Games Information

Presenting the 2021 California Senior State Championships hosted by the San Diego Senior Games

Rolling Registration
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Welcome to our 34th year as San Diego’s only organization in San Diego that offers older adults the opportunity to compete in multiple Olympic-style sporting events. Athletes compete in age categories of five-year increments from age 50 to over 100 years old. Our longstanding success as a member of the National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is thanks to our amazing sponsors, partners, volunteers and YOU – the inspirational participants. This is an especially exciting year for the San Diego Senior Games Association (SDSGA) as we proudly host the California State Championships, the biennial qualifying games for national competition.

Together, We All Win!

As a global community of active older adults, we want to express our sympathy to those who lost teammates, friends and family members during the pandemic. The value that our community brings is even more visible after the changes we all experienced to our daily lives, social connections — and to our fitness and sports training routines. Thanks to the collective movement, we are back this year to meet in person for healthy competition and much-needed camaraderie!

Registration is Rolling!

We’ve adapted to the challenges in securing local venues by creating a rolling registration process. This means that we will open online registration for each sport as reservations are finalized, rather than for all events at once. Watch your email and check our website for the latest updates!

  • 2021 Registration Guidelines

    REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

    1. Registration is first come, first served. Online and mail-in registrations are handled as they are received. SDSGA cannot be held responsible for lost or misdirected mail or technical difficulties in online registration.
    2. If you are playing in a Team Sport, such as soccer or basketball, confirm that your team Manager / Team Captain has registered your team before you begin your sport registration.
    3. You may register for as many sports/events as you’d like. It is your responsibility to make sure the sports you choose don’t have time conflicts. Refunds are not provided for time conflicts due to overlapping events. 
    4. You must show up on time to compete, as no event will be held for any athlete.
    5. You must complete an event to qualify for an award, including individual and team tournaments. 
    6. Medals will be presented at the conclusion of the events and will not be mailed.

    Age for Competition

    Participants will register according to their age as of December 31, 2021. Age categories for both men and women are 50-54, 55-59, 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; 85-89; 90-94; 95+ and 100+. Age categories for doubles and teams will be determined by the age of the youngest player as of December 31, 2021.  Swimming age is determined by the day of event. Some sports offer 40-44 and 45-49 age divisions.

    Partners

    A partner should be indicated on the registration form by full name, birthdate, and age. If you are a player looking for a Doubles Partner, please contact the Sport Commissioner or call 858 292-5812. You may only participate in one doubles and one mixed doubles per event. The age of the youngest partner will determine the age category. All partner changes must be made one week before the competition.  Partner changes are not allowed on site.

  • 2021 Player / Participant Guidelines

    Awards

    Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded in each sport by gender and age division. Medals will be presented at the conclusion of the event and will not be mailed.

    Equipment

    Participants are required to provide their own equipment for the events entered (except as specified under the sport description). Please be sure to mark your personal items and do not leave valuables unattended. SDSGA is not responsible for the loss or damage of any athlete’s personal equipment.

    Uniforms

    All athletes must wear the appropriate athletic type of clothing and shoes for the sport(s) in which they are competing. Team sports require like color and style numbered uniforms. Equipment, clothing or shoes that are inappropriate or in violation of the sports rules will be cause for disqualification. The SDSGA Sport Commissioners have been authorized to make this determination. If you have any questions, please contact the Commissioner.

    SPORTSMANSHIP/CONDUCT

    Unsportsmanlike or disorderly conduct on the part of competitors or coaches will be grounds for immediate removal and disqualification without any refund. Sports Commissioners and/or SDSGA staff reserve the right to disqualify any competitor for these grounds. 

    Medical / Health / Liability Insurance

    The SDSGA has a General Liability Insurance Policy for the Games. This insurance does not cover property loss, damage to the participant, or medical cost if an accident or injury occurs during the normal routine of competition or during travel to and from the competition. Each participant is responsible for his or her own medical insurance. Prior to competition, each athlete MUST SIGN a waiver, or the athlete will not be eligible to participate.

    Medical Assistance

    The SDSGA will attempt to have qualified athletic trainers and/or medical personnel on site.  Participants are responsible for any emergency fees, ambulance fees, or otherwise.

    Event Cancellation

    In the event of inclement weather or unusual extenuating circumstances, Games Officials or SDSGA Board of Directors or Games Commissioners reserve the right to cancel or reschedule events. 

    During the Games, call your Commissioner, the SDSGA Games office at (858) 292-5812, or check the website if the weather looks uncertain. There will be no refunds for events cancelled due to weather, war or an act of God. 

    The SDSGA also reserves the right to combine age divisions and cancel any event due to insufficient entries.  Cancellations due to insufficient entries will be given refunds.

    Age for Competition

    Participants will register according to their age as of December 31, 2021. Age categories for both men and women are 50-54, 55-59, 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; 85-89; 90-94; 95+ and 100+. Age categories for doubles and teams will be determined by the age of the youngest player as of December 31, 2021.  Swimming age is determined by the day of event. Some sports offer 40-44 and 45-49 age divisions. 

  • 2021 How to Register

    HOW TO REGISTER

    ONLINE – CLICK HERE to access the online system.

    • Make sure all fields are filled in accurately
    • Select any sport(s) of your choice in 2021 – no limit to how many events can join!
    • Submit registration fees online by credit card

    If you don’t receive a confirmation email in a timely manner, contact us by email at info@sdseniorgames.org or phone 858-292-5812.

    MAIL IN – Download and print the registration forms or call our office (858-292-5812) to request a registration form be mailed to you.

    • Complete the registration form and mail it with payment (personal or company check, money order or cashier’s check payable to “SDSGA” or credit card authorization form) to: 

    SDSGA

    Attn: Registration

    P.O. Box 600007

    San Diego, CA 92160

    If you don’t receive a confirmation letter in a timely manner, contact us by email at info@sdseniorgames.org or phone 858-292-5812.

  • 2021 Participation Fees

    REGISTRATION FEES

    There is a one-time Registration Fee of $35.00 to participate and a Sport Fee for every sport in the participant’s registration. Separating the Registration fee from the Sport fees and Event fees allows us to keep the overall Games fees as low as possible for all our athletes.  It also gives our athletes added incentive to play in multiple sports.

    To clarify how this works:

    • Registration Fee – All athletes pay a single Registration fee of $35. For example, whether you play in one sport or five sports, you only pay one Registration Fee.
    • Sport Fee– All sports have an additional “Sport fee” to help offset the costs of that particular sport.  For example, BASKETBALL, RACQUETBALL, and TRACK & FIELD all have a Sport Fee of $10 to help offset the courts, lanes, and fields costs.
    • Event Fee – Only Track and Field will have an additional “Event fee” of $5 per event.  Your Registration fee of $35 includes one Track and Field event. If you are competing in five events, you will pay for four events of $5 each. 

    All Events Included  – In some cases, the Sport fee includes all the Event fees. For example, in BADMINTON, BOWLING, and FITNESS the Sport Fee includes all the events within that sport at no additional charge.

    Multiple Sports – One of the greatest things about our pricing structure is that athletes can play in multiple sports for only the Sport fee (plus any associated Event Fees,). For example, if you’re a SOCCER player, you could also play SOFTBALL for only $15 more.  Or, if you’re a BOWLER, you could also play HORSESHOES for only $10 more.

    Note: “Team Fees” have been discontinued.

    BENEFITS

    In addition to the memories made in San Diego while connecting and competing with your community of age 50+ athletes, participation benefits include:

    • 2021 San Diego Senior Games “Together, We All Win” Collectible T-Shirt!
    • Qualifying opportunity for the National Senior Games (NSGA) competition, being held in Florida in May 2022!
    • Giveaways at vendor tables (at most venues)!

    Tentative Sport Fees (*subject to change once event reservations are confirmed)

    *Archery – $10s *Golf – $55 Softball – Men’s – $15
    *Badminton – $10 *Horseshoes – $10 *Softball – Women’s – $15
    *Basketball – Men’s – $10 *Lawn Games – $10 *Swimming – $15
    Basketball – Women’s – $10 Paddleball  – $10 *Table Tennis – $10
    *Basketball Shooting – Men’s – $10 *Pickleball – $30 *Tennis – $15
    Basketball Shooting – Women’s – $10 *Powerwalk – $5 *Track and Field – $10**
    *Beach Volleyball – Men’s – $10 *Race Walk – $5 **(plus an Event Fee of $5 
    *Beach Volleyball – Women’s – $10 *Racquetball – $10 per Track and Field event)
    Bowling – $20 Road Race, 5K and 10K – $5 *Volleyball – Men’s – $20
     Fitness – $15 *Soccer – Women’s Only – $25 *Volleyball – Women’s – $20

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 2021 Event Cancellation and Refunds

    EVENT CANCELLATION

    In the event of inclement weather or unusual extenuating circumstances, Games Officials or SDSGA Board of Directors or Games Commissioners reserve the right to cancel or reschedule events. 

    During the Games, call your Commissioner, the SDSGA Games office at (858) 292-5812, or check the website if the weather looks uncertain. There will be no refunds for events cancelled due to weather, war or an act of God. 

    The SDSGA also reserves the right to combine age divisions and cancel any event due to insufficient entries.  Cancellations due to insufficient entries will be given refunds.

    REFUNDS

    Refunds for the San Diego Senior Games 

    are handled as follows:

     

    Cancellation of Event(s) – 100% refund

    30+ days of event(s) – 100% refund

    15-29 days of event(s) – 50% refund

    0-14 days of event(s) – No refund

  • 2021 COVID-19 Protocols

    We are committed to following the state and local COVID guidelines and policies. Below you will find the health and safety protocols we will endorse at the 2021 Games. Keep in mind, updates may be issued, so check back with us regularly. In addition to the general guidelines, some sports have additional requirements in order to comply with sanctioning guidelines or additional safety requirements. All guidelines are subject to change. 

    General Guidelines for All Participants and Guests:

    • All participants will sign a waiver with Covid-19 verbiage as part of the registration process.
    • All participants will need to verify their current email or cell phone number at check in that can be used for contact tracing.
    • All participants need to bring their own mask. Masks are not required, but are encouraged.
    • Although water will be available at all events, participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
    • Physical distancing will be encouraged throughout the Games.
    • Washing hands often will be encouraged.
    • Hand sanitizer will be made available, but participants should also bring their own.
    • Signs will be posted at all venues to remind everyone to watch for symptoms, wear a mask, stay 6-feet apart and wash hands regularly.
    • Using cash for purchases is discouraged. Instead, plan to use a credit or debit card.
    • Sport-specific guidelines will be available below and on individual sport pages.
    • In an effort to keep our athletes, volunteers, staff and community safe and due to a lack of venue space for social distancing, the Games has not scheduled a Celebration of Athletes this year.

    Keep in Mind:

    • San Diego is currently a moderate-transmission area. 
    • Travel for at-risk individuals is currently discouraged.
    • Large group gatherings without mask are also discouraged.
    • No one will be allowed to compete or attend competitions if they are exhibiting symptoms or feeling ill. Please stay home if you do not feel well.
    • It is strongly recommended that if possible, you get vaccinated for COVID-19 before you attend the Games.

    ATHLETE CONSIDERATIONS:

    Prepare to Play

    • Arrive dressed and prepared to play.
    • Arrive as close as possible to when the activity begins but be mindful of the tournament’s check-in policies and plan accordingly.
    • Bring individual hand sanitizer for sole use.
    • Bring enough water and snacks for individual use throughout the event. 
    • Don’t attend if you or a member of your household doesn’t feel well.

    During Play

    • Follow directions for spacing and other outlined social distancing instructions.
    • Avoid handshakes, high fives and other contact related encouragement.
    • Avoid touching your face.
    • Do not share personal equipment such as paddles or bats.
    • If equipment must be shared i.e. javelins or balls, they must be sanitized after each use.
    • If utilizing benches, encourage social distancing and disinfect frequently.
    • Avoid sharing food, drinks, towels and other personal care items.
    • Wash and sanitize hands often.
    • During warm-up players should spread out and maintain physical distances.

    After Play

    • Wash hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after activity.
    • Leave facility as soon as reasonably possible after activity finishes.
    • Shower and change at home.
    • Disinfect all personal equipment.
    • Wash all clothing worn after each day.

    Additional Resources and References:

    https://swuhealth.org/covid/  

    https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels/  

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

  • 2021 Awards and Celebration of Athletes

    CELEBRATION OF ATHLETES

    All Sponsors and Athletes are invited to attend the Opening Ceremonies.  There is a limit of 100 spots available so reservations are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2021 Celebration of Athletes will be  announced to all athletes via email and website. RSVP is required.

    AWARDS

    Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded in each sport by gender and age division. Medals will be presented at the conclusion of the event and will not be mailed.

  • 2022 National Senior Games

    2022 National Senior Games – May 10-23, 2022 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

    National Senior Games Association (NSGA) Member Organizations hold annual games with qualifying competitions in the year preceding The Games. Athletes that meet specific criteria while participating in the State Senior Games qualify to participate. The National Senior Games Association recognizes 19 Sports, however each region can have additional exhibition sports to include more athletes.  Winners of exhibition games receive a medal and a T-shirt, but cannot advance to the state or national games.  Athletes finishing first, second, or third in their age group, receive a gold, silver or bronze medal, respectively.

    Qualifiers for National Senior Games

    The 2021 California Senior State Championships, hosted by the San Diego Senior Games Association serves as the qualifying site for the 2022 National Senior Games to be held May 10-23, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Due to the cancelation of the Games in 2020, the NSGA has issued a qualifying adjustment amendment. If you wish to see if you have qualified in either 2016 or 2018, you may view it here on the SDSGA website.  If you are new or have never qualified, you may use this event to qualify provided you have met the sport/event qualification standards.

    Rules and Regulations (link to page)

    Questions & Answers (NSGA Q&A – PDF view)

    Q: Have the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL been cancelled or postponed?
    A: The National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL have been postponed to May 10-23,
    2022.

    Q: Will athletes be able to qualify at the state senior games in 2021?
    A: NSGA has extended the qualifying period through December 31, 2021. Athletes who meet
    the sport/event qualification standards at a state qualifying senior games in 2021 will qualify
    for the National Senior Games in May of 2022. Qualification adjustments made in response
    to the pandemic can be referenced on the NSGA website, www.nsga.com; Under the
    NATIONAL GAMES tab select How To Qualify.

    Q: Where can I qualify in 2021?
    A: The state qualifying senior games are independently managed and directly communicating
    with athletes about the status of their events in 2021. Please directly contact the senior
    games office(s) in any location(s) where you plan to participate in 2021. A directory of the
    state qualifying senior games with contact information is available on the NSGA website,
    www.nsga.com, under the STATE GAMES tab.

    Q: If I already qualified in 2020 do I have to re-qualify in 2021?
    A: Athletes who qualified at a state senior games in 2020 or through the qualification
    adjustments made in response to the pandemic, do not need to re-qualify in 2021. Other
    athletes who meet the qualifying standards in your sport/event at a 2021 state qualifying
    senior games will not void your qualification in that sport/event. And, your sport/event
    qualification will not be nullified if you compete in the same sport/event at a 2021 state senior
    games and you finish outside of the sport/event qualifying standards.

    Q: Will I receive a qualification notice?
    A: NSGA emails qualification notices to athletes who qualify for the National Senior Games.
    Athletes who qualify in 2021 will be sent a qualification email after the state senior games
    where the athlete qualified submits complete and accurate results to NSGA and the results
    are verified. It is important that athletes have a valid email address listed on their senior
    games account in order to receive electronic qualification notices. NSGA is not responsible
    for misdirected email communications.

    Q: If I qualify in a sport/event for the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL am I
    guaranteed entry into the sport/event during the Priority Registration Period.
    A: Qualified athletes will be eligible to register for the respective sport/event during the Priority
    Registration Period. However, the number of registrants may be limited for certain
    sports/events and registration could reach capacity at any point during the Priority Registration
    Period or the Open Registration Period. NSGA is unable to guarantee entry into the National
    Senior Games.

    Q: With the postponement of the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to May of
    2022, will there still be an Open Registration Period offered?
    A: An Open Registration Period will be offered to accommodate athletes age 50+ as of
    December 31, 2021, who are unable to qualify. The Open Registration Period will follow the
    Priority Registration Period for qualified athletes. NOTE: The number of registrants may be
    limited for certain sports/events and registration could reach capacity at any point during the
    Priority Registration Period or the Open Registration Period. NSGA is unable to guarantee
    entry into the National Senior Games.

    Q: What age division will I compete in at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL on
    May 10-23, 2022?
    A: At the National Senior Games in 2022, age division will be determined by your age as of
    December 31, 2022, regardless of the age you were when you qualified. Reference Rule B
    and Rule C which explain Age Determination, in the NSGA Rulebook available at
    www.nsga.com, under the NATIONAL GAMES tab.
    — Age division for all singles competition at the 2022 National Senior Games will be
    determined by the athlete’s age as of December 31, 2022.
    — Age division for all doubles and mixed doubles competition will be determined by the
    age of the younger partner as of December 31, 2022.
    — Age division for pickleball age/skill doubles and mixed doubles competition will be
    determined by the higher skilled partner and the lower aged partner as of December 31,
    2022.
    — Age division for all relay competition will be determined by the age of the youngest relay
    team member as of December 31, 2022.
    — Age division for all team competition will be determined by the age of the youngest
    player on the National roster as of December 31, 2022.

    Q: When will I be able to register for the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
    A: Registration for the National Games in Greater Fort Lauderdale is expected to open in late
    Summer of 2021. Exact registration dates will be announced on the NSGA website and in
    the NSGA monthly e-Newsletter, “The Long Run.”

    Q: Where will my sport/event be held? What is the date for my sport/event? Where can I make
    hotel reservations?
    A: When venues, sport dates and lodging is fully confirmed the information will be posted on the
    NSGA website, www.nsga.com and announced in the NSGA monthly e-Newsletter, “The
    Long Run.”

    Q: How can I be added to the NSGA mailing list and receive National Senior Games updates?
    A: To sign up for the NSGA monthly newsletter visit www.nsga.com, scroll to the bottom of the
    NSGA homepage and provide your email address under the NEWSLETTER SIGN UP area.