Athlete qualification • Year 1
Qualification Standards
Current competition pathways, eligibility rules, and season guidance for USF athletes.
Qualification Standards (Year 1)
The following qualification standards are effective November, 2026 through Nationals/Masters Nationals 2027.
Qualification standards and processes will change year-to-year as the federation grows and more opportunities are created. This page is the most up-to-date standards for current competitions. If you find discrepancies on a specific event page, please refer to this page for clarity (and let us know so we can correct any mistakes).
Open Nationals
The following athletes qualify for Open Nationals:
Qualifying in Open classes
In Open classes with 1 participant on competition day, the athlete must complete at least 4 of the 5 events without a zero to qualify.
In Open classes with 2-4 participants on competition day, the Top 2 athletes qualify. If there are only 2 participants, the 2nd place athlete must complete at least 4 of the 5 events without a zero to qualify.
In Open classes with 5+ participants on competition day, the Top 3 athletes qualify.
Qualifying in Masters classes
In Masters classes with 5+ participants on competition day, the 1st Place athlete qualifies.
Additional information
Athletes may compete up or down one weight class from where they qualify. (Ex: if an athlete qualifies in the 73kg class, they may compete at Nationals in 64kg, 73kg, or 82kg).
Scaled athletes and Teen athletes cannot qualify for Open Nationals.
Masters Nationals
The following athletes qualify for Masters Nationals:
Qualifying in Masters classes
In Masters classes with 1 participant on competition day, the athlete must complete at least 4 of the 5 events without a zero to qualify.
In Masters classes with 2-4 participants on competition day, the Top 2 athletes qualify. If there are only 2 participants, the 2nd place athlete must complete at least 4 of the 5 events without a zero to qualify.
In Masters classes with 5+ participants on competition day, the Top 3 athletes qualify.
Qualifying in Open classes
In Open classes, a Masters athlete who places in the Top 3 in the Open class qualifies, regardless of the number of athletes in the class on competition day.
Additional information
Athletes may compete up or down one weight class from where they qualify. (Ex: if an athlete qualifies in the 73kg class, they may compete at Nationals in 64kg, 73kg, or 82kg).
Scaled athletes cannot qualify for Masters Nationals.
Elite Competitions
Elite competitions are invite-only.
Athletes may be invited based on the following criteria:
Invitation criteria
Placing Top 3 at USF Open Nationals.
Placing First at USF Masters Nationals.
Additional information
Elite athletes may only compete in the weight class for which they received the invite. (Ex. if an invite is received for the Elite 82kg class based on performance in the 82kg class, the athlete may only compete in Elite in the 82kg class.)