We welcome your comments and suggestions for making the 2009 Senior Games the best ever. However, many athletes contact us with questions concerning matters of qualifying or the rules for their particular sport. Most answers can be found online. The following resources address many commonly asked questions.
Q: How do I qualify for the 2009 Senior Games?
A: Qualifying takes place during calendar year 2008 at State Senior Games held in almost all 50 states.
For dates, locations and details about each State Games refer to this list on the National Senior Games Association's website.
Q: I am unable to compete in my home state. How can I still qualify for 2009?
A: Many State Senior Games accept out-of-states athletes. Choose a State Games from this list and contact them directly
about their out-of-state policy.
Q: Will my favorite sport be offered at the 2009 Senior Games?
A: The program for the 2009 Senior Games consists of 18 medal sports (Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling,
Cycling, Golf, Horseshoes, Race Walk, Racquetball, Road Race, Shuffleboard, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track &
Field, Triathlon, Volleyball) and 7 demonstration sports (Equestrian, Fencing, Lawn Bowling, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer, Water Polo).
There will be no additional sports. The procedure for requesting a sport and/or event be added to future National Games may be
found in the 2009 National Senior Games Rule Book, Rule Q (page 10).
Q: My state does not offer a certain event which I want to qualify in to go to Nationals. How can I qualify?
A: You have two options - through 'Limited Events' or through another State Games.
- 'Limited Events' - The events 20K or 40K Cycling, Hammer Throw, Pole Vault, Triple Jump or Triathlon are considered "limited" events and if they are not offered at your home state Games, you can qualify in other ways. Please download the Limited Event Form and the Instructions.
- If your event is not a 'limited event', the only other way to qualify is to go to another state's Games. You may participate in any State Qualifying Games which allow out-of-state competitors. Contact info, Games dates, and whether a state is open or closed to out-of-state athletes is posted here. We suggest you call the state you are thinking about competing in to find out their qualifying procedures for out-of-state athletes because it might vary from state to state.
Q: I have specific questions about rules, competition format or qualifying.
A: Please refer to the NSGA Rule Book.
Q: Between the 2008 State Qualifying Games and the 2009 National Games I will change age brackets. With which age
group do I qualify and compete at Nationals?
A: At the State Games you will qualify in the correct age group for your current age at the time of the State Games
(some states use different dates within the year to determine their age groups, so if you have a question please check with the state).
When you register for Nationals, the NSGA's registration system will automatically put you in the correct age bracket for the age you
will be at the 2009 National Games.
Age groups for the National Games are determined by the following dates:
Individual and partner sports: The age you (or the youngest of the partners) will be on the first day of the 2009 National Senior Games
(August 1st, 2009) is the age group you will compete it.
Team Sports: The age the youngest member of your team will be on December 31, 2009 is the age group your team will compete in.
Q: When and where will my specific sport be held at the 2009 National Senior Games?
A: Please download our schedule.
Q: I would like to learn more about the 2009 Senior Games.
A: Please subscribe to our monthly email newsletter. You can read past editions in the newsletter archive.
Q: How can I sign up for the Games?
A: Qualified athletes are invited to register using the NSGA's online system. Please note that it may take several weeks until your qualifying State Games results have been entered into the database.
If your question has not been covered above, feel free to complete the form below and submit your message. Thanks!
If you feel that your question has not been sufficiently answered by these resources, you may call our office at (650) 323-9400 between 9:00am and 5:00pm PST.