Round Table Associations generally have an age limit of 18 to 40 years, though some countries extend it to 45 based on national traditions, membership retention strategies, and the presence of affiliated groups like 41 Club. In some Associations, the age limit was raised to address specific challenges, but this change may have also influenced their organisation’s overall dynamic in unexpected ways.
Members who reach the maximum age must retire or graduate from active membership in Round Table. They can then join 41 Club or another alumni group, where they can continue networking and supporting the movement. While they may be invited to attend events of the Table, they won’t have a vote and must attend in a supportive manner.
Hot topic never gets old!
The idea of raising or lowering the age limit resurfaces periodically within Associations and at the international level, following a cyclical pattern. The arguments remain largely the same, with meeting minutes from the 1980s discussing changing lifestyles where young men are reaching their adulthood later on in lives. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Disagreement on increasing the age limit was a main motivation for Round Table leaving WOCO and reestablishing Round Table International in 1991. Many members around the world were unhappy with their membership of WOCO as they felt that the 40 year age limit was not being protected and eroded by the fact that other non Round Table WOCO members were trying to increase the age limit. There were already a number of Round Table Associations throughout the world that were planning to increase the age limit from 40 to 45. The Round Table Associations in general felt that this was a principle of Round Table and should not be changed.
In (year 201x), some RT Associations were so sick and tired of discussing the Age Rule at RTI General Meetings, that a motion was put forward to ban further discussions on the topic for (x) years. While the motion did not go through on a point of freedom of discussion, the feeling was understood.
Currently, Associations that have already increased the age limit may maintain it, while others are strongly discouraged from following suit. All members of respective Associations are considered to be members of Round Table International.
In 1927, the movement was started as a reaction to other clubs being controlled by older members, and this ideal has helped it thrive. Changing goalposts for short term gains might hinder the project irreversibly. Ultimately, Round Table exists for young men. This core ethos is fundamental, and any changes that shift focus away from this principle undermines the very purpose of the organization. Proof of this is the gradual decline and subsequent dissolution of the WOCO foundation.
While not directly related, there is some correlation with associations with higher age limits being more likely to close, especially smaller ones. In recent history these included Round Table Hong Kong, Round Table New Zealand and Round Table Canada.
2010s move from 45 to 40
In the mid-2010s, RTI was actively pushing an agenda to encourage its associations to reduce their age limits. Each example is considered to be a success within the communities.
Round Table Romania made the shift to 40 during its 2018 National AGM.
Round Table Nepal — Case study of Success
Until 2016, Round Table Nepal (RTNP) had a retirement age of 45. In that year, the association made the strategic decision to lower the retirement age to 40, while allowing all existing members at the time to continue tabling until 45. All new members inducted thereafter would retire at 40.
At the time of the change, RTNP had approximately 220–240 members. Today, membership has grown to more than 550, with the most significant growth occurring from 2019 onwards. The decision was driven by the belief that maintaining the age limit at 45 would only postpone underlying challenges rather than address them. By reducing the age limit, RTNP created greater opportunities for younger members to take on leadership roles and responsibilities earlier in their tabling journey.
With an average induction age of 31–33 years and an expected active tabling life of 7–8 years, the revised age policy has helped inject fresh energy into the organisation, resulting in stronger engagement, increased responsibility among younger Tablers, and sustained growth in both membership numbers and overall quality.
Associations with 45 age limit
The following 12 Associations have a retirement age of 45:
Other Exemptions
Round Table Malta: Last Leg Rule
Round Table Malta introduced a rule where members who recently gratuated, could remain members by creating a new Table. This resulted in a new Table being formed within a year, with new members that might have not otherwise joined. This initiative was recognised by RTI, and Round Table Malta was awared the Mission 2X award in 2024.
“Tablers that exceed the age rule may remain members of the Association, subject that they form part of a new Table… This exemption may only be applied for two years for any person.
Such members may occupy roles within their Table’s Councils. They may not put their names forward for elections for roles on the National Council…”
This Association’s retirement age is chosen by its individual clubs. Two of its clubs have a retirement age of 45, these being RTEA 3 Mombasa and RTEA 12 Eldoret.
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