CHANGE TO AGE GROUPS FOR THE 2018-19 SEASON

In 2017 Little Athletics Australia announced changes to the age group structure for all Little Athletics competitions across Australia. These changes will be introduced next season (2018-19 season which starts in October 2018). We provided information to our families when this change was announced, However, it is useful to confirm now as we get closer to the end of this season, what next season's age group structure will be.

In season 2018-19 Little Athletics age groups will move to a 'calendar year' age structure, the same as is used for School Sport, That is, age groups will be based on the age an athlete is turning the year the season concludes.

For the 2018-19 season the age you turn in 2019 will determine for age group for that season. To make it less confusing, a good way to think about the age group is - the number you are turning in 2019 is the number of the age group you are assigned to (Little Athletics Australia will continue to use the 'under' terminology for age groups). 

For example - Athletes turning 6 in 2019 will be the U6 Years group. Athletes turning 7 in 2019 will be in the U7 years group. 

This change ONLY affects athletes who are born in the months of October, November and December. These athletes will go up two age groups, instead of one, next season. 

For example - an athlete currently in the Under 12s who is born in October will compete in the 14 years group in the 2018-19 season. 

For the 6 Years group there will no longer be the 18 months age range to register (where younger athletes competed for two years in this age group). To be in the 6 years group you need to be turning 6 in 2019, and there will no longer be some repeating in this age group.

We understand that this change will be unsettling for some athletes, unfortunately this is a National decision which we must follow. If any parents have questions on these changes please email us at [email protected]