Regulations

Organization Regulations

1. Participants

Art. 1.1

Participating athletes must reside or attend school in the city in which they represent. Athletes/Participants must be 12 years old by the 1st of January, in the year of the Games, must still be 15 years old, on 31st December, in the year of the Games and can only participate in one sport.

2. International Children’s Games

Art. 2.1

Can be Summer or Winter Games: at the Summer Games, athletics and swimming are obligatory sports and they must include a minimum of two (2) individual and two (2) team sports.

Winter Games must include skiing and an ice sport.  

Art. 2.2

The International Children’s Games must include participants from at least five cities from a minimum of three countries. 4 different sports must be held.

3. Spirit of the Children’s Games

3.1 The pedagogical point of view is of great significance as is the cultural exchanges, therefore:

       a)    Fair play is top priority

       b)   Qualifying competitions should be avoided as should straight knockout competitions at any      

              stage (each participant should have several opportunities to compete)

4. Sport

Art. 4.1

At the International Children’s Games, only those sports recognized by the Olympic Committee should be offered.

Art. 4.2

However, regional types of sports can also be suggested but only as demonstration sports (for example, orienteering etc.) with the final decision resting with the ICG Committee.

Art. 4.3

Boxing, full-contact, motor-sports, as well as descent and Super-G are prohibited. All further suggestions are individually examined by the Committee of the International Children’s Games.

5. Specific Regulations

Art. 5.1

When no particular reference is given, the organisers should refer to International Sports Federations Rules and Regulations for the particular sports.

Art. 5.2

The Committee of the International Children’s Games will delegate one adviser (Technical Commission member) within the framework of each sports event.

Art. 5.3

The organizers take responsibility for comprehensive medical care for the participants.

Art 5.4

Issues of a disciplinary nature or disagreements at sports events are supervised by a Protest Committee headed by the Chair of the Technical Commission (see General Rules)

6. Applications to host the Games

Art. 6.1

Should be directed to the Committee of the International Children’s Games office a minimum of two years before the start of the proposed Games, where possible.

Art. 6.2

Should correspond with the official ICG Bid form and process.

Art. 6.3

The Committee will examine the applications and will make a decision a minimum of 15 months before the start of the International Children’s Games or as quickly as possible after the Bid Document is received.

7. Invitations

Art. 7.1

Will be announced by the city that organizes the International Children’s Games, in due time, preferably a year before the start of the games or in a timescale agreed by the Committee.

Art. 7.2

The invitation must contain the following:

  • Name of the city,
  • The exact dates of the Games
  • Planned types of sports
  • Guide to Entry
  • Technical Handbook

8. Awards Ceremony

Art. 8.1

The organizers present to the winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd), a medal (gold, silver, bronze).  No medals awarded for consolation tournaments.

Art. 8.2

A participation certificate, with a dedication from the IOC President, ICG President and the City Mayor will be prepared for all participants and coaches.

Art. 8.3

Committee members should be included in the Awards Ceremonies.

9. Opening and Closing of the International Children’s Games

The International Children’s Games must be opened and closed by all participating teams together in a dignified form and setting.

The teams must line up under the flag of their city.

The Opening Ceremony is left up to the organizing city, but has to contain the following elements:

Art. 9.1

Opening of the Games

  • Handing over of the flag by the city which carried out the previous Games (but which the current HC keeps)
  • Lighting of the Olympic flame by a torch (or similar), provided by the host city.
  • Oath of at least one athlete and referee in their native tongue and one of the official language of the International Children’s Games,
  • Address by the organizers,
  • Opening of the Children’s Games by the President of the International Children’s Games Committee or an appropriate other representative.

Art. 9.2

Closing of the Games

  • Closing address of the organizers,
  • Lowering of the flag to the Anthem of the ICG; the flag is then symbolically passed to the next host city and its representatives but remains at the current Host City. 
  • Extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
  • Presentation of the Certificate(s) of Appreciation to the host city. It will be presented to the city Mayor and/or other city representatives. This will be followed by closing remarks of the President of the International Children’s Games Committee or an appropriate other representative.

10. Various

Art. 10.1

In the case of matters which have not been designated in these Regulations, the decision will rest with the Committee of the International Children’s Games.

Art. 10.2

The Secretary General of the International Children’s Games will be at the disposal of the organizers of the Children’s Games in all questions pertaining to organization, execution, and preparation.

Art. 10.3

The organizers must enable the Executive Committee of the International Children’s Games, to visit their city prior to the Games being awarded, to view the competition and accommodation venues and final clarification in respect of organization and sports matters.

Art. 10.4

 After conclusion of the Games the organizers will present the Committee of the International Children’s Games with a complete documentation report as well as media, newspaper, television coverage, banners, medals, pins, and a replica torch etc. for archival purposes.

Tallinn, Estonia

August 3-8, 2025

Read More

DAYS

HOURS

MINUTES