Little Athletics FAQ's
What is Little Athletics?
Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian modified athletics program for children from 3 to 16 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?
Children between the ages of three (3) and sixteen (16) years can register. Parents, grandparents and friends can also be involved by helping with the various events.
At what time of year does Little Athletics take place?
Little Athletics is a sport you can do all year round. From October to March each year we run a summer season where events are on each week. During the winter season, April to September, there are opportunities to participate in cross country events.
Where will my child be participating?
Your child will participate at your local Little Athletics centre. In ACT and surrounding areas there are 16 Little Athletic centres. Each of these centres conducts weekly activities at local ovals. These centres may compete at different times of the day/week. We recommend that you contact the centre to discuss specific details. Please click here to find your local centre.
What events are offered?
Little 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 centre to centre, and usually work on a rotational basis throughout the season.
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 Little 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.
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 local Little Athletics centre or your State Association for information regarding fees, as they may differ between centres.
How do I register my child?
If your child would like to take part in Little Athletics, you need to register them with a centre. Please click on the Register now link to register.
What age group will my child be in?
Age groups are determined by the year and month of birth. Please refer to the Age Group Calculator in the Get Involved section of the website for details.
Can my child try Little Athletics before joining?
Many centres will offer a come and try session for your child. Please contact your centre for further details.
What is expected of parents?
Because Little Athletics is a totally voluntary sport, centres 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. Most centres have parent duty rosters in order to share the load. 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.
Do children need to wear a uniform?
Yes, all registered athletes must wear an approved centre uniform when competing in Little Athletics competitions. A centre representative will be able to tell you how much their uniforms cost.
Will my child be taught correct technique or have access to coaching?
Most centres have qualified coaches or parents who offer training session/s during the week. Additionally, Little Athletics ACT hold coaching clinics for athletes.
