What are the age groups in artistic roller skating?
A · Advanced · The sport and scoring · 1 of 2Skaters are grouped by the age they turn in the competition year: Tots (8 to 9), Minis (10 to 11), Espoir (12 to 13), Cadet (14 to 15), Youth (16), Junior (17 to 18) and Senior (19 and over). World Championships are for juniors and seniors, open from age 12. An event needs three skaters from two federations.
How it works
- Tots: 8 and 9; Minis: 10 and 11.
- Espoir: 12 and 13; Cadet: 14 and 15.
- Youth: 16; Junior: 17 and 18; Senior: 19 and over.
- World Championships: juniors 12 to 18; seniors 12 and over.
- Pairs and couples: the older partner sets the category.
- No moving down: a skater who has competed higher may not go back.
- One category per discipline at a competition, with some exceptions in team events.
- Minimum entry: three skaters or teams from two federations.
The glossary has the age categories (artistic), the minimum entry, the artistic disciplines, the Artistic Technical Commission, the free skating (artistic) and the artistic roller skating.
Tricky cases
A 13-year-old wants to skate seniors at the World Championships. Allowed?
Yes. Seniors at the World Championships are open from 12.
Only two skaters enter an event. Is it held?
They may skate and get scores, but no results or ranking points are published, except in precision, couples dance and pairs.
A pair is 15 and 19. Which category?
Senior, by the older partner.
Can a show skater enter two age groups?
Yes. In precision, show and quartet up to a quarter of a team may skate in two age categories.
Why the rule exists
Tight age bands keep youth events fair. Blocking moves down a category stops older skaters dominating younger ones.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| International championships | Seven age groups | AG 2.1 |
| World Championships | Junior and senior only | AG 2.2 |
| Precision, couples dance, pairs | Minimum entry rule does not apply | AG 2.1 |
From the rule book
World Skate, General Rules for Artistic Skating (2026), sections 2.1 to 2.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the World Skate artistic technical rules 2026.