Club Day Information
Club Days
Monday afternoons, 3:45pm start during school terms, with the 2026 season commencing on Monday 20th April 2026.
Set up begins at 3:30pm and pack up occurs once the program has finished.
Event rules and procedures
Age marshalls
Age Marshals are required to supervise an allocated age group for the duration of the club night.
Age Marshals will be provided with a folder containing the program for their age group and field event result sheets. They are responsible for ensuring athletes attend each scheduled event and that performances are recorded. Age Marshals should also encourage parents and carers to assist at events, as parent support is essential to the smooth running of club nights.
Warm ups
All athletes are required to participate in the warm-up session, which includes jogging and stretching. Warm ups will occur at the first event of the afternoon.
Role of the parent / career
Douglas Athletics is run entirely by volunteers. On club asfternoons, attendance can exceed 50 athletes, making parent and carer involvement essential to ensure events run safely and efficiently.
Parents and carers are expected to assist during club nights. Assistance may include acting as an Age Marshal, helping at field events, or supporting track activities. No prior experience is required, as qualified officials are available to guide and support volunteers.
Children benefit greatly from seeing their parents involved, and club nights are a shared family experience. Orientation and familiarisation sessions for parents are held at the beginning of the season to explain officiating roles and event requirements.
Parents and carers move around the grounds with their child’s age group and may assist with tasks including, but not limited to:
Track Events
Recording lanes and recording results.
High Jump
Bar measurement, bar placement, and recording results.
Long and Triple Jump
Raking the pit, measuring, spiking, and recording results.
Shot Put and Discus
Measuring, spiking, returning implements, and recording results.
Javelin
Measuring, spiking, retrieving implements, and recording results.
Program format
When signing on, athletes are allocated to age groups in accordance with Athletics North Queensland (ANQ) regulations. Athletes must compete in their allocated age group for the entire season.
At the start of each club night, athletes assemble with their age group. No event will commence unless an Age Marshal and a couple of parent helpers are present.
Each age group rotates through four events during the afternoon.
Athletes should carry their water bottles with them at all times. Snack food should be consumed prior to astarting the afternoon.
Age Marshals and parent helpers must ensure their group follows the scheduled program, as delays can significantly impact the flow of the evening.
Canteen
The committee will maintain a small supply of water, soft drinks, sports drinks, poppers and chocolates for which athletes and their parents / guardians can purchase.
Please approach the committee member stationed in the big shed for assistance.
What to bring
Club members are to wear their Douglas Athletics singlet, crop top, or t-shirt, along with appropriate sports shorts and enclosed shoes.
Spikes must not be worn during warm-up or when moving around the grounds. Spikes are only to be worn on the field of play and only by athletes in the appropriate age groups, in accordance with competition rules.
Athletes should also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the evening.
2026 Focus: Sportsmanship
For the 2026 season, we are celebrating great sportsmanship. All athletes are encouraged to show respect, support each other, and enjoy the competition.
-
Handshakes, high fives, and positive encouragement are expected and celebrated at the completion of events
-
Constructive encouragement and cheering for all athletes helps us create a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment
Let’s continue to be the best club in the district, on and off the field, by playing fair, respecting others, and celebrating everyone’s achievements and prouding telling everyone that you are an DOUGLAS ATHLETE!!!
Important notes
Parents are asked to ensure their child’s performances are recorded before leaving an event..
Athletes aged 16 years and under should have an adult aged 18 years or older in attendance for the duration of the club night.
Any injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to a Committee Member.
Ice packs are available from the big shed and must be returned before leaving.
We Support
