Northern Suburbs Little Athletics
Biographical Info
Northern Suburbs Little Athletics Centre (NSLAC) caters for children aged between 5 and 17 of all abilities. The focus is on children improving their “PB” – personal best result – over the season. Talented athletes may also have the opportunity to compete in higher level competitions, possibly right up to State representation, subject to qualification.
Competition
Competition is held most Saturday mornings commencing in September through to March. There are a few weeks break over Christmas/New Year, but otherwise Little Athletics operates throughout the school holidays. The State Championships mark the end of our centre activities however Little Athletics continue with some cross country activities including a winter State Cross Country and Road Walks competition.
Tiny Tots
In a contained environment, Tiny Tots are taught gross motor skills with an emphasis on fun and learning basic athletics skills. To register in Tiny Tots for the 2015/16 season at NSLAC, children must be born between 1 October 2010 and 30 September 2011. The group is limited to 40 children and if demand is high, preference is given to siblings of older athletes already registered with NSLAC.
Age Groups
Children aged U6 and above are put into gender based groups with an Age Manager (a volunteer parent) and follow a program of events ranging from sprinting to long distance running, throws and jumps. Results are recorded and published on the web site each week. Children are grouped strictly according to their date of birth – there is no flexibility to change age group.
Registration numbers in each age group will be carefully monitored and if an age group becomes very large registrations will be closed. We therefore recommend early registration and payment online to avoid possible disappointment.
Timing
Senior events start at approximately 7.30 am. Track events usually start around 8-8.30am. Younger age groups sometimes finish earliest, generally mid to late morning, but NSLAC must vacate the field by 12 noon each week to allow for the senior club’s activities.
Parental Involvement
It is compulsory that at least one parent/adult guardian is present at Rotary Athletics Field at all times while their children are there. This applies to competing on Saturday and during mid-week coaching. There are no exceptions to this rule – it is a condition of registration with NSLAC.
Parents are always required to help with the many jobs involved with running the carnival, such as BBQ, canteen, data entry, track timing, setup and pack up etc., etc.. Without this assistance the carnivals would not be able to be held.
Unregistered Siblings
For reasons of safety NSLAC rules do not allow unregistered children onto the field at Rotary. This rule (and its relationship with the above “parental environment” rule needs to be considered carefully by families planning to register with NSLAC as this is not convenient to everyone.
Mid-Week Coaching
Coaching is available for children U8 and above only. Details will be published at the field on the proceeding Saturday and those wishing to attend must register their intention in advance.
