Winning is not everything at Little Athletics. The main emphasis is on participation and skills development. Children learn and practice the key skills of athletics through games and activities. It’s an ideal first sport for children. The running, jumping and throwing activities help develop balance flexibility and strength.
Little Athletics is a whole lot of fun and a great way to keep fit!
Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you work out if Little Athletics at Knox is right for you. If you are unable to find the information you need, please email your question to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
You might also like to checkout the LAVic Website
When can I join?
We recommend trying out before registering. Come to one of our official ‘Come and Try’ or ‘Bring a friend’ days (see the Calendar) or you can attend one of the regular competition days. Prospective athletes are welcome to try Little Aths, provided they have not already attended or previously registered with Little Aths.
You can register at any time during the athletic year, provided you meet the age requirements (see ‘What age group will I compete in?’ below).
How much does it cost?
What clubs can I join?
What age group will I compete in?
To find an age group, line up the athlete’s year and month of birth.
2024- 2025 Age Group Table
Athletes must be 5 by the 31 December each year.
Proof of age must be provided before your registration can be completed. Typically a Birth Certificate or Passport is best, but anything official will generally be ok. This is only required at the first season registration.
What events will I be doing?
Track and Field: A variety of events that rotate on a 3 week program.
Cross Country: A single race at a distance contingent with their age group.
Sprints, Middle Distance, Long Distance, Hurdles, Steeplechase.
Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump
Race Walking
Shot Put, Discus, Javeli and Hammer.
Relays
Multi Event (Sprint, LJ, Discus, middle distance and Hurdle)
Mini Olympics/On Track: U6 to U8 non-competitive, aimed at skill acquisition and introduction to athletics.
Where are the events held?
Cross Country events are run at a number of locations around the Knox area. For more information, see Locations.
How long do the events take?
During the Cross Country season competition starts at 9am and finishes by 11am.
How long is the season?
Cross Country starts in April and runs through to August.
How is athletic performance monitored?
For more information, see the Results page.
What other forms of competition are there?
Regional competitions with other Centres within Eastern Metropolitan Region.
State competitions – progression from Regionals.
Do parents need to help out?
Spectating: When not on duty, parents and spectators are asked to remain behind the fence line. This is for athlete and spectator safety, and minimises disruptions to events. Where appropriate, athletes will be escorted to their event.
Supervision: For the safety of your children – athletes and non-athletes, please ensure your children are appropriately supervised at all times.
It’s for the family! Little Athletics is more than fun and fitness. It’s a family movement that promotes family participation. It’s a real chance for the family to do things together regularly.
Is training provided?
During regular competition, there’s always someone around to show athletes how and what to do. For more information, please see the Training page.
What about safety, insurance and first aid?
The centre has a strict safety policy and all registered athletes are covered by insurance with the Victorian Little Athletics Association. If you are not registered with LA Vic but wish to participate in an event (for example, Bring a Friend day), you must sign-in with the centre to ensure you are covered by this insurance. If you have any queries regarding insurance please see the Certificate of currency or contact the Centre Secretary.
What types of awards are offered?
What athletic ability do children have to have?
What is available for children with special needs?
Can I compete at different centres?
Can I try Little Aths before joining?
When you come down, make yourself known to the Program Manager (in the announcing booth at the top of the Grandstand). Children will be checked-in and given a temporary registration, and can then participate in events with their age group.
Note: Prospective athletes are welcome to try Little Aths, provided they have not already attended or previously registered with Little Aths.