General Information
How old does my child have to be to join Little Athletics?
The ages of competing athletes range from our 5 year old Tiny Tots through to our 17 year old senior athletes. 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 2025 (i.e. born in 2020).
Registrations are open to Tiny Tots for children born in 2020 who 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 an orientation night on Friday 6th September 2024. The season will run through to mid March 2025. 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 6th September, full competition will be held on Friday nights on a weekly basis.
Tiny Tots commence at 5:30pm
6’s, 7’s and 8’s age groups are asked to arrive by 5:50pm
9’s through to 17’s are asked to arrive by 6:15pm
Note: some events for older athletes may start at 6:00pm, see program.
How long will we be there?
Always difficult to say. It depends on a number of things, such as the number of athletes in the age group, the events 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 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 6’s and 7’s age groups
- 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. All registrations must be completed and fees 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. 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 September. 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 11’s and 12’s may only wear spikes in track events run entirely in lanes, long jump, triple jump, high jump and javelin. Athletes in 13’s and above may wear spikes in all track events (except walks), long jump, triple jump, high 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, prior to using them on Friday nights.
Coaching
RWLAC has some coaching available through the season for middle distance, sprints, walks, high jump, long jump and throws on different days and times throughout the season. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for weekly sessions.
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, 6’s and 7’s age groups will be involved in a skill development program, which teaches children the fundamental skills needed for athletics events. This is a programmed event for these athletes. Also, there is a good set of instructional 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 Friday night competition, in roles such as timing, measuring, recording, etc, etc. Each child must have at least one parent/guardian present at the grounds during competition nights. 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?
If a record is broken in any event an RWLAC Committee member must verify that record. Therefore, do not re-set stopwatches, 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 junk/spam folder or email info@revesbylac.org.au
Newsletters 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 our Facebook page 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 5pm on the night of competition.
More Information
I have more questions.
Contact us through our Contact Us page.