Senior staff explained to athletes ages 50 or better how they can qualify for the 2021 National Senior Games despite cancellations of state senior games across the country caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In part the email reads as follows:
“Together we are in the midst of unchartered territory as the pandemic has affected all of us in a variety of ways. Every major event and sports organization has been impacted. This situation has required a one-time adjustment for the 2021 National Senior Games qualifying process.
NSGA understood the need to develop options for alternative qualifying rules. The main concerns were to act in the best interest of the athletes and to honor the qualifying process for those states who could conduct games while providing an alternative method for our loyal athletes to participate in the next National Senior Games. Each of our Member Games will continue to communicate with their athletes on their plans to conduct games in 2020.
In preparation of the 2021 National Senior Games presented by Humana, NSGA has established a registration process which includes a Priority Registration Period for qualified athletes followed by an Open Registration Period to accommodate athletes age 50+, unable to attend or qualify at a state senior games in 2020. Registration dates will be announced later this year. NSGA reserves the right to make further adjustments to National Senior Games qualification and registration.
Qualification for Priority Registration Period
- If a state qualifying senior games is ABLE to conduct Games or specific sports/events in 2020, the qualification standards for the sports/events as specified in the 2021 NSGA Rulebook will determine qualifiers. In addition athletes from that state’s senior games who qualified for the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM will also qualify in the respective sports/events for the National Senior Games in 2021 (i.e., qualifiers from 2018 respective sports/events from that state’s senior games).
- If a state qualifying senior games is UNABLE to conduct Games or specific sports/events in 2020, athletes from that state’s senior games who qualified for the 2017 National Senior Games in Birmingham, AL and/or 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM will qualify in the respective sports/events for the 2021 National Senior Games (i.e., qualifiers from 2016 and/or 2018 respective sports/events from that state’s senior games).
- The number of registrants may be limited for certain sports.
Open Registration Period
- An Open Registration period will also be offered to accommodate athletes age 50+, unable to attend or qualify at a state senior games in 2020.
- This will follow the Priority Registration Period.
- The number of registrants may be limited for certain sports.
Change in Power Walk Qualification
- Power Walk will continue as an Open Sport for the 2021 National Senior Games presented by Humana. Qualification will not be required for Power Walk.
The NSGA website has been updated with the adjusted qualification information. As further registration information becomes available, it will be announced in NSGA’s monthly newsletter, The Long Run, and posted on the NSGA website, www.nsga.com.”
The email was signed by Carrie Fehringer, director of athlete relations, and Marc T. Riker, CEO. Sign up for the monthly newsletter, The Long Run, at nsga.com at the bottom of any page.
Photo credit: National Senior Games Association, taken at 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM.