We would like to advise all members of the changes that will occur to Little Athletics Age Groups at the commencement of the 2018-2019 season later this year.

Commencing from the beginning of the 2018-19 season, the anniversary date for determining age groups will move from 30^th September to the 31^st December. As a result of the change, Little Athletics age groups will align with the year of birth of athletes. This is the same structure used in school athletics and senior (Athletics ACT/ Athletics Australia) competitions.

The decision to change has been made by Little Athletics Australia (the sport’s governing body) and will occur across Australia. Whilst age groups are changing, the fundamental philosophy of Little Athletics remains the same and the sport will continue to focus on personal bests, family, fun and fitness.

Who is affected by this change?

The change will only affect athletes with a birthday falling between 1^st  October and 31^st December. These athletes will advance by two age groups at the commencement of the 2018-2019 season in October 2018. (For athletes born between 1^st October and 31^st December 2001 competing in the U16 age group in the current 2017-18 season, this will be the final year that they will be able to compete in Little Athletics in ACT.)

The table below outlines specific dates:

Why has this change been implemented?

Across the sport of athletics in Australia, the Little Athletics age grouping has been unique in that it is based upon a season rather than the calendar year. School Sport Australia and Athletics Australia determine age groups by year of birth. Consequently, the determination of age groups within Little Athletics has long been a subject of confusion for some.

The alignment of age grouping for athletics in Australia is a positive step for the foundation of pathways across the sport as a whole. The change will align age groups so that athletes will compete with the same age that they compete with at school competitions and Athletics ACT/ Athletics Australia .

What about athletes progressing from the U12 age group to the U14 age group or from the U14 age group to the U16 age group who intended to try out for the ALAC team and the National U15 Camp during the 2018-19 season?

Little Athletics Australia has determined that these athletes will still be eligible for selection in their state’s U13 and U15 teams for ALAC 2019. State Team numbers will be increased by 25% in 2019 only (from 26 athletes to 32 athletes for the U13 team and from 3 girls and 3 boys to 4 girls and 4 boys for the U15 team) so that no athlete is disadvantaged.

Athletes who progress from the U14 to U16 age group in the 2018-19 season will still be eligible for selection to attend the 2019 National U15 Camp. The number of camp attendees will be increased by 25% in 2019 only so that no athlete is disadvantaged.

Will athletes currently competing in the U16 age group for whom the 2017-18 season will be their final season, be able to participate in the U17 Farewell Walk at the ACTLAA State Championships?

It is a tradition that all U17 athletes participate in the Farewell Walk at the ACT State Championships. For athletes who are currently in the U16 age group and born between 1 October and 31^st December 2001, the 2017-18 season will now be their final season. Affected athletes will be given the opportunity to participate in the Farewell Walk at the 2017-18 State Championships held in March 2018 and will also be invited back to participate in the Farewell Walk at the 2018-19 State Championships. This will allow them to walk with other athletes that they have participated with throughout their time with Little Athletics.

Where can further information about the age group changes to be implemented in the 2018-19 season be accessed?

Please refer to the LAACT Age Group Changes FAQ and Facts document available by clicking here. If you have any further questions, please contact Renée Cassell or Sue Knight on 02 6247 1296.