How to Qualify for the National Senior Games

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

An athlete must be at least 50 years of age by December 31, 2026, to be eligible for the 2027 National Senior Games.

Step 2: Check the Rules for Your Sport

Please refer to the National Senior Games Rulebook for qualification guidelines for your sport. 

To compete in most sports, an athlete MUST qualify at a State Senior Games in the even-numbered year preceding the National Senior Games. Example: For the 2027 National Senior Games, athletes must qualify in 2026.

General qualification methods include: 

1. Place: For most sports, athletes qualify by placing in the top of their age group at a Qualifying State Senior Games. Please refer to the rulebook for exact sport place qualification.

2. Minimum Performance Standards: Certain sports allow qualification by Minimum Performance Standards (MPS). To qualify by MPS, an athlete must meet or exceed the MPS for their age at an NSGA Member Games. 

Open sports are available to all eligible participants and do not require qualifications.

Step 3: Locate a Qualifying State Senior Games -

Use the NSGA link above to find additional state games if needed.

NSGA.COM

The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is the nonprofit umbrella organization for Senior Games across the United States. The NSGA's Member Organizations represent nearly every state and host sanctioned competitions in their areas. 

The NSGA also hosts the biennial National Senior Games, which brings together over 12,000 participants ages 50-100+ to compete in more than 25 sports.  Athletes must qualify at a State Senior Games in the year before the National Senior Games to participate in most events. This world-class competition celebrates the athletic accomplishments of older adults and inspires people of all ages to be active.