Irish Schools’ Athletics Association

The Irish Schools’ Athletics Association is the governing body for Post-Primary Schools Athletics. The association is a cross-community organisation with over 650 affiliated schools throughout the Island of Ireland.

Provinces

The association consist of provincial associations in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. There are 14 regions/districts across the provinces: 

• Connacht: North Connacht and South Connacht. 
• Leinster: North Leinster, South Leinster, East Leinster, West Leinster. 
• Munster: North Munster, South Munster, East Munster. 
• Ulster: A District, B District, C District, D District, E District.
  

Competition

The Irish Schools’ Athletics Association competition programme includes: 

• Cross Country: February/March 
• Track & Field: April, May, June 
• Combined Events: September 

Each National Competition is followed by a Schools’ International Competition between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Goals

• To promote and encourage track and field athletics, including race-walking and cross-country running in Post Primary schools. 
• That the Irish Schools’s Athletic Association (ISAA) upholds the fundamental principle that the welfare of the child is paramount and that all structures, systems rules and procedures are based on that premise. 
• That the ISAA favours an ethical approach to sport and the promotion of good practice and fair play in schools athletics. 

The ISAA ensures: 

• That all provincial associations abide by its rules. 
• That all affiliated schools abide by the rules and regulations of the ISAA. 
• That in the selection of staff, both paid and voluntary, proper selection procedures will be put in place. 
• That the ISAA abides by the principle that if a complaint is made against a committee member or staff or coach, s/he should stand down while the complaint is being examined. 
• That the roles and responsibilities of teachers connected with schools athletics are clearly defined. 
• That proper disciplinary, complaints and appeals procedures are in place and adhered to by all. 
• And that a register of all teachers involved in schools athletics is kept. 

Competition Rules & Regulations

Membership

The Association is the governing body for Post-Primary Schools athletics in Ireland and as such is the controlling body of schools athletics. 

It is made up of the provincial associations in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. 

Age Groups

Age groups for boys and girls shall be as follows:  

• Minor: Under 14 on 1st July in the year of competition 
• Junior: Under 15 on 1st July in the year of competition 
• Intermediate: Under 17 on 1st July in the year of competition 
• Senior: Under 19 on 1st January in the year of competition 

Dress Code    

• Acceptable dress is a white or plain singlet, or a school singlet. 
• Club singlets, International singlets, fancy T-shirts or unacceptable logos may not be worn.
  
• Athletes may not run in bare feet. 
• Devices: No ipods or any other communication device may be used 

Rules

The I.A.A.F. Rule-book shall be used unless otherwise stated. In the event of any conflict between the rules of the I.A.A.F. and the rules set out herein, these rules shall have precedence. 

Handbook 2024: To view the handbook for all the schools competition rules & regulations, please click HERE.  

Regional Contacts

The association consist of provincial associations in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. There are 14 regions/districts across the provinces: 

• Connacht:  North Connacht and South Connacht.
• Leinster:    North Leinster, South Leinster, East Leinster, West Leinster.
• Munster:    North Munster, South Munster, East Munster. 
• Ulster:       A District, B District, C District, D District, E District

Connacht Schools’ Athletic Association

Leinster Schools’ Athletic Union

Munster Schools’ Athletic Association

Ulster Secondary Schools’ Athletic Association