FAQ's
Q: Which age group/grade should I register my child in?
A: Your child's grade/age group is determined by their age as at 31st December of the current season. For example, if Jamie is currently 6 years old but will turn 7 before December 31st, Jamie would be Grade 7. If Jamie turns 7 in January, then they will be registered as Grade 6.
Q: When do you train?
A: Club Night is Thursday.
Q: What time does training start and finish?
A: Social athletes start at 4.00 pm and finish at 5.00 pm
Competitive athletes start at 5.00 pm and finish at 6:30 pm
Q: Can I drop my child off at Club Night or do I need to stay?
A: If your child is aged 8 years and under, then a parent or guardian must stay at the grounds for the duration of the session.
Q: How do I know whether to register my child as 'Social' or 'Competitive'?
A: A Social membership is best suited to new(er) athletes. The season is shorter and runs from October to December. Social athletes will have four opportunities to try their hand at competition. These are our December Club Comp day, the Alexandra and Wānaka Country Meets and the Colgate Games.
Competitive memberships are aimed toward more experienced athletes. The competitive season runs from October to March.
Athletes can compete in all the Club Comp days, various interclub competitions, the Mini Multis, Colgate Games and the Otago Champs. Competitive athletes are expected to compete in at least two major competitions.
Please note: The Club reserves the right to move any athlete from the Competitive Programme to the Social Programme should they frequently disrupt training and negatively impact the experience of other athletes. The difference in membership fees will be refunded.
Q: My child is 6yrs old - can I enter them as Competitive?
A: Any child from the age of 6 can compete in athletics events throughout Otago. We suggest speaking with our coaches before choosing this option.
Q: Can my child wear spikes?
A: Athletes from Grade (Age) 10 and up are permitted to wear spikes. Spikes must be no longer than 6mm.
Q: Do I have to purchase a Club singlet?
A: It is not mandatory to wear our black Club singlet on club night. We do encourage it as it helps foster the feeling of being part of a team.
Q: What uniform does my child wear to competitions?
A: When representing the club outside of Wānaka, athletes must wear club competition singlet and plain black bottoms. The competition singlet is not to be worn at weekly Club Nights or our Saturday Club Comps. You can purchase club hoodies and tees with an option to add your name to the back.
Q: What are competition numbers and how does my child get one?
A: Anyone registered as a competitive athlete will be issued a set of competition numbers. Numbers are attached to the front and back of the competition singlet using safety pins. Numbers are issued by Athletics Otago and sent to the club for distribution. They are reuseable and must be worn at all competitions outside of Wānaka, except for Country Meets.
Q: Do you offer additional training for children who are competing at Colgate Games, Mini Multis or Otago Champs?
A: Yes, we do - dates to be confirmed
Q: If I register my child as Social can we change to Competitive mid-way through the season?
A: Yes. There is an 'Upgrade' option available from November. Social athletes have a chance to experience a competition at our December Club Comp day before making a decsion. Keep an eye on the club Facebook page.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: We would love to hear from you! The club is run by volunteers and many hands make light work.
Become a Coach: The size of our membership is determined by the number of volunteer coaches. If you would like to coach but haven't done so before we'd still love to hear from you. Various coaching clinics are held throughout the season and we have an accredited Coach the Coach who can give you the tools you need.
Join the Committee: If coaching isn't your thing, become a Committee member and help shape the future of the club.
Club Comp Days/Country Meet: To make our Comp Days possible, it is expected that families of competitive athletes volunteer at at least one event. This could manning the BBQ, the bake stall or assisting coaches in running each event station.
Reach out to us at aspiringathleticswanaka@gmail.com