Parent
duty and involvement
Little Athletics is designed to be fun for the children.
To optimise their enjoyment, it can also be fun for the parents. Both children
and parents can gain a lot from Little Athletics.
Casey Little Athletics Centre aim to provide the most diverse range of activities
for the children, but this can only be achieved with the support and involvement
of all parents.
Volunteer officials ensure the success of the Centre at training, competition
and fund-raising. Parents are required to complete 7 centre day rosters and
1 championship day roster. Permanent duty parents will be exempt. Roster
days need to be spaced over the season and therefore not consecutive weeks.
Roster duty must be completed by seasons end (Exemptions may be considered
by the Executive Committee).
There is a wide range of activities they should get involved in, and the
Centre will help to make each parents ongoing role as varied and interesting
as possible.
For the benefit of all children and the Committee of the Centre, every parent
is expected to contribute a little time towards the success of the Centre.
Please remember that the success of the Centre and the diversity of activities
the Centre can offer depend directly on the support and involvement of every
parent.
“Many hands make light work”
NOTE
TO PARENTS
If children see their parent(s) actively involved, they
will take a greater interest in participating in athletics.
Focus upon the children’s efforts and performance rather than the overall
outcome. This will assist children in setting realistic goals related to
their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning. Never ridicule or yell
at children for making a mistake or losing.
Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that
the result of each event is accepted without undue disappointment. Encourage
children to participate according to the rules.
Remember, children learn best from example. Applaud good efforts by all children.
If you disagree with an official, raise the matter discretely through the
appropriate channels (if possible) rather than question their integrity,
honesty and judgement in public. Remember, most officials give their time
and effort for your child’s involvement and enjoyment. Support all efforts
to remove physical and verbal abuse from sporting activities.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer officials and coaches. They
give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for all
children and deserve your support.
HINTS
FOR OFFICIALS
Officials
are the backbone of the Little Athletics movement, whether at Centre, State,
Region or National Level. Without these officials, Little Athletics
would collapse.
Unlike many sports, the ratio of officials to children is extremely high.
Our Centre requires approximately one official per three registered competitors
on a normal track and field competition day. This high requirement for officials
gives parents the opportunity to actively participate with their children.
It is also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and forge friendships
with people who have similar interests to yourself.
The fees levied on your child’s registration mostly cover the cost, maintenance
and replacement of equipment and administration costs. They can never replace
the value and commitment of the volunteer officials and it would be impossible
for the Centre to function on fees alone. Donating your time will be fun,
rewarding and you will feel good knowing that your efforts are contributing
to the ongoing success of the Centre.
SIGNING
ON PROCEDURES
It takes over 100 parents each week to help run our athletics
program for our children. Whether you have signed on for a permanent position,
or alternate week duty, it is important that you sign on 15 minutes prior
to the commencement of the program. The program will start on time to enable
the finish to be as early as possible, giving families the opportunity to
pursue other interests at the completion of the program.
When you officiate, there are a number of simple rules and things we ask
of you to keep order in the system:
1. Come to the Officials’ table next to the main pavilion gate at least 15
minutes before the advertised start time. Have your name ticked off by the
Chief of Officials.
2. Sign on for your duty – permanent or allocated. Collect your badge. This
indicates the venue, and position at that venue, that you will be filling
for the day's competition.
3. Register YOUR NAME ONLY. For insurance purposes, you are not permitted
to sign on for other people.
PLEASE RETURN your tag at the end of the day. A box is placed in the pavilion
marked 'Officials'
If you would like to be a permanent official at any venue, either weekly
or on a fortnightly basis, please see David Werner, Chief of Officials.
If you are permanent and have not signed on 5 minutes before the advertised
competition start time, your position could be given to the next available
volunteer.
Officials may get a FREE tea or coffee on presentation of their badge at
the canteen.
Parent support is appreciated and very much needed. Our children love to
see us involved in their activities. Get involved TODAY and have FUN.
Remember ONLY parents signed on for official duty are allowed inside the
arena. All other parents MUST remain outside the fence.