The levels of guard include: Novice, Intermediate, A Class, Open Class, and World Class. There are also Cadet and Junior guards for younger youth and Senior Guards for those who are older. These levels deal with a certain set of criteria but by and large it all has to do with ages. .

Typically A Class goes from about 14 years old to 21 years old. You may not turn 22 by the time WGI World Championships are held.

Senior groups have a minimum age of 24 but no maximum.