Age limits

[OB1]

FJ, bravo, an excellent 'plain english' confirmation from the FRA-JC as to the preferred convention for junior age groups, in the continual absence of a rule, plus at the end an explanation as to why there is no specific rule as yet.

What stands out for me (as a parent of 3 closely-spaced Juniors) are the following points:

RO are ultimately responsible for ensuring that junior runners enter the correct age group and race.

The RO can be expected to make entrants aware of the age group qualifying date, in pre race literature, notices on the day, or at race registration.

It is preferable for everyone concerned if the vast majority of junior events continue with the historic convention of aligning their races with the English Junior Championship age groups, i.e. two year bands based on age on 1st January at the start of the competition year.

As long as all ROs know the above and enact it, then it will be hugely helpful, especially the first two points for guiding parents before and at races.

Pre-race information / literature is very helpful as it helps parents explain to the juniors what group they will be running in and who will be running with whom, and a what time, before we get to the registration desk. Information on the day only in the melee of the desk is not as good. It would be nice if future editions of the calendar had a specific field for ROs to fill. It's clear that we can't assume a date basis unless its stated in the literature.

What has been worrying to me, as a parent, following this thread has been the conflict of opinion and knowledge amongst those in the 'know' (including FRA committee folk and longstanding ROs) regarding what are the 'rules' and what are just 'important conventions'.