Frequently Asked Questions
2009-2010 Season Home Page » Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- When can I join Little Athletics?
- How much does Little Athletics cost?
- How do I know what age group I will compete in?
- What do the kids do?
- What are the events?
- Where are the events held?
- What time does the program run? / How long is it?
- How long is the season?
- How are the kids’ performances monitored?
- What other forms of competition are there?
- What is expected of Parents?
- What is expected of the Children?
- What about Safety, insurance and First Aid?
- What types of awards / trophies are presented?
- What level of ability do children need to have to join?
- What is available to children with disabilities?
When can I join Little Athletics?
The Little Athletics year begins in October and runs through to the following September. You can register at any time during the athletic year providing you are between the age of 5 and 15.
How much does Little Athletics cost?
For the 2008//2009 season the registration cost per athlete are as follows:
October - April
Registration = $65.00 per athlete ( $60.00 if 3 or more siblings) and $2 per week
Registration fees can be paid online adter you register online, or by cash or cheque.
How do I know what age group I will compete in?
Age groups are determined by the year and month of birth as detailed in the following Registars Ready Reckoner – 2009/2010 season
U6 if Aged 5 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/03 – 30/9/04)( if you turn 5 after that you can join then - full fee and do U6 again next year)
U7 if Aged 6 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/02 – 30/9/03)
U8 if Aged 7 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/01 – 30/9/02)
U9 if Aged 8 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/00– 30/9/01)
U10 if Aged 9 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/99 – 30/9/00)
U11 if Aged 10 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/98 – 30/9/99)
U12 if Aged 11 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/97 – 30/9/98)
U13 if Aged 12 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/96 – 30/9/97)
U14 if Aged 13 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/95 – 30/9/96)
U15 if Aged 14 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/94 – 30/9/95)
U16 if Aged 15 at 1/10/2009 (DOB 1/10/93 – 30/9/94)
| 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| February | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| March | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| April | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| May | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| June | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| July | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| August | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| September | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| October | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| November | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 | |
| December | U15 | U14 | U13 | U12 | U11 | U10 | U9 | U8 | U7 | U6 |
What do the kids do?
Each competition day, usually Saturday morning, the children participate in a selection of different events that rotate a 3-week program.
What are the events?
- Sprints (50m, 70m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 800m Middle distance depending on age group, 1500m, Long Distance dependant on age group running.
- Hurdles depending on age (60m, 80m, 90m, 100m, and 300m)
- Long Jump/Triple Jump/ High Jump
- Discus/ Shot Put
- Javelin for (U12 –U15 only)
- Turbo Javelin
- Relays
- On Track for U6 – special program held for U6 aimed at non-competitive skill acquisition and general introduction to athletic events.
Where are the events held?
The Ballarat Little Athletics centre use the Llanberris Athletic reserve, during the Track & Field season, Located in York Street Ballarat.
What time does the program run? / How long is it?
A summer morning program is held on every Saturday commencing at 8.45am and finishes around 12.00 noon.
How long is the season?
The track and Field season begins in October and ends in April. (No Program during Christmas and the School Holidays).
Cross Country begins around May and runs through to August, there LA open days at Geelong and Bacchus Marsh and Regional and State championships. Many of our athletes compete lon Saturday afternoon with any of the four Senior Clubs that conduct Cross-Country in Ballarat. All of these clubs runs novice events for junior runners
How are the kids’ performances monitored?
All Little athletes performances in all events are recorded during the program. Each week athletes are invited to participate in five events, usually consisting of three track and two field events. There are three programs so the events vary from week to week. Times and distances are recorded in each event and the athlete will receive a ticket at the completion of each event for his or her personal records. A personal record booklet for this purpose is provided upon registration.
What other forms of competition are there?
During the season, there are:
- Open Days – Competition other centres and a chance to win trophies against other Little Athletes in Victoria.
- Regional competitions (for U9 to U15) – Competition with other centres within the Western Country Region.
- State competitions – Children who progress from Region to State competition will compete against all regions in Victoria.
What is expected of Parents?
Parents are expected to assist with the operation of Little Aths by carrying out a duty. There are several types of duties possible, most parents enjoy “officiating” at an event or even cooking the barbecue or setting up at 7.30 am and packing up the equipment as the program finishes. Additional areas are Recording/ Ticket writing, measuring, Timekeeper or Place judges. Please feel free to ask if you notice something needs doing, offer and don’t stand back. We need your HELP!!!
What is expected of the Children?
Children must behave in a proper manner with friends and parents
Uphold our motto “Family, Fun, Fitness”
What about Safety, insurance and First Aid?
The Ballarat Centre has a strict safety policy and all athletes are covered by insurance provided by the Victorian Little Athletics Association. Ballarat Centre has a number of qualified First Aid Officers who are in attendance at all Ballarat events.
What types of awards / trophies are presented?
At the end of each season, presentations are made to children based on:
- The child’s performance
- The child’s improvement
- The child’s participation
Trophies, Medals and certificates are typically awarded.
What level of ability do children need to have to join?
Our emphasis is on Fun and Fitness. Children can join with any level of skill and fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests.
What is available to children with disabilities?
All children are encouraged to join. Disabled or handicapped athletes are integrated with other athletes however compete under modified regulations pertaining to equipment and event technique.