The Open Championship Series just revealed its 2025-2026 age grid and divisions, aiming to provide greater flexibility for teams. These changes impact athletes across all levels, making it easier for gyms and coaches to place athletes in divisions that fit their skill sets.
Meanwhile, USASF released its 2025-2026 age grid separately on February 13, introducing its own adjustments for the upcoming season. While both updates will shape team structures, we’re focusing on what’s new in the Open Championship Series and how it will impact athletes and coaches moving forward.
What’s Changing?
The 2025-2026 age grid introduces some key adjustments:
- No more bottom age restrictions for Mini, Youth, and Junior divisions
- Lower bottom age for Senior divisions across the board
- U17 and U19 divisions have been removed and merged into the Senior divisions
- Senior divisions now use the full birth year for determining top-age eligibility
These updates aim to provide roster flexibility while maintaining competitive fairness.
In addition to these changes, the Open Championship Series offers teams the opportunity to compete in an elimination-style competition at the Allstar World Championship. Teams can earn paid and partial paid bids at qualifier events.
Understanding the Open Championship Series
Founded in 2019, the Open Championship Series was created by independent event producers to provide an alternative championship structure. This series offers:
- Value and premium qualifier events in twelve different regions
- The ability to earn credits toward an Open Championship event of choice
- The flexibility to compete in different championships each year
This structure allows teams to find competitions that fit their program size, goals, and financial needs.
United vs. Open: Choosing the Right Scoring System
One of the most critical decisions for teams is selecting the right scoring system. The United and Open scoring systems provide different pathways to success, each with its own focus:
United Scoring System
- Emphasizes Difficulty and Quantity
- Rewards teams with high-level elite building and tumbling
- Used for Summit, The One Finals, and US Finals
Open Championship Scoring System
- Emphasizes Technique and Execution
- Technique accounts for 50% of building/tumbling scores
- Used for Allstar Worlds
How to Decide?
When choosing between United and Open scoring systems, consider: 
Your team’s strengths and weaknesses – Do you have more skilled athletes or strong execution? Elite skill execution – Are your athletes capable of hitting high-difficulty stunts? Technique vs. Difficulty – Do you excel in clean execution or prefer pushing maximum difficulty? Year-end goals – Are you aiming for The Cheerleading Worlds, Summit, The One Finals, US Finals, or Allstar Worlds?
Each system offers a different approach to scoring, and teams should choose the one that aligns best with their program’s goals and capabilities.
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Where to Find the 2025-2026 Age Grid
Want to see the full details? The official 2025-2026 age grid is now available. View the updated grid and start planning for next season!
Click here to view the full 2025-2026 Age Grid
What’s Next?
With these changes rolling out, gyms, coaches, and athletes can start strategizing for next season. Expect to see shifts in team structures as programs adjust to these new opportunities.
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