Little Athletics runs through summer, from early October through to the end of March the following year. For the 2022/23 season the first competition day is Saturday 8th October.
Competition for the summer season is generally held on a Saturday morning and is split into two sessions:
U6 – U8: 8.30am – 10.00am
U9 – U17: 10.00am – 12.30pm
Location: Dolomore Reserve, Corner Queen and Second Street, Parkdale VIC 3195.
We usually have one or more Friday twilight sessions each season, which are held from 5.45pm – 9.00pm for all age groups.
We also hold Centre Training for all age-groups on Wednesday afternoons between 5 and 6pm during the season.
Refer to the calendar of events on our website for a list of the competition dates and times.
Registration can be completed online through the LAVic website. Registrations open late August. Click HERE for more Registration information.
Our U6 Athletes start out with On-Track Sessions, which are fun activities designed to teach the basic skills of Athletics. They then move into events such as 70 and 100m Sprints, 200m, Long Jump, Shot Put and Discus.
As the children grow they are progressively introduced to more technical events such as High Jump and Hurdles. Longer distance running events such as 400m, 800m and 1500m are also included, as well as Walks and Triple Jump.
Yes. Please click here to register for up to 2 trial sessions, but note that performances during free trial sessions won't be recorded, therefore if you're sure your child is keen please complete a full registration up front, instead of a trial.
Little Aths runs for age groups Under 6 to Under 17.
Age groups are calculated based on the child's age as at 11:59pm on 31st December (in the middle of the season).
Some examples are:
To calculate your child's age group click here.
Please click here to check our Registrations page for membership costs.
Cancellation of weekly competition programs can occur throughout the season due to wet weather or excessive heat conditions. If you think that the program maybe cancelled check the Mentone website before the session. The decision to cancel a program is not taken lightly and is made by Centre Executives with the safety of athletes and officials as their prime concern
All athletes must have a parent or guardian in attendance at all times. The Centre and Team Managers are not responsible for children left unattended.
Yes! Your Registration Chest Patch includes a barcode which identifies your child in the results system. Without a patch results cannot be recorded.
All parents are required to assist with duties throughout the season. Once the required number of duties is completed the duty bond will be refunded. Click here for details.
Each week around 60 helpers are required to assist with the running of events.
Duties do not require any specialist knowledge and our committee members are always available to provide guidance if you are unsure on what the duty entails.
DUTY |
TASKS |
Starter's Marshall |
Assemble athletes at start line for each track event, communicate with finish line |
Finish Line Marshall |
Issue lane discs, remove athletes safely from the track, assemble athletes at finish line area, escort in required order to recording tent and handover paperwork |
Finish Line -Tent |
Assist Records Coordinator as required, includes bar code scanning and distributions of result tickets to athletes. |
Canteen |
Serve food & refreshments in the Club Canteen |
B.B.Q |
Assist with cooking of BBQ |
We run Centre Training on Wednesdays from 5pm until 6-6:30pm during the season. All Mentone Athletes are invited to attend. In addition, Mentone Track & Field centre has a number of qualified coaches with Athletics Australia & Australian Track & Field Coaches Association. Please visit our Coaching Page for more information.
Yes there are a number of region and state events available to athletes to compete in. Many centres also hold open days. Refer to the LAVic website for a listing of other events and competitions.
Uniforms are not compulsory for our regular Saturday morning sessions at Mentone. However, the are compulsory when competing against other centres. The Mentone uniform consists of a fluoro yellow top with black markings and black shorts.
Please click here for our Uniform page for more detailed info.
The uniform shop is open most Saturdays between 9.30am – 10.30am.
We're always looking for new volunteers to help run the centre and offer discounts for the children of committee members, team managers and starters. If you think you can help please contact mentone@lavic.com.au. Please click here for more information on how to get involved.