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, 2024, to be eligible for the 2025 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 2025 National Senior Games, athletes must qualify in 2024.

General qualification methods include: 

1. Place: For most sports, athletes qualify by placing in the top four of their age group at a Qualifying State Senior Games.
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 qualification.

Step 3: Locate a Qualifying Senior Games

Find contact information and dates for Qualifying State Senior Games competitions here.

Step 4: Qualifying Notices Sent 

Qualifying results will be submitted to the National Senior Games office by staff from the Qualifying State Senior Games where an athlete participates. After results are verified for accuracy, athletes will be sent a qualification/registration notice from the National Senior Games Association.