Age Group Manager Coordinator
Russell Duncan is the 2024-25 season Age Group Manager Coordinator. Russ will be able to assist you in your role and answer any questions you may have during the season.
Age Group Managers
Age Group Managers are responsible for a group of athletes for a specific age and gender at each meet (for example Under 8 Girls). They move the group around the venue to events as outlined in the program, record results and help the athletes have an enjoyable day!

Age Group Managers can’t do it alone and rely on help from parents. Having parents mark where a discus lands or rake a long jump pit makes all the difference to ensure the meets run smoothly. A parent or carer is expected to always be with their child so you should have a good group of helpers to draw upon. 

Responsibilities
  • Hold a current Working with Vulnerable People card (WWVP).
  • Take athletes to their events, line them up for track events and coordinate field events (including measuring and recording). We recommend letting juniors have a practice run the first time they undertake a field event. 
  • Record field event results and submit results into the record box (located near canteen on a bench table). 
  • Notify the club as soon as possible, if you are unable to attend a meet. 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 for that meet.
  • Wear the allocated High Vis Vest (located in the garage) and return neatly in order to help others.
  • Verify new age group field event records. Seek assistance from a committee member to verify any field event age group records.
  • Follow the program order, particularly for field events. Skipping an event or doing an event earlier than programmed can cause problems later in the meet for other groups. In particular, please do not skip high jump and expect the mat will be free later! No more than 40 mins should be taken on High Jump for any group. 
  • Hand out PB ribbons to athletes in your group who have achieved a ribbon (these will be provided in the Age Group Manager’s folder).  
  • Nominate an athlete for the Sportsmanship award. As part of the end of season awards, a Sportsmanship award is allocated. Age Group Managers choose the recipient for this award for their group. During the season we ask you to keep an eye out for occasions where athletes have displayed behaviours that you think align with good sportsmanship. Some examples could be supporting others once their event has finished or helping someone who is at their first meet and is a bit nervous.
​​Working with Vulnerable People Card
Age Group Managers are required to have a working with vulnerable people card. All Age Group Managers should email a copy of their WWVP card to Russ, ideally prior to the start of the season. 
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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).
Support for Age Group Managers
  • Event Fact Sheets. Little Athletics in the ACT has fact sheets which outline rules and measuring for Little Athletics events. Turbo Javelin is the only event without a fact sheet, this is included in Age Group Manager folders.
  • How parents can help booklet. Some parents may be hesitant to help as they don’t know what they are doing. Most of the jobs parents are asked to do is very simple but by directing them to this booklet they may feel more prepared to help out.
  • Age Group Manager online course. Little Athletics ACT provide this free, online course which covers basic officiating, coaching and safety for athletes. https://laact-agmcourse.thinkific.com/
  • Committee members (red shirts). The committee is here to offer advice, answer questions and verify new age group field event records. Any potential club record needs to be verified by a committee member. GUNLAC's qualified coaches, Rodney & Sarah are also available to provide any specific coaching tips.
  • Age Group Manager folder. This outlines that week’s program, map of event stations and athlete field result sheets (this sheet also contains the track weight and records (overall and individual results). Track events will be recorded for you automatically.
  • Field event station. Each station should contain all the necessary equipment (and a card outlining the colour and weight of the throwing item for the age group) to complete the event. While it is rare, if you are missing an item please seek out a committee member.​ 
  • Parents - while the Age Group Manager is responsible for the group they are assisted by other parents (such as to rake in long jump or measure throws). If you are short of helpers on the day, we recommend you ask parents who may be spectating to help you. If you regularly find yourself short of helpers, email the Age Group Manager Coordinator and we can encourage more parent helpers in our weekly newsletter.  

​Parents responsibilities
  • Support the Age Group Manager, particularly at field events (such as to rake the long jump pit or measure throws).
  • Ensure athletes stay with the age group and do not run across field events or disrupts other groups.  
  • Undertake assigned volunteering activities throughout the season.
  • Notify the Age Group Manager if you are unable to be with your child on the day as you are undertaking volunteer duties at a different station (such as a track event).