What age group will my child be in?
Age groups are determined by the year of birth. An age group calculator can be found under Participate, Age Group Calculator.

At what time of year does Little Athletics take place?

Little Athletics is primarily a summer activity, operating from October through to March. A Cross Country season also held from May to September.

Where will my child be participating?

Your child will participate at your local Little Athletics Centre. In ACT and surrounding areas there are 16 Little Athletic Centres. Each of these Centres conducts weekly activities at local ovals. These Centres may compete at different times of the day/week. We recommend that you contact the Centre to discuss specific details. Please click here for centre details.

How long does the Centre competition normally run for?

Centre competition programs generally run for between 2 – 3 hours, with the younger age groups normally finishing earlier.

Who can participate in Little Athletics?

Children between the ages of five (5) and sixteen (16) years can register. Parents, grandparents and friends can also be involved by helping with the various events.

How much does it cost?

Registration fees can vary from one Centre to the next, depending upon the running costs of the Centre. We recommend that you contact the Centre to discuss specific details.

What level of ability do children have to be to join?

Our emphasis is on fun and fitness. Children can join with any level of skill or fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests.

What shoes should I buy my child?

Footwear must be worn in all events, by all competing members. The Association does not however specify types of shoes, we do recommend Sportsmans Warehouse for footwear advice.

Can my child try Little Athletics before joining?

Yes, most Centres allow new families a 2 week trial period.

What will my child do at the Centre?

Each competition day/night athletes participate in a warm-up, selection of different events that rotate on a 3-4 cycle. Some events have age restrictions on them.

What is expected of parents?

Because Little Athletics is a totally voluntary organisation, Centres cannot operate without the assistance of parents 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, to name just a few. Most Centres have parent assistance rosters. Additional assistance is always required on the Centre committeees and all parents are encouraged to become involved.

Do children have to wear uniforms?

Yes, all registered athletes must wear an approved Centre uniform when competing in Little Athletics competitions. A Centre representative will be able to tell you how much their uniforms cost.