Q&A
Ask Away!
What is Little Athletics?
Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian modified athletics program for children from 3 to 17 years.
As the name suggests, it is based upon the sport of athletics (track and field). There is a wide range of events from running, jumping, throwing and walking and events are modified to suit the age, developmental stage and ability of the children.
Little Athletics promotes that it is important to “Be your Best”. The emphasis is on fun, participation, performance, technique and getting involved with your family in physical and healthy activity. The motto of Little Athletics is ‘Family, Fun and Fitness”.
Across Australia, more than 100,000 girls and boys enjoy the activities of Little Athletics. Little Athletics is the “Foundation for all Sports”. All sports use the skills developed at Little Athletics.
Who can participate in Little Athletics?
TINY TOTS
Children aged 3-4 are able to participate in our ‘Tiny Tots Club’. This is a modified program that is designed to develop the children’s fundamental movements of running, jumping and throwing through fun and enjoyable activities. The aim of the program is to improve the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of children through a play-based approach that is engaging and stimulating.
AGES 5-17
All above ages are grouped into their own age brackets (Under 6, Under 12 etc.). There is no standards or requirements athletes have to meet to be able to participate in Little Athletics, meaning children of ALL abilities are more than welcome to join in. These athletes will participate in different running, jumping, throwing and walking events on a week to week basis.
Do you offer trial memberships?
If you are undecided about registering, we do offer two (2) training sessions and one (1) competition day on a “Come and Try” basis. These sessions are offered at the discretion of the Club, based on capability and capacity. Please contact your chosen Club to clarify if “Come and Try” sessions are currently being offered, before attending.
How many Little Athletics sessions are there a week?
Our Centre holds at least 1 weekly competition meet every week. The Centre meet is a competition where the athletes will participate in a variety of events and have their results recorded. Centre meets will generally be held on a Saturday but we do have the occasional Twilight meet on a Friday night.
Our Clubs then hold training sessions usually twice a week. These training sessions are not compulsory, but are an important opportunity for athletes to improve their skills and learn how to use equipment safely.
What events are offered?
Athletes will generally do a range of athletic (track and field) events in any given weekly program. The number and combination of events will differ from each week on a rotational basis throughout the season. The season calendar and program of events can be found on our website.
Some of the events include: Sprints, Hurdles, Middle Distance, Race Walking, Relays, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump. Note that some events have age restrictions on them.
Safety and fun are of the utmost importance at Little Athletics; hence equipment is modified to suit the age and developmental stage of the athletes. For example, it may be lighter (e.g. discus), made from modified materials (e.g. foam javelins, or elastic high jump bar), or of a smaller height (e.g. hurdles), to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our Athletes.
What level of ability do children have to be to join?
Our emphasis is on Family, Fun & Fitness. Children can join with any level of skill or fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests (PB’s). Little Athletics recognises that children vary widely in shape, size and athletic ability, and thus is one of few sports that successfully caters for all. Kingsway LAC also proudly offers an Inclusion program for athletes with hearing, vision or physical impairments.
How much does Little Athletics cost?
Little Athletics is very reasonably priced, and provides great value for money for children’s sporting activities. Please contact your chosen Club for information regarding fees, as they differ between each Club.
How do I register my child?
If your child would like to take part in Little Athletics, you need to register them with one of our Affiliated Clubs. Please see our 'Clubs' page which has contact details for each Club as well as a link to our online registration form.
What is expected of parents?
Because Little Athletics is a totally voluntary sport, our Centre cannot operate without the assistance of parents and other adult volunteers each week in fulfilling the many and varied duties required. These include officiating at an event; managing an age group; recording results; working in the canteen; just to name a few.
Our Centres has a parent duty roster in order to share the load between our Clubs. Additional assistance is always required on the Centre committees and all parents are encouraged to become involved. Little Athletics is one of the few sports where parents can become fully involved in their child’s sporting interests.
If you are new to Little Athletics we know it can feel overwhelming stepping forward to help in the beginning, but we assure you that not every role requires special skills or knowledge and there will be lots of people on hand to help guide you. Don't underestimate the effect you can have as a role model on your child's long term participation and enjoyment in our sport.
Do children need to wear a uniform?
All registered athletes must wear an approved Club uniform when competing in Kingsway competitions.
Athletes will also need to wear the Centre uniform when competing in State events against other Centres.
Your Club will be able to tell you how much their uniforms cost. Footwear must also be worn in all events, by all competing members.