Frequently Asked Questions

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Updated: 13/09/2018

  • ELAC - F.A.Q.
    Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions. Essendon Little Athletics Centre Inc. No: 73
  • When can I join Little Athletics ?

    The Little Athletics year begins in October and runs through to the following September. You can register at any time during the athletic year. Age groups are determined by your age as at December 31st. 4 year olds can commence in Little Aths (U6 age group) from the start of the track & field season as long as they turn 5 years old on, or prior to, 31st December 2018.

    Registrations must be completed and paid online at www.lavic.com.au You are able to pick up your registration pack and purchase Team t’shirt’s on any competition day

  • What age group will I be in ?

    From the 1st January 2019, an athlete must have turned 5 before being able to register.

  • Where & when does the Little Aths program occur ?

    DUE TO TRACK RESURFACING WORKS BY THE MOONEE VALLEY COUNCIL, WEEKLY COMPETITION WILL BE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT VENUE/TIME BETWEEN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER (Final dates to be confirmed). Once the works are completed, competition will revert back to the Moonee Valley Athletics Track on a Saturday morning.

    The summer season (Track & Field) runs from October to March, with a short break over the Christmas/New Year holidays and is held at the Moonee Valley Athletics Track, Corio Street, Moonee Ponds. The program usually runs on Saturday mornings from 8.00am to 12:00pm though there may be a few Friday night twilight programs held which start at 6:00pm. Each competition day, the children participate in a selection of different events that rotate on a 3 week program.

    Cross Country starts in late April and runs through to the end of July and involves 1 long distance run for each age group.

  • How much does it cost ?

    For the 2018/19 season, Registration Fees are $145 each for the first 2 children in a family and $135 each for the 3rd & 4th child in a family and every additional child is free.

    Note: Registration fees are non-refundable.
    Weekly competition fees are $3 per athlete or $5 per family.

    In addition a Team t’shirt must be purchased.

  • Can children try Little Aths before joining ?

    Yes. Children are able to be a “visitor” for 1 week to see if they like Little Aths. They will be placed in their correct age group and able to participate in all events on that day for $2 which is donated to the RCH Good Friday Appeal.

    Please register online but do not submit payment.

    Essendon will also be holding a “Come & Try Day” on Saturday 22nd September between 9:00-11am Even though the day doesn’t follow the same format as a normal week, you will still get a taste of what Little Aths is like.

  • Can I drop off my child ?

    NO

    A parent/guardian or responsible adult must be in attendance at all times.

    The Centre & Teams cannot be responsible for athletes left unattended after a program has been completed or if competition has been cancelled during the morning due to inclement weather.

  • Which of the four Teams in the Essendon Centre do I join ?

    Local primary schools in the Essendon area are zoned to one of the 4 Teams. If you do not attend one of these
    schools you can join any of the Teams. They each have their own uniforms but all athletes train and compete
    together.

  • What events are held ?

    Events held are dependent on the age of the athletes but include:

    • Sprints (60m, 70m, 100m, 200m), Middle distance (400m, 800m), Long distance (1500m)
    • Hurdles (60m, 80m, 90, 100m, 200m, 300m)
    • Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump
    • Discus, Shot Put, Javelin
    • Relays
    • Multi event
    • On-Track – special athletic skills & modified event program held for U6 athletes before Christmas
  • What is expected of parents ?

    Parents are expected to assist with the operation of Little Aths by carrying out a duty and obtaining 24 duty points
    during the season. Anyone can help in some way either at an event, in the canteen or taking around refreshments or helping on the Team tables. Additionally, any parent wishing to get involved at a Team or Centre level are invited to speak to the current committees. Involvement is encouraged and welcome.

  • Does my child have to attend training ?

    Training occurs on Monday & Wednesday nights. Training is not compulsory for athletes but obviously it gives athletes a chance to develop their skills and to improve their fitness and techniques.

  • How are the athlete’s performances monitored ?

    All Little athlete's performances in all events are recorded during the program. Each week children receive tickets
    detailing their performances and results can be viewed online.

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

    The Essendon Centre promotes family, fun and fitness. Little Athletics is for the whole family to enjoy. Children can join with any level of skill or fitness. Children are given plenty of encouragement to achieve personal bests.

  • What is available to children with disabilities ?

    All children are encouraged to join. Children with a disability are integrated with other athletes however may compete under modified regulations pertaining to equipment and event technique.

  • Can I download a copy of these FAQ ?

    You most certainly can.

    Download our FAQ Brochure