GENERAL INFORMATION

 

 

AGE GROUP

  • Based on the age of the child at 1st October 2016.

 

  • Registration is open to all children who have turned 5 years of age before 1st October. Once a child turns 5 throughout the season they are eligible to compete.

 

  • Registrations are accepted from athletes in the U6-U16 age groups.  Athletes turning 15 or older before 1st October 2016 can register and compete as an U16 competitor, however, they are only able to compete at the Centre.

 

  • Athletes remain in the age group applicable at the time of registering, for the entire season, including Cross Country, regardless of whether they have a birthday.

 

  • Athletes must compete in their registered age group.  Age groups may be combined for some events due to low numbers at the discretion of the chief official.

 

WEEKLY COMPETITION

  • Weekly centre competition is held on a Friday evening. Warm up commences at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start.

 

  • There is a 4-week program of events for each age group that is rotated throughout the season. This program and weekly competition dates can be found in the middle pages of this booklet.

 

UNIFORM & FOOTWEAR

  • It is compulsory for athletes to wear the centre uniform on all competition nights and when competing outside the centre. 

 

  • Centre Uniform:
    • Centre teal singlet top.
    • Black shorts (no pockets), black bike pants or black leggings.
    • Athletes age group and name patches must be attached to the front of their singlet. Athletes are NOT PERMITTED to compete without their name patch. 
  • Regional /State Event Uniform:
    • Centre teal singlet top.
    • Black shorts (no pockets), black bike pants or black leggings, no pockets or brand names.
    • Girls may wear Centre crop top.

 

  • Sun block and a sun hat are recommended in line with our SunSmart Policy.

 

  • Athletes must wear suitable footwear. Bare feet or socks are NOT permitted.

 

  • Spikes are permitted and can be worn by athletes in the U11 and above age groups in laned running events and jumping events.  Maximum length of spikes is 7mm.

 

  • Spikes must be removed on completing each event.  Athletes are not permitted to walk around in spikes.

 

LOST PROPERTY

  • Lost property should be handed in at the information desk

 

  • It is important that all clothing is marked with the child’s name.

 

 

GENERAL COMPETITION RULES

  • Crouch start is compulsory for U12 and above athletes.  Blocks are permitted.

 

  • Athletes must report to events when called over the PA system and leave as a whole group when their event is finished.

 

  • Only athletes and officials are allowed on the oval.  Do not cut across the centre of the oval, the jump run-ups or the main track unless you are proceeding to an event.

 

  • At Regional and State events, coaching is not permitted from the sidelines, however, instruction from the chief official is allowed.

 

  • Athletes who consistently misbehave or who do not abide by the Code of Behaviour may be suspended from competition.

 

  • Athletes must have a parent or designated adult present during centre competition.  Children will not be allowed to compete if they have no adult representation.

 

PARENTAL OBLIGATIONS

  • Parental participation is essential for a Little Athletics Centre to run successfully.  No program of Little Athletics competition can be held without the help of parents. You do not have to have been an athlete yourself to assist. Anyone can help in some way eg. by holding a tape, raking the sand pit, writing up place tickets, etc.

 

  • Parents and guardians are to abide by the Code of Behaviour.

 

  • Assist with the setting up and packing away of equipment – “many hands make light work!”

 

  • You must not drop your child/ren off at Little Athletics.  A parent or designated adult must stay until the end of competition.

 

CONTACT DETAILS

  • It is important that if you change your address, telephone number or email during the season, that you inform the Registration Officer or a Committee Member so that your records can be kept up to date.

 

  • Email is our preference for contacting members—please supply one if possible.

 

FIRST AID

  • All injuries should be reported to an official who will then arrange treatment by a qualified First Aid person.

 

  • If the athlete is bleeding, their parent must attend to them. If they are not available, anyone attending to them must wear gloves. Clothing with bloodstains must be removed or the athlete must abstain from any further events until blood is dry.

 

INSURANCE

  • A Victorian Little Athletics Association Inc. Insurance Policy covers all athletes from the date the registration form and fee is paid.

 

  • Parents and officials are also covered by the insurance policy.

 

  • All athletes and officials are covered during the period of official Centre, Team, Region and State competition, training and other related activities.