The CrossFit Open for Teens: Age Groups, Safety and How to Start
By Dai Manuel (Coach Moose) · Last updated
The Open is a great first competition for a teenager. It happens in their own gym, with their own coaches, and every workout has a version that fits. Here is what teens and parents need to know.
Part of CrossFit BC's guide to the CrossFit Open.
Who can enter
Anyone 14 or older can enter the Open. Teens compete in three age groups: 14-15, 16-17, 18-19. The 18-19 group is new for 2027.
Registration opens January 7, 2027 at games.crossfit.com. Read CrossFit's registration steps for younger athletes, including anything that needs a parent or guardian, before you pay.
How the teen age groups work
Teens do the same weekly workouts as everyone else, released Wednesdays at noon Pacific and due Mondays at 5pm Pacific. CrossFit sets the loads and standards for each age group with every workout, so read the version for your age group, not the one an adult in your class is doing.
Scores rank against teens in the same age group worldwide, so a 15-year-old is compared with other 14 and 15 year olds.
The top 25% of individual and age-group athletes advance to the online Quarterfinals, March 15 to 22, 2027. For a first Open, the goal is simpler: do three workouts well and enjoy them.
Which version to pick
Every workout comes in Rx'd, Scaled and Foundations, and teens can switch versions week to week like anyone else. Pick the version where every rep can meet the standard with good form.
Read our guide to Rx'd, Scaled and Foundations together, then ask a coach to look at the released workout with you.
Safety and coaching
Form comes before load. A coach should see a teen move before they attempt a judged workout, and the version should match what they can do on a tired day, not their best day.
Build load gradually and keep the basics solid. If something hurts, stop and tell the coach.
If your teen has an injury or health condition, check with their doctor or physio first, and tell the coach before the workout.
Questions parents ask
Can I watch? Yes. Spectators are welcome at Friday Night Lights, and family cheering from the side is a big part of the fun.
Do they need to register with CrossFit? Only to appear on the worldwide leaderboard. They can do the workouts with us at Friday Night Lights without registering.
What does it cost? CrossFit sets the registration fee at games.crossfit.com. Friday Night Lights is included for members, and non-members drop in for $30 per workout.
How do they get ready? Regular coached classes between now and February. Our prep checklist is a simple plan to follow together.
Starting at CrossFit BC
Teens aged 13 to 17 start with Teen Foundations, a small-group course that teaches the core movements. From there they join our teen-friendly 4pm classes, Monday to Friday.
If you are 18 or 19, start with our adult Foundations course, then join any class.
Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +1-604-683-2446 and a coach will help you plan the route to February.
Quick answers
- Can teens do the CrossFit Open?
- Yes. Anyone 14 or older can enter. Teens compete in three age groups: 14-15, 16-17, 18-19, and the 18-19 group is new for 2027.
- Which version should a teen pick?
- Pick the version where every rep can meet the standard with good form. Every workout comes in Rx'd, Scaled and Foundations, and teens can switch versions week to week.
- Do teens need to register to do Friday Night Lights?
- No. Registration is only needed to appear on the worldwide leaderboard. Friday Night Lights is included for members, and non-members drop in for $30 per workout.
Official sources: Open overview · Competition rules
Go deeper
What is the CrossFit Open?: A first-timer's guide to how Open weeks, judging and versions work.
2027 dates and registration: Registration on January 7, the three release dates and how to submit a score.
Rx'd, Scaled and Foundations: How to pick the right version of each workout, week by week.
How to prepare: Your runway to February, plus six-week plans for every version.
The road to the CrossFit Games: Every stage of the 2027 season, from your first class to the Games, with no jargon.
Masters and age groups: Age groups from 35-39 to 70+, and how to train for the Open in midlife.
The Adaptive Open: How the Adaptive Open works with WheelWOD and how our coaches can help.
Judging and video submissions: What a judge checks, the no-rep conversation and a video checklist.
Pairs division: Divisions, age groups and fees for the new partner competition.
Open prep checklist: A printable checklist from first class to workout day.
Movement library: Common Open movements and how they change across versions.
CrossFit Open FAQ: 32 answers on registration, fees, scoring, Pairs and Friday Night Lights.
Back to CrossFit BC's guide to the CrossFit Open