Little Athletics Chelsea provides weekly training during the summer Track & Field Season (October - March) free of charge to all registered members. Training is held at the normal Saturday competition venue in Edithvale. As the coaching provided is more event specific it is generally available only for the U/8 age group and above. The format will ensure that groups of athletes are formed into manageable sizes for each event covered at a training session. Coaching aims to tailor specifically for each age group and each individuals current ability.

Our Centre coaches are volunteering their time to support and benefit your children, your help would be most welcome. All coaches have a current WWC card.

Training Program 2015/16

The table below provides the current schedule for training. Please note that dates are subject to change.

Training this season will be structured via age-groups combined into Junior & Senior athletes. The Junior age-groups will be made up of U8 - U12 athletes and the Senior group will be the U13 - U16 athletes. Generally the training program will be based on the events to be competed in the following week's program, although the Senior group may have tailored programs depending on requests received.

Date			Age Group	Time
7	October	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
14	October	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
21	October	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
28	October	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
4	November	2015	U8 - U12	No Training
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
11	November	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
18	November	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
25	November	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
2	December	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
9	December	2015	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:15pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
16	December	2015	No Training
23	December	2015	No Training
30	December	2015	No Training
13	January	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
20	January	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
27	January	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
3	February	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
10	February	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
17	February	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm
24	February	2016	U8 - U12	5:00 - 6:30pm
			U13 - U16	6.30 - 7.30pm

The typical training format is Warm-up, Event Training and Warm-down. Athletes should bring a water bottle and eat before attending to ensure that they have plenty of energy to complete the session.

Parents who are not in attendance while their child(ren) are at training are to fill in the attendance register so they can be contacted if required in an emergency or if training is cancelled for any reason.

Weather

A training session may be cancelled due to inclement weather, i.e. either extreme heat or rain or both! It is important that parents do not just drop off their children without first speaking with the Coaching Manager to confirm that training will be held on that particular day. Advance notice of training cancellation will be advised on the website however this may not always be possible. Please contact Tim Newman (0438 352 999) for Juniors (U8 - U12), and Anthony Cafarella (0417 388 590) for Seniors (U13+), to confirm if training will be held on any scheduled evening. We will also use our Twitter and Facebook accounts and post training cancellation notices.

Becoming A Coach

The Centre is continually searching for members who would like to learn the craft of becoming a Coach so that we always have Coaches coming through the system replacing those that are leaving the Centre. Assisting our young athletes in developing skills is an important part of their development. Any parents who may be interested in coaching should contact the Coaching Manager - Tim Newman. The Centre will provide information for any member to be trained to become a Coach via a recognised ATFCA (Australian Track & Field Coaches Association) course. Members who commit to coaching for a minimum qualifying period will be reimbursed any out of pocket expenses for the course costs.

Beginning Coaching General Principles Course The Australian Government thru the Australian Sports Commission offers a course aimed at first time and beginner coaches. This course is provided free of charge to all persons with a valid Australian postal address. The course provides for the first step towards accreditation to becoming a coach.

Athletics Play - Playing For Life Games Based Approach To Coaching

Athletics Play Athletics Play is a resource designed for use in the Australian Sports Commission's Active After Schools Program. The resource was jointly developed by Little Athletics Australia, Athletics Australia and the Australian Sports Commission The Athletics Play manual features an eight-week games-based activity program that focuses on the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing and is designed to promote a teams-based approach to athletics that is exciting, challenging and fun.

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A number of training aids are available for use at the Centre, members may also borrow equipment to use in their own time, or books and videos specific to certain events.

	Throwing Equipment Weights
	Hurdle Spacing & Heights
	Instructional Videos
	Books
	CD's
	Sport Science
	Junior Development Squad
	Southern Metropolitan Region Skills Coaching Camp
	External Coaching/Training Site links

Ask The Coaches

Got A Question about a specific event, or need to know more? Just Use the Ask The Coaches button, and send a message with your question. Our Coaches will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

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Throwing Equipment Weights

The table below indicates the recommended throwing implement mass for the Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin field events for each of the age groups and genders.

Implement	Discus	Shot Put	Javelin
Age Group / Gender
Under 6 - B & G	350gm	1.0kg	-
Under 7 - B & G	350gm	1.0kg	-
Under 8 - B & G	350gm	1.5kg	-
Under 9 - B & G	500gm	2.0kg	-
Under 10 - B & G	500gm	2.0kg	-
Under 11 - B & G	750gm	2.0kg	400gm
Under 12 - G	750gm	2.0kg	400gm
Under 12 - B	750gm	3.0kg	400gm
Under 13 - G	750gm	3.0kg	400gm
Under 13 - B	1kg	3.0kg	600gm
Under 14 - G	1kg	3.0kg	400gm
Under 14 - B	1kg	3.0kg	600gm
Under 15 - G	1kg	3.0kg	500gm
Under 15 - B	1kg	4.0kg	700gm
Under 16 - G	1kg	3.0kg	500gm
Under 16 - B	1kg	4.0kg	700gm

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Hurdle Spacing & Heights

The table below details the Hurdle spacing and height requirements per Age Group & Gender.

Event	Age Group / Gender	Height	Run In	Spacing	Run Out
60m Hurdles (6 Flights)	Under 8 Boys & Girls	45cm	12m	7m	13m
	Under 9 Boys & Girls	45cm	12m	7m	13m
	Under 10 Boys & Girls	60cm	12m	7m	13m
	Under 11 Boys & Girls	60cm	12m	7m	13m
	Under 12 Boys & Girls	68cm	12m	7m	13m
81m Hurdles* (9 Flights)	Under 8 Boys & Girls	45cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 9 Boys & Girls	45cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 10 Boys & Girls	60cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 11 Boys & Girls	60cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 12 Boys & Girls	68cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 13 Boys & Girls	76cm	12m	7m	13m#
	Under 14 Girls	76cm	12m	7m	13m#
90m Hurdles (10 Flights)	Under 14 Boys	76cm	13m	8m	13m
	Under 15 Girls	76cm	13m	8m	13m
	Under 16 Girls	76cm	13m	8m	13m
100m Hurdles (10 Flights)	Under 15 Boys	76cm	13m	8.5m	10.5m
	Under 16 Boys	76cm	13m	8.5m	10.5m
300m Hurdles (7 Flights)	Under 13 Boys & Girls	68cm	50m	35m	40m
	Under 14 Boys & Girls	68cm	50m	35m	40m
	Under 15 Boys & Girls	68cm	50m	35m	40m
	Under 15 Boys & Girls	68cm	50m	35m	40m
*LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only - Regional & State Competition distance is 80m #LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only - Regional & State Competition run-out distance is 12m

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Instructional Videos

The VLAA (LAV) have commissioned a number of instructional videos to be produced to raise the level of basic skills in young athletes in Victoria. The series is for the beginner athlete and parents to attain a competent level of expertise in the featured event.

The Centre has a number of these videos (DVD format) available for loan (at no cost) to any member. As more videos are produced these will be added here. Videos are generally available for hire for 1 week only. Videos are also available for purchase via the LAV site.

Online Videos
These videos presented below are an excellent resource developed by Little Athletics Australia. They may be downloaded (mp4 format) and installed on an iPod/iPhone or other compatible type device. Videos open in a new window. The following set of videos are designed for athletes who are just starting out or want to learn some basics of how to perform an event.
		Introduction		High Jump
		Running		Circular Throws
		Hurdles		Javelin
		Horizontal Jumps		Walking
The following set of videos are mainly designed for coaching athletes and are presented as a further aid for more advanced athletes or those that may wish to coach their own children.
		Standing Start		Triple Jump
		Crouch Start		High Jump
		Running Technique		Discus
		Hurdles		Shot Put
		Horizontal Jumps Run-Up		Javelin
		Long Jump Take Off

DVD Format Videos
		Sprints /Starts / Relays This DVD covers the skills and techniques in the areas of Sprinting, Relay and Starting, both standing and crouch. It also provides basic drills for each of the events and current VLAA regulations as of October 2009.
click on images to enlarge
		Hurdles This DVD on hurdling explains and demonstrates the model technique and provides some basic drills with which to practice and establish correct hurdle technique. It also includes hurdle specific warm-up and stretching exercises aimed at establishing the required rhythm and flexibility so important to hurdle athletes.
click on images to enlarge
		Discus This DVD covers skills ranging from how to hold the discus, through standing throws and then a progression of turns. It also provides some basic discus drills and an overview of the current regulations in place for VLAA discus events.
click on images to enlarge
		Javelin This DVD covers skills ranging from how to hold the Javelin, through standing throws and then a progression of run-up. It also provides some basic Javelin drills and an overview of the current regulations in place for VLAA Javelin events.
click on images to enlarge

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Books

		Introduction to Coaching Manual This manual is provided to participants of the ITCC. Produced with the help of the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (ATFCA), it covers all events conducted at Little Athletics (LA). A section of the book also deals with Coaching of Young Athletes making it an ideal tool for chidren competing at LA. The book includes many training drills for various ages from an early age to the later years of LA. A highly recommended read for those interested in coaching their own children or becoming a coach.
click on images to enlarge

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CD's

	On Track This CD provides information on the Fundamental Motor Skills that are taught as part of the On-track program conducted at the Centre for the U/6 & U/7 age groups. Whilst the CD is primarily for use by an On-Track instructor it can be useful for parents who wish to learn the progression of skills through the 5 levels of the program, for their own use, and provides some great tips for young developing athletes.
	ITCC + Coaching/Training Programs This CD contains a very useful selection of tips and techniques for developing event specific skills, and it also covers the selection of the correct choice of specific running shoes and spikes for young athletes. Instruction an all events conducted at Little Athletics is covered as well as Relays, and how to achieve a solid starting position using either a standing start or crouch start with or without starting blocks.

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Sports Science

Access the Sport Science Webpage on the LAV site. Here you will find many tips and useful information into the different Sports Science areas to help improve the practices that you use and the performances that you want to achieve. Topics covered include: Preparation, Heat Illness, First Aid, Footwear & Injuries, Avoiding Injuries, Safety In Sport, and Eating & Drinking Right.

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Junior Development Squad

Click Logo To Access LAV Website

Coaching and training is fundamental to improving athlete’s skills and technique. Many Centres offer coaching and training on a weekly basis after school hours. Little Athletics Victoria also provides training and development programs for various age groups across the State. One of these programs is JDS. The Junior Development Squad (JDS) offers training and coaching programs for athletes in the U12 - U15's age groups, who have met qualifying standards. Training with other keen and enthusiastic squad members is both fun and motivational, and helps develop new friendships based on an enjoyment of athletics. The emphasis on learning new athletic skills, and improving existing skills, is in a friendly and supportive environment.

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SMR Skills Coaching Camp

Generally held in late November each year, the SMR Camp is conducted at Merricks Camp & Conference Centre, Merricks, over a weekend (Friday evening till Sunday afternoon). Registrations are typically limited to 100 and the camp is available for U/9 to U/16 age groups. The Camp is available to all athletes (subject to number only) and there is no qualifying criteria. The Camp is aimed at improving an athlete's knowledge and technique over a a range of events.  Further details will be provided when available.

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External Coaching/Training Site Links

	This site is focused on providing cutting edge Training Tips for Serious Athletes and Coaches. Suitable Ages: U/12 & above Also refer to section: www.oztrack.com/tips.htm www.oztrack.com/training.htm			This site is a great resource for training ideas and tips for Track & Field events. Refer to the menu links on the left hand side of the page when visiting. Suitable Ages: U/12 & above Refer to: trackandfield.lifetips.com
coachr.org	Track and Field / Athletics: A site with lots of great information for coaches and self-coached athletes. Suitable Ages: U/12 & above Refer to: www.coachr.org			Here you will find some great speed/sprint training ideas, time predictors and general training advice. Dedicated to Track events only. Suitable Ages: U/12 & above Refer to: www.sprintology.com.au
	A site especially for kids with great ideas on improvement, training, nutrition, and games to make athletics fun. Suitable Ages: All Ages Refer to: www.kidsrunning.com			The Australian Track & Field Coaches Association website. Information on finding a specialist coach and guidelines for Coaches. Suitable Ages: All Ages Refer to: www.atfca.com.au Victorian Branch: www.atfcaviccoaches.org.au

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