After great discussion, the Board voted to use an athlete's age as of Dec. 31 to determine his/her racing age group. If an athlete is due to "age-up" into the next group, it will happen at the beginning of the year, not after the athlete's birthday.

For example, if an athlete is 34 on race day, but will turn 35 by the end of the year, then the athlete would compete in the 35-39 age group.

This action aligns regular U.S. age group racing with the method used by USA Triathlon for its National Rankings Program and its new Grand Prix Series.

It is also the system used by the International Triathlon Union for its world championships.

"In the past, athletes might race against one set of athletes, but then be ranked against another set at the end of the year," said USA Triathlon Board President Brad Davison. "Now, all athletes will be ranked with the people they raced against.

"This will also be important for our Grand Prix series, as all the races in the series will need a uniform system for determining an athlete's age."

In an effort to increase the number of young people competing in multi-sport events, the Board lowered the cost of a youth annual membership from $15 to $5, while eliminating the $3 youth one-day license.

The policy, which starts in 2006, will benefit parents and race directors in that athlete parents will not be required to attend every race registration to sign a waiver.

Youth athletes who compete in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event will purchase the annual license once, and then will be able to race with it for the next year. They will receive a youth membership card, the USAT membership magazine and a USAT key chain.

This will also allow USAT to build a database of young members that it can contact with information about events and programs that help keep them involved in the multi-sport lifestyle.