RUN FOR FUN
Jan/Feb 2013
A Word from the
President 3
Editorial 4
The ROC 5
Championship
News 6
State Team 7 Coaches Corner 9 Development
Diary 11
JETS 13
Centre News 14 Find a Word 17
Special Points of Interest...
• Like Us on Facebook!
• New Constitution Accepted
• Last message from our President
• Centre Uniforms
• Western Blues Pinkletics
• Mid West Met Zone celebrating 40 years The 2013 Sydney Track Classic is Australia’s premier athletic event and an amazing
chance for Little Athletes to get up close and personal with their heroes!
Held on Saturday, 9 March at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, the main competition starts at 7pm with pre-event track and field competition, and entertainment taking place from 5pm.
Come and see the hottest stars of Australian track and field battle with international challengers like superstar Blade Runner Ocsar Pistorius from South Africa.
There will also be loads of fun and entertainment at the Athletic Centre, with interactive play zones, face painting and music. A great night out for the whole family!
To find out more visit the website www.sydneytrackclassic.com.
In February, an e-ticket will be sent to all registered Little Athletes which gets them in for free! Other ticket prices are: Adults $20, Family $45, Concession Tickets $12.
Keep an eye out for your LA e-ticket coming soon!
Public tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com.au or get yours at the gate on then night.
Your Class could win a Chance to meet an Olympic Champion
For a chance to meet Olympic Gold Medallist Sally Pearson, get your primary school class to design a banner to support your favourite Athletics Australia Flame Athlete.
Take a photo of your creation and send in with your name, class and school details to [email protected] by Friday ,1 March 2013.
The winning class entry will win a special visit with Sally and an athletics clinic at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Friday, 8 March 2013.
The winning entry will also receive free tickets for the entire class for the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday, 9 March 2013.
Visit www.nswathletics.org.au for all the terms and conditions and get your entry in now for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE
GREATES T NIGHT OF ATHLETICS!
The postal ballot conducted with the approval of the NSW Fair Trading, Director General, for the adoption of a new LANSW constitution closed at 9am on Wednesday, 19 December 2012. Ross Turner (CEO of the NSW Sports Federation) acted in the capacity as independent scrutineer overseeing the process of counting postal votes and confirmed the vote as follows:
Yes – 187 votes No – 27 votes Invalid – 3 votes
As we required 75% of Yes votes (of valid votes received) for the adoption of the new constitution, this threshold was satisfactorily achieved (87%) and the resolution passed.
Thank you to the members of the constitution committee for their assistance in progressing the new constitution. Thanks are also extended to the NSW Sports Federation for their assistance with the vote count.
Like Us on Facebook!
Did you know that Little Athletics NSW has a Facebook page and we use this page to share information about upcoming events and items of interest relating to athletes and athletics?
Our Facebook community is constantly
growing and we would also like to include you!
To view the Facebook page, click here or search for Little Athletics NSW.
Make sure when you visit, that you ‘Like Us’. We look forward to interacting with you soon!
Members Accept Our New
Constitution
Well, I hope everyone in our Little A family had a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year, and all are looking forward to resuming the Little Athletics season.
With the increase in registration numbers this season, it is hoped that there is also an increase in the number of athletes who go on and
complete the season after the December/January break.
The early part of the year is certainly a busy period and includes events such as the Trans Tasman Challenge, the completion of the
remaining Zone Championships, followed by the Region Championships in February. Best of luck to all those taking part.
This will be my final E-News as president of LANSW. At the Little Athletics Australia
conference in Perth on 20 October I was elected as president of Little Athletics Australia. After an agreed handover period, I completed my LANSW role on 31 December.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my five and a half years as president of LANSW and during that
time I have had the pleasure of working with many people at all levels of our organisation. I thank my colleagues on the board, our CEO Kerry and her staff, the zone coodinators, advisory committee members and all the great centre personnel for your support. Together we have achieved a lot and can continue to do so into the future.
I wish LANSW every success and I am confident that my successor – Mr Neil Sandell – will do a fine job as LANSW president and I wish him well.
At every level of the sport of Little Athletics, we all need to pull together in the same direction. Keep up the good work and I look forward to a
continuing constructive relationship between LANSW and LAA.
Cheers,
Dereck Fineberg (OAM) PRESIDENT
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT...
DERECK FINEBERG
editorial
I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and having a nice break. Hopefully, by now, everyone knows the result of the postal vote for the acceptance and introduction of the new constitution for Little Athletics. There was overwhelming support shown and the resolution was passed with 87% voting yes. Congratulations to all those involved.
So what does this mean for the Little Athletics NSW? One of the major benefits of the new constitution is that it is centre based. This means that centres, through their representatives, have the voting rights not individuals. This gives centres a greater say in decision making which is fairer as they represent over 40,000 athletes.
Many zones have now completed their Zone Championships and I hope athletes have enjoyed friendly competition against athletes from other centres. It is interesting to note that whilst championships are an important part of Little Athletics, only approximately 25% of our athletes actually compete. This means that the majority of our athletes compete purely at a centre level. This further emphasises the need for centres to have a greater say in how things are run.
On this point, at times we seem to spend too much time debating and discussing items that are championships based. This is to the detriment of the majority of our athletes and has no direct bearing on the way centres run their centre’s competition nights. We need to keep this in mind when time is taken up discussing those matters. We need to balance this debate with providing information and support to centres to help them run their centres better.
Little A’s is about all athletes enjoying themselves and having fun. Striving to be your best and competing at
championships is also important but needs to be kept in perspective with the LA’s motto of ‘Family, Fun and Fitness”.
Have a happy holiday.
Regards Michael Gray
Business Development Director
The ROC
(The Rules of Competition)Did you know...
What is the ROC?
The ROC is the LANSW Rules of Competition. It contains the requirements for competition for LANSW carnivals. Whilst the basic rules for athletic competition are contained in the IAAF Competition Rules we have modified those rules to suit children. These modified rules are contained in the ROC.
Where can I find the ROC?
All centres should have a copy of the ROC. The ROC can also be found in the Competitions section of the LANSW website, under Rules of Competition.
Where can I find the Standard Rules?
The Standard Rules can also be found in the competitions section of the LANSW website, under Rules of Competition.
UNIFORMS
At LANSW carnivals (including Zone, Region and State) all competitors must compete in their registered centre uniform. Centres are required to advise LANSW each year of the colours and design of their uniforms. They are also asked to provide photographs of the uniforms. Any changes to the uniform also have to be approved by LANSW.
No part of the uniform can extend below the top of the athletes knee.
There are a number of compulsory numbers and patches which have to be worn on the uniform. These include:
Registration Number - On front of uniform. (The red border HAS to be visible) Centre Number - On back of uniform (NOTE the old “Coca Cola” numbers MUST NOT be worn.)
Age Numbers - Worn on left hand side of front of the uniform IGA patch - Worn on top right side of front of uniform Exclusion from competition
At LANSW carnivals, competitors whose uniforms do not meet the requirements may be excluded from competition until the uniform is corrected. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that uniforms meet the requirements.
Common problems with uniforms:-
• Missing numbers and/or patches
• Age patch on wrong side
• “Coca Cola” centre numbers still being worn
• Wrong shorts (e.g. football shorts)
• Shorts/pants with oversize logos.
2012 VERSION OF ROC
The ROC has been updated and the latest version is now on the LANSW website. The updates include changes made this season and incorporate the LAA Standard Rules of Competition.
Championship News
State Relays
Over 1300 teams competed at the 2012 State Relay carnival. The junior day had 719 teams and the senior day 611. This was an increase of almost 100 teams from last year.
This was our first relays where we did not have calls for the events. We had a fully timed program, which seemed to work quite well. There were a few little hiccups, but that is to be expected when doing something for the first time.
We learnt a lot and will fine tune this event next year to make it even better.
Thank you to all of our officials who embraced the new way in which we ran this carnival. We received many positive comments over the weekend from the many parents and spectators.
Congratulations to all of the athletes who were in teams who broke the current State Record. 26 team records were broken, with 15 being on the track and 11 in the field. Four of these track records are being submitted to Little Athletics Australia as potential Australian Best Performances.
Zone Championships
We hope that all athletes had “FUN” at the various Zones and that the U7’s enjoyed their first Little Athletics NSW championship experience!! With only three Zone Championships still to be completed, athletes in the U8-U17 age groups should now be looking forward to their Region Championships, to be held in February.
Results of the zones that have already been held can be found in the Competition section of our website.
Remember, this year, not only the athletes who finished in the first 3, 4 or 6 at your zone can progress to region. We will also be taking through extra performance qualifiers. Lists of the athletes who have qualified to each of the regions will be posted on the website, under Competition/Region
Championships, following the completion of the last zone in your region.
Trans Tasman Challenge
Well done to all U11 and U12 athletes who competed in the Trans Tasman Challenge Match at Campbelltown Athletics Centre on Sunday, 13 January, 2013. This was a great day of friendly competition, with NSW ending up the winners of the Challenge Cup.
State Mulit-Event
Don’t forget that entries for the State Multi-Event for athletes in the U7 to U17 age groups (to be held at Waratah Park, Orange on Saturday & Sunday, 1 & 2 March 2013) close at the Little Athletics NSW office on Wednesday,
6 February, 2013. Athletes can only enter online. Please click here to go
directly to the ONLINE registration page. More information is also available on
the State Multi-Event page of our website.
What is the ALAC?
The ASICS ALAC (Australian Little Athletics Championships) is a one-day event held every year, hosted by each State or Territory on a rotational basis. All States and Territories, apart from the Northern Territory, are
represented at the championships.
The ALAC encompasses the Australian Teams Championships for Under 13 athletes and the Australian Multi-Event Championships for Under 15 athletes.
Although recognition is given to individual place-getters, the emphasis is on team performance and the main focus is on the team point scores.
What are the details of the 2013 ALAC?
The event will be held on Sunday 28 April at the AIS Athletics Track in Canberra.
What is the make-up of the team?
Selection in the Little Athletics NSW State Team – a team with a wonderful history and a remarkable record - is considered a great honour and a major highlight of Little Athletics involvement.
A team of twenty-two (22) Under 13 athletes (usually, but not necessarily 11 boys and 11 girls) are chosen to represent NSW in the Under 13 Teams Event.
Two girls and two boys are selected to represent NSW in the Under 15 Multi Event.
How is the team selected?
The Under 13 athletes are primarily selected on their performances at the Little Athletics NSW State Track &
Field Championships. Athletes do not have to nominate for selection; they automatically come under consideration for selection through their participation in the State Championships.
All athletes are selected by their State Association. Individual entries are not permitted. The State Associations nominate the events that an athlete will contest with a view to obtaining the best results for the team. Each Association can enter a maximum of two competitors in each individual event and one relay team in each relay.
No athlete may compete in more than four events, which includes a relay.
The Under 15 athletes are selected on their performances at the Little Athletics NSW State Multi-Event Championships. Under 15 athletes also do not have to nominate themselves for selection.
NSW STATE TEAM
Frequently Asked Questions
What events are contested?
Under 13 – 100m; 200m; 400; 800m; 1500m; 1500m walk; 80m hurdles; Shot Put; Discus; Javelin; High Jump; Long Jump; Triple Jump; 4 x 100m relay.
Under 15 – A pentathlon consisting of 90m hurdles (girls); 100m hurdles (boys); 100m; Long Jump; Discus;
800m. The four Under 15 athletes also combine to contest a 4 x 100m relay.
When is the team announced?
The Under 13 team members will be advised of their selection via telephone by 9pm on Monday 25 March following the LANSW State Track & Field Championships.
The Under 15 team members will be advised of their selection via telephone in the days following the LANSW State Multi Event Championships as soon as possible after their selection is confirmed.
What are the team member commitments?
• State Team Camp 1 – Friday 5 April, 2013 (4.30pm), to Sunday 7 April, 2013 (3.00pm) at the Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation, Narrabeen
• State Team Camp 2 – Friday 19 April, 2013 (4.30pm) to Sunday 21 April, 2013 (3.00pm) at the Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation, Narrabeen
• Team in Canberra – Friday 26 April, 2013 to Monday 29 April, 2013 Are there any costs involved?
A levy of $600 has been set to contribute towards the costs of both the team preparations and the championships. This represents only a small percentage of the actual costs that will be incurred by Little Athletics NSW. Travel assistance to and from team activities will be provided for those athletes who reside west of Lithgow, north of Lake Macquarie and south of Kiama.
Who looks after the team?
The NSW State Team Management will consist of four individuals (two males and two females). These individuals are drawn from the LANSW full-time Coaching & Development staff and other suitably qualified and experienced coaches. All of the team managers have undergone a Working with Children background check. The State Team Management is responsible for the coaching, preparation, supervision, care and general management of the athletes during all team activities.
What are the travel arrangements?
The LANSW State Team travels together as a team at all times. Therefore, when traveling to Canberra, the team will travel as a team, to and from the destination. While parents are encouraged to attend the ALAC, they do not travel as part of the team. Whilst in Canberra the team will stay together in motel-style accommodation.
Where can I find more detailed information?
The State Team itinerary, team selection policies, conditions of selection, the NSW team Code of Conduct, FAQs, past ALAC results, rules of competition, championships records, and the program of events can be found on the Little Athletics NSW website. Click on ‘Competitions’, then ‘Championships’ and scroll down to ‘Australian Little Athletics Championships – State Team’. It is the responsibility of all prospective team members, their parents/guardians and their coaches to read and make sure they understand the relevant policies and how they operate. If anyone has a specific query in relation to the intended meaning or operation of the policies, they can contact Little Athletics NSW on 02 9633 4511 or 1800 451 295 or [email protected].
Coaches Corner
Originally published a number of years ago, the following article still holds true today. Little Athletics NSW Coaching & Development Officer Darren Wensor argues the importance of young athletes initially learning the scissors technique in the high jump prior to progressing to the flop technique.
Do you remember high jumping when you were of primary school age? I do . . . and despite being quite a sporting youngster with a solid Little Athletics background – I didn’t like it. My main problem was the bar. Even though the foam mats were by then in use and I never experienced the thrill of landing in a sand or sawdust pit, I was not lucky enough to be jumping in the era of the rounded fibre glass bar or the elastic and foam “flexi” bar in common use today. The barrier we were expected to hurl ourselves enthusiastically over was made of metal and sported triangular edges. Who designed this thing? I presume it was to encourage you not to hit it – which was fine in theory . . .
Thank goodness things have advanced since then and most coaches and schools now have access to the less fearsome “flexi”
training bar. The teaching and coaching of high jump at a novice level, however, still has its problems. In fact, the high jump, particularly in schools, seems to be the cause of more confusion, more controversy, more questions and more anxiety than any other athletics event. One issue that attracts constant attention is which high jumping technique should be taught to beginning youngsters.
The Battle Rages On . . . Scissors vs Flop
There is no consistency in Australia over this one. I know of some schools in New South Wales that have banned the flop technique for fear of student injury. On the other hand, I have been astounded to learn that some schools don’t allow the scissors style of jumping.
Both Queensland and West Australian Little Athletics enforce the scissors style of jumping up to and including the Under 11 age group. West Australian Little Athletics states in its rules:
“The fair SCISSORS jump is one where:
• The head of the competitor does not go over the bar before the leading foot; (the foot closest to the bar at take-off).
• The head of the competitor is not below the buttocks when the buttocks clear the bar.
• The competitor’s feet must touch the mat before any other part of the body.”
The WA rules go as far to say:
“If any U10 and U11 competitor attempts a jump which does not comply with the definition of a fair scissors jump, the jump will be considered an invalid jump.”
Unfortunately, the scissors technique is thought by many to be an outdated relic of high jumping from when jumpers were
virtually forced to land on their feet due to the unforgiving landing area. For accomplished high jumpers, this may be true. The flop technique is a far more effective method of clearing the bar, holding a biomechanical advantage over the scissors.
But remember, we’re talking about a bunch of kids. Most youngsters are not strong or coordinated enough to achieve the finer points of the flop and therefore capitalise on these advantages.
So what is the answer?
My advice: Teach and encourage all novice high jumpers to initially learn and perform the scissors in preference to the flop technique. Below are the reasons why:
Safety:
“Coaching Young Athletes”, a book written by the British Athletic Federation National Coaches remarks that high jump “. . . should carry a government health warning, especially where young performers are involved.” (P.102). It argues that despite children wanting to mimic exciting images of the event portrayed on television by attempting the Fosbury Flop, a safe, sound teaching
“Don’t Cut Out the Scissors”
practise must be followed by teaching the scissors. Cited is the inability to guarantee safe landing facilities. I would also add the inability to guarantee a safe landing technique, particularly with awkward or less confident youngsters. In fact, it is rare that a school or Little Athletics Centre doesn’t have a high jump “horror story” about a novice jumper hurting themselves by landing awkwardly or by completely missing the mats while attempting a Fosbury Flop high jump.
Encouraging involvement:
The scissors technique is more “user-friendly” especially for the less confident youngster. Compared to the flop, the scissors is less complex and less intimidating; the jumper stays in an upright position the entire time and gets to land on their feet. The scissors also lends itself to a number of gentle teaching progressions that young athletes can easily cope with.
Preventing bad habits:
Forcing the flop upon children at too early a stage is like teaching them to run before they can walk. Bad habits that are difficult to change can be the result. I know of a number coaches, even at the elite level, that have been forced to conduct remedial work with promising high jumpers who have never learnt or been encouraged to perform the scissors at a younger age.
The scissors technique requires the children to actually jump over the bar by lifting their hips and therefore their centre of gravity;
the flop can lead to the children “falling” or “diving” over the bar, especially when the bar is at a low height. The scissors technique can be used to instil sound jumping principles such as a tall take off position, an extension of the take off leg, a driving of the free knee up towards the bar and an explosive vertical lift on take off, which can later be transferred to the execution of the flop technique.
I am often astounded by the number of young athletes who tell me that they “can’t do” or “don’t do” the scissors – that they “only do the flop” (or what they think is a flop – see below, under “Problems”). What they fail to understand is that most elite senior high jumpers use the scissors as an important warm up and technical drill. Even when an athlete uses the flop as their main competitive technique, they should never discard the scissors as a training drill.
Problems
Despite best intentions, however, the biggest problem most teachers and coaches will face is that not only do many kids want to do the flop, most think they can do it. Ironically, what most kids consider as doing a flop is simply a bad scissors – a sideways scissor bar clearance, their body parallel to the bar, with a landing on their back or their backside. In this case, it should be tactfully pointed out to young athletes exactly what is occurring; that instead of doing the scissors badly, they might as well do it properly and land on their feet. It also should be explained that high jump is about jumping up; and they will only continue to jump “up” while their head is up. As soon as they begin to fall back (in a “lazy” attempt to lift their feet), their power will no longer be going up in a vertical direction.
Also, younger, small, awkward, timid or non-athletic children may encounter problems in attempting to scissor onto some of the taller high jump landing mats. The high jump mat may even be higher than the child’s scissors PB! Queensland Little Athletics recommends that for scissors jumping by athletes in the Under 8 to Under 11 age group, the mat depth should be a maximum of 200mm. Some sports equipment suppliers advertise “Scissors Mats” of this style. I find that a lower mat depth will often assist youngsters to land on their feet in a balanced position, which can be difficult for some children when using the higher mats designed for the flop. Lower mats also obviously provide the advantage of being able to set the bar at heights below those that are possible with a higher mat.
Conclusion
A child’s first high jumping experience should involve using the scissors technique. It is safer, and more suitable for inexperienced youngsters. It should not be seen as an outdated technique but viewed as a vital part of the teaching process. Skipping this important progression may endanger the athlete with never reaching their full high jumping potential.
Darren Wensor
References:
• British Athletic Federation Coaches, “Coaching Young Athletes”, BAF, 1996
• West Australian Little Athletics Association, “Rules for Competition”, December 2002
• Queensland Little Athletics Association, Event & Equipment Specifications
DEVELOPMENT DIARY
What a great way to start the silly season for 57 Little Athletes, with a weekend of running, jumping, throwing, fitness, dancing, recreation activities, present giving and lots of fun in between.
Little Athletics NSW‘s ever popular and longest running live-in camp, the annual Christmas Camp, has quickly come and gone. Since Christmas fell on a Tuesday, and taking in consideration Zone Championship “back up” dates, the camp was literally conducted just prior to Christmas. The camp was held over the weekend of 21-23 December 2012 at Blue Gum Lodge Springwood.
All athletes took part in coaching events of their choice including sprints, hurdles, middle distance, walks, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus and javelin. They all walked away with a greater understanding of their events, learning some new drills and all leaving each coaching session with smiles on their faces.
We were very lucky with the weather. Sydney was, and still is, being belted with extreme weather conditions. The weekend of the camp saw perfect training weather. Cool mornings greeted us each day with warm (not hot) conditions throughout the day.
Saturday was a huge day of coaching and recreation. This year, AJ and Ben from DanceFever Multi Sport provided the afternoon recreational activities consisting of a “bootcamp” style fitness circuit and dance lesson. The “bootcamp” was challenging and lots of fun. The activities included: boxing, tyre drag, weighted vest hill run, resistance run and plyometrics. All athletes took up the challenge and even though they had just completed three athletics coaching sessions, they were “ripping through” each of the circuit activities. After a short break, bootcamp changed into a dance lessons. Many of the kids proved that dancing was their next talent, however, some of the coaches should stick to coaching. Following dinner, AJ and Ben donned on their formal wear and transformed into DJ Ben and MC AJ. The two kept the music rocking and the activities/games rolling during the disco. This allowed the athletes and coaches to let their hair down … this also ensured a great night sleep after a loooooooong day.
Sunday morning saw the usual “struggle out of bed” syndrome for many…or should I say for most athletes (and a couple of coaches). It was a very quiet early morning and coaches had the great pleasure of waking the athletes in the morning. Some were easy to wake, others needed prompting but many needed EXTRA prompting with the “clanging” of the large dinner bell. After breakfast, the athletes perked up and trained hard. Their effort reflected the previous day with no-one slackening off. During their downtime, all campers were able to enjoy the peace and serenity that Springwood has to offer or go swimming, play cricket or soccer, read a book or just “hang up”.
This year was the first time that we used social media on day-to-day happenings. Parents, friends and the Little Athletics community were kept in the loop on camp happenings with constant Facebook updates. This seemed very popular with instant “likes” and comments being left.
A big thank you to all the camp participants; parents; and coaches, Glen Howell, Ben Abbott, Sam Peck and Clare Maloney for their ongoing support, which ensures initiatives such as the Christmas Camp continue. Also thank you to Dance Fever Australia for their activities; Springwood Public School for ground usage; and to all the staff at the Blue Gum Lodge, especially Erica.
Running, Jumping and Throwing
into the Silly Season
Super Coaching Clinic
With the sun setting on 2012, 2013 begun at a fast and furious pace for the development team. After a couple of weeks of “recharging the batteries”, the first coaching clinic of 2013 was the annual Super Coaching Clinic held on
14-15 January 2013, at Sydney Olympic Park. The clinic saw 80+ athletes participate in the two-day clinic. The clinic provided participants with specialised, event specific, small group, coaching; a recovery swim at the Sydney Aquatic Centre; workshops; and an elite athlete Q&A session.
The aim of the Super Clinic is to provide a quality coaching opportunity specifically for the ‘senior’ aged athlete (U12-U17). The clinic consisted of a high quality coaching team including dual Olympian Youcef Abdi.
Youcef, who was very engaging and very approachable, proved to be a great hit with the athletes and parents.
He shared stories about his athletic career (so far) and provided many words of wisdom. He emphasised the need for all athletes to “persevere” with their athletics and to “relax and keep things simple”. Some lucky athletes even received a piece of Youcef’s 2012 Olympic Australian Team uniform.
There was also an inspiring Meet the Athletes Q&A session with Youcef, Olympian Lisa Corrigan (ANSW Development Officer) and Commonwealth Games representative Nick Bromley (ANSW and LANSW Development Officer). The athletes told stories of their athletic career and future goals. Many questions were asked of the athletes and they provided some inspirational and valuable advice which included:
“listen to your coach, love what you’re doing, improve those little things, make your goals a stepping stone process, listen to your body”, just to name a few.
Greater Western Sydney Summer Clinics
Bankstown Athletics Track was the venue for two days of athletics coaching. Day 1 was specifically for juniors and Day 2 was for the seniors. A total of 115 athletes, from near and far, attended the clinics. The coaching format was a three event rotation covering: speed, technique and power for sprinting (sprints 100m to 400m); hurdling technique (Hurdles); explosion and technique for jumping events (High Jump and Long Jump).
After the popularity of Youcef at the Super Coaching Clinic a week earlier, he once again made his positive presence felt as he headlined the coaching team. Coaches joining him included Lindsay Watson (2012 Australian Olympic Team Coach), Alex Stewart (ANSW Talent Target Program jumps head coach) and elite junior athletes Nick Hough, Brandon Starc, Abbie Taddeo and Maddie Powell. This high quality team ensured abundant learning was had for both athlete and parents, and most importantly, it was lots of fun!
Keep an eye out on our website for up to date information about our coaching clinic program.
A Busy start to 2013
JETS Program Update
JETS Flying High
JETS membership is now at a record high with 179 athletes having successfully applied for the program. The JETS program began in the 2009-2010 season, aiming to recognize, reward and foster emerging talent in the sport. The program gives athletes in the Under 12-17 age groups the opportunity to further develop their skills, knowledge and performances to a higher level in an enjoyable social environment. The program consists of numerous activities, including a series of coaching clinics and an annual live-in camp aimed at motivating, encouraging and supporting squad members. The coaching sessions are conducted by some of New South Wales leading athletics coaches and often attended by guest elite athletes.
JETS Clinics Hit Target
“Thank you – fantastic coaching sessions.”
“Awesome”.
“Everyone was really nice and I make new friends every time.”
“Thank you for a great clinic. I can’t wait until the next one.”
“It was fun and very enjoyable. I improved a lot and learnt a lot of new things. And the best thing is I met new people.”
“Great coaches, great guests.”
“Best training EVER!”
This was some of the outstanding feedback gained from JETS members and their parents who took part in JETS coaching clinics at Sylvania Waters Athletics Track on Sunday 11 November and at Barton Park, North Parramatta, on Sunday 2 December
Many of the athletes and parents commented on the high quality of the coaching, as well as the friendliness and approachability of the coaches, the individual attention provided to the athletes and the positive interaction between coaches and parents. Also highly rated was the presence of guest elite athletes; Eloise Wellings (London Olympics representative in the 5000m and 10,000m) and Jarrod Geddes (2011 World Youth Championships 100m finalist) attended the clinic at Sylvania Waters, while Nick Hough (2010 Youth Olympics 110m hurdles gold medalist) and Brandon Starc (2010 Youth Olympics high jump silver medalist) were guests at Parramatta.
Each session got off to a great start when the guest athletes were introduced to the group and chatted about their experiences and backgrounds. The athletes then led the warm up and assisted with the coaching sessions. During the “Ask the Coaches” workshop held in the break between the sessions, Eloise, Jarrod, Nick and Brandon were invaluable sources of information for the auidience. At Sylvania, the athletes and parents were provided with tips about how to deal with pre-event nerves; at Parramatta a discussion took place about how to prepare for an important competition.
JETS Aim for Wollongong
A JETS Coaching Clinic will be held for the first time ever in Wollongong in February 2013! The details are:
Date: Sunday 24 February, 2013 Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm (Arrival 8.45am)
Venue: Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre, Beaton Park, Foley’s Road, Gwynneville (Wollongong) 2013 JETS Performance Camp
The 2013 JETS Performance Camp will be held Friday, 12 July (2.00pm) to Sunday, 14 July (2.30pm) at the Sydney Academy of Sport &
Recreation, Narrabeen. The camp will feature:
• Intensive small group coaching by JETS and guest coaches.
• The unique opportunity for athletes to receive TWO sessions of coaching in EACH of their two chosen events.
• Performance enhancement workshops (2012 topics included strength & conditioning for young athletes and a speed, agility &
quickness practical).
• Use of the Academy’s athletics track, indoor sport stadium and indoor heated pool.
• Lots of fun and opportunities for social interaction.
Applications for the camp are not yet open, but JETS members will receive notification as soon as they become available.
JETS Applications Extended
Not a JETS member yet? Due to the popularity of the program, Little Athletics NSW is extending the date by which applications must be received. Visit the Little Athletics NSW website for qualification criteria and application information. For phone enquiries, contact the Little Athletics NSW office on 02 9633 4511 or 1800 451 295.
CEN TRE NEWS
Mid West, Central West &
South West Met Zones Scamper
17 November 2012
Tiny Tots Under 6’s
Under 7’s
Tiny Tots Obstacle Course
Tiny Tot boy’s tug‐o‐war
Tiny Tot boys’ lining up for 50m race
Tiny Tots start of Obstacle Course
CEN TRE NEWS
On Saturday 10 November the Zone celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a dinner held at Merrylands RSL.
Attendees consisted of current and past Centres members of the Zone. There were LANSW Board Members, Life Members, past and current Zone Coordinators and Secretaries (Life Members: Ron Budd, Barry Garment, Jacky Hayes and Maria McConville. Zone Coordinators: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Marian Bennett, Maria McConville. Zone Secretaries: Alan Bartlett, Greta Vallance, Jacky Hayes, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk.)
Many caught up with people they hadn’t seen for a numbers of years, others danced to the great music and all enjoyed the wonderful and plentiful food. We had a celebration cake which was decorated by Darlene Burkhardt (formerly Mt Pritchard) and made by Claire Yeo (Holroyd). Following the cutting of the cake we had the drawing of the lucky door prize, won by Judith Barnes (formerly Fairfield). The prize was a door (made by Ron Budd) signed by all who attended on the night. This has become a tradition of the Zone with the winner of the door from the 30th Anniversary in 2002 Sylvia McNamara bringing her door to the celebration for viewing.
The evening was a success and many people talking about whether they will be there for the 50th.
Back row: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Brad Weyland, Ron Budd, Barry Garment Front row: Greta vallance, Jacky Hayes, Marian Bennett, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk
On Saturday 10 November the Zone celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a dinner held at Merrylands RSL.
Attendees consisted of current and past Centres members of the Zone. There were LANSW Board Members, Life Members, past and current Zone Coordinators and Secretaries (Life Members: Ron Budd, Barry Garment, Jacky Hayes and Maria McConville. Zone Coordinators: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Marian Bennett, Maria McConville. Zone Secretaries: Alan Bartlett, Greta Vallance, Jacky Hayes, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk.)
Many caught up with people they hadn’t seen for a numbers of years, others danced to the great music and all enjoyed the wonderful and plentiful food. We had a celebration cake which was decorated by Darlene Burkhardt (formerly Mt Pritchard) and made by Claire Yeo (Holroyd). Following the cutting of the cake we had the drawing of the lucky door prize, won by Judith Barnes (formerly Fairfield). The prize was a door (made by Ron Budd) signed by all who attended on the night. This has become a tradition of the Zone with the winner of the door from the 30th Anniversary in 2002 Sylvia McNamara bringing her door to the celebration for viewing.
The evening was a success and many people talking about whether they will be there for the 50th.
Back row: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Brad Weyland, Ron Budd, Barry Garment Front row: Greta vallance, Jacky Hayes, Marian Bennett, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk
On Saturday, 10 November the Mid West Met Zone celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dinner held at Merrylands RSL. Attendees consisted of current and past centres members of the zone. There were LANSW board members, life members, past and current zone coordinators and secretaries (Life Members: Ron Budd, Barry Garment, Jacky Hayes and Maria McConville.
Zone Coordinators: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Marian
Bennett, Maria McConville. Zone Secretaries: Alan Bartlett, Greta Vallance, Jacky Hayes, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk.)
Many caught up with people they hadn’t seen for a numbers of years, others danced to the great music and all enjoyed the wonderful and plentiful food. We had a celebration cake which was decorated by Darlene Burkhardt (formerly Mt Pritchard) and made by Claire Yeo (Holroyd). Following the cutting of the cake we had the drawing of the lucky door prize, won by Judith Barnes (formerly Fairfield). The prize was a door (made by Ron Budd) signed by all who attended on the night. This has become a tradition of the zone with the winner of the door from the 30th Anniversary in 2002, Sylvia McNamara, bringing her door to the celebration for viewing.
The evening was a success with many people talking about whether they will be there for the 50th.
Back row: Glen Richardson, Peter Barnes, Alan Bartlett, Brad Weyland, Ron Budd, Barry Garment Front row: Greta Vallance, Jacky Hayes, Marian Bennett, Maria McConville, Aino Matwisyk
CEN TRE NEWS
In November, Western Blues Little Athletics Centre took part in the inaugural Pinkletics event to raise money and awareness for The McGrath Foundation.
Despite the weather forcing us to move our original date back a week, I think we can call the night a success. It was great to look out onto the field and see a sea of pink instead of our usual blue and white. Western Blues had turned into Western Pinks! From pink shirts, pink shorts and socks to pink faces and pink hair! Our best dressed award went to Jake Brand (yes, A BOY!) who really went all out for this great cause.
The committee and their kids did a great job “pinking up” Craik Park for the night with streamers and balloons, even our timers and starters got involved, in their hot pink vests.
We raised over $1,500 on the night and have committed to holding this event as part of our yearly calendar. We would love to get bigger, better and pinker each year! We already have great new ideas on how to improve for next year! Our families contributed a gold coin for the “privilege” of wearing pink and really dug deep purchasing shoelaces, face paint, tattoos and pink hairspray.
Our centre donated the proceeds of the canteen & weekly meat raffle. It was great fun to spice up our weekly run with a “theme” night and something we would love to do again.
Marylou Henry, President
Western Blues LAC
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