AGE GROUP MANAGERS FOR SEASON 2022-23

Ben Ainsworth is our Age Group Manager Coordinator for the 2022/23 season. Ben will be able to assist you in your role and answer any questions you may have during the season.

Working with Vulnerable People Card
Age Group Managers are required to have a working with vulnerable people card. We ask all age group manager to email a copy of their WWVP card to Ben, ideally prior to the start of the season. If you do not currently have a WWVP card, you can easily apply for one via this link: Working with vulnerable people (WWVP) registration (act.gov.au)

Little Athletics ACT - Age Group Manager Course
Little Athletics ACT has developed an Age Group Manager online training course. This short course will guide Age Group Managers through basic officiating, coaching, and safety for each Little Athletics event. This course is highly recommended for all our Age Group Managers, especially those new to the role. Access the LAACT Age Group Manager course via this link:  Age Group Manager online training course (thinkific.com). Gunlac will cover the cost of this course for all age group managers.
​​Age Group Managers FAQs
1. What does an Age Group Manager do?
  • Age Group Managers are responsible for a group of athletes for a specific age and gender at each meet (for example Under 8 Girls).
  • Often there is more than one Age Group Manager for an age group in order to keep the group to a manageable size.
  • The role of the Age Group Manager is to take athletes to their events, line them up for track events and coordinate field events (including measuring and recording).
  • While the Manager is responsible for the group they are assisted by other parents (such as to rake in long jump or measure throws).
  • ​Age Group Managers are not expected to do it alone, but we need a parent to take on the role so that there is someone responsible for each group of athletes. 
2. What if I don't have enough parent helpers?
If you are short of helpers on the day, we recommend you ask parents who may be spectating to help you - even if it is for a single event if parents are watching events they can be helping. If you regularly find yourself short of helpers, email our Age Group Manager Coordinator and we can encourage more parent helpers in our weekly newsletter.  
2. What do I do if I can't make it on a Saturday?
If there are meets in the calendar which you are aware that you can't attend please speak with other parents and see if someone may be able to fill in for you. If you are not able to do this, please email us and we will seek a replacement on the morning of the meet.
Entering Field Event Results Using the Competition HQ App
We are encouraging all Age Group Managers to enter their age group's field event results using the Competition HQ app for our 2022/23 season. More information on using the Competition HQ app can be found via this link: Competition HQ download and training videos – Timing Solutions Support Forum

There are 3 options for entering field event results using the Competition hq app:
  1. Enter the results directly into the app during the event (or immediately afterward when measuring).
  2. Record the field event results on the paper recording sheets then enter them into the Competition hq app at the oval. This can be done while the group is waiting for an event or it can be done immediately after the age group finishes their events.
  3. Record the field event results on the paper recording sheets, take a photo of the results sheet then enter the results into the Competition hq app at home. Delete the photo after all the results have been entered. 
All of the age group folders will still have the paper recording sheets in them if you prefer to use this option.

Using the Competition HQ app takes a lot of pressure off our Chief Recorder and allows athletes (and parents!) to see their results earlier. 

If you are happy to enter your age group's results using the Competition hq app this season please let Simone and/or Ben know and they will then set you up as a "mobile user" so that you can use the Competition hq app. If you used the Competition hq app last season and are happy to continue, let us know if you need assistance with logging in again.
Weekly Program and Event Order
FOR SEASON 2022-23 WE ARE ONCE AGAIN RUNNING TWO SESSIONS!
Please check the program and note the different start times for our junior and senior sessions.

The Program for each Saturday meet is set up to have each age group moving around the oval competing in events in a particular order. For field events, age groups are allocated particular jumping or throwing areas.

We ask managers to following the program order, particularly for field events. 'Skipping' over an event, or doing an event earlier can cause problems later in the program for other groups. In particular, high jump, triple jump, Javelin and throws have designated areas and are scheduled in the program in a particular order. Please do not skip over high jump, in particular, and expect the mat will be free later! 

If you are unsure, please check the program and ask a Committee member for advice on event order.