Athletics Age Categories (FFA)
About this classification
The categories presented below are defined by the French Athletics Federation (FFA) and apply to all athletics disciplines in France:
- Running: sprint, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles, steeplechase, cross-country
- Jumps: high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault
- Throws: shot put, discus, javelin, hammer
- Combined events: decathlon, heptathlon
- Race walking
Whether you practice the 100m, marathon, high jump or javelin throw, your category remains the same as it depends only on your age on December 31st of the current year.
Your category is determined by your age on December 31st of the current year. Masters categories are subdivided every 5 years.
🔍 Find my category
Enter your birth year to visualize your category in the charts and table below.
Categories Visualization
Youth categories cover shorter age ranges (1 to 3 years) for adapted development.
The Senior category spans 17 years (23-39 years old), while Masters categories each span 5 years.
Categories Table
📝 International Nomenclature
Youth categories use the international nomenclature U12, U14, U16, U18 (U = "Under", meaning "less than" a certain age).
U12 = Under 12 years old (10-11 years) • U14 = Under 14 years old (12-13 years) • U16 = Under 16 years old (14-15 years) • U18 = Under 18 years old (16-17 years)
| Category | Code | Min age | Max age | Birth years (2025) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Categories | |||||
| Baby Athlé | BB | 5 | 6 | 2019 – 2020 | Playful discovery of athletics |
| Éveil Athlétique | EA | 7 | 9 | 2016 – 2018 | Introduction to fundamentals |
| U12 | PO | 10 | 11 | 2014 – 2015 | Motor skills development |
| U14 | BE | 12 | 13 | 2012 – 2013 | In-depth technical learning |
| U16 | MI | 14 | 15 | 2010 – 2011 | Beginning of specialization |
| U18 | CA | 16 | 17 | 2008 – 2009 | Pre-competitive training |
| Adult Categories | |||||
| Junior | JU | 18 | 19 | 2006 – 2007 | Access to youth federal competitions |
| Espoir | ES | 20 | 22 | 2003 – 2005 | Transition phase to Senior |
| Senior | SE | 23 | 34 | 1991 – 2002 | General adult category |
| Masters categories (every 5 years) | |||||
| Master 0 | M0 | 35 | 39 | 1986 – 1990 | Formerly V1 (Masters start) |
| Master 1 | M1 | 40 | 44 | 1981 – 1985 | Performance and experience |
| Master 2 | M2 | 45 | 49 | 1976 – 1980 | Consolidated endurance |
| Master 3 | M3 | 50 | 54 | 1971 – 1975 | Pace management key |
| Master 4 | M4 | 55 | 59 | 1966 – 1970 | Experienced category |
| Master 5 | M5 | 60 | 64 | 1961 – 1965 | Athletic longevity |
| Master 6 | M6 | 65 | 69 | 1956 – 1960 | Regular participation |
| Master 7 | M7 | 70 | 74 | 1951 – 1955 | Confirmed veteran category |
| Master 8 | M8 | 75 | 79 | 1946 – 1950 | Exemplarity and inspiration |
| Master 9 | M9 | 80 | 84 | 1941 – 1945 | Rare in competition |
| Master 10 | M10 | 85 | 89 | 1936 – 1940 | Exceptional cases |
| Master 11 | M11 | 90 | 99 | 1926 – 1935 | Honorary participation |
Masters categories may be grouped according to local organizations and competition type. Birth years are calculated for calendar year 2025. This official FFA classification is valid for all athletics disciplines in France. For youth categories (U12, U14, U16, U18) not included here, consult the specific FFA regulations.
How to use this table?
- Quickly determine your category before registration.
- Compare your performance with runners in similar age range.
- Anticipate your transition to the next category (e.g., Senior → Master 0).
- Prepare your speed and pace goals according to your evolution.
Frequently asked questions
Are these categories valid only for running?
No, these categories are defined by the French Athletics Federation (FFA) and apply to all athletics disciplines: running (sprint, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles), jumps (high jump, long jump, pole vault, triple jump), throws (shot put, discus, javelin, hammer), combined events and race walking. Running is one of the athletics disciplines, but a 25-year-old athlete will be "Senior" whether they practice the 100m, marathon or high jump.
Why is my age on December 31st used?
Sports regulations standardize age on the calendar year to avoid category changes during the season.
Are Masters categories always separated in competition?
In practice, some races group several ranges (e.g., M5+). Podiums can nevertheless distinguish each category.
Are there performance standards by category?
Yes, many rankings (age-grading) exist to compare corrected pace or speed. Feature coming soon to RunningTimeCalculator.