Can I try Little Aths before joining?

Yes! We have a Trial Athlete intake twice per year. Claim our Trial Athlete offer What is it? The Trial Athlete offer gives kids the opportunity to try Little Athletics on 2 competition days free of charge before committing to a membership. It is not available to past Little Aths members (of any club).

I’m having trouble signing up as a Trial Athlete

If you see the error message below when signing up as a Trial Athlete, it means you have not selected the correct age group on the previous page to match your child’s birth date. Error Messages: 1. The Date Of Birth Entered Does Not Correspond To The Entry Type Selected Check the Age Group Calendar here .

How much does Membership cost?

Annual membership, which includes both Summer and Winter seasons (October-August), is $180 for one (1) child. Family discounts are available. Mid-season sign ups after Xmas (January-August) cost just $99 per child. Winter Cross Country season only (May-August) is $65 per child. We encourage early registration to enable us to forward plan the Centre’s competition program and make uniform arrangements.

What does Membership cover?

Membership fees cover all the boring, but important stuff, to keep your kids safe. This includes a non-refundable Little Athletics Victoria Association Registration & Insurance Fee ($89 per child). Membership fees do not cover our uniform.

If we pay for membership and our child doesn’t like it, do we get our money back?

In regards to refunds after membership has been paid: Little Athletics Victoria Association Registration & Insurance Fee ($89) is non-refundable Our Centre portion is only refundable by request in exceptional circumstances We therefore encourage you to register for the Trial Athlete offer first to ensure your child is interested. This gives you two free competition days to try Little Athletics without making a financial commitment upfront. Claim Trial Athlete offer

What athletic ability is required to join?

Anyone can join Little Athletics. We emphasise fun and fitness. Children are encouraged to achieve their own personal best.

When & where will Little Athletics be held?

Our Summer Track & Field competition is held at Polwarth Oval, Surf Coast Highway, Torquay. Weekly competition sessions start at 5:00pm on Fridays. We aim to finish by 7pm. Winter Cross Country starts at 12pm midday at various locations around Torquay and Jan Juc. Our meeting point is posted on Facebook and Instagram during the week.

How long does the season go for?

Summer Track & Field runs from October — March Winter Cross Country starts in May — August

What age group should I compete in?

The Little Athletics age group calculator can be found here. Athletes must be at least 5 years old by the 31st of December each year. Proof of age will need to be given for the first season, usually a birth certificate or other official identification document.

What events will be on offer?

All age groups rotate through a program that gives them plenty of opportunities to participate in sprints, middle-distance, hurdles, throws and jumps, with specifications suited to their age and ability. The same principle applies to our Winter Cross Country season with appropriate distances set for each age group.

What coaching is provided?

Teaching goes to the heart of little aths. Kids need to develop the fundamental skills for all running, throwing and jumping actions correctly and safely. Initially, we will station adults at each event to supervise technique and provide guidance/feedback for the kids. We will also release coaching videos on our website to assist parents and kids at home. We are excited to introduce athlete coaching this season. Ingrid Melotte, a former professional athlete is running a pre-season program in the lead up to the new 23/24 season. Information about coaching will be updated on our social media channels throughout the season.

What is available for children with special needs?

Children of all abilities are encouraged to join. Athletes with special needs are integrated with other athletes and compete with modified regulations, equipment and technique.

Do athletes need to wear a uniform to compete?

Yes, uniforms are available to purchase from our online store . The only compulsory item is our Centre competition top (T-Shirt, Singlet or Crop). This should be worn with navy shorts or leggings. Other merchandise such a loose fit shorts and bike shorts are available but optional.

Do athletes need special running shoes or spikes to compete?

Footwear is compulsory for all athletes in all events. Athletes aged U6 – U10 cannot wear spikes. Athletes aged U11+ are able to wear spikes however our Centre does not recommend that athletes use spikes for weekly competitions on our grass track at Polwarth Oval. Long term athlete development coupled with avoiding unnecessary injuries should always outweigh the potential for minor performance gains at our local competition. At Regional & State Championships, the standard rules of competition apply: U9–U10 — cannot wear spikes U11–U12 — Can wear spikes for all track events up to 400m, including relay events, all jump events and javelin U13–U16 — Can wear spikes for all track events except the race walk, as well as all jump events and javelin Spikes can only be worn inside competition-specific areas within the venue.

Do parents need to help out?

Yes! Little Athletics requires the help of parent volunteers. Each family will be asked to assist with duties ranging from officiating an event to helping set up and pack down. There are plenty of Centre administration roles open and your help is warmly welcomed. Please be reminded that children must have a responsible parent or carer in attendance at all times. Children cannot be dropped off and left.

What about safety, insurance and first aid?

All registered athletes are covered by insurance through our affiliation with Little Athletics Victoria. On event days, such as “Come & Try” or “Bring a Friend” days, we require you to sign in with the Centre to ensure you are covered by our insurance. We are currently seeking First Aid officers who will be available to assist on each day of competition. If you can assist and are interested in this role, please get in contact with us.

NewsSCLAC Marketing2023-07-05T02:05:19+10:00

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Surf Coast lands. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar people, and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.

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PO Box 764 Torquay VIC 3228

surfcoastlittleathletics

[email protected]

PO Box 764 Torquay VIC 3228

Committee Meeting Dates 2023/24

Monthly Meetings	7:30pm RACV Lounge
August 2023	17th, 31st
September 2023	28th
October 2023	26th
November 2023	30th
December 2023	28th
January 2024	25th
February 2024	29th
March 2024	28th
April 2024	Break
May 2024	Break
June 2024	AGM @ RACV Lounge

No. Children	Track & Field Summer only	X-Country season Winter only
1 Child	$180 $99 post-Xmas	TBA
2 Kids	$350
3 Kids	$510
4 Kids	$660