Becoming A Coach
The Centre is continually searching for members who would like to learn the craft of becoming a Coach so that we always have Coaches coming through the system replacing those that are leaving the Centre. Assisting our young athletes in developing skills is an important part of their development. Any parents who may be interested in coaching should contact our Centre Secretary. The Centre will provide information for any member to be trained to become a Coach via a recognised ATFCA (Australian Track & Field Coaches Association) course. Members who commit to coaching for a minimum qualifying period will be reimbursed any out of pocket expenses for the course costs.
Throwing Equipment Weights
The table below indicates the recommended throwing implement mass for the Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin field events for each of the age groups and genders.
| Age Group / Gender | Discus | Shot Put | Javelin |
| Under 6 – B & G | 350gm | 1.0kg | – |
| Under 7 – B & G | 350gm | 1.0kg | – |
| Under 8 – B & G | 350gm | 1.5kg | – |
| Under 9 – B & G | 500gm | 2.0kg | – |
| Under 10 – B & G | 500gm | 2.0kg | – |
| Under 11 – B & G | 750gm | 2.0kg | 400gm |
| Under 12 – G | 750gm | 2.0kg | 400gm |
| Under 12 – B | 750gm | 3.0kg | 400gm |
| Under 13 – G | 750gm | 3.0kg | 400gm |
| Under 13 – B | 1kg | 3.0kg | 600gm |
| Under 14 – G | 1kg | 3.0kg | 400gm |
| Under 14 – B | 1kg | 3.0kg | 600gm |
| Under 15 – G | 1kg | 3.0kg | 500gm |
| Under 15 – B | 1kg | 4.0kg | 700gm |
| Under 16 – G | 1kg | 3.0kg | 500gm |
| Under 16 – B | 1kg | 4.0kg | 700gm |
Hurdle Spacing & Heights
The table below details the Hurdle spacing and height requirements per Age Group & Gender.
| Event | Age Group / Gender | Height | Run In | Spacing | Run Out |
| 60m Hurdles (6 Flights) |
Under 8 Boys & Girls | 45cm | 12m | 7m | 13m |
| Under 9 Boys & Girls | 45cm | 12m | 7m | 13m | |
| Under 10 Boys & Girls | 60cm | 12m | 7m | 13m | |
| Under 11 Boys & Girls | 60cm | 12m | 7m | 13m | |
| Under 12 Boys & Girls | 68cm | 12m | 7m | 13m | |
| 81m Hurdles* (9 Flights) |
Under 13 Boys & Girls | 76cm | 12m | 7m | 13m# |
| Under 14 Girls | 76cm | 12m | 7m | 13m# | |
| 90m Hurdles (9 Flights) |
Under 14 Boys | 76cm | 13m | 8m | 13m |
| Under 15 Girls | 76cm | 13m | 8m | 13m | |
| Under 16 Girls | 76cm | 13m | 8m | 13m | |
| 100m Hurdles (10 Flights) |
Under 15 Boys | 76cm | 13m | 8.5m | 10.5m |
| Under 16 Boys | 76cm | 13m | 8.5m | 10.5m | |
| 200m Hurdles (5 Flights) |
Under 13 Boys & Girls | 68cm | 20m | 35m | 40m |
| Under 14 Boys & Girls | 76cm | 20m | 35m | 40m | |
| 300m Hurdles (7 Flights) |
Under 15 Boys & Girls | 76cm | 50m | 35m | 40m |
| Under 16 Boys & Girls | 76cm | 50m | 35m | 40m |
*LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only – Regional & State Competition distance is 80m
#LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only – Regional & State Competition run-out distance is 12m
Coaching and training is fundamental to improving athlete’s skills and technique. Many Centres offer coaching and training on a weekly basis after school hours.
Little Athletics Victoria also provides training and development programs for various age groups across the State. One of these programs is JDS. The Junior Development Squad (JDS) offers training and coaching programs for athletes in the U12 – U15’s age groups, who have met qualifying standards.
Training with other keen and enthusiastic squad members is both fun and motivational, and helps develop new friendships based on an enjoyment of athletics. The emphasis on learning new athletic skills, and improving existing skills, is in a friendly and supportive environment.