What is Little Athletics?
Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian sport for children aged 5-16 years. It is based upon the sport of athletics (track and field) and events are specially modified to suit the ages and abilities of children. A wide range of running, jumping, throwing and walking events are conducted.
Athletics is the foundation for all sports. It offers young people training, activities and skills that will stand them in good stead for their sporting future and general well-being.
The motto of Little Athletics is “Family, Fun and Fitness”. This highlights that we are a community activity, involving the whole family on a weekly basis. It has the benefit where the whole family – regardless of age, skill, gender, fitness level or confidence can get involved in the one sporting activity. Little Athletics has the added bonus of parent involvement in their children’s sporting development and enjoyment.
Family – family involvement is vital for the success of Little Athletics. The registered athlete participates in the track and field events, while parents/carers, grandparents and siblings are involved as officials, recorders, coaches or committee members. No matter your experience or skill level, there is a role for you at Little Athletics.
Fun – the level of competition is whatever the family wants it to be – whether participation is on Saturday afternoons only, at specifically organised training sessions or at various competitions and carnivals. Each child is encouraged to improve their own performances, not necessarily to be the best in the age group. Little Athletics recognises that not every child has the potential to become an Olympic champion but can still improve their own skill levels whilst having a enjoyable time.
Fitness – by participating at weekly meetings, children are contributing to their own active lifestyle. Parents/guardians also get fresh air and are active as they assist with activities.
Events
Granite Belt Little Athletics offer a full range of events including Sprints, Hurdles, Middle Distance, Walks, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin and Relays. Some of these events are modified for younger age groups for their own safety and physical development.
Each week there will be 4 or 5 events for each age group. Over the season each athlete will get to compete in all events available for their age group on a number of occasions. Not all events will be timed / measured each week. This is so each athlete can get some coaching and subsequently improve their technique and skill for that event. A minimum of two events each week will be timed / measured.
Coaching
Your Centre coaches welcome all athletes to the new season. Coaching will be conducted during Saturday meets – both specific training sessions and informal guidance during timed / measured events. Coaching is for ALL children regardless of ability.
Some of our Parents and volunteers have received coaching training in Level 1 Community Athletics Coach Course facilitated by Queensland Athletics. This course is the first step for budding coaches wishing to gain accreditation and introduces the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing as well as exploring how to engage athletes in long term participation and how to coach beginner athletes. Some of these beginner coaches have already expressed an interest in further development in specialist fields such as Hurdles, Fosbury Flop and Walks.
Parent Help and Officials Little Athletics is not only for the children. Most parents receive great joy and pride just watching their children trying to better their personal abilities and cope with personalised competition, perhaps for the first time. Apart from the spectator point-of-view, parental support is VITAL to the functioning of our programme. Each week requires an army of volunteers to ensure the Club’s future success.
These may seem frightening jobs to some but we all started in this way. Parents who are already knowledgeable in one of these weekly tasks will be on hand to assist anyone who wishes to help. Our Officials Manager will be asking for volunteers to take positions each week, so that delays to the start of our programme are avoided.
LAQ Competitions
The two major representative competitions during the year are the Regional Relays held in November, and the Regional Championships held in February. There are also several inter-club competitions / carnivals held throughout the State, which athletes can take part. Please check our Event Calendar page for dates of these carnivals, and keep updated via our Facebook page for regular announcements. See the centre’s registrar for nomination details for these carnivals.