Little Athletics NSW - Championships Opportunities
Welcome to all athletes and families for the upcoming Little Athletics (LA’s) season. We all hope you enjoy the events and other associated activities within your respective Centres wherever you may be in NSW.
As you have already found, or will soon find in LA’s, there are a number of events available to each of the various age groups. These events will be offered at your Centre weekly, or otherwise, depending on your Centre’s particular program schedule.
In addition to those regular events and activities at Centre level, Little A’s also conducts a Championship Program of carnivals for the Under 7 through to the Under 17 age groups. This program of championships consists of the following individual carnivals: -
- Zone Championship - (U/7 to U/17 age groups). A Zone is generally a closely situated geographical group of Centres. These carnivals are held on a date as determined by the respective Zones, but are usually somewhere between November & February.
- Regional Championship – (U/8 to U/17 age groups). A Region is a collection of Zones within certain areas of the state. These carnivals are held on or before the last week in February.
- State Championship - (U/9 to U/17 age groups). This carnival is held on the 3rd or 4th weekend in March each year.
Athletes qualify through Zone to Region to State based on certain qualifying criteria including placings and performances and depending on age group (as shown above).
Taking part in the championship pathway is entirely optional and Centres have different approaches to the selection/nomination of athletes to represent at these carnivals. The important thing is that you are aware of them and if you are interested you should at least ask your Centre personnel so that you understand the process for inclusion. If you are only interested in being involved at Centre level that is perfectly fine.
Other carnivals that are conducted by the Association during the year include: -
- Trans Tasman (U/11 & U/12 ages only). Trials 1st week of November, Challenge Day January in Sydney or NZ on rotation.
- State Relays – U/8 to U/17 - held last weekend of November at Sydney Olympic Park
- State Multi-Event – U/7 to U/17 – held 1st week of March usually at a country venue.
- State Cross Country & Road Walks – held 1st weekend of July, alternating between Metro Sydney and Country NSW each year.
Information about all of these carnivals should be provided to you by your Centre but will also be available in Association newsletters and on the Little Athletics NSW website.
If you wish to know more please ensure that you ask your Centre personnel. If you do decide to take part in any of these carnivals we are sure you will enjoy the experience. Good luck!.
Regards
Dereck Fineberg
President
Little Athletics NSW