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When can I join the Grovedale 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 year providing you are between the ages of 6 and 15.
Normally there are a couple of specific registration days organised just prior to the start of the Track and
Field season, around mid-September. Keep an eye on the home page for more details. Registrations can also be
completed on any regular competition day.
A form of proof of age must be provided before the registering for the first time. Typically a birth certificate or
passport is best, but anything "official" will generally do.
 How much does Little Athletics cost ?? For the 2009/2010 season the registration costs per child is $105 - this includes registration with the Victorian Little Athletics Association (for the Track and Field and Cross Country seasons), and all Geelong Little Athletics Centre Track and Field season fees. Registration for the Cross Country season only is $29, but this does not include the weekly fee. Once registered, all Grovedale athletes must wear the Grovedale LAC uniform consisting of a yellow, black and white top (T-shirt, singlet or crop top - available for purchase from the club) and plain black shorts/briefs (basketball or board shorts not permitted). Suitable footwear should be worn when competing.
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 Registrar's Ready Reckoner:
What do the children do at Little Aths ?? On each Track and Field competition day the athletes participate in a selection of different events that rotate every three weeks. During the Cross Country season the athletes run a single race of a distance contingent with their age.
What are the events ?? Running (70m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, cross country) Hurdling (60m, 80, 90m, 100m, 300m) Race walking Jumping (long jump, triple jump, high jump) Throwing (shot put, discus, javelin)
Where are the events held ?? During the Track and Field season, athletes compete with the Geelong Little Athletic Centre at Landy Field (Barwon Terrace, South Geelong). During the Cross Country season, events are held around the Geelong, Bellarine and Surfcoast areas.
What time does the program run?? In summer, Saturday morning Track and Field programs usually begin at 8:30am and finish around noon. In winter, Sunday morning Cross Country programs usually begin at 11am and are usually finished by 12:30pm.
How long is the season ?? The Track and Field season begins in October and runs through until March, with a break at Christmas. The Cross Country season begins in April and runs through till the end of July.
How are performances monitored ?? All athlete's performances in all events are recorded during the season and they receive tickets detailing these performances the next week. The tickets can be placed in a book where performances can be followed by the athletes and their families.
What other forms of competition are there ?? During the season, there are:
Regional competitions (for U9 to U15) - competition with other centres within our Region
State competitions - athletes progress from Region to State competition to compete against all regions in Victoria Open Days - competition held by some centres, where athletes are invited from all centres to compete
What is expected of parents?? Parents are expected to assist with the running of events at Little Aths (called duty). The number of times that this is required varies, but will usually be about every three weeks. There are several types of duty possible, and most parents enjoy their interactions with the athletes and other parents on these days. Additional assistance is always needed on the club and centre committees and all parents are encouraged to help here.
What is expected of children ?? Children should behave in an appropriate manner and uphold the Little Aths motto of "Family, Fun, Fitness".
Is there any training provided ?? Training is provided in all events by a range of qualified coaches.
What about safety, insurance and first aid ?? The Geelong Little Athletics Centre has a strict safety policy and all athletes are covered by insurance through the Australian Little Athletics Association and their insurers. Professional first aid is provided at all Geelong events.
What level of ability is needed to join ?? Our emphasis is on fun and fitness. Children can join with any level of skill or fitness and are given plenty of encouragement to achieve their "personal best".
What is available to children with disabilities ?? All children are encouraged to join. Disabled or handicapped athletes are integrated with the other athletes and may compete under modified rules depending on the degree of their disability, and the events being conducted.
Is it possible to compete at two different centres ?? Once an athlete has registered with a centre they can take part in other centre activities without further notice. (It is recognised that family circumstances sometimes do not allow a child to compete at the same centre every week.) 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 you try Little Aths before joining ?? "Bring and Friend" days are conducted at Geelong in the early part of the season. Alternatively just turn up on a competition day and make yourself known to the Grovedale Team Managers (sitting under the palm tree at the west end of the track). You will be introduced to other athletes of that age and given the opportunity to see if Little Athletics is for you - this is called a "try out".
Who should I call for more information ?? Lea Mendelson (Girls Team Manager) - 5261 9552 Carol Murray (Boys Team Manager) - 5244 4416 |