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Support and Advice to Children
The object of Little Athletics is for the enjoyment and competition of the children. Parental encouragement is recommended but in a friendly and helpful way. Chastising or criticising performance cannot be tolerated, as it is not in the best interest of children. The Centre endorses the following rules for parents taken from the publications of the Aussie Sports organisation:- If the child is interested, encourage them. However, if they are not interested, do not force them;
- Focus on the effort and performance rather than on the outcome of the event;
- Never ridicule or yell at them for making a mistake;
- Remember that they are involved in athletics for their enjoyment, not yours;
- Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good effort by all athletes.
Parental/Carer Support
For the Centre to continue operating, parental participation is essential. Some of the ways in which you can assist are:- Help marshal the athletes and escort them between events
- Assist with retrieving, raking, measuring and recording at field events
- Be one of the starters or timekeepers
- Assist with the multi-timing on the outside (circular) track
- Help supervise athletes at weeknight coaching sessions
- Become an Age Manager
- Officiate at ACTLAA events
- Assist with set up and pack up of equipment on competition & coaching days
- Help with the canteen and assist with the BBQ
The Age Group managers and assistants are fundamental to the success and efficient running of the Saturday morning competition. The Age Group managers act as administrators mentors and where qualified, coaches to the same group of athletes each week. Each age group has a roster of activities that is to be filled by parents/ carers in conducting events. Age Group parents/ carers are also rostered on in accordance with the Season Calendar to assist with equipment set up and return and in the canteen.
Don't worry if you do not know how to assist, as there will be people to show you what to do and provide advice. One of the main aims of Little Athletics is for families to enjoy a morning together and your children will love you being there.
Similarly, in relation to ACTLAA events, parents of children representing the Centre are required to assist, to ensure safe and timely progress of events. Without this support, the carnival may not run, and the Centre, and therefore the athletes, may face disqualification.
Sick Children
If your child is ill or not keen to compete, PLEASE do not send them along to compete by themselves - the extra care and attention required will be unfair on the other athletes and parents.
Injuries
The Centre has a standard first aid kit available for treatment of athletes in the event of injury. For any insurance claim to be valid, all injuries must be reported as soon as possible and recorded in the register held at the canteen for that purpose. ACTLAA partly sponsors participation in accredited first aid courses.
Lost Property
Please mark all clothing clearly with your child's name, especially shoes, hats, drink bottles and pullovers. The Lost Property Manager is responsible for the storage of property left during the season and should be contacted if your child misplaces any items. All uncollected items will be given to charity or discarded at the end of each season.
Wet Weather
The cancellation of any competition day because of weather conditions on will be published on the centre's website. Alternatively parents can call ACT Government on 132281 and ask for ground closures.
Photographs of athletes and the Internet
Photos of athletes will not be included in the secure Gallery section of the WCLAC website, nor included in the Newsletters or Yearbook without permission of the child's parent or guardian. This applies to photos that show distinguishing features of the child.| John Smiles - on the right - takes many of the club photos and also manages the Gallery. John is a parent and volunteer at WCLAC. He will wear a red vest while taking photos. If you have any concerns please let him know or contact him afterwards at info@wclac.org.au . | 
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