The below information is updated at the end of each year in preparation for the following year. Raft racing is 01 January to 31 December.
These Age Divisions apply to all Category A and B (Worlds and Continental) level events. Category C & D events will usually follow the same criteria but may deviate so long as formal notice is given in line with the currently published IRF Race Rules.
Age Divisions for the 2023 race year:
YOUTH – you are eligible to compete in the U19 division in 2023 if you:
- are less than 19 years old or turn 19 years old in 2023
- were born in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008
JUNIOR – you are eligible to compete in the U23 division in 2023 if you:
- are less than 23 years old or turn 23 years old in 2023
- were born in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008
OPEN – you are eligible to compete in the Open division in 2023 if you:
- are more than 15 years old or turn 15 years old in 2023
- were born in 2008 or earlier
MASTERS – you are eligible to compete in the Masters (40+) division in 2023 if you:
- are more than 40 years old or turn 40 years old in 2023
- were born in 1983 or earlier
You can use this handy age calculator for future events.
Section B (Teams and Competitors) of the IRF Race Rules sets out all the eligibility criteria for official raft racing. This includes (but is not limited to) age, nationality, gender, capabability and national federation membership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are there any exceptions to age divisions?
No. All racing is conducted in the age divisions as published in the IRF Race Rules
Can I race in a division above or below my own age?
Only if you meet the criteria for the age division. Examples are:
- A person aged 21 (twenty-one) may race in Junior (U23) or Open but not in Youth (U19) or Masters
- A person aged 16 (sixteen) may race in Youth (U19), Junior (U23) and Open (subject to competency) but not in Masters
- A person aged 43 (forty-three) may race in Masters and Open but not in Youth (U19) or Juniors (U23)
Can I race in more than one age division at the same competition?
Yes.
Race Rule B (3):
Competitors are permitted to race in more than one Division during a single event if they qualify. In every instance, the competitor must comply with all race requirements. No races will be delayed or rescheduled to accommodate the competitor.
Can I race in the Open division if I am under 23 years old?
Yes. However, younger competitors may be asked to demonstrate their skills proficiency to the Race Safety Director before being allowed to compete in the Open division.
Can I race if I am a minor (under 18)?
Yes.
Race Rule B (7):
A competitor who is legally defined as a Minor (usually defined as a person under the age of 18), must comply with all domestic laws and regulations applicable to Minors at the event.
Similarly, the Event’s Organiser shall comply with all laws and regulations for Minors (e.g. the Organiser shall arrange that all required waivers etc. are signed in advance), and National Federations shall oversee that their competitors comply with the laws and regulations that govern Minors in their home nation.
Race Rule B (6):
Competitors may participate in an IRF Event in the calendar year in which they turn 15 years old, but not earlier. For C or D Level events, underage Competitors may compete if approved by the National Federation of the host nation. In such cases, the venue must be age appropriate with all safety precautions taken, and all potential Competitors must be informed at least 2 (two) months before the event.
