THE GAP Little Athletics F.A.Q' s
"Can my child compete in an age group other than the one calculated by QLAA?"
No. Age groupings are determined by QLAA to ensure the safety of children competing. Different age groups use different weight of throwing implements, compete in different running events and have different rules for events. All are aimed at increasing your child’s enjoyment whilst keeping him/her safe. If age groups are combined due to numbers on any night, children should still use their correct equipment and only compete in events suitable for their age.
"Do I have to buy the uniform?"
No. If your child does not intend to compete away from The Gap there is no need to buy the uniform. However, your child may feel more comfortable in the same clothes as his/her friends. Of course, if your child wants to compete in any competition outside The Gap, they must have full and correct uniform.
"Why do I need the correct shorts for inter-centre competition?”
If your child wears the incorrect shorts at an inter-centre competition they run the risk of disqualification as all competing athletes must display correct centre uniforms for identification purposes.
"Where are the other centres?"
At the back of the booklet provided to you at sign-on, you will find the addresses of our neighbouring centres. For all other centres go to http://www.qlaa.asn.au/Default.aspx?tabid=179
"How do relay days work?"
Inter-centre relay competitions encourage children to compete in small teams. Field events (shot put, discus, javelin, jumping) team two athletes together. Their best scores are added together to get their team score. In track events, four athletes run a traditional relay event and their best time is taken as the team result.
"How does my child qualify for State competitions? And at what age?"
QLAA hold a number of competitions throughout the year that your child may compete in. Age days such as the Senior Carnival, Junior Carnival simply require your child to nominate. There is also a pentathlon day for which your child can enter (U7 and up).
If your child is successful at inter-centre competitions (first to third) they may be eligible to compete at the State Championships. If your child’s team was successful at the relay day and is aged U8 or older, his/her team will be able to compete in the State Relay Day.
If your child is successful at the Inter-Centre Games (first to third) and is aged U9 or older, he/she will be able to compete at the State Individual Championships.
Fees may be involved for some or all of these competitions.