Academy Hiring Age Policy 2026: Updates on Teen Workers and Job Openings

Get the latest details about Academy Hiring Age Policy 2026: Updates on Teen Workers and Job Openings.

For most teenagers, the entry point into Academy Sports is a front-of-house position. The company establishes a national floor: applicants must have reached their sixteenth birthday before submitting an application.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds generally fill two high-turnover vacancies: cashier and retail sales associate. These team members handle cash registers, fold apparel, restock footwear shelves, and assist shoppers hunting for athletic gear. Entry-level floor staff do not operate hazardous power tools or manage heavy machinery, keeping the company compliant with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

State regulations can occasionally add administrative layers. While federal law permits 16-year-olds to work in retail, states such as Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina, where Academy maintains dense footprints, have specific rules on student work permits and maximum shift durations during academic terms. If your school district requires an employment certificate or parental consent form, store management will request it during onboarding.