Track & Field
Run. Jump. Throw.
Track & Field is the heart of Little Athletics and forms our main summer competition season.
Throughout the season, athletes experience a wide range of running, jumping, throwing and walking events, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their Personal Bests and discover the events they enjoy most.
At Cranbourne, our focus is on participation, improvement and enjoyment — whether an athlete is competing for the first time or chasing their next championship.
The Track & Field Season
Cranbourne's Track & Field season generally runs from October through to March, with a short break over the Christmas and New Year period.
Competition is held at:
Casey Fields Athletics Track
Our season calendar is published before competition begins and includes regular Centre competition, special programs, championship events and other activities throughout the season.
A Typical Competition Day
Most Cranbourne competition programs are held on Saturday mornings, with selected Twilight competitions also scheduled during the season.
Athletes generally compete in approximately four to five events each program.
A competition day may include a mixture of:
- Sprints
- Middle distance
- Hurdles
- Race Walking
- Long Jump
- Triple Jump
- High Jump
- Shot Put
- Discus
- Javelin
The events available depend on the athlete's age group.
Our Competition Program
Rather than athletes competing in every event each week, CLAC uses a rotating competition program.
Events are spread throughout the season to give athletes regular opportunities to compete across the different Track & Field disciplines.
This helps create a balanced program while giving athletes multiple opportunities to improve their performances and chase new Personal Bests.
The upcoming competition program is published so families can see which events their athlete will be competing in each week.
Age Groups
Athletes compete within their designated Little Athletics age group.
Each age group has its own program based on the events and distances appropriate for that age.
Our younger athletes are gradually introduced to athletics skills and events, while older athletes progress into the full range of Track & Field disciplines available through Little Athletics.
Each age group also has Volunteer Age Group Leaders who help organise athletes and guide the group through their competition program.
Personal Bests
Little Athletics isn't just about where you finish.
One of the biggest focuses at Cranbourne is helping athletes improve their own performances.
Every time an athlete runs faster, jumps higher or further, or throws further than they have before, they may achieve a new Personal Best — PB.
CLAC also recognises athletes who achieve PB milestones throughout the season with our:
🥉 Bronze — 10 PBs
🥈 Silver — 20 PBs
🥇 Gold — 30 PBs
Training & Coaching
CLAC provides training opportunities throughout the Track & Field season across a variety of events.
Training is optional but is a great way for athletes to:
- Learn correct technique
- Develop new skills
- Improve fitness
- Build confidence
- Prepare for competition
- Work towards new PBs
Training sessions are communicated through CLAC's usual communication channels.
More Than Centre Competition
Athletes who want to experience additional competition can also take part in opportunities outside our normal Saturday program.
These may include:
- Open Days
- Region Relay Carnivals
- State Relay Championships
- Region Track & Field Championships
- State Track & Field Championships
- State Combined Event Championships
For many athletes, representing Team Cranbourne at Region or State level becomes one of the highlights of their season.
Participation in these events is optional.
Parents Are Part of the Team
Little Athletics is a volunteer-run sport, and our weekly competition could not happen without the support of our families.
Each week, CLAC releases a Parent Helper Sign-Up Form containing the volunteer positions required for that competition.
There are plenty of simple roles available, and no previous athletics experience is required for most positions.
Parents can help with things such as measuring, recording, retrieving equipment, raking jump pits, canteen, BBQ, setup, pack-up and assisting Age Group Leaders.
How Long Does Competition Take?
Competition times can vary depending on:
- The program being conducted
- Athlete numbers
- Available parent helpers and officials
- Weather conditions
- Equipment or competition delays
Most programs are designed to move efficiently through the scheduled events while still giving athletes the opportunity to enjoy their competition.
Families should always check the published information for that week's program for arrival and starting times.
What Should Athletes Bring?
For a normal Track & Field competition, athletes should bring:
- Full CLAC competition uniform
- Appropriate running shoes
- Spikes if permitted for their age and events
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Warm clothing when required
Families should also check the weather and competition information before leaving home.
Ready to Compete?
Whether you're learning how to jump for the first time, trying to beat your 100m PB or preparing for a State Championship, there's something for everyone during the Cranbourne Track & Field season.
Run. Jump. Throw. Improve.
That's Little Athletics. 💙💛
For this page visually, I’d probably have your big athlete action shot at the top, then three feature cards immediately underneath:
🏃 RUN
Sprints • Hurdles • Distance • Walks
🦘 JUMP
Long Jump • Triple Jump • High Jump
💪 THROW
Shot Put • Discus • Javelin