Parent Helpers
Little Athletics is a family sport
Cranbourne Little Athletics is a volunteer-run community organisation.
Every competition day requires a large team of parents and volunteers to help our athletes run, jump and throw safely and efficiently.
There is no team of paid officials waiting to run Saturday competition — our families make it happen.
Whether you are measuring a jump, retrieving a discus, helping in the canteen or simply raking a sand pit, every role contributes to the success of the Centre.
You don't need athletics experience. You just need to be willing to help.
Everyone Plays a Part
Running a full Little Athletics program requires dozens of volunteers every week.
Without enough helpers, events can be delayed, programs may need to be changed and, in some circumstances, events may not be able to proceed.
That is why we ask every CLAC family to contribute throughout the season.
The aim is simple:
Many hands make light work.
If everyone does a little, the responsibility doesn't fall on the same small group of volunteers each week.
How Our Weekly Sign-Up Works
CLAC does not allocate families a permanent weekly duty.
Instead, a Parent Helper Sign-Up Form is released prior to each competition, allowing families to select from the roles available for that week.
The sign-up will generally be shared through our usual Centre communication channels and will show the different volunteer positions required for the upcoming competition.
Families can select a role that suits them and, where possible, one that allows them to remain involved with their child's competition.
Already know what you'd like to help with?
Simply select your preferred role through the weekly sign-up form.
If you're unsure what to choose, don't worry — we'll help you find something suitable.
Age Group Leaders
Each Cranbourne age group has Age Group Leaders who play an important role in helping athletes move through their weekly competition program.
Age Group Leaders help:
- Organise athletes within the age group
- Guide athletes from one event to the next
- Keep the group moving through the program
- Communicate relevant information to athletes and parents
- Assist younger and newer athletes throughout competition
- Work with officials and parent helpers at each event
Our Age Group Leaders are supported by parents within the group.
They are not expected to run every event themselves, so having parents willing to help throughout the morning is incredibly important.
What Can I Help With?
There are plenty of ways to get involved — and most require no previous athletics experience.
Age Group Helpers
One of the easiest ways to get started.
You may be asked to:
- Measure a Long Jump or Triple Jump
- Rake a sand pit
- Retrieve a Shot Put, Discus or Javelin
- Record performances
- Help organise athletes waiting for their turn
- Assist the event official
Being a age group helper puts you right in the middle of the action and is a great way to watch your child compete.
Track & Competition Roles
As you become more comfortable, there are opportunities to become involved in areas such as:
- Starting
- Timing gates
- Finish line
- Race Walking
- Track officiating
- Refereeing
- Marshalling
- Announcing
- Competition operations
Training and support can be provided for people interested in learning more specialised roles.
Setup & Pack-Up
A lot happens before the first athlete even reaches the track.
Our setup and pack-up teams help prepare and return equipment including hurdles, throwing equipment, jump equipment, signage, shade structures and other competition requirements.
Helping with setup or pack-up is a fantastic option for families who prefer to contribute before or after competition.
Canteen & BBQ
Our canteen and BBQ are an important part of the Centre and require volunteers throughout competition.
Roles may include:
- Serving customers
- Preparing food
- Cooking on the BBQ
- Restocking
- General canteen assistance
No athletics knowledge required!
Want to Learn More?
For parents who would like to develop their athletics knowledge, there are opportunities to become:
- Accredited officials
- Coaches
- Starters
- Race Walking judges
- Age Group Leaders
- Team Managers
- Committee members
- Region and State officials
Little Athletics Victoria also provides education and officiating resources for volunteers who would like to learn more.
You can start by helping for five minutes at a jump pit and eventually find yourself officiating at a State Championship — everyone starts somewhere.
Parent Helper Points
CLAC uses a Parent Helper points system to ensure the responsibility for operating the Centre is shared across our families.
Each family is required to achieve 30 Parent Helper points during the season.
Different volunteer roles may attract different points depending on the time and responsibility involved.
Parent Helper participation also forms part of the eligibility requirements for a number of end-of-season athlete awards.
The weekly sign-up form makes it easy for families to plan when and how they would like to contribute throughout the season.
When You Have Signed Up
If you have volunteered through the weekly sign-up form:
- Please arrive with enough time to report to the appropriate area before your role begins
- Make yourself known to the relevant official, Age Group Leader or Committee member
- Follow any instructions provided for your role
- Remain in your allocated position until your role has been completed or you have been relieved
- Ask for help if you're unsure about anything
Please don't simply leave a position unattended — competition relies on every allocated role being covered.
Parents Must Remain at Casey Fields
Little Athletics is not a child drop-off sport.
A parent, guardian or responsible adult must remain at Casey Fields while their athlete is competing or training.
Parents remain responsible for their child's welfare and for making decisions should an injury, illness or other issue occur.
This also means that when you're not completing a volunteer role, you're encouraged to follow your athlete's age group, support them and be part of their Little Athletics experience.
Respect Our Volunteers
Every Committee member, coach, Age Group Leader, official and parent helper you see at Cranbourne Little Athletics is contributing their time to support our athletes.
Please treat all volunteers with patience, kindness and respect.
If an issue occurs during competition, speak with the relevant official or Committee member rather than directing frustration towards a volunteer who is simply trying to help.
We're all on the same team.
Working With Children Checks
Cranbourne Little Athletics is committed to providing a safe environment for every athlete.
Some volunteer and official roles may require a valid Working With Children Check in accordance with current child-safety requirements.
Further information about our child-safe policies and Working With Children Check requirements can be found on our Child Safety page.
Want to Get More Involved?
For some parents, helping at an event becomes the beginning of something much bigger.
There are opportunities throughout CLAC to become involved in:
- Coaching
- Officiating
- Age Group leadership
- Team management
- Committee positions
- Events
- Equipment
- Results
- Media and communications
- Administration
- Child safety
- Cross Country
If you have skills, experience or simply some enthusiasm to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
Volunteer Powered. Athlete Focused.
Every hurdle placed on the track, every jump measured, every result recorded and every sausage cooked happens because somebody volunteered to help.
Our athletes get to enjoy Little Athletics because our families make Little Athletics happen.