WHO CAN COMPETE?

Keystone Games Eligible Athletes: YOU CAN COMPETE!

Since the 2026 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted by the Keystone State Games in State College, ALL PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS are eligible to register just as they would for traditional Keystone Games events.

Under the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes from the following states are also eligible to register:

• Delaware
• Maryland
• New Jersey (excluding Figure Skating – hosted by the Garden State Games)
• New York (excluding Figure Skating – hosted by the Empire State Winter Games)
• Ohio

Non-Keystone Games Eligible Athletes: YOU MUST QUALIFY!
If you are from any of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, you must qualify based on the following:

• 2024, 2025, and early 2026 (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists from NCSG Member State programs (Winter and Summer) are qualified.
• 2022 & 2024 SGA medalists are automatically qualified.

Note: If you’ve qualified in any event within a particular sport, you may enter all eligible events within that sport at the 2026 SGA. (e.g., A Track & Field athlete who qualifies in one event may register for all allowed Track & Field events.)

Team Sports & Relays

• Must register in the age division matching the current age of players.
• Rosters must include at least 50% of players from the original qualifying team.

Exceptions – “Participation” Sports

ALL ATHLETS ARE WELCOME, regardless of state or past participation in State Games events. The NCSG reserves the right to grant participation exceptions for the following sports:

• 5K Run / Walk
• Baseball Showcase
• Basketball Shooting & 3v3
• Baton Twirling (if you state does not offer the event)
• Bocce
• Boxing
• Cheer Camp
• Cornhole
• Darts
• Disc Golf
• Esports
• Field Hockey Showcase
• Flag Football
• Football Combine
• Keystone Classic Golf (Captain & Crew)
• Slow Pitch Softball
• Squash
• Wrestling Duals

Final Step – Confirm Your Sport Is Offered

Even if you qualify, your sport must be offered at the 2026 SGA.
The sports lineup varies by host state and is influenced by facilities, directors, and regional interest.

Compliance & Guidelines

The State Games of America is organized in accordance with the National Congress of State Games SGA Executive Committee guidelines. For sport-specific formats, guidelines and rules, see the sport information page. High School and Collegiate athletes who have eligibility questions should check with their school athletic administrator or coach. Any athlete with scholastic or collegiate eligibility remaining must comply with rules governing his or her scholastic or collegiate eligibility.  The State Games of America reserves the right to refuse entry.

Still not sure…
Contact KSG Executive Director, James Costello at jcostello@ksgoffice.com if you are still not sure if you are eligible to compete.