Coburg Little Athletics Club

When can I join Coburg Little Athletics?

The Little Athletic year begins in October and runs through to the following September. You can register at any time during the athletic year providing you have turned 5 and are under 16.

At the beginning of the season we have a special 'Registration day’ usually organised just prior to the start of the September school holidays. For season 2010 / 2011, this day is scheduled for Saturday 11th Sept from 10:00am till noon down at the track.  

If you miss Registration Day, you may attend an Orientation Day or Trial Day now organised for the 18th September for new athletes and families.  This is NOT a competition day for returning athletes.

Otherwise, please attend on the first day of competition instead and register your interest with the Centre Registrar. See calendar and progam below. More information about clubs is on a separate tab.  It is best to arrive about 30 minutes early to be organised.

For new athletes, "Proof of Age" must be provided before an athlete’s registration can be completed. Typically a Birth Certificate or Passport is best but anything 'Official' will be accepted. This is only required at the time of first registration and is not required at subsequent re-registration.

REGISTRATION FORM FOR 2010 / 2011 SEASON

What if my child turns 5 in May?  Can they still join this year? 

Your child cannot join until after their 5th Birthday.  If this occurs after the summer season has finished at the end of March, your child can join and participate in the Cross Country season.  The fee is $40 and is set by the association.  This is a good way to meet other families from Coburg and make new friends before the summer season of 2011 / 2012 begins. 

Where is Coburg Little Athletics located?

Coburg Little Athletics Centre is located at the Harold Stevens Athletics Track, Outlook Road, Coburg 3058.  Melways Map 18 A 10.  (Behind the Basketball Centre)

What age group will I compete in?

Age groups are determined by the year and month of birth as detailed in the following VLAA Registrar's Ready Reckoner - 2010/2011 season (which will commence in October 2010)

Age group by Month and Year of Birth

NOTE: Athletes who turn 5 during the season cannot compete in the U/6 age group until they have had their birthday.  At Coburg, we do not run competition for the U16 age group, however we encourage these athletes to join the Coburg Harriers.

How long is the season?

The Track and Field season begins at the beginning of October and runs through until March/April.  It is usual for a break to occur from Christmas until mid-late January.  We are conscious of the fact that families need to have holidays away from the busy schedule of athletics....however, be prepared for a busy February as Coburg are hosting Region Track & Field and we need as much help as we can possibly get.

Cross Country begins around April/May and runs through to the end of July or early August.  So there is something going all year round.

Competition is generally on a Saturday morning, HOWEVER, we do have a few Friday night and Sunday programs. 

Our first day of competition for a new season is always on a Sunday.  It is a bit more relaxed and enables new athletes to complete the registration process if required. 

We have some Friday night programs before long weekends or when championship events are on.  

Season 2010 / 2011 commences on Sunday 3rd October, registrations from 9:30am, competition from 10:00am.   CALENDAR        PROGRAM OF EVENTS .

How much does it cost?

Uniforms ???

Each of our clubs have their own uniform top as you can see from the many photos on this site. These can be purchased from the club that you decide to join and must be worn at every competition day held at the centre. This season there will be 15 weeks of competition with a break over Christmas.  (The final calendar is not yet available).

Moreland have orange tops, Newlands are yellow and black, St Olivers are green and gold, Pascoe Vale are light blue, Oak Park are royal blue, Coburg West are purple and gold, and Westbreen are red.  All clubs have black shorts or bum huggers.  Long black leggings are not permitted unless worn during the winter months during Cross Country.

The uniform top worn by athletes when representing Coburg as a centre is a Red and White one. They are worn for Region and State Relays, Region and State Multis and Region and State Track & Field competitions. These will be available for sale during the season, cost expected to be ~$35.  Tracksuit tops are also available for sale, as well as a selection of black shorts.

What is expected of Parents?

Parents are expected to assist with the operation of Little Aths by carrying out a duty.  The number of times that this is required varies from club to club. There are several types of duties available including canteen duty, raking the sand pit, spiking the mark where the Shot or Discus lands, recording the measurement of a jump or the time of a race amongst many other things.  These duties are not difficult and if everyone gives a little of their time, it is fair for all.

Most parents enjoy 'officiating" at an event as they get to watch athletes up close (including their own children). Other typical club type activities are assisting in the canteen, club administration, assisting with fund-raising etc. Additional assistance is always needed on the Centre and Club committees and all parents are free to help here.

If your child wants to enter into the Relay, Multi or Track & Field competitions, parents/guardians are expected to help at these events also.  Little Aths is totally run by parent volunteers.  In fact, there are many volunteers still involved and their children finished 30 years ago !!!        Coburg's Parent Participation Policy  The fee for these events are payable at the time of entering.

What if I want more information?

Please contact a member of the Club or Centre committees.  These people are parents of athletes who are currently competing or have finished at Little Athletics now, and some committee members are ex or current athletes themselves.

You will find Coburg Centre committee members available to assist you each week. They will be wearing Red and White Polo shirts with the Coburg logo and their name printed on the front.  We are more than happy to assist you.