracks. At Blacktown, only four pits are available. To maintain event safety, scheduling integrity, and a positive athlete experience, the 8s–12s program will now be delivered across two days.

The Combined Events Championships will be delivered across two weekends to provide tailored experiences for different age groups and athlete pathways.

Weekend 1

• State Championship events will be held for the following age groups:
  • 16s, 17s, 18s, Under 20, Open, and Masters (in 5-year age brackets).
• National Qualification Opportunity for 14s & 15s:
  • A non-Championship event will be offered for athletes in the 14s and 15s.
  • This event will be conducted under World Athletics rules and using Athletics Australia specifications.
  • Athletes in these age groups will have the opportunity to qualify for the Australian Junior Championships through the standard 1st, 2nd, 3rd place selection criteria.

Weekend 2

• State Championship events will be held for the following age groups:
  • 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s, and 15s.
• Participation events (non-Championship):
  • Offered for the 16s, 17s, Under 20, and Open age groups.
  • These events provide additional competitive opportunities but will not carry State Championship status.

This structure balances the delivery of both Championship and inclusive opportunities, while also supporting qualification pathways for National-level competition.

Australian Junior Championships (AA)

If you are aiming to qualify for the Combined Events at the Australian Junior Championships, the following applies:

• Eligible age groups:
• NSW 14s (AA U15)
• NSW 15s (AA U16)
• NSW 16s (AA U17)
• NSW 17s (AA U18)

• Qualification opportunity:

You must compete at Weekend 1 of the NSW Combined Events Championships. This is the only weekend where World Athletics specifications apply, and results will be eligible for national qualification.

Please note: Weekend 2 is designed as an inclusive, participation-based experience. While athletes in the 14s and 15s may also choose to compete in Weekend 2 (particularly for fun or development), performances from this weekend do not count toward national qualification.

• If you are born in 2011 or 2012:
• Your State Championships will take place during Weekend 2 (Maitland),
• However, your qualification opportunity for Nationals is during Weekend 1.
• You can qualify via the standard 1st/2nd/3rd place method in accordance with the published selection criteria.

Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC)

If you are seeking to qualify for the Combined Events component of the Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC), you must compete during Weekend 2 (Maitland). This event will serve as the qualification pathway for ALAC.