General Information
How old does my child have to be to join Little Athletics?
The ages of competing athletes range from 5 to 16. The age group of a child is determined by the year of the child’s birth. A child may be registered with us if they turn 5 years old in 2023 (i.e. born in 2019).
RWLAC is running Tiny Tots for children born in 2019 ONLY if they have an older sibling registered with RWLAC. Please see Registration Information for more details.
When does the Season start, and when does it finish?
This year our season will run commence with a parent information and orientation night on Friday 1st September 2023 . The season will run through to mid March. See the calendar for more information.
Where and when are competitions held?
Our weekly competitions are held at Kelso North Sporting Grounds, Henry Lawson Drive, Panania.
Commencing 1st September, full competition will be held on Friday nights on a weekly basis. Athletes are asked to arrive at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start (some events for older athletes may start at 6:00pm, see program). Tiny Tots will commence at 5:30pm on Fridays and run for 45 minutes.
How long will we be there?
Always difficult to say. It depends on a number of things, such as the number in the age group, the event they are doing, the number of parent helpers, and many other things. Generally, the program is conducted over two hours with the older athletes taking up to three hours. This is dependent on parent assistance and the number of athletes attending each competition each week.
What events can I do?
The specific events depend on the age of the child. Events run over a 3 week program (see the latest handbook for more information)
- Sprints
50m, 70m, 100m, 200m - Middle/Long Distance
300m, 400m, 500m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m - Hurdles
60m/80m/90m/100m/200m/300m Hurdles - Racewalking
700m/1100m/1500m Walk - Throws
Shot Put, Discus, Javelin - Jumps
High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump - OnTrack Skills development for U6 age group
- Tiny Tots will be taught a variety of skills and have the opportunity to practise these in a non-competitive environment.
Registration
Registrations commence on 1 August, can continue through to the end of January. No discounts are provided for late registrations. All registrations must be completed and paid for online. More information on the registrations page.
Please check here for information on any registration fees. No weekly fees are required for Friday competitions. In addition, a uniform will need to be purchased, at approximately $65.
What do I need to bring with me when registering/picking up registration numbers?
You will need:
- Proof of age for your child(ren) – i.e. birth certificate, passport or blue book. We only need to sight this if your child is new to our centre.
Uniforms
Yes! Uniforms are compulsory and must be worn from the start of Friday night competition in October. Uniforms can be purchased when collecting your registration pack or prior to competition commencing.
Tiny Tots are not required to have a uniform and should wear shorts, a T-shirt and joggers.
Do athletes have to wear spikes?
Most athletes compete in normal running shoes. Athletes in Under 11 and above may wear spikes at all Centre competitions in laned track events, jumping events (high jump, long jump and triple jump), and javelin.
- Spikes must be carried onto the track and to the field event areas and then removed on completion of the event.
- Athletes must remove spikes at the request of event officials/centre committee members.
- Starting blocks MUST be used by all athletes wearing spikes.
- In order for athletes to wear spikes. They MUST be able to show they are competent and able to set up and use starting blocks on their own to one of our RWLAC coaches.
Coaching
RWLAC has some coaching available through the season for middle distance and sprints on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for times. We also have a close connection with Illawong LAC where some athletes attend jumps and throws coaching. Check out the coaching page for more info.
How will my child learn the basics?
An age manager is allocated to each age group who can help with the basics of Little Athletics, we also have experienced committee members stationed at events to guide new athletes and provide instruction. Athletes in the Tiny Tots and U6 age group will be involved in a skill development program, which teaches children the fundamental skills needed for the events, this is a programmed event for these athletes. Also, there is a good set of videos here.
Helping Out
Can I drop my kids off and leave?
NO! Little A’s relies on parents and guardians to assist in running the competition, in such roles as timing, measuring, recording, etc, etc. Each child must have at least one parent/ guardian at competition. More information can be found in the season handbook.
I don’t know how to help, what can I do?
Most tasks are easy, such as using a stopwatch or measuring a throw. At most events, there will be an experienced parent/committee member to lead the event and guide new parents in how to assist. A good set of videos on how to help is here.
What do I need to do if a record is broken while I’m recording?
Please note, if a record is broken in any event two RWLAC Committee members must verify that record. Therefore, do not re-set stopwatches, re-rake sand, or move any other measurement device until this is done – essentially, freeze the event.
Otherwise, there is a risk the record cannot be verified meaning the athlete will miss their opportunity. Generally, the record for that event is listed on the recording sheet and the parent with the responsibility to record that event should make themselves aware of the record prior to commencement.
Newsletters
Is there a newsletter?
Centre newsletters are produced regularly and are emailed out to members. If you are not receiving yours, check the email address that you have supplied. Click on the “register” menu, “Login” and go to the “Members Portal”. Check your email address and other details, and make sure that the “Mailing List” question is answered “Yes”. While you are there, why not change your username and password to something a little easier to remember.
They are also available from our website, from the “Newsletter” menu.
Wet Weather
What if it rains?
As we run events on a grass track, we may have to call off competition for wet weather. Please check the main page of this web site or find us on Facebook to see updates on possible wet weather cancellations. We endeavour to make a decision as early as possible however we like to give the athletes every possible chance to compete so this information may not be updated until 5:30pm on the night of competition.
More Information
I have more questions.
Contact us through our “Contact Us” page.
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