🏃 Athlete Progression Pathway

Zone → Regional → State → National Championships 🇦🇺

Every athlete’s journey is different, but the competition pathway provides opportunities to participate, improve, challenge themselves and potentially 🏅 NSW State Championships Junior – Under 13s and above</text>

• 📅 Dates: 18–21 March 2027

• 📍 Venue: Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC)

• 👟 Age groups: Under 13s and above

Both events provide athletes with the opportunity to compete against other qualified athletes from across the state.

🎯 Individual Event Qualification

For athletes in the Under 9s to Under 15s age groups, qualification for the State Championships is based on performances at the Regional Championships.

The progression process is as follows:

1. 🥇 Top two at Regionals: Athletes who place in the top two in their individual event at the Regional Championships qualify for the State Championships, subject to the applicable competition rules.

2. ⭐ Additional state positions: A further eight of the next-best qualified athletes across all regions will be offered positions in each event, based on their results.

3. 🚀 Further opportunities: These additional places provide further opportunities for athletes to qualify based on their performances against competitors from across the state.

Athletes must meet the relevant age-group eligibility and qualification requirements for their chosen events.

📌 Important Information for Athletes and Families

Athletes and families should check the official State Championships program to confirm event allocations, entry requirements, qualification criteria and deadlines.

The State Championships are an important milestone in the competition pathway, allowing athletes to test themselves against competitors from across NSW and continue developing their skills and experience.

4. What Happens After State? – National Championships

🌟 The Pathway to National Representation

For athletes who excel at the State Championships, the next opportunity is the chance to be selected as part of the NSW State Team to represent New South Wales at the National Championships.

The top-performing athletes in their respective events may have the opportunity to progress to this level, subject to the applicable selection criteria and team selection requirements.

Representing NSW at a National Championships is a significant achievement. It provides athletes with the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes from across Australia while proudly representing their state.

💙 Celebrating Port Macquarie Athletes

Over the past few years, Port Macquarie has been fortunate to see some outstanding athletes progress through the competition pathway and reach the level of representing NSW at the National Championships.

These achievements are a testament to:

• 🏃 The dedication and commitment of our athletes.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The support of their families.

• 🏅 The commitment of their coaches.

• 🤝 The encouragement of the wider club community.

As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, we hope to see this success continue, with more Port Macquarie athletes taking the next step in their athletic journey and earning the opportunity to represent NSW on the national stage.

🌟 The dream of representing your state can start at your local Zone Championships!

💪 5.  16s, Under 17s and Under 20s – Direct Entry Opportunities

Athletes in the 16s,  17s and  20s age groups have a different competition pathway from athletes in the  7s to 15s age groups.

These athletes can enter any level of competition directly, including Zone, Regional and State Championships, without needing to qualify through the preceding level.

For example, an athlete may choose to enter the State Championships directly without competing at either the Zone or Regional Championships.

🙌 Why We Encourage Participation

While qualification through the lower levels is not required, athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in Zone and Regional competitions wherever possible.

These events provide valuable opportunities to:

• 🎯 Gain competition experience.

• 🏃 Test performances against other athletes.

• 💪 Develop confidence and consistency.

• 🏟️ Become familiar with championship competition.

• 🚀 Prepare for the State Championships.

Participation at these levels can be an important part of an athlete's ongoing development, even when progression through the formal competition pathway is not required.

All entries remain subject to the relevant competition rules, age eligibility requirements and entry deadlines.

❤️ 6. Final Information for Athletes and Families

Understanding the athlete progression pathway helps athletes and families plan their competition season, select appropriate events and understand the opportunities available at each level.

For athletes in the  7s to 15s age groups, event selection and performances at each championship level can determine whether they progress to the next stage.

For athletes in the 16s,  17s and  20s age groups, direct entry provides greater flexibility, while participation at lower championship levels remains an excellent opportunity to develop skills and gain experience.

For athletes who progress to State level, strong performances may open the door to selection in the NSW State Team and the opportunity to compete at the National Championships.

📌 Athletes and families should always refer to the current season's official competition rules and entry information to confirm qualification criteria, available positions, eligibility requirements and entry deadlines.

🌟 Every athlete's journey matters!

Participate. Improve. Gain experience. Challenge yourself. Achieve your goals.

The goal of the competition pathway is to provide athletes with opportunities to develop their abilities, enjoy their sport and compete at the level that best supports their athletic journey.