EAA Tournament Guide
From first event to a full season.
How competition works in Victoria, how to enter, and how to plan a season. Read it with your athlete, then talk it through with your coach.
1 · When to start competing
We recommend at least one year of High Performance training before entering any tournament, including Junior Circuit events. Your coach will tell you when it's time. Until then, EAA match play builds the experience.
2 · Junior Circuit age groups
Age is counted at 31 December of the tournament year. You can always play up an age group, but never down.
| Age group | Age turned during the year | 2027 season: born in |
|---|---|---|
| Under 9 | 8 or younger | 2019 or later |
| Under 11 | 9–10 | 2017–2018 |
| Under 13 | 11–12 | 2015–2016 |
| Under 15 | 13–14 | 2013–2014 |
| Under 17 | 15–16 | 2011–2012 |
| Under 19 | 17–18 | 2009–2010 |
Example: a player who turns 11 at any point in 2027 plays Under 13s for the whole of 2027. Always check the event prospectus.
3 · Types of tournament
- Junior Circuit: the main junior pathway in Victoria, from Under 9 to Under 19.
- Graded: grades are capped by Australian ranking points. You can play up a grade, never down.
- Open: open to all, but usually entered by experienced, higher-level players.
Sanctioned Badminton Victoria events earn Australian National Ranking points, and Badminton Australia publishes the results.
4 · Get registered (do this once)
- Be a member of a BV-affiliated club. EAA is one.
- Register with Badminton Victoria, and note your BV number.
- Create a Tournament Software account using exactly the same name as your BV registration.
- International events only: apply for a BWF number through Badminton Australia.
5 · Entering an event
- Check with your coach that the event, and the grade or age group, are right.
- Find it on Tournament Software and read the prospectus. (It will also be in the EAA app's tournament calendar, coming soon.)
- Note the closing date. Entries close well before the event.
- Choose your events (singles, doubles, mixed) and agree a partner early.
- Enter and pay. Badminton Victoria's player levy applies.
- Add the event to your family calendar, and tell your coach you've entered.
6 · Planning your season
| Stage | Typical tournament load | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Building year (first year of HP) | None: EAA match play only | Technique, fitness, match habits |
| First season | 2–3 Junior Circuit events, spread out | Experience, routines, enjoying it |
| Established | Most Junior Circuit events, plus selected graded events | Ranking points, consistency |
| Elite | Junior Circuit, Opens and national events | Selection, podiums |
Leave at least two weeks of normal training between events, so you keep improving rather than only competing.
7 · On the day
- Pack: two racquets, court shoes and spare socks, a spare grip, a towel, a change of shirt, and water and food (see the tournament-day food checklist).
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early and check the draw.
- Warm up properly before every match.
- You'll often be asked to umpire a match, so read Badminton Victoria's basic umpiring guide.
- Shake hands, win or lose. Integrity first.
8 · After the tournament
Answer three questions together, then share them with your coach: What went well? What would I do differently? What do I want to train next?
Contacts
EAA: 0432 619 809 (phone or WhatsApp) · info@eliteathleteacademy.com.au
Badminton Victoria events: 9686 4777 · events@badmintonvic.com.au