Categories & tiers / 2026–27

Age categories & tiers.

Age category, boulder tier and competition level describe different things. Start with the season’s birth-year table, then explore the pathway for your discipline.

A climber balancing on red footholds below large grey volumes

Ash Tyndall Photography · 2023 Boulder Provincials

2026–27 season · CEC published categories
CategoryBirth yearsAge on
31 Dec 2027
U13Youth D2015–201611–12
U15Youth C2013–201413–14
U17Youth B2011–201215–16
U19Youth A2009–201017–18
U21Junior / Jr2007–200819–20
SeniorSr2010 or earlier17+

Source: CEC categories for 2026–27 ↗. Senior overlaps U19 and U21. See entry guidance below.

Senior entry & younger climbers

Senior overlaps the youth categories. CEC’s 17+ eligibility includes U19 and U21 ages. Each entry still has its own qualification requirements.

If you compete in a youth category and want to enter Senior events, ask ACA which membership and event entry you need. For athletes younger than 11, contact ACA about the available competition options.

Understand your
competition pathway.

The family guide brings categories, competition levels, rules and practical parent questions together.

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