What is Little Athletics?
Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian modified athletics program for children from 3 to 17 years based upon the sport of athletics (track and field). There is a wide range of events from running, jumping, throwing and walking and events are modified to suit the age, developmental stage and ability of the children.
Little Athletics promotes that it is important to “Be your Best” ®. The emphasis is on fun, participation, performance, technique and getting involved with your family in physical and healthy activity. The motto of Little Athletics is ‘Family, Fun and Fitness”.
Across Australia, more than 100,000 girls and boys enjoy the activities of Little Athletics. Little Athletics is the “Foundation for all Sports”. All sports use the skills developed at Little Athletics.
Who can join?
Little Athletics is for boys and girls aged 3-17 years old. Children of all abilities are welcome.
A modified Tiny Tots program is offered for children aged 3-5 years old. Children must have turned three before they can take part.
Track and field programs are for children five and up. Children compete in groups determined by their age on 31st December.
What age group will my child be in?
Athletes must participate in groups determined by their age on the 31st of December. Age groups range from Tiny Tots (3 to 5 years olds) and Under 6 to Under 17 in both boys and girls. Please refer to the Little Athletics SA Age Group Calculator if you are not sure which age group your child would be in. Athletes cannot go up or down an age group for any reason – proof of age may be requested.
What level of ability do children have to be to join?
Our emphasis is on Family, Fun and Fitness. Children can join with any level of skill or fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests (PB’s). Little Athletics recognises that children vary widely in shape, size and athletic ability, and this is one of few sports that successfully caters to all.
Can we try out before registering?
Yes, we offer athletes two free ‘Come and Try‘ sessions. It is compulsory for families to first complete an online Come and Try registration. Your child/children will be able to join in all the events with the children in their age group.
Maximum of two Come and Try sessions per season per child.
Kids can wear comfy active clothes and sneakers
Please bring a water bottle and hat.
Look for a committee member with a blue Coastals shirt to guide you in the right direction
How do I register my child?
All registrations are via the Online Registration System for all South Australian Little Athletic Clubs. Please see our Register page for full details.
Where are the meets held?
We are located 61 Bowker St North Brighton.
When are the meets held?
Coastal Districts LAC home meetings are held Friday nights, arrive at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start for approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on the age group and program. The season typically runs from October through to mid March.
Each age group is responsible for the setup of their first field event.
Refer to our Season Calendar for a schedule of meets.
What happens on Friday meets?
Families are asked to arrive for Friday meets from 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start.
Each age group is responsible for the setup of an event and this is displayed on our Age Group folders and on the club noticeboard
A warm-up session is followed by the program of events. Events vary depending on the age group (see SALAA Standard Events and Specifications), but include runs from 50m to 1500m, hurdles, high, long and triple jumps, shot-put, discus and javelin events.
Children compete in age groups from U6 to U17.
For Tiny Tots (ages 3, 4 and some 5-year-olds) we run a program of fun skill-based games.
Our home meeting schedule runs on an Event Program. This gives athletes an opportunity to take part in a variety of events and the chance to record qualifying times or standards for eligibility to compete in the Little Athletics SA State Challenge and State Individual Championships.
At the meet, there are drinks and BBQ items for sale. Funds raised from the canteen and BBQ help to fund the running of the club.
During the winter season (April to July), Athletes get the opportunity to participate in Race Walking meets at Adelaide Harriers Club & Cross Country meets at various Little Athletic club grounds.
Please see the SALAA website for more details & the Winter season program
What is expected of parents?
It is expected a parent or guardian is in attendance at each meet.
Little Athletics is a totally voluntary sport, Coastal Districts LAC cannot operate without the assistance of parents and other adult volunteers each week in fulfilling the many and varied duties required. These include officiating at an event; managing an age group; recording results; working in the canteen and BBQ; to name a few. Additional assistance is always required by the Committee and all parents are encouraged to become involved. Little Athletics is one of the few sports where parents can become fully involved in their child’s sporting interests.
To ensure new parents or individuals feel confident to help at their Little Athletics club, Little Athletics SA has produced a ‘How to Help At Little Athletics’ parent handbook. The handbook aims to provide basic information about all the events that make up the weekly program at most clubs.
Please refer to the Parent Participation page for further details.
Does my child need to wear a uniform?
Yes, all athletes (U6 to U17) are required to be in full uniform for all meets at Coastal Districts Little Athletics Club and all Little Athletics SA events. This includes Registration Badge and Coles Age Badge. Badges will be in your registration packs ready for collection a week or so after you have registered online.
Where do I buy a uniform and how much are they?
Our uniform top is sold in the clubrooms next to the canteen for $45. Shorts are $35.00 and Hoodys are $65.00
What training and coaching is available?
Training is included in the registration and there is no added cost to come and train. Training is on Wednesdays from 6.30-7.30pm at Bowker Street Reserve, North Brighton.
What is your weather policy?
The club weather policy states that if the forecast temperature (at 5pm on the evening of the meet) is more than 36 degrees, the meet will be canceled. If the forecast temperature is 36 degrees or less, the meet will proceed although a reduced program may be offered if the committee feels the conditions warrant this.
Other extreme weather conditions (wind, rain, etc) may lead to the cancellation or reduction of a meet.
Forecasts are taken from the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology website
Cancellations will be posted on the club’s FaceBook page based on the forecast temperature. Notification will usually occur between 5:30pm and 6:00pm
What about Cross Country?
Cross Country meets take place on Sundays during winter (May to July) in varying locations around the State. Please see the Winter Season cross country program at Little Athletics SA.
