INTRODUCTION

The European School Games (ESG) is an international multi-sport event that will take place in Poreč, Croatia, in 2026.

ESG 2026 will be organized in the following sports:

1. Athletics
2. 3x3 Basketball
3. Chess
4. Football
5. Judo
6. Volleyball

Any other sport can be added to the list only after ESG decisions.

 

General conditions

ESG competitions are organized in accordance with the rules and regulations of competition for each sport based on the technical rules and regulations of the respective International Federations (IF).

Gender categories:

• Boys,
• Girls,

*Specific gender categories for different events are outlined in the specific sport technical regulations below in the text.

 Age categories:

• U18
• U15*

Specific age categories for different events are outlined in the specific sport regulations below in the text.

*ESG reserve right to accept younger age categories.

 

ELIGIBILITY AND GENERAL PARTICIPATION

• Participation in the ESG events is open to all students.
• All individuals and freely formed teams who have registered by the application deadline are eligible to participate in the competition.
• Competitors may register as individuals, as part of a school team, a club team, any other institution, or by forming their own team.
• There is no limitation on the participation of teams or individuals.
• Competitors from younger age categories may also compete in older categories.
• An athlete may register for multiple sports; however, participation in more than one sport is subject to the event schedule and program feasibility.
• All registered participants willing to join the ESG events must follow the ESG regulations.
• The organizers are not responsible for any injuries or health issues that may occur during the competition. By registering for the competition, competitors (or their legal guardians) confirm that they are aware of the nature of the event and that the competitor(s) are physically and mentally fit and prepared for the competition and agree to participate at their own risk.
• Please note that participants under the age of 18 must complete and sign the Consent form for participation by a parent or legal guardian. Participants aged 18 or above may sign the form themselves. No participant will be permitted to take part in the event without a completed and signed consent form.
• Any sports rules can be adjusted according to the sports entries or any other organizational reason. This will be communicated before the start of the competition.
• All participants will receive the diplomas of participation, while the best 3 in each sport/discipline will receive medals .

 

PARTICIPANTS PRESENTATION

• Competitors may choose their own team names during the registration process. If a chosen name is deemed inappropriate (e.g., offensive, vulgar, etc.) or if it represents a company that is a competitor of ESG sponsors, the ESG Organizing Committee reserves the right to change the team name. The registered team will be informed of any name change and will have the opportunity to select an alternative name. If the team refuses to compete under a different name, it will not be allowed to register the team.
• Competitors may wear their own sports clothing during the competition. If players from the same team arrive wearing different jerseys or shirts, the Event Technical Committee of the concerned sport will provide them with bibs to ensure teams are easily distinguishable on the field and to avoid confusion for referees and opposing players.
• Teams or individuals are not allowed to wear jerseys or tracksuits displaying sponsors that promote inappropriate content or products. The final decision on what is deemed inappropriate lies with the ESG Organizing Committee.
• In cases where the ESG Competition Department requires competitors to wear specific gear, bibs, or jerseys provided by ESG or its sponsors for special occasions (such as photography or filming during final matches), competitors are obliged to wear the designated attire.
• ESG reserves the right to use collected data and visual materials (photos and videos) from the competition free of charge for commercial purposes, including the promotion of ESG, its sponsors, and related activities.

 

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

All participants are expected to behave with respect, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the event. Any form of verbal or physical abuse, discrimination, or unsporting conduct may result in disqualification or disciplinary action, as determined by the ESG Organizing Committee.

 

5. PRIZES & CERTIFICATES

The top three competitors or teams in each category will receive medals and/or trophies. All registered participants will be awarded a certificate of participation.

 

6. SYSTEM OF PLAY

General:

The system of play and confirming the final competition schedule will be determinated according to sport traditions and specifics, taking into consideration the ESG regulation. The system of play will be defined for each sport depending on the final number of the registered team/individuals. The system of play will be outlined in the event documents and specific sport rules prior to the event after registration is finalized.

 

7. RANKING

• In individual competitions only individual results and placements shall be
• In team competitions teams shall meet one another and the placement of the teams shall be based on the match results.
• In some sports/events the results of individuals can be taken into consideration for the team ranking.

 

8. SPORT SPECIFIC REGULATION 2026

 

9. Final Provision

The program is subject to change depending on the number of registered teams and athletes.