General Information
MOORABBIN LITTLE ATHLETICS CENTRE UNIFORM
Moorabbin Centre Uniform
Every child should wear the Centre T-Shirt or Singlet with the Moorabbin logo.
Shorts should be plain black running shorts or plain black “bicycle shorts”. Knee-length basketball or board shorts are unacceptable as they can increase the danger of an athlete falling when competing in athletics events, particularly, sprinting, hurdling and jumping. Pockets are not allowed on the shorts.
The T-Shirt top or singlet is to be worn with the chest patch provided once you register with the Centre. The Chest Patch is designed to be pinned to the T-Shirt.
PLEASE NOTE THE CENTRE UNIFORM MUST BE WORN EACH AND EVERY DAY THE CENTRE OPERATES. IT SHOULD HAVE THE CHEST PATCH ATTACHED TO IT AT ALL TIMES.
New chest patches will be provided if the original is lost or damaged.
Centre T Shirts and Singlets are available for purchase. Plain black shorts can be purchased at any department store.
The Centre’s SunSmart Policy encourages all children to wear a suitable SunSmart Hat and an “overshirt” (in the form of a T-Shirt, Polo Shirt or Long Sleeve Shirt) over the Uniform up until the time of competing in an event.
“ON TRACK” PROGRAM
The Victorian Little Athletics Association has introduced an exciting initiative in athletics, the On Track program. Little Athletics is committed to giving children the best opportunities to experience and to enjoy athletics.
By providing young athletes with a quality mix of skill development, plenty of practice and appropriate age level competition, children will enjoy even more their time in athletics and develop their skills across the athletic spectrum of track and field events.
What is On Track?
On Track - An Athletics Skills Program, is a progressive skills based program that aims to provide children with more:
activity
instruction
skill development
enjoyment
Currently this modified event program is aimed at the U6 Age group.
Coaches have attended training courses and have been provided with training manuals to run On Track at their Centres.
They participate in the games, activities, drills and competitions that will help them develop their athletic skills needed for doing all the Events.
On Track is also about providing the younger children with more action, variety of activities and added opportunity to learn athletics.
On Track To The Future
The Little Athletics On Track Program offers guidance and direction for parents, coaches and those responsible for Little Athletics at the grass roots level in providing a complete athletics program for its younger members.
WEIGHTS & TECHNICAL DETAILS
Hurdle Heights & Distances
60 metres - 6 flights of hurdles
|
Age |
Height |
|
U9 |
45cm |
|
U10 - 11 |
60cm |
|
U12 |
68cm |
|
U13 - 15 |
76cm |
80 metres - 9 flights of hurdles
|
Age |
Height |
|
U9 |
45cm |
|
U10 – 11 |
60cm |
|
U12 |
68cm |
|
U13 |
76cm |
|
U14 Girls |
76cm |
90 metres - 9 flights of hurdles
Under 14 Boys & 15 Girls - 76cm
100 metres - 10 flights of hurdles
Under 15 Boys - 76cm
250 metres - Under 11 & 12
6 flights of hurdles, 35 metres apart, 35 metres to the first hurdle 60cm high
300 metres - Under 13, 14 & 15
7 flights of hurdles, 35 metres apart, 50 metres to the first hurdle.
68cm high
Discus Weights
|
Boys |
Weight |
Girls |
Weight |
|
U6 – 8 |
350g |
U6 - 8 |
350g |
|
U9 - 10 |
500g |
U9 - 10 |
500g |
|
U11 – 12 |
750g |
U11 - 13 |
750g |
|
U13 – 15 |
1kg |
U14 - 15 |
1kg |
Shotput Weights
|
Boys |
Weight |
Girls |
Weight |
|||
|
U6 – 7 |
1kg |
U6 - 7 |
1kg |
|||
|
U8 |
1.5kg |
U8 |
1.5kg
|
|
|
|
|
U 9 -11 |
2kg |
U9-12 2kg |
|
|
|
|
|
U12 – 13 |
3kg |
U13 - 15 |
3kg |
|||
|
U14 – 15 |
4kg |
|
|
Javelin
|
Boys |
Weight |
Girls |
Weight |
|
U11 - 12 |
400g |
U11 - 14 |
400g |
|
U13-U15 U16 700g |
600g |
U15 - 16 |
500g
|
|
|
|
|
|
CENTRE AWARDS
MLAC Multi Event Age Group Champion
The winner in each age group shall be the boy and girl with the most aggregate points (using the VLAA Multi-Event Scoring Tables) after completion of all required events (four for Under 7 and 8, five for Under 9 to 15). The first three placegetters in each age group receive an award in their age group.
Laurie Veale Perpetual Award
A perpetual trophy awarded to the highest points total in four categories in the Multi Event Championships each summer season. A small trophy is awarded to the Best Senior Boy, Best Senior Girl, Best Junior Boy & Best Junior Girl. (Senior group starts at Under 9).
End of Season Awards
Age Group Champion
The Champion boy and girl in each age group shall be the athlete who has out-performed across 5 evenly-weighted event categories (sprints, middle distance, hurdles, jumps and throws) over the course of the season. Points for each event are calculated from the MLAC Excellence Awards Scoring Formulas. To be eligible for this award, an athlete is required to compete in a minimum of 75% of the “point-scoring” events offered. A trophy is presented to the champion athlete and the runner-up boy and girl in each age group.
Age Group Participation / Personal Best Awards
In all “point-scoring” events offered by the Centre, athletes receive 1, 2 or 3 points per event attempted:
1 point for attempting the event but not achieving a PB; or
2 points for attempting the event and achieving an equal PB; or
3 points for attempting the event and achieving a new PB
The award winner shall be the boy OR girl in each age group with the highest cumulative points total over the whole season. An athlete who has received an Age Group Champion or Runner-Up award shall be ineligible for an Age Group Participation/PB award.
Gold and Silver Participation / Personal Best Awards
A gold award is presented to both the Senior and Junior athlete with the highest cumulative Participation/PB points total over the season across the whole Centre. A silver award is presented to the runner-up in both the Junior and Senior category. All athletes are eligible for these awards but if the Gold or Silver award winner is also the relevant Age Group Participation/PB Award winner, this award shall substitute for the winning athletes’ relevant Age Group Participation/PB Award.
Tim Berriman Encouragement Award
Presented to one boy and girl in each age group who has not received an Age Group Champion or Runner-Up award or an Age-Group Participation / PB Award or a Gold / Silver Participation / PB Award
Pre-requisite: minimum 50% of available attendances including 4 post-Christmas meets.
John Lamb Trophy
A perpetual trophy donated by John Lamb for a MLAC Little Athlete who has been at Moorabbin for a minimum of 3 years (thus eligible age groups are Under 9 – 15). This Award is presented to the athlete who best exemplifies the ethos of Little Athletics.
Centre Participation Awards
All children not receiving one of the above end-of-season awards will be individually recognised for successfully completing the summer season.
Pre-requisite: Participation in minimum of four competition days after Christmas.
New Records
All record breakers receive a recognition certificate from the Centre during the season. At the end of the season all new record holders will receive a small trophy acknowledging their achievement.
NB: New field records must be re-measured by a member of the Centre Executive before they can be recognised.
GENERAL INFORMATION
MOORABBIN LITTLE ATHLETICS CENTRE
Moorabbin Little Athletics Centre provides weekly competition, yearly championships and a central contact for dealing with outside bodies eg Victorian Little Athletics Association, Kingston Council. Each Centre is allocated a number by the Victorian Little Athletics Association. Our Centre Number is 68. Moorabbin is one of over 110 Centres in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
VICTORIAN LITTLE ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION
Victorian Little Athletics Association Inc, the organisation providing State Championships, sponsors, information on child development in sport, coaching camps, insurance etc.
REGIONS
There are 8 Regions associated with VLAA; Moorabbin Little Athletics Centre is a member of Southern Metro Region (SMR). The Region provides a formal meeting between other Centres to allow an interchange of ideas, arrange championship elimination heats etc.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Moorabbin Little Athletics Centre conducts its own championships each year. SMR conducts elimination heats (Regional) on behalf of Victorian Little Athletics Association, in both Track & Field Relays and Cross-Country. Victorian Little Athletics Association conducts State Track & Field Championships, Multi Event Championships, State Relay Championships and State Cross?Country. Under 9 and above are eligible to compete in these events.
OPEN DAYS
A number of Centres from all over Victoria hold Open Days which give children from most age groups opportunities for a friendly meeting and competition. They occur most weekends during the year from November to March.
RELAYS
During the first half of the summer season Centres form teams of boys and girls from Under 9 ? 15 compete against other teams. Children must be available for Regional as well as State Finals to be considered for selection.
OFFICIALS/HELPERS
PARENTS - you and me - child supervisor, encourager, walking clothes hoists, tape measure handler, discus retriever, starter, place judge, ticket writer and many more. Little Athletics cannot run without your support and assistance. All children perform so much better with parental support present.
Anyone can help in some way, eg, by holding a tape, or raking the sand in a sandpit, or putting the high jump bar back in place, or filling out place tickets. All parents are expected to take turns in helping to run our weekly activities. Parent Leaders are responsible for organising and running a roster of regular duties.
MULTI EVENT
A group of track & field events which are combined and points are awarded for each performance.
POINTS AND TABLES
A set of tables formulas from which each child's results earn points, are used for calculating Multi Event results, and a number of awards and trophies at the end of the year. Moorabbin currently uses a 100 point system.
ROLE OF THE CENTRE
Each week the Centre provides all its members a weekly competition.
This weekly carnival is organised by a group of parents who have been elected as the Centre Executive. The Centre designs the program and timetable for each week. It organises and co?ordinates the activities with the many parent helpers (Volunteers like you and me).
Co-ordination of Centre affairs is essential if the competition is to be efficiently and successfully operated. A considerable amount of parental involvement is required. The Centre needs many helpers each week to organise children to events and at events, to assist in such tasks as timekeeping, place judges, starters, recorders, measurers, fetchers and athlete general supervision.
There are over 100,000 parents around Australia involved in Little Athletics each weekend.
The Centre supplies delegates to Regional and Association meetings, which includes the Annual State Conference.
CANTEEN
The Canteen, which is situated near the pavilion, is open every competition evening offering a range of drinks and snacks. Please support the canteen and BBQ.
SAFETY FIRST AT MOORABBIN
- Children are not allowed to use field event venues or handle equipment unless supervised by an adult.
- Children are not allowed to retrieve throwing implements from the sectors. These must be retrieved and bought back - NEVER THROWN - by an adult
- Never walk across the Shotput area, Discus area or through the jumps run-ups when competition is under way. ALWAYS WALK AROUND.
- Equipment sheds are out of bounds to children
- Children are expected to remain within the ground during competition. They can only use the playground outside under the supervision of their parents.
- Children should wear sun hats and sunscreen/cream and drink plenty of water during outdoor activities. SUNSCREEN IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE FROM THE PUMP IN THE CLUBROOMS.
- Children and adults must not ride or travel on the equipment trailers.
- Only cross the track at the designated crossing points i.e. behind the 100m start and behind the finishing gates. Never cross the track once a race has commenced.
- Do not stand too close to the starter when a race is being started.
- Do not leave children unattended in the Centre. If you cannot be present on the day, arrange for another parent to look after your child.
- Please ensure the Centre Coach and Registrar are aware of any special health issues and ensure you complete the information on the back of the Chest Patch.
A WORD TO PARENTS
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports
- Remember children are involved in organised sport for THEIR enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your child to always compete by the rules.
- Children should not be ridiculed or abused for making mistakes or losing a competition. An honest effort is just as important as victory. Help your child improve his/her results by concentrating on skill improvement.
- Remember children learn best by example. Applaud good efforts by ALL children.
- Do not publicly question officials’ judgement and never their honesty, they are volunteer helpers and parents just like you. Without them and without your help there would be no competition for the children.
- Recognise the value and importance of coaches. They have been engaged by the Centre to provide structured recreational activities for your child.
- Always encourage good sportsmanship.
MOORABBIN COMPETITION RULES
- Children aged 5, and under the age of 15 on the first day of October are eligible to compete.
- No child may compete unless registered and wearing correct Centre uniform (registration label and T-shirt). Suitable footwear must be worn at all times.
- If a program is not completed on the scheduled day, points are awarded only for events completed. Rescheduling events not completed will be at the discretion of the Centre Executive.
- Spikes maybe worn by U12 to U15 athletes for laned track events (400m or less), jumps and javelin only. The spikes must only be worn within the competition arena. The maximum length of spikes must not exceed 7mm.
- No event may commence or continue unless officials are present.
- Coaching is not permitted during Centre Championships or selected special Centre events.
- Runners can have different places in a race but can have the same time. Times are taken are by 100ths of a second at Centre competition. The finish line is crossed when the athlete’s torso (neck to hips) crosses the finish line. Arms, legs and head do not count.
- Runners must stay in their lanes (between the white lines) during laned events. Any jostling or obstructing another athlete shall be liable to disqualification. Pacing by non-competitors is not permitted in running events.
- The Starter has entire control of the athletes on their marks, and is the sole judge of any fact connected with the start of a race. The words the Starter uses to start races up to and including 400 metres are, "On your marks", "Set" and when all athletes are steady, the starting gun is fired. "Set" is not used for individual races longer than 400 metres.
- Athletes may attempt the high jump up to any 5 heights chosen at their discretion. Only 3 attempts at jumping the bar at a given height are allowed. 2 baulks will be recorded as an unsuccessful attempt.
- A one (1) metre X 0.5 metre take off mat will be used in long and triple jump events for all children in the under 6 to under 12 groups and the twenty centimetre (0.2 metre) x 1.22 metre mat or equivalent marked area will be used for the under 13 to under 15 age groups. Measurement of each jump will be taken from the imprint of any part of the athlete's body which is nearest to the take-off point. If the athlete takes off before reaching the mat, the take-off point is taken as the edge of the mat furthest from the pit, except in the under 13 to under 15 age groups where the measurement will be made from the front of the take off area (nearest the pit).
- Shotput or Discus throws are not completed until the competitor leaves the ring, then the throw is measured. The competitors must leave the ring from the rear half of the throwing circle. To be a valid throw, the shot must commence close to the chin, and the hand must not drop below this position, or behind the line of the shoulders. The shot put and discus must always be carried back to the ring, never thrown.
- Moorabbin records are only recognised at our own Centre (excluding Open Days) or at Regional, State, or Australian Teams Championships. No record will apply unless a member of the Executive checks the measurement.
- Athletes competing in special Moorabbin competition days, events at other Centres, or Regional and State Championships must abide by the rules of those competitions.
- Blocks can be used for the Under 12 and above age groups for and including all events up to 400 metres.
- Training events are Under 8 60m hurdles and all events classed as skills. Participation points only are given for these events.
EVENT INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR HELPERS
STARTER
The starter is responsible for starting track events and ensuring that they are started fairly.
The starter generally requires a starting device usually a starter's pistol and a whistle. The starter will stand in a position where it is possible to have a clear view of all competitors.
Starting Procedure:
- Athletes are warned by the starter's whistle the event is about to begin and to stand 2 metres behind the starting line.
- The athletes are called to their marks with the starter using the command "On Your Marks". The starter ensures that no part of the body (fingers, feet, hands) is on or over the starting line.
- When competitors are settled, the starter gives the command "Set" for all events up to and including 400 metres (this command is not used in events longer than 400m). All starters should then assume the set position.
- Once all competitors are motionless, the starter fires the gun to begin the race.
It is compulsory for athletes from U12-15 to do a crouch start. Using the blocks will be optional.
NOTE: If a competitor is unsteady while in the set position, the starter may instruct athletes to stand up. If an athlete starts before the gun is fired, a false start is recorded and a second gun is fired to recall the competitors.
TIMEKEEPER
To measure the elapsed time between the start of a race and the finish.
Definitions
Start: At first sign of smoke from Starter's gun, or sound if smoke not visible. Also the flash of a gun can be used.
Finish: When any part of the runner's torso crosses the plane of the finish line.
Torso: That part of the body not including the head, neck, arms and legs.
Preparation
Get a watch and have a few practices starting, stopping and resetting it.
Clarify which race and what place you will be timing - and be alert.
Points to Watch
Hold the watch between the thumb and forefinger with forefinger on the button. The watch must always be held still. You should eliminate all waste motion.
With about 30 metres of the race still to run note the athlete you are timing and prepare to stop the watch. Do not anticipate the finish.
Always look at your watch prior to starting. Remember to reset watch to zero should a false start occur. Never reset your watch prior to agreement being reached with other helpers at the finish line.
Finishing Gates
At Moorabbin electronic timing is used with the starting pistol linked to the timing device.
Hand timing is also used for the purposes of checking the accuracy of electronic equipment.
The finishing gates record the completion time of each lane. Please note athletes can have the same time and a different finishing order.
LONG JUMP
Equipment
Take-off mat or sand: U6-12: 1.22m x 0.5m
Take-off board or mat: U13 -15: 1.22m x 0.2m
Measuring Tape (20 metres)
Rake, Broom, Shovel, Bucket, Watering Can, Hand Brush, Spike.
Recording Sheets.
Chalk or Indicator Markers, Tape for run-up.
Preparation for Event
Ensure sandpit is level with run-up. Sand may need to be dampened if it is dry.
Indicator Markers shall be distributed to all competitors to mark run-ups.
The front edge of the take-off mat should not be less than 500mm from the front edge of the pit.
Basic Rules
Each athlete is allowed a maximum of 3 trials. For regional and state championships the number of trials is 4, except for Multi Event which is 3.
To be a valid jump the athlete:
- must take-off from one foot;
- must place take-off foot on or behind the board/mat. If any part of foot is over front edge of board/mat then it is a foul.
No markers may be placed on runway but may be placed alongside runway. No markers in landing area or sand pit.
If in running up to take-off an athlete passes the edge of the mat furthest from landing pit, it shall be called a trial even if the jump is not complete.
The run-up may not exceed 40 metres. If after completing the jump an athlete walks back through the landing area it is a 'no jump'.
In the course of landing an athlete must not touch the ground outside the landing area nearer to the take off point than the nearest break (imprint) in the landing area.
Measuring the Jump
Official selects break (imprint) made in sand by foot, hand, etc., which is closest to imprint made in take off mat by take-off foot. This point in the pit is marked by spike, the zero end of tape is held at the spike.
The tape is straightened so it lays over and in contact with imprint made by take-off foot in the take-off mat. The tape is drawn tight and the distance is measured to the nearest centimetre below distance jumped. For U13-15 athletes using a take-off board/mat the measurement must be taken perpendicular to the take-off line or its extension (i.e. straight back from the imprint in the sand).
The competitor who has the longest measured distance from all jumps recorded is the winner. In the event of a tie then a decision is made on the next best jump recorded.
If the athlete takes off before the take-off mat or board, then the jump shall be measured from the break in the sand to the back edge of the take-off mat or the front edge of the take-off board.
Officials Required
Two officials at take-off area. Tasks include watching for foul jumps, recording measurements (see above for measuring the jump).
Two officials at side of pit. Tasks include finding break (imprint) made in sand (see above for measuring the jump) and raking & levelling sand in pit.
One official for recording.
TRIPLE JUMP
Equipment
Take-off mat or sand: U8-12: 1.22m x 0.5m
Take-off board or mat U13-15:1.22m x 0.2m
Measuring Tape (20 metres)
Rake, Broom, Shovel, Watering Can, Bucket, Hand Brush, Spike.
Recording Sheets.
Chalk or Indicator Markers, Tape for run-up.
Preparation for Event
Ensure sandpit is level with run-up. Sand may need to be dampened if it is dry.
Indicator markers shall be distributed to all competitors to mark run-ups. Take-off mats should be set at correct distance from sandpit.
Mat Placement
For State finals the take off area will be set-up as follows:
- U9-10 B&G = 6 metres
- U11 B&G, U12 G = 7 metres
- U12 B?U13 B&G = 8 metres
- U14-15 B&G = 9 metres
An athlete may change the position of their take-off once only, after the competition has commenced.
Basic Rules
Each athlete is allowed a maximum of 3 trials. For regional and state championships the number of trials is 4.
Definition of Triple Jump, consisting of three distinct sections.
- A Hop: Athlete takes oft and lands on the same foot as that from which they have taken oft.
- A Step: Athlete lands on the other foot (to that used on the hop).
- A Jump: Athlete jumps from one foot and lands on one or both feet in the sandpit.
A foul jump is recorded if:
- Any part of the athlete’s take-off foot protrudes over the front line, or side edge of the take-off mat or board.
- After completing a jump the athlete walks back through the pit.
- In the course of landing the athlete touches the ground outside the landing area nearer to the take-off point than the nearest break in the landing area made by the jump.
NB The trailing leg may make contact with the runway during the jump.
No markers may be placed on runway but can be used on the side. No markers may be placed closer to the pit than the take-off mat or in the sandpit.
If in running up to take-off an athlete passes the furthest edge of the mat, it will be called a trial and no jump even if the jump is not completed.
The run up may not exceed 40 metres. In the event an athlete should land in the pit on their step they should be allowed another trial after the position of the take-off mat is altered.
To be a valid jump the athlete must land in the pit.
Measuring the Jump
Official selects break (imprint) made in sand by foot, hand, etc., upon landing which is closest to imprint made in take-off mat by take-off foot. This point in the pit is marked by spike, the zero end of tape is held at the spike.
The tape is straightened so it lays over and in contact with imprint made by take-off foot in the take-off mat. The tape is drawn tight and the distance is measured to the nearest whole centimetre below distance jumped. For U13-15 athletes using a take-off board or mat, the measurement must be taken from the front edge of take-off board or mat perpendicular to the take-off line or its extension (i.e. straight back from the imprint in the sand).
If the athlete takes off before the take-off mat or board, then the jump shall be measured from the break in the sand to the back edge of the take-off mat or the front edge of the take-off board.
The competitor who has the longest measured distance from all jumps recorded is the wi