Maryland Senior Olympics

Rules of Competition

The 2021 Maryland Senior Olympics follow the same basic rules and qualifying procedures as the National Senior Games Association. The difference you can expect between the Maryland Games and the National Games is that we may not offer all the same qualifying sports.

National Senior Games’ Rules of Competition

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General Information for Participating

Things you need to know as a competitor and participant in the Maryland Senior Olympics: The Maryland Senior Olympics Commission requests that every participating athlete consult his or her physician to evaluate their physical condition and determine your safe level of competition.

Age Groups
Gender and age group competitions will be conducted in men’s and women’s divisions in each of the following age groups: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99 and 100-plus. If participant numbers are insufficient, age groups may be combined for competition purposes. However, medals will be awarded within each division and age category. For all competitions, your age group is determined by your age as of Dec. 31, 2021.

Team Sports Competition
Three team sports are included in the Maryland Senior Olympics: 3-on-3 half-court basketball, softball and volleyball. All team sports competitions are divided into age groups: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-plus and for basketball only, 80-plus. The youngest member of the team as of Dec. 31, 2021, will determine the age division. Roster substitutions should be made prior to the registration deadline.

Cancellation and Rain Dates
MSO officials reserve the right to cancel any event due to insufficient registration and/or combine age groups if fewer than five people sign up in an age group. If an event is canceled, every effort will be made to contact all persons affected prior to the start of the Maryland Senior Olympics. In the event of inclement weather or unusual and extenuating circumstances, MSO officials reserve the right to cancel or postpone events to a later time or date.
Note: The $5 online and $10 mail-in processing fee is non-refundable.

Refund Policy
Refunds (less a $15 processing fee) must be requested in writing no later than two weeks prior to your first event. No refunds will be issued after that date.
Rules and Equipment
MSO follows National Senior Games Association rules for our qualifying events. To view, visit www.nsga.com under National Games. Participants are required to provide their own equipment for the events entered with some exceptions, contact us for details.

Event Check-In
During the registration process you will be provided with general information about your event. You will receive competition details via email a few days prior to your scheduled event. Every athlete must check-in with the event coordinator 30 minutes prior to each sport at the event location. Any athlete not reporting to an event on time may be disqualified. There will be no switching of events on day of competition. Participating in an event that you are not pre-registered for will result in disqualification.

Awards
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place Maryland finishers in each age group for each event. Out-of-state finishers that place in the top three also receive medals. Ribbons are given to fourth-, fifth- and sixth-place finishers. Ties will be broken by standards governing each individual and team competition. Awards will be presented shortly after each event at the event site or may be picked up by appointment at the Maryland Senior Olympics office, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md. 20906. No awards will be mailed.