FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is PRLAC located?
Preston Reservoir Little Athletics Centre Inc (PRLAC) is located at Edwardes Lake Park, Reservoir on the corner of Griffiths Street and Edwardes Street.
What age can you become an athlete at PRLAC?
Little Aths is for children of all abilities aged 5-17. If your child is yet to turn 5, they must wait for their 5th birthday before registering as a Little Athlete.
How do you register for Little Athletics?
Athletes must be registered through our State Association (Little Athletics Victoria). Once your child is registered, they can participate in any of our competition days.
What if I am unsure about joining Little Athletics?
PRLAC offers any athlete that is new to Little Aths a FREE TWO WEEK TRIAL! Yep, that’s right- FREE! You still need to register through LAVIC for your trial (for insurance purposes) however no financial commitment is required. This way, your child can participate in Little Aths to see if they like it. No results will be allocated to Trial athletes through Results HQ until athletes are fully registered.
How does my child compete in Region and State events?
Region and State events are open to all registered athletes in the U9-U17 age groups. When these events registration portal opens, the centre will communicate this with our members.
Do I need to wear a uniform?
Yes, uniform is compulsory for all registered athletes. Uniforms can be purchased directly from the club or online via our Team App.
What is the cost?
Fees are $200 per athlete which includes both an $89 Little Athletics Victoria component and $111 PRLAC centre component.
Does my child need experience in Athletics?
No! Athletics is a sport for everyone regardless of one’s ability, skill or age! The values of PRLAC focus on family, fun, fitness and we ask our athletes to ‘Be your best’. We focus on improvement and participation and have various incentive programs such as the Personal Best program throughout the season for our athletes.
What day and time is athletics on?
PRLAC runs a Track and Field Competition most Saturday mornings (during the summer) from 8:30am to 12 noon from October – March with a break over the Christmas/New Year period. When there are Region/State events or public holidays, we may run a Friday night Twilight event held from 5:30pm-7pm. During the winter, a Cross Country program is also ran (by NMR Region Division One)
Are parents required to volunteer?
Yes! PRLAC is YOUR club and it is an expectation that all parents volunteer throughout the season. The club is run by volunteers for our children. No one is paid. Each week, volunteers run the program and with your help, we can make sure we run an efficient and timely program!
Are parents required to set up?
Yes! The more parents we have come down from 7am-8am before the program, the more likely the program will commence on time.
Do parents need experience to volunteer at PRLAC?
Absolutely not! That is the beauty about PRLAC. All our roles that are required to be filled are extremely easy and simple to pick up! We love seeing people involved and will always find a role for you that you are comfortable with!
What events are offered at PRLAC?
Events at PRLAC differ depending on the athlete’s age group however throughout the season athletes will have the opportunity to participate in sprinting, hurdles, distance running, Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin.
What age group will my child be in?
Age groups are determined by year and month of birth taken at December 31 as per Little Athletics Victoria’s age group calculator.
Do I need to purchase specialised shoes for my child?
No you don’t. Runners are fine however in U11-U16, athletes are permitted to wear spikes if they wish for track events.
Will my children learn the correct technique and have access to training/coaching?
Yes, PRLAC is committed to ensuring that all athletes are taught the correct rules and techniques of athletics. Our event officials will provide explanations of how to do each event especially for those athletes that are new to athletics. We also run a centre coaching program on Wednesday nights from 5:30-6:30pm providing a more tailored approach to teaching technique with a focus on athlete development.
Will my child have the chance to win medals/trophies/certificates?
Yes! We have programs that focus on athlete’s improvement, participation, but also acknowledge those athletes that excel. We present certificates to athletes who reach 7, 14 and 21 personal bests. We also have end of season awards where points are allocated throughout the season are then added up to determine age group placings. Athletes that don’t receive a placing trophy will be awarded a participation award. On top of this, we have special awards that are presented at the end of the season as well.
Is the name tag compulsory?
Yes, athletes must wear their Coles membership patch every week to record their results.
How do I find out what’s going on?
We post communications each week onto our Stack Team App, Facebook and Instagram pages.