General Information

Little Athletics is a uniquely Australian sport for children 5-16 years. As the name suggests, it is based upon the sport of athletics (track & field) and the events are specially modified to suit the ages and abilities of children. A wide range of running, jumping, and throwing events are conducted.

Little Athletics is the Foundation for all Sports. It offers young people activities and skills that will stand them in good stead for their sporting future.

The track & field based competition is conducted throughout both our summer sports season. Events are conducted on a weekly basis an can include:

Track Events

Sprints – 70m, 100m, 200m

Distance – 400m, 800m, 1500m

Hurdles – 50mH, 60mH, 80mH, 90mH, 100mH, 110mH

Field Events

Jumps – Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump 

Throws – Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Vortex, Turbo Jav

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Little Athletics movement is summed up in the slogan:

“FAMILY…FUN…and…FITNESS”

 Family – One of the basic reasons for the continued development and enthusiasm generated by Little Athletics, has been the attempt to meet the needs of children as part of the family unit.

Little Athletics is more than a sport. It is a community-oriented organisation which enables the entire family to do something together.

Parents are involved in the program as voluntary helpers or officials. They share in many experiences with the children.

 Fun – The weekly competition provides fun through participation in an enjoyable sport, with friends in the same age group.

 Fitness – The community has become increasingly aware of the value of physical fitness. A fit body can mean an alert mind and a decrease in the incidence of many physical ailments.

Combined with FAMILY involvement…FITNESS can be…FUN in the happy environment of a Little Athletics Centre.

MISSION STATEMENT

Little Athletics aims to develop children of all abilities by promoting positive attitudes and a healthy lifestyle through family and community involvement in athletics activities.

EQUITY STATEMENT

LAQ aims to guarantee all children and adults access to a complete range of participation, training and competition opportunities and to ensure equity in all aspects of Athletics, including the provision of rewards and incentives, coaching, officiating and administration. LAQ recognises seven equity areas, which include: gender, disabilities, older adults, Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, non-English speaker, employment status and isolated communities.

CLUB UNIFORM

Spikes are only permitted for athletes in U11-U17 age groups. Athletes may put spikes on when they are marshalled for an event then remove them before leaving the track or field on completion of the event.

Shoes must be worn by all athletes while competing in any QLAA sanctioned track and field competition. Any person seeking exemption from wearing shoes must support their application with a relevant medical certificate on the day of competition, before competing.

Information on wearing spikes can be found here.

What you can do to help

Little Athletics would not exist without volunteers. Our Centre is no different. Nobody is paid at WMLA. Everyone who contributes to the successful running of the Centre does so for the love of the sport and their children. This includes the Committee members and the myriad of people who assist in other ways. Everyone should share this philosophy. Just because you are new to Little Athletics does not mean you cannot help.

How can you help? 

You can:

1. set up before competition
2. pack up after competition
3. help in the canteen
4. act as a judge (measure distances) or recorder (write distances on tickets) at field events
5. be an age marshal to supervise kids, move them between events and record their performances
6. help at field events by raking the long jump pit, retrieving a shot put, discus and javelin, moving the high jump bar

Please don’t just stand back. If you can lend a hand please do so, as we all have a role to play. If you would like to know what to do, ask someone on competition days. We’d really appreciate it.

What are the benefits?

1. Personal satisfaction
2. A smoother competition
3. An earlier finish
4. A fine example for others
5. Happy children

For parents who wish to become accredited officials, we can also make suitable arrangements. Ask a Committee member.

All WMLA parents/adults can apply for their ‘Blue Card’. The application is free to volunteers and is just another way that the Centre ensures the safety of our children.

Committee Meetings

The Committee of the Wynnum Manly Little Athletics Centre meets each month. Meetings are usually held in the third week of each month. The committee welcomes your constructive feedback. Should you have an item you would like addressed at a meeting, please advise our Centre Manager or Secretary.

Fundraising

Our Centre derives funds from the following for the updating and upkeep of equipment:

1. Registration (less Association fees)
2. Uniform Sales (less the initial cost of the uniforms and patches)
3. Canteen Sales
4. Sponsorship from local companies.

Tiny Tots

The Tiny Tots program is a play based program for children from 3 to 4 years of age. It encompasses skills based games that are focused on participation and fun.

The emphasis is not on competition but on the development of young children through the fundamental movement skills that underpin the growth of specialised sporting skills in athletics and other sports through running, jumping and throwing which are approached through activities for 3 to 4 year olds.
Games include activities such as running and jumping, mini hurdles, hoops, throwing and catching bean bags or playing with the big parachute. The children also get to participate in ‘Athletics’ events such as long jump or a 50m run on the track.
All Tiny Tot athletes MUST have a parent or guardian present to support and assist their child.
Footwear must be worn.

The cost per Tiny Tot is $100 for the season and includes a red shirt and bucket hat.
Tiny Tots is run from 1.00pm to 1.45pm each Saturday that we compete at MBC and starts from week 2.