Key points
- USATF youth hurdle races start in the 11–12 division (80m hurdles at 30″).
- Since 2025, 13–14 boys run the 100m hurdles at 36″. Older charts show 33″.
- 15–18 girls run the 100m at 33″ and 400m at 30″; boys run the 110m at 39″ and 400m at 36″.
- Always confirm with the meet information. USATF associations publish meet-specific details.
Governing body: USA Track & Field (Youth / Junior Olympic)
Last reviewed against source:
USATF changed the 13–14 boys 100m hurdles to 36″ in 2025; older charts still show 33″. Always confirm with the meet information for the specific meet you are entering.
USATF youth outdoor hurdle specifications
| Event | Division | Hurdles | Height | Start to H1 | Between | Last H to finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m Hurdles | 11–12 (12U) Girls | 8 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 12.00 m | 7.50 m | 15.50 m |
| 80m Hurdles | 11–12 (12U) Boys | 8 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 12.00 m | 7.50 m | 15.50 m |
| 100m Hurdles | 13–14 (14U) Girls | 10 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 13.00 m | 8.50 m | 10.50 m |
| 100m Hurdles | 13–14 (14U) Boys * | 10 | 36″ (0.914 m) | 13.00 m | 8.50 m | 10.50 m |
| 200m Hurdles | 13–14 (14U) Girls | 5 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 20.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
| 200m Hurdles | 13–14 (14U) Boys | 5 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 20.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
| 100m Hurdles | 15–16 (16U) Girls | 10 | 33″ (0.838 m) | 13.00 m | 8.50 m | 10.50 m |
| 110m Hurdles | 15–16 (16U) Boys | 10 | 39″ (0.991 m) | 13.72 m | 9.14 m | 14.02 m |
| 400m Hurdles | 15–16 (16U) Girls | 10 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
| 100m Hurdles | 17–18 (18U) Girls | 10 | 33″ (0.838 m) | 13.00 m | 8.50 m | 10.50 m |
| 110m Hurdles | 17–18 (18U) Boys | 10 | 39″ (0.991 m) | 13.72 m | 9.14 m | 14.02 m |
| 400m Hurdles | 17–18 (18U) Girls | 10 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
| 400m Hurdles | 15–16 (16U) Boys | 10 | 36″ (0.914 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
| 400m Hurdles | 17–18 (18U) Boys * | 10 | 36″ (0.914 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 40.00 m |
* 13–14 (14U) Boys, 100m Hurdles: Changed from 33″ to 36″ in 2025 (USATF Rule 301). Older charts show 33″.
* 17–18 (18U) Boys, 400m Hurdles: One association summary lists 39″ here; 36″ matches the USATF New England officials' hurdle-spacing sheet and the international U20 standard. Confirm with your meet information.
The 13–14 boys change
USATF raised the 100m hurdles for 13–14 boys from 33″ to 36″ in 2025 (USATF Rule 301). This is the most common source of confusion in youth hurdle charts:
- Many older printed charts and websites still show 33″
- AAU still uses 33″ for 13- and 14-year-old boys (AAU heights)
- An athlete competing in both AAU and USATF meets may race at different heights
The spacing didn’t change: 10 hurdles, 13.00 m to the first, 8.50 m between, 10.50 m to the finish.
Reading USATF age divisions
USATF youth divisions are two-year groups: 11–12 (12U), 13–14 (14U), 15–16 (16U), 17–18 (18U). USATF’s rules set how an athlete’s division is determined for each season. Check the USATF youth rules or your association’s meet information for the current age determination rules.
Coaching notes for USATF hurdlers
- 13–14 boys at 36″: practice at 33″ and reduced spacing first, and build to 36″ before the championship season
- 15–16 transition: boys move to the 110m hurdles at 39″ and 9.14 m spacing, a large step, so plan a gradual build-up
- 400m hurdles (15–18): plan stride patterns with the 400m stride planner