TRACK AND FIELD COMPETITION

The Geelong Little Athletics Centre (GLAC) Track & Field season runs for about 15 weeks from October to March, including:

  • 12 weeks of weekly competition

  • Championship Day

  • Regional & State Relays and Track & Field events

There is a short 4-week Christmas break during the season.

When & Where

  • Day: Saturday mornings

  • Time: 8:15am start (arrive by 8:00am for warm-up)

  • Location: Landy Field, South Geelong

How Competition Works

  • Each week, athletes compete in a rotation of 5 events (usually 3 track + 2 field).

  • The program runs on a three-week cycle, so athletes get the chance to try a full range of track & field events across the season.

  • Event order can change each week – only the first events of the day are communicated.

Scoring & Awards

  • Every time a child competes, they earn points for themselves and the club, no matter where they place.

  • Personal Bests (PBs): Athletes’ results are tracked, with PB awards handed out during the season.

  • Club Records: Certificates are awarded at the end of the season when a record is equalled or broken.

  • Club Aggregate: All results count towards the overall club aggregate and season presentations.

Registration

  • Children must be registered with Little Athletics Victoria (LAVic) to compete.

  • Registrations and payments must be finalised by Monday 5:00pm in order to compete the following Saturday.

  • Register via: www.lavic.com.au

On Track Program (U6 & U7)

    • A program designed for young children (U6 & U7)

    • Focused on fun, games and skill development

    • Non-competitive, with an emphasis on confidence and participation

    • Introduces the building blocks of athletics events such as running, relays, hurdles, long jump, high jump, discus and shot put

    • Race walking and javelin are not taught in this age group

    • Children turning 5 years old between Oct 1 – Dec 31 can register as U6 at the start of the season

    • Children turning 5 years old after Jan 1 must wait until their birthday to register (they will remain in U6 the following season)

    • Meet at the club tent at 8:30am before walking over together to the infield

    • Sessions run for 1.5 – 1.75 hours

    • Athletes rotate through fun activities, skill development, and introductory event experiences

    • Children are called to sessions via the Landy Field PA system and supervised by the On Track Coordinator

    • Parents are asked to assist around once every 3 weeks (training provided)

  • The On Track program is designed so you can learn alongside your child. Parents, grandparents, and carers are encouraged to:

    • Join in activities

    • Encourage and support the children

    • Help with running sessions when rostered

    For safety, only athletes, coaches, and helpers are allowed on the infield. Spectators should remain in designated viewing areas.

    • On Track athletes must wear the club uniform with their registration patch

    • Please follow SunSmart guidelines – hat, sunscreen, and water bottle are essential

The On Track Program is Little Athletics Victoria’s fun, skills-based introduction to athletics for Under 6 and Under 7 athletes.

It runs for around 1.5 hours each Saturday morning, starting at 8:30am on the infield at Landy Field.

On Track Parent Checklist

Before the Season

  • Child is registered as U6/U7 through LAVic

  • Correct club uniform ordered (singlet/T-shirt/crop top + navy shorts)

  • Registration patch attached to uniform

On the Day

  • Arrive by 8:15am – program starts 8:30am

  • Meet at club tent before heading to the infield

  • Pack hat, sunscreen, water bottle (SunSmart required)

  • Bring a chair/picnic rug (limited seating available)

During the Program

  • Be ready to assist approximately once every 3 weeks (training provided)

  • Stay present – parents/carers must remain at Little Athletics while children participate

  • Encourage your child – focus on fun, learning, and confidence (not results!)

After the Program

  • Collect belongings and uniform patch

  • Check Facebook for any updates about next week’s program

Training (U8+)

Age Groupers Training (U8 and above)

Program Length: Term 4 (Sep – Dec)

  • Coach: Erica Fountain

  • Cost: $100 per family (only applies if you have children in Age Groupers)

  • Schedule:

    • Sep 16 – Skills Clinic

    • Sep 30 – Hurdle Starts / High Jump

    • Oct 7 – Throws & 400m

    • Oct 14 – Speed / Long & Triple Jump

    • Oct 21 – Hurdle Starts / High Jump

    • Oct 28 – Walks & Throws

    • Nov 4 – Speed / Long & Triple Jump

    • Nov 11 – Hurdle Starts / High Jump

    • Nov 18 – Relays

    • Nov 25 – Throws & 400m

    • Dec 2 – Speed / Long & Triple Jump

    • Dec 9 – No Training

    • Dec 16 – Combined Circuit

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On Trackers Training (U6 & U7)

  • Program Type: Simple 3-week rotation circuit

  • Facilitated By: Parents, with sessions set up by the committee

  • Support: Mentoring and training for parent helpers in the first 3 weeks

  • Focus: Basic movement skills, fun games, and early exposure to athletics activities

  • Cost: Included in registration (no extra fee)

  • Uniform: Club uniform is not required for training

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Key Notes for Parents

  • On Trackers: Parent-led sessions, committee provides setup and guidance

  • Age Groupers: Coach-led program with clear weekly skill focus

  • Training is designed to be fun, safe, and confidence-building

  • Athletes should bring: running shoes, hat, sunscreen, and water bottle

  • Parents/carers must remain present during sessions

CROSS COUNTRY

    • Athletes compete for the same Centre they belong to during the summer season

    • Unlike summer, nearby Centres combine and rotate through different local venues

    • Each athlete competes in one event only per meet

    • Program is shorter and simpler – only one event runs at a time

  • Cross Country events vary by age group, from 1km to 3km.

    • Younger athletes: shorter distances

    • Older athletes: longer distances

      Distances are the same across all Little Athletics centres in Victoria.

    • The Geelong Little Athletics Cross Country program is locally based, often held at Eastern Gardens

    • Weekly runs are shorter in duration compared to summer competition

    • Families can also choose to enter Region and State level events run by LAVic during the winter season

    • Keeps athletes fit and engaged through winter

    • Builds strength and endurance for the summer season

    • A fun, social way to connect with athletes across other local Centres

The Winter Cross Country program runs from April to August and is a great way for athletes to stay active and build endurance during the off-season.

2025 Cross Country Highlights

We are proud of all our Ocean Grove Barwon Heads athletes who represented the club throughout the 2025 Cross Country season.

A special congratulations to:

  • Winnie

  • Georgia

  • Charlie

  • Lachie

for an outstanding season of commitment, effort and results.

Your hard work and determination set a great example for all our athletes.