Parent Information
Taken from the Little Athletics Queensland website:
VOLUNTEER ROLE
Little Athletics is a 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 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 and Little Athletics journey.
At Little Athletics Queensland we understand that just like our athletes, our parents come from a diverse range of backgrounds and as such have different talents and experience. There is a place for everyone at Little Athletics and there are a number of ways that you can become involved. You may have skills that the Centre doesn’t even know they need. So if you think you can help with something, please let the committee know.
PARENTAL ROLE
Regardless of whether or not this is your first involvement as a Little Athletics parent, it is always worthwhile, at the start of each season, to consider what your role will be over the next six months or so.
Your child is in a sport that provides an opportunity for immediate and long term benefits. The benefits include: higher levels of fitness; better health; a pleasurable social and community environment and the satisfaction derived from skilled performances. Little Athletics can provide a launching pad for a life-long involvement in sport, whether it be elite, recreational or even social.
Just as important as any of the above benefits is that Little Athletics provides children with the chance to have fun - TO PLAY. Please do not ever lose sight of this!
Unfortunately, all of the potential benefits of involving a child in a sport can be quickly lost due to one very important factor - ADULTS. Do not underestimate the effect that you can have on your child’s long term participation in, and enjoyment of sport. By taking a compassionate, considered, and understanding approach, a parent can be their child’s most valuable asset.
VOLUNTEER ROLE
Little Athletics is a 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 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 and Little Athletics journey.
At Little Athletics Queensland we understand that just like our athletes, our parents come from a diverse range of backgrounds and as such have different talents and experience. There is a place for everyone at Little Athletics and there are a number of ways that you can become involved. You may have skills that the Centre doesn’t even know they need. So if you think you can help with something, please let the committee know.
PARENTAL ROLE
Regardless of whether or not this is your first involvement as a Little Athletics parent, it is always worthwhile, at the start of each season, to consider what your role will be over the next six months or so.
Your child is in a sport that provides an opportunity for immediate and long term benefits. The benefits include: higher levels of fitness; better health; a pleasurable social and community environment and the satisfaction derived from skilled performances. Little Athletics can provide a launching pad for a life-long involvement in sport, whether it be elite, recreational or even social.
Just as important as any of the above benefits is that Little Athletics provides children with the chance to have fun - TO PLAY. Please do not ever lose sight of this!
Unfortunately, all of the potential benefits of involving a child in a sport can be quickly lost due to one very important factor - ADULTS. Do not underestimate the effect that you can have on your child’s long term participation in, and enjoyment of sport. By taking a compassionate, considered, and understanding approach, a parent can be their child’s most valuable asset.
FAQs
- Can I drop my child off at training or competitions and come back later?
Little Athletics Queensland rules require a parent or guardian to be PRESENT AT ALL EVENTS, from training through to competitions.
At Aspley Little Athletics, we also require parents to remain at the grounds during training sessions. Being present gives you the opportunity to better understand how training works as well as the opportunity to get to know other friendly Aspley parents. Also, in the unlikely event that your child is injured, we will need to bring your child to you immediately. - There is also outdoor gym equipment at Bowden Park, if you feel like keeping fit, you can join the many parents who regularly walk/run around the field while their children are training.
- What kind of food does the canteen offer?
The canteen offers a range of hot food, hot and cold drinks, and snacks. - Is there a system to keep track of my child’s results?
Aspley Little Athletics uses ResultsHQ - an online application that allows athletes to view, track and compare all of their results on the Web from a single login. You will receive access to ResultsHQ when you become a Centre member. - Do I pay extra for training sessions?
Aspley Little Athletics Centre members do not pay extra to attend training sessions. You can train with us as much or as little as you like - it's all part of your registration entitlement when you join the Centre. We do actively encourage all athletes to participate, however participation is not forced. - I have seen some children wearing specially designed running shoes like spikes. Does my child need to wear these?
Athletes should wear footwear that provides the appropriate amount of support and grip for athletics. Older children (under 11 years and above) are able to wear spikes if they choose. Younger children may wear waffle style shoes if desired. For the Little Athletics Queensland Footwear Policy click here. If you have any questions feel free to ask one of our coaches.
- Is there some sort of awards system or Centre championship that the children compete for?
Yes, Aspley Little Athletics Centre members compete for our annual Centre championship which are held at the end of the season across 3-4 weeks. This is a point system for all events which is then tallied for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. At our Awards Presentation Day we also have a McDonald's Achievement award for each eligible child, depending upon the levels they achieved throughout the season. See link below for more information from LAQ: laq.org.au/competition/mcdonalds-achievement-levels/ - Does Aspley Little Athletics Centre compete against other Centres?
As part of the Little Athletics Queensland competition schedule, Aspley Little Athletics Centre members have the opportunity to compete against children from other Centres in various carnivals, regional relays, regional championships, state relays and state championship competitions. Attendance at competitions is encouraged, but not mandatory.