Qualifying Standards for Fall XC Nats

August 18th, 2017 (Updated: Nov 6th)

Beginning Fall 2017, new qualification standards establish the competition in which individuals/teams will race at Nationals. The qualification standards are a part of a long-term plan to address the growing field of competitors and clubs, athlete safety, and venue selection, among many other factors.

These standards were developed with the input of NIRCA club members and club leaders at Winter Conference in January 2017, and aim to uphold one of NIRCA's core values, inclusivity, regardless of pace or ability. They were first announced to club leaders and athletes in March 2017.

Qualification Standards are separate from the Eligibility Criteria, which establish whether an athlete may participate at Nationals.

Highlights:

  • Qualification for the National Championship race will be based on team and individual results at Regionals from the current season.

  • NIRCA will release qualifying information defining the number of qualifying positions for teams and individuals in each region, by August 1 each season.

  • Teams and individuals who do not qualify for the Championship race will compete in the Class Races at Nationals.

  • There are no limits or caps to the number of athletes who may compete in the Class Races, per team, as long as each athlete meets individual eligibility requirements.

 
For complete information on NIRCA's Qualifying Standards, club leaders should visit the NIRCA Club Leader Guide. 

Questions? Comments? Email race.management@clubrunning.org.

Stephanie Bartley, NIRCA

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