England Athletics Webinar: Supporting Safe, Structured School Competitions

Taking place on Wednesday 29 April, 7-8pm, the session – 'School Athletics Competitions: A Guide to Delivering an Age and Stage School Competition Pathway within a Safe Environment' – will bring together key members of the competitions and welfare teams to offer clarity, practical advice, and opportunities for organisers to ask questions directly.

Click here to register

The webinar forms part of England Athletics’ ongoing commitment to supporting schools, teachers, and local organisers as they plan and deliver meaningful competitive opportunities for young athletes.

This session is designed to support school athletics competition organisers by providing clarity on the new Competition Framework, guidance around licensing and risk management, and practical advice on operating both licensed and unlicensed events safely and effectively.

What to expect from the session

The evening will open with England Athletic's Talent and Performance Director, Sarah Benson, who will provide the background and context behind the recent age‑group rule changes, explaining how these changes will impact schools athletics and how they align with the ESAA approach for schools athletics in 2026.

Following this, their Head of Competition and Partnerships, Nichola Skedgel will guide attendees through the new Competition Framework for the even age groups, explaining how the model has evolved and what it means for schools planning events in 2026 and beyond.

A core section of the webinar will focus on ensuring competitions are delivered safely. Nichola Skedgel will be joined by Rish Manager at UK Athletics, Ashley Charlwood, to provide detailed insight into Licensing Standards and Managing Risks, covering key responsibilities, safeguarding considerations, and the processes required to operate licensed events with confidence and effectiveness.

Recognising that many schools also deliver unlicensed competitions, Nichola Skedgel and Youth Competitions Manager, Ryan Chard will offer clear guidance on running unlicensed events, helping organisers understand best practice, identify potential risks, and ensure that competitions remain safe, inclusive and enjoyable for all participants.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A, allowing organisers to raise queries, share challenges, and gain clarification on any aspect of the competition pathway.

This webinar is designed for anyone involved in the planning, delivery or oversight of school athletics competitions, whether experienced organisers or those new to the role.

By bringing together expert insight from across England Athletics and UKA, the session aims to give attendees a practical understanding of the competition environment, equip them with tools to make informed decisions, and reinforce a consistent approach to safe and high‑quality athletics provision across the country.

How to register

Schools and organisers interested in attending can register here. Sign‑up up early, as places are expected to be in high demand.