We are only TWO days away from the first session on Saturday 7 October. If you and your child are new to Little Aths or Sandy …..awesome! And welcome! You will be amongst great friends who will support, help teach and develop the young ones’ athletic skills.
This week’s newsletter covers the following topics:
- Some key facts and FAQs
- This Saturday 7 October
- Parents’ responsibility to abide by the code of conduct and educate their children – a MUST read
Some key facts and FAQs
How do we communicate ?
- Weekly email – As a general guide, you will receive a weekly newsletter from the Sandringham Little Athletics Committee with general information relevant for that particular week.
- Stack TeamApp – holds all the resources you need including latest news, “how to’ guides”, key documents and events. Search for “Sandringham Little Athletics” to join.
- Website – also holds various relevant information, including the season calendar.
- Facebook/Instagram – we share news on here also.
What are the season dates and how does the program run?
- The season calendar can be found here Season Calendar.
- The Club has a rotating 3 Week Program (slightly adjusted at times depending on numbers and relay preparation). The first few weeks we spend time coaching and developing the skill and correct execution. For Parents who are new to this (and helping measure, rake a pit etc), we will show you everything you need to know
When is coaching ?
- Wednesdays 4:30 – 6pm at the TRACK (it is free for members): Starting Wednesday 11th October.
- A fortnightly rotation of activities is offered with special Masterclass sessions in High Jump, Discus Spin and Javelin on various dates.
- More details will follow about how to sign up.
What is parent duty about?
Parents are a fundamental key to our program delivery and we rely on everyone’s support. There are a couple of parts to Duty – please read them:
- Set up or Pack up of Track/Field – where particular age groups are rostered on to do these tasks, 1 or 2 times per season. The SLAC Committee will do this week and the rest of the schedule will be sent out next week. Heads up – Under 9 Girls will be on set up for 14 October.
- Age Group Duty – helping the AGMs / coaches run the program for the kids each Saturday (raking sandpits, measuring throws, directing the team to the next activity, BBQ & Canteen etc). There is an expectation that families will have a parent on duty at least three times during the normal club competition season (excluding regional or state events).
As parents must be present during each session anyway to supervise their children, helping with the program and participating in duties is a win for all. If you family is unable to meet the minimum four duty roster times please contact the Club Secretary or President to arrange another offline role you can fulfill.
THIS SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER
- Start times: 8:15AM for U6 – U9 & 9:45AM for U10-U17.
- Set up help, pack up help and BBQ: Please help us out this week with these where you can! You will also see Caroline Service around on Saturday trying to rally the troops (AKA parents) to sign up for Age Group Manager Duties. Here is a note about what an AGM actually does – it’s not super daunting!
- Where to go: come in to the track and head towards your age group sign. (If you haven’t picked up your bib yet, you will need to pick that up from the registration tent at the front)
- What to bring: water bottle, hat & sunscreen (if sunny)
- What to wear: Competition Patch/Bib – this contains your membership number which is scanned for track results. It needs to be worn across the lower chest/stomach each session. Under 6’s are free to wear comfortable exercise clothes. U7-U17 must wear a competition singlet or Tshirt with black shorts/bikepants/legging. Coles patch will also need to be sawn on to your Tshirt (grab this from the registration tent also).
- Is there food and coffee? Yes, we have a BBQ which is staffed by parents. Most weeks we also have a coffee van on site for that caffeine and a sweet kick. AND we have FREE bananas every week from Coles.
- Wet weather: Check out the wet weather button on our website (in the top left hand corner), which we will update at 7.30am on Saturday mornings if the weather is concerning – and again at 9.15am for the second session.
- Program: here is the program for this week – Program.
- Car parking: we have car parking at the track as well as in the streets – please be mindful of where you park in the streets so our neighbours can access their driveways.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Little Athletics Victoria’s Code of Conduct and the Sandringham Code of Conduct encourage appropriate standards of behaviour to enable all in Little Athletics to experience a safe, welcoming and inclusive sport.
It is the role of each parent to be informed about, abide by, and drive compliance with the Code, and educate children about the importance of demonstrating Code behaviours and model these behaviours at all times. Please note in particular the following key principles:
- Being a ‘good sport’ – inclusive of encouraging and praising fair play over winning at all costs.
- Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that prioritises the health, welfare and wellbeing of participants.
- Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing, do not force him or her.
- Never ridicule or yell at ANY child for making a mistake or losing an event. Do not make any negative comments about other children or how they are performing.
- Remember children are involved in Little Athletics for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Focus upon the child’s efforts rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the children in setting realistic goals related to his/her own ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
- 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 always participate according to the rules.
- If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the official’s judgement and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
- Recognise the value and importance of being a volunteer official and/or coach. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children and deserve your support.
- Be a positive role model by displaying self-control, respect, care and diligence towards all involved in sanctioned Little Athletics activities.
- Be honest, fair, respectful, trustworthy, reliable, open and transparent in dealings with others.
- Treat all involved in activities sanctioned by LAVic in a considerate, objective and courteous manner with proper regard for their rights, dignity and worth.
- Recognising and valuing the contribution of all involved in activities sanctioned by Little Athletics Victoria, including volunteer coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers who give up their valuable time to make the sport of athletics possible.
- Considering and accepting the consequences of one’s actions and decisions.
- Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that prioritises the health, welfare and wellbeing of participants
See you Saturday!
SLAC Committee | sandringham@lavic.com.au
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