AGE GROUP MANAGERS FOR SEASON 2020-21


Age Group Managers are one of the most important roles at our club - without a manager age groups cannot participate. 

Age Group Managers are required to have a WWVP card. 

Age Group Managers FAQs
What does an Age Group Manager do?
Age Group Managers are responsible for a group of athletes from 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 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. 

What if I don't have enough parent helpers?
If 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. At announcements if you are concerned you can speak to the Committee member doing announcements who can seek helpers for you. 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.  

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.
How do I run field events for my group?
In order to run the field events at our meets, its important that age managers understand the rules regarding those events in your age group (noting that not all age groups compete in all events). For Little Athletics, there are not a great deal of highly technical rules for events, so don't worry! The most important things to remember are:

1. Correct weight for throws - its important the athletes throw the correct weight shot, discus and javelin for their age and gender. All caddies at throws have these listed for your reference.
2. Correct hurdle height and distance - hurdle heights do change by age. Senior athletes run a longer distance also
3. Correct measurement for long jump and triple jump - measuring can be from the foot or the front of the board. 
4. Recognising foul jumps and throws.
How do I Record Results?
Each Saturday morning your folder will include record sheets for each event your age group is competing in that day. These sheets have all athletes' names (not split into A/B groups), as well as technical information for that event (weights etc), Centre records and each athlete's PB in that event. 

Our Assistant Recorder enters all the field event results from the sheets into the online results database each week. To make this process as accurate and quick as possible, we ask age group managers to make sure you record the BEST RESULT for all field events on the record sheet. For throws, this is easy as we only measure once. For Jumps, please ensure you fill in the Best performance column after the conclusion of the third jump. 

High Jump recording 
High jump record sheets are set out differently than other sheets to allow for three attempts at a series of heights. When recording for high jump:

1. To avoid confusion use the following markings
X = foul jump
O = Cleared at that height (successful jump)
-  = Passed at that height (did not jump but went to the next height).

2. Clearly Record Heights
On the High jump sheet, the Manager or parent recording needs to clearly label at the top of each column the height being jumped. The usual progression of heights is by 5cm increments, however you can go up by 2cm increments near the end of the event, at your discretion, and/or the request of the athletes. Starting heights for each age group are listed in the club handbook. 
Where can I find out more information about running events?
There are a number of information sources for Age Managers looking for guidance on field events - 
  • Our Club Handbook for fact sheets on each of the field events, including how to set up events, how to measure and how to determine foul jumps or throws. 
  • Recording sheet will provide information on the correct weight for throws events - make sure you check this to ensure that athletes are throwing the correct shot put, discus and javelins. 
  • Many of our Committee members are knowledgable on events and can answer questions at meets. 
  • Email our Age Group Manager Coordinator during the week with questions for up-coming meets if you are unsure as to what to do. ​
WEEKLY PROGRAM AND EVENT ORDER
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! 
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There are times when the straight track is quiet, and in these instances you can slot in a straight track event if you have one on your program (for instance, if you are waiting for long jump or high jump). 

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