Frequently Asked Questions

When can I join Dandenong Districts Little Athletics Club?

The Little Athletic 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. Cross Country runs events for athletes between 5 & 15. 

How much does Little Athletics cost?

For the 2006/2007 season the registration costs per athlete (for the full year or until end of season in September) are as follows, dependent on the actual month registration occurs:

Registration month (all inclusive)

October  to September

 Track & Field/Cross Country Registration = $100 (2005/2006 season was $100)

Cross Country Only = $50 (currently 2005/2006 season)

Athletes registering in the Track & field season (October to March) are eligible to compete in the Cross Country season (April to September) for no additional cost.

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 VLAA Registrars Ready Reckoner - 2006/2007 season.

                                   Age group by Month and Year of Birth

What do the kids do?

Each competition day, usually Saturday morning but also on some  Friday twilights, the children participate in a selection of different events. During the Cross Country season the athletes run a single race of a distance contingent with their age.

What are the events?

Where are the events held?

The Dandenong Little Athletics Centre use the Barry Powell Little Athletic Track, during the Track & Field and Cross country seasons, located at the Robert Booth Reserve, Clow St  (Mel ref 90H6).

What time does the program run? /How long is it?

A Summer morning program would usually begin 8:45a.m. and finishes around 12 noon. Occasionally we also hold 'Twilight' meetings on Friday nights from 5.30pm to approx 8.30pm.

During the Winter Cross Country season, competition starts at 9.30a.m.

How long is the season?

The Track and Field season begins in October and concludes with the centre championships at the beginning of April.  It is usual for a break to occur from Christmas until mid January.

Cross Country begins around April and runs through to September.

How are the kids’ performances monitored?

All Little athlete's performances in all events are recorded during the program.  Children receive tickets detailing these performances at the end of the event. On recording, the tickets will be given back to the athlete to place them in a ‘book’ provided.

What other forms of competition are there?

During the season, there are:

What is expected of the Children?

Children must:

•  Behave in a proper manner with their friends and parents

•  Uphold our motto “Family, Fun, Fitness”

Is there any training provided?

Training is provided in all events by qualified coaches on TBA.

What about Safety, Insurance and First Aid?

The Dandenong Centre has a strict safety policy and all athlete are covered by Insurance provided by the Victorian Little Athletics Association

First Aid is provided by St Johns Ambulance who are in attendance at all Dandenong events.

What the types of awards/trophies are presented?

At the end of each season, presentations are made to children based on:

• The child’s improvement

• The child’s participation.

 Trophies are typically awarded.

What level of ability do children have to have to join?

Our emphasis is on fun and fitness. Children can join with any level of skill or 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 the other athletes albeit compete under modified regulations pertaining to equipment and event technique.

Is it possible for a child to compete at 2 different Centres?

Once a child has registered with a Centre they can take part in other Centre activities without further notice. Alternatively athletes can transfer from one centre to another - they will have to pay a fee to the second centre but they do not have to pay the VLAA fee again.

Can children try Little Aths before joining?

Yes, official 'Bring and Friend' month are conducted at Dandenong. This month being October. Alternatively just turn up on a competition day and make yourself known to the Registrar of the club and sign on to trial ( maximum 2 trials). You will be placed with their respective age/gender group, and given the opportunity to see if little Athletics is for you.

Where is Dandenong Districts located at the Dandenong Centre on competition days?

We are located under the trees near (TBA) at the Barry Powell Little Athletics Track, Robert Booth Reserve, Dandenong (Map 90 H6)

What do you do with the ticket after an event?

You must place it into the box provided  at the DDLAC clubs table for recording so that it will count towards the end of season Trophy awards.

Can you cross the centre of the track to get the the other side of the ground?

No. Crossing the track must be done in designated areas only.

What if I forgot to bring my Registration Number?

Athletes that forget to bring their Registration Number will need to obtain a temporary sticker from the club registrar.

How many competition days must be attended to be eligible for Dandenong Championship Day?

To be eligible to enter DLAC Track and Field  Championships at the end of the season, you must have competed on at least 4 competition days at the Dandenong Centre.

What are Open Days?

These are days where athletes from other Centres can compete for Medals and Ribbons. We encourage our athletes to compete at Open Days at other Centres usually held on a Sunday.

What does it mean by Circular Events?

Circular Events are those which are not conducted in lanes such as 800m, 1500m, walks etc.

What is the Regional Championships?

All the Centres in Victoria compete in the two day Regional Championships Zones around the middle of February to try and qualify for the Victorian State Championships held a month later. We compete in the South Eastern Region. Under 9 to15 have the opportunity to select events to compete in. Every parent of athletes attending will be required to do duty on one of these days. Failure to so will result in the athletes being withdrawn from their chosen events. 

How do you qualify to be in the Victorian State Championships?

Usually, the first two winners in an event of the Regional Championships progress to the Victorian State Championships held over 2 days in mid March at Olympic Park. In addition, further positions can progress to State depending of the ranking of other Centres within Victoria.

Can I wear the Dandenong Districts club t-shirt in the Regional or State Championships?

No. You must wear the official Dandenong Centre singlet otherwise you will be disqualified.

Where do I get the Dandenong Centre singlet?

These are on sale at the office.

Can I wear the Dandenong Districts club t-shirt on a Open Day?

Yes, but it must have the Registration Patch. You can wear a Dandenong Centre singlet without one.

If the first time I do an event, results with a Disqualification, will the next time I do this, with a time or distance, be a PB?

No. Disqualifications or No Jump do not count as a result for PB's.You must have a time or distance established first before a PB would be recognised.

Are PB's transferred to the following season?

No, each season starts from scratch

Are PB's achieved on Open Days from other Centres counted?

No. PB's are only counted from events from the "Centre dates" from the Dandenong Centre Handbook. Open Days from other Centres have their own awards in the form of Medals and Ribbons.

What are the Summer Season Club Awards?

Is there an attendance eligibility for the end of Summer season Club awards?

Yes. You must have a 50% attendance before January 1st and 3 centre competitions afterwards. If joining after January 1st, you must attend 50% from the date you join to be eligible for an encouragement or Club champion award. Children joining after January 1st will not be eligible for Age Group Awards.

Do PB's count towards the Age Group Trophy Awards?

Yes, they are used in the "Age Group" and  "Club Champion" Awards.

A point System combining PB's and participation is used to determine the winners of each group.

A point System combining PB.s, Attendance, Club records, Centre records and Standards is used to calculate the Champion Boy and Girl.

Is anyone paid a wage at the Dandenong Little Athletics Centre?

No. Everyone, like yourself, is a volunteer.

What about Dandenong Districts Little Athletics Club then?

No - we are all volunteers.

Can I have a refund if my child decides to give up Little Athletics during the season?

No. There are no refunds once fees are paid which is why we prefer all new children to try out a day for free first before deciding. The majority of the fees go to the VLAA and DLAC which we are not able to get back once paid.

Can I leave my Child(ren) there and pick them up at the close of a meeting?

Little Athletics is not a babysitting service for Parents. Members of the Club have many jobs to do on a competition day,  without the added inconvenience of waiting for a child's parent to collect at the end of the day. (It is a requirement of the Centre for Parents/Carers to be in attendance) If arrangements have been made with another family, then that is OK, but please let the Team Manager know in advance.

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