The aim of Little Athletics is to create a relaxed atmosphere in which the family unit can enjoy fun and fitness together. It is much easier to achieve this atmosphere with the help and encouragement of the parents. It is for this reason that it is a requirement that a parent or guardian attend each meeting with their child/children.
It is only possible with the support of all parents for Hills LAC to provide this recreation for our children. For new parents this may initially be raking the pit or setting up equipment whilst learning new things from other parents each week.
Each week, 30 volunteers are needed to act as chaperones, officials, event helpers, timekeepers and starters, setup and packup, and cook and serve at the BBQ.
Please help. Little Athletes love to have Mum and Dad join in and you will enjoy it at the same time as learning about Little Athletics. Do not worry, advice and guidance will be given in these relatively simple but essential tasks.
Whichever role you undertake, we thank you for your help, as the children will not be able learn new skills or compete weekly at Little Athletics without you.
To ensure new parents or individuals feel confident to help at their Centre, Little Athletics SA have produced a Parent Handbook. The handbook aims to provide basic information about all the events that make up the weekly program at most Centres.
Parents
The main roles for parents is Cheer Squad (positive, realistic supporter) and Manager (organising the athlete to be present at the correct time and place with the appropriate clothing, drinks, etc.).
Chaperones
Each week a parent is required to act as chaperone for each age group. Parents may wish to roster this duty amongst themselves for the season. The responsibility of the chaperone is to:
• Act as supervisor for the age group and take the group of athletes (generally of the one age group) from one event to another
• Record results of events on recording sheets
• Provide each athlete with "Well done" and a ticket with their recorded results for each event
• Encourage athletes to participate and have fun!
Officials
These people are there to make sure that everyone has an equal chance to do their best by enforcing the rules of each particular event. These rules have been made to ensure the safety and fairness for each participating athlete. Officials are there to measure the distance, height and times for specific events.
Ideally, the official is a parent who has attended an Officials course conducted by LASA and will act as the official for each age group each week. Please refer to the LASA website for course dates.
Event Helpers
To assist with the smooth running of the program, the official for your child's age group will require help to run the field events:
• SHOTPUT, DISCUS & JAVELIN - 2 helpers are required. One to stake (mark the point where the throw first hits the ground) and one to retrieve.
• LONG JUMP & TRIPLE JUMP - 2 helpers are required. One to stake (mark the point where the athlete lands) and one to rake the sandpit.
• HIGH JUMP - 2 helpers are required to adjust the height of the bar.
Timekeepers & Starters
Timekeepers & starters coordinate the track events for the day. Hills LAC has 2 tracks, the main Outside track and an Inside track (used for hurdles and 50m - 70m track events).
Hills LAC uses Timing Solutions electronic gates and timing solution. Please refer the following page for more details on relevant links to assist in using this system..
Setup/Packup
It is a significant task to setup and pack up all equipment. To assist, tasks have been assigned to each Age Group. The Age Group manager is responsible for rostering their families to ensure these tasks are done.
Please refer to the Setup/Packup Roster for the listing of assigned duties.
Line Marking
Each season, the track layout needs to be measured and marked. Throughout the summer season, the Line marking needs to be maintained fortnightly (outside of school hours).
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