Comprehensive information for Parents can be found on the Victorian Little Athletics Website, located under 'Resources'.
Due to a lot of requests from Parents, we are often asked what age category does their child be situated in - We've borrowed this 'age calculator'. Click the link and enter in the month and year, the calculator will do the rest! Or, you can download the ready reckoner created by LAVic here.
Please note the following points:
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing, do not force him or her.
- Focus on the child’s efforts rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to his/her ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
- Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment.
- Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing an event.
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the officials’ judgement and honesty in public.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse at Little Athletics activities.
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteers and coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children, and deserve your support.
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not harassing athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
- Bad language will not be tolerated.
- Smoking anywhere within the boundary of the athletic facilities is prohibited.
- REMEMBER – CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN LITTLE ATHLETICS FOR THEIR ENJOYMENT, NOT YOURS.
As in all Little Athletic Centres, and all sports generally, parent help and participation is essential. Without the assistance of parents, it is very difficult to run a successful club. Every week, we require at least three (3) parent helpers to assist in each age group. The tasks that need to be done are quite simple and can prove to be most enjoyable.
It is a requirement of the Centre that a parent/guardian is in attendance at all times.
The club expects that parents are responsible for the behavior of their children, and if disciplinary action is required, the parent is asked to manage the situation. If the behavior does not improve, the parents will be asked to chaperone their child at all times. If necessary, further action will be taken.
At times, there may be a requirement for a committee member to speak to a child, should they be acting in a way that is inappropriate or deemed to be unsafe to themselves or others. If this is required, the committee member will speak to the child nicely, but firmly, to ensure the child understands the outcome of their actions.