FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers!

Whether you're new to Baldivis Athletics Centre or have been part of our athletics family for years, we've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

Can't find what you're looking for? Our friendly committee is always happy to help!

Registration & Membership

What age does my child need to be to join?

Baldivis Athletics Centre welcomes athletes from Under 7 (U7) through to Under 18 (U18), with opportunities for senior athletes to participate too! Age groups are determined by an athlete's year of birth, based on the age they will turn by 31st December in the year the season finishes.

Does my child need previous athletics experience?

Not at all! We welcome athletes of all abilities and experience levels, from complete beginners to those who have competed for years. Our focus is on developing skills, building confidence, making friends and encouraging every athlete to achieve their personal best.

Can my child try athletics before registering?

We understand that choosing a new sport is a big decision! Trial opportunities may be available depending on the time of season and current registration arrangements. Please contact our Registrar before attending to confirm whether a trial is available and what you need to do.

How do I register my child?

Registrations are completed online through our Centre's registration system. Visit our Registration page for information about membership options, fees and the registration process.

Can we join partway through the season?

Mid-season registrations may be accepted depending on available places, age group capacity and registration closing dates. Please contact our Registrar to discuss availability before registering.

What does our membership include?

Membership provides athletes with access to eligible Centre training sessions, scheduled Friday night competitions and opportunities to participate in other athletics events, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements. Uniforms, merchandise and some additional events may involve separate costs.

Can my child participate if they have a disability or require additional support?

Absolutely! We want athletics to be a welcoming and inclusive environment where every athlete feels supported and valued. If your child has a disability, medical condition, sensory needs or requires additional assistance, we encourage you to contact our committee so we can discuss their individual needs and how best to support their participation.

Who should I contact about registration or membership questions?

Our Registrar is the best person to contact regarding age groups, registrations, membership options and registration-related enquiries. You can find our contact details under the Contact section of our website, or reach out to us through our official Facebook page.

Training & Competition

Does my child have to attend every training session?

Not at all! While we encourage athletes to attend training regularly to develop their skills and confidence, we understand that families have other commitments. Athletes are welcome to attend the training sessions suitable for their age group whenever they can.

Does my child have to compete every Friday night?

We encourage athletes to participate as regularly as possible, but we understand that sometimes life gets in the way! Regular attendance provides opportunities to improve Personal Bests, accumulate points and enjoy the social side of athletics.

What happens if my child misses a competition night?

There's no need to worry! Athletes can simply return for the next scheduled competition. However, missing competition nights may affect their accumulated points and eligibility for certain end-of-season awards.

How do I know which events my child will be competing in?

Our Centre operates rotating competition programs, with events varying depending on the athlete's age group and the scheduled program. Families can view the competition programs under the Program section of our website to see which events are scheduled.

What happens if it rains or the weather is too hot?

Athlete safety is always our priority. Training or competition may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to extreme heat, lightning, heavy rain or other unsafe conditions. Any changes or cancellations will be communicated through our official Facebook page and, where appropriate, by email.

Can parents stay and watch training and competition?

Absolutely! We encourage families to support their athletes and enjoy being part of our Centre community. Parents and guardians are required to remain at the Centre during training sessions. During competition, families may also be required to assist with rostered parent-help duties.

What if my child is nervous or doesn't know anyone?

That's completely normal, especially when trying something new! Our committee and volunteers are there to help athletes settle in, learn new skills and build confidence. If your child is feeling particularly anxious or needs additional support, please speak with a committee member so we can help make their experience as positive as possible.

Uniforms & Equipment

Does my child need to wear a uniform?

Yes! All athletes are required to wear the approved Baldivis Athletics Centre uniform when participating in Friday night competitions. Our competition uniform consists of an approved Centre T-shirt or singlet, or a crop singlet for athletes in U13 and above, paired with plain black shorts.

Shorts must not have large logos, stripes or coloured panels.

Does my child need to wear their uniform to training?

No! Athletes are welcome to wear comfortable, suitable sports clothing to training. We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing and appropriate athletic footwear so they can move comfortably and safely.

Where can I purchase the Centre uniform?

Our approved Centre uniforms and merchandise are available through our Merchandise page. We recommend purchasing your uniform early in the season to ensure your athlete is ready for competition.

What is a registration bib, and does my child need to wear it?

A registration bib displays your athlete's allocated registration number and must be worn on the front of their competition uniform. Bibs are essential for identifying athletes, recording results and ensuring performances can be recognised for records and awards.

Please ensure your athlete wears their bib to every Friday night competition.

Does my child need special running shoes or spikes?

For most athletes, a comfortable pair of enclosed running shoes with suitable grip and support is all they need to get started. Athletics spikes may be permitted for certain age groups and events, subject to the applicable competition rules. If you're unsure whether your child can wear spikes, please check with a committee member before purchasing them.

Does my child need to bring their own athletics equipment?

No! The Centre provides the equipment required for scheduled training and competition events, including throwing implements, hurdles and jumping equipment. Athletes should bring their own water bottle, appropriate footwear and any personal items they may need.

Can my child wear a Centre hoodie or long-sleeve top during competition?

Our Centre hoodies and long-sleeve tops are great for training, warm-ups and keeping warm between events. However, athletes must wear their approved competition uniform when competing, in accordance with Centre uniform requirements.

Parent Help & Volunteering

Why do parents need to volunteer?

Baldivis Athletics Centre is proudly run by volunteers! From organising events and recording results to setting up equipment and assisting athletes, our Centre relies on the support of families to keep everything running smoothly.

Parent help is an important part of being a member of our athletics community, and every contribution makes a difference.

Do I need athletics experience to volunteer?

Absolutely not! Most parent-help duties require no previous athletics experience, and guidance is available to help you get started. Whether you're measuring jumps, retrieving throwing equipment, setting up for competition or helping behind the scenes, there's something for everyone.

How do I sign up for parent-help duties?

Families can nominate for available duties through our Centre's parent-help roster system.

We encourage families who have limited availability or circumstances that may make completing parent-help duties difficult to contact our Rosters Officer as early as possible. This allows us to discuss your situation and explore suitable options to help you meet your parent-help requirements throughout the season.

Where do I go when I'm rostered for parent help?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled duty and sign in at the Parent Help Sign-In Table, located opposite the Announcer's Desk in the spectator area. Our committee members and volunteers will help direct you to your allocated duty and provide any necessary instructions.

How many parent-help duties do I need to complete?

Families are required to complete a minimum of seven (7) parent-help credits throughout the season for their athlete to be eligible to participate in Centre Championships. We recommend spreading your duties across the season rather than leaving them until the final weeks.

What happens if I don't complete enough parent-help credits?

If your family does not meet the required number of parent-help credits, your athlete may not be eligible to participate in Centre Championships. If you're having difficulty completing your duties due to family circumstances or other commitments, please contact the committee as early as possible to discuss your situation.

Do I need to volunteer during Centre Championships?

Yes. Families with athletes participating in Centre Championships are required to assist with the Championships roster. If your athlete competes on both days, parent-help assistance is required on both days.

Can I help the Centre in ways other than Friday night competition?

Absolutely! There are many ways to support our Centre beyond Friday night event duties. Opportunities may include assisting with training, equipment, fundraising, special events, administration and other behind-the-scenes activities.

While these contributions are greatly appreciated and play an important role in keeping our Centre running smoothly, they do not count towards the seven (7) parent-help credits required for Centre Championships eligibility.

We always welcome families who would like to lend an extra hand!

Results, Awards & Championships

Are my child's results recorded?

Yes! Athletes' performances are recorded during Friday night competitions, allowing them to track their progress, compare previous results and celebrate their achievements throughout the season.

We encourage athletes to focus on improving their own performances rather than comparing themselves with others.

What is a Personal Best (PB)?

A Personal Best, commonly referred to as a PB, is an athlete's best recorded performance in a particular event. Whether it's running a faster time, jumping a little further or throwing a new distance, every PB is an achievement worth celebrating!

At Baldivis Athletics Centre, we believe personal improvement is just as important as winning.

How does the Centre's points system work?

Our Centre operates a points system that recognises participation, performance, attendance and eligible Centre records. Points accumulate throughout the season and contribute towards determining our Age Group Champions and Runners-Up, plus other awards.

Our points system encourages regular participation, personal improvement and a positive approach to competition.

What is a Centre Record?

A Centre Record is the best eligible performance officially recorded at Baldivis Athletics Centre for a particular age group and event. Athletes who achieve a new Centre Record are recognised for their outstanding performance, subject to the applicable event rules and record verification requirements.

What awards can athletes receive throughout the season?

Our Centre recognises athletes for a range of achievements, including performance, improvement, sportsmanship, leadership and Centre spirit. End-of-season awards include Age Group Champion and Runner-Up recognition, along with other special awards that celebrate the contributions and achievements of our athletes.

Not every award is based on winning events. We believe effort, dedication and a positive attitude deserve recognition too!

What are Centre Championships?

Centre Championships are a special end-of-season competition where eligible athletes compete in their age-group events for Championship recognition. It's an opportunity for athletes to celebrate the skills they've developed throughout the season, challenge themselves and enjoy competing alongside their friends.

How does my child qualify for Centre Championships?

To be eligible to participate in Centre Championships, families must meet the Centre's participation and parent-help requirements. This includes completing the required seven (7) parent-help credits throughout the season, along with any other applicable eligibility conditions.

We encourage families to familiarise themselves with the Centre Championships requirements early in the season to avoid disappointment.

Do parents need to help during Centre Championships?

Yes! Centre Championships rely on the support of our families to ensure events run smoothly. Families are required to assist with rostered duties during Championships. If your athlete competes on both days, parent-help assistance is required on both days.

These duties are separate from the seven (7) parent-help credits required for Championships eligibility.

Does my child need to be a top-performing athlete to participate in Centre Championships?

Not at all! Centre Championships are an opportunity for eligible athletes of all abilities to participate, challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. Athletes don't need to be the fastest runner, highest jumper or strongest thrower to enjoy the experience.

We encourage every eligible athlete to give it a go!

Where can I find more information about results, records and Championships?

Information about Centre records, competition programs, Championships and other important updates is available through our website.

Families can also follow our official Facebook page for announcements, reminders and upcoming events.

Still Have Questions?

Couldn't find the answer you were looking for? No worries!

Our friendly committee is always happy to help. Visit our Contact page to get in touch, or follow us on Facebook for the latest Centre news, announcements and updates.