Kew Little Athletics Centre 

 

fFun, family & FITNESS
 VLAA Centre No. 13 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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On this page we answer most of the Frequently Asked Questions in relation to joining Kew LAC.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I join Kew Little Athletics?

The Little Athletic year begins in October and runs through to the following September. The main registration days are usually in early to mid September. However, 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.  Click HERE for Registration details.

How much does Little Athletics cost?

For the 2009/2010 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)

September to January: Registration = $120

February to March: Registration = $80

April to June (Cross Country): Registration = $60

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 - 2009/2010 season

Age group by Month and Year of Birth

 

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

January

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

February

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

March

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

April

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

May

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

June

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

July

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

August

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

September

  

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

October

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

  

November

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

  

December

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

  

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 that rotate on a 3 week program. During the Cross Country season the athletes run a single race of a distance contingent with their age.

What are the events?

  • Sprints (70m, 100m, 200m)
  • Middle distance depending on age group (400m, 800m)
  • Long Distance again dependant on age group (1500m) running. 
  • Hurdles depending on age (60m, 80m, 200m, 300m)
  • Long Jump/Triple Jump/High Jump
  • Shot Put/Discus /Javelin
  • Relays
  • Cross Country

Where are the events held?

The Kew Little Athletics Centre compete at Stradbroke park during the Track & Field season.

Cross country events are held at several locations around the SE Suburbs.

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

A Summer morning program would usually begin 8:45a.m. for warm up and finishes around 11:15, with the younger age groups finishing earlier. Occasionally we also hold 'Twilight' meetings on Friday nights from 5:45pm for warm up to approx 8.30pm

A winter Cross Country program commences at 10.00am.

How long is the season?

The Track and Field season begins in late September/early October and runs through until March/April.  It is usual for a break to occur from Christmas until mid January

Cross Country begins around March/April and runs through to late July/August.

Check the Calendar for current dates.

How are the kids’ performances monitored?

All Little athlete's performances in all events are recorded during the program.  Children receive a sheet of stickers detailing these performances at either the end of the day or the next week. These stickers are placed in a ‘sticker book’ provided where performances can be assessed by the child.

What other forms of Track and Field competition are there?

During the season, there are:

  • If time permits, joint meetings with Camberwell/Malvern Little Athletics Centre to enjoy a day of friendly competition against other little athletes.
  • Multi-event days provide an opportunity for a 5 event competition day within the athlete’s age group and are scored using a separate points table.  Multi-Event Day Awards are given for the best three scores in each age group, and the best overall U6 – U7 and U8-U15 athlete (for each sex).
  • 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 a defined Region 
  • State competitions - Children are progressed from Region to State Competition to compete all regions in Victoria

What is expected of Parents?

Parental participation is essential for the Kew Little Athletics Centre to run successfully.  No program of Little Athletics competition can be held without the help of parents to act as officials.  Each week a minimum of 40 parents are needed to run the Track and Field program.  During the Cross Country season parents assist when Kew hosts an event.  Assistance is also required for Region and State Track and Field and Cross Country events.

A requirement of registration at Kew Little Athletics Centre is that parents/guardians agree to participate in a roster system to help out with one of the positions required to run the program each Saturday morning during the Track and Field season.  A roster must be filled in at the time of registration or the registration will not be accepted.  You do not have to have been an athlete yourself to be an official and most tasks do not require special knowledge.  Anyone can help in some way.  Examples include:

·         Holding a tape

·         Starting a race

·         Writing up place tickets

·         Writing results on a record sheet or entering them into a computer

·         Cooking sausages

·         Set up equipment

·         Supervising the children

Each family is rostered for duty approximately every three weeks.  A parent or family member from that family is expected to attend on those days.  A roster sheet is issued to you so you know of the dates in advance and can note them in your diary.

 

Click HERE to view the VLAA Parents Handbook 2006/07.

Click HERE to view the VLAA How to Help At Little Athletics Handbook 2006/07.

 

Athletes must have a parent/guardian or responsible adult in attendance at all times. 

The Centre and Age Managers are not responsible for athletes left unattended prior to the start of or after the completion of a program.  Children are not to be dropped off prior to the commencement of the morning’s program without adult supervision.

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?

During the summer season various event coaching/training is provided by a range of qualified coaches.  An On Track coach is available to focus specifically on the U6 and U7 age groups.

Mid week coaching is available to all U7 to U15 athletes. Mid-week coaching helps athletes to improve their skills and performances more quickly. Club coaches, including Kew LAC’s professional coach, conduct the sessions. Usually our coaching night is on Wednesdays for 1-1 ˝ hours. The times depend on coach availability and daylight saving time. Based on demand and coach availability, the younger age groups (U7 and U8) may also be catered for separately.  Coaching fees for a half season block are payable upon commencement with a full refund available if you decide not to continue after 2 sessions. Talk to the Team Manager or Registrar if you wish to attend.

What about Safety, Insurance and First Aid?

Kew LAC has a strict safety policy and all athlete are covered by Insurance provided by the Victorian Little Athletics Association

First Aid is provided by a Safety Officer in attendance at all Kew LAC events.

What the types of awards/trophies are presented?

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

  • The child’s performance

  • The child’s improvement

  • The child’s participation.

At the end of the Cross Country season, presentation are made to the children based on participation.

Click HERE for full details on Centre Awards and Certificates.

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?

Yes, 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 'Come and Try' and 'Bring and Friend' days are conducted at Kew LAC in the early part of each season. Alternatively just turn up on a competition day and make yourself known to one of the Committee (in a bright yellow vest). Your child/ren will be placed with their respective age/gender group and compete in a normal program.  Hopefully after this opportunity, Little Athletics is for you! 

Check the Calendar for 'Come and Try' and 'Bring a Friend' days.

Do I have to wear a Uniform?

The uniform for internal club competition consists of a Kew Little Athletics tee-shirt, shorts, socks and suitable footwear.  A suitable hat and sun screen for sun protection should also be worn.  You will receive a Kew Little Athletics tee-shirt on registration.

The VLAA age group patch must be clearly visible on front of the tee-shirt below the KewLAC logo.  This patch has your name, age group and your athlete registration number on it.  The patch must be worn each week during competition on the front of your top – no patch, NO COMPETITION POINTS!

Centre Uniform is worn in Inter-Centre competition and Championships (including cross country). The Centre uniform is maroon with gold trim shorts and singlet, or crop top, with Kew logo, white socks and suitable footwear. Uniforms may be purchased from the Centre Uniform Co-ordinator. 

At the end of the season (or if no longer being used) Centre uniforms can be returned.  You may be eligible for a partial refund, depending on the condition of the returned uniform.

What footwear should I use?

Athletes must compete in suitable shoes that provide good support. Spikes are allowed at Kew Centre and may be worn by U12 to U15 age groups only in laned track events and in jumps. They may only be worn during the event and must be carried to and from the event. Misuse of spikes may cause disqualification. Bare feet are not allowed at Kew Centre or for Regional and State events. Ask committee members about suitable types of shoes if you are not sure.

Is there competition in Wet/Hot Weather?

During the Track and Field season competition may be cancelled due to inclement weather at the discretion of the Arena Manager in the event of weather conditions that impact on the health and well being of all participating athletes and volunteers. A decision will be made at 9.00am at the club rooms to proceed with or cancel particular events or the entire Centre program, after a track inspection has been completed.  Cross Country competition runs in wet weather conditions.

If the weather is forecast to exceed 35oC for a Saturday athletics competition then the program will commence at 8am with the aim to finish no later than 10am. Please remember to bring along a drink bottle and sun hat.  Sun screen is available at the centre.

 

 

 

 

This page was last updated on 31/08/09
 

Designed and Developed for Kews Little Athletics Centre by Steve Cowburn
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