It’s that time of year when the footy posts at Righetti make way for the fresh, crisp line-marking of Little Athletics. The tree by the long jump pit braces itself for the onslaught of young athletes who climb it’s branches each summer. We are pleased to let our members know that it won’t be long until we can welcome you back to the track. With restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne due to ease in late October, we plan to get our season underway in a new format commencing Wednesday, 4 November.

 

Whilst we are still planning for something that is truly difficult to plan for, here is what our season may look like:

 

Start date: Wednesday, 4 November

Christmas break: Friday, 18 December – Sunday, 10 January

Recommence: week commencing Monday, 11 January

 

Preliminary Format

Our program will likely be run in groups of 10 in a circuit style format. Bookings may need to be made via trybookings. The required link, dates and times will be posted when details are finalised. We have secured extended bookings with the council for our ovals so we are currently looking at the best way to space our program.

 

The events will be heavily modified to ensure COVID safety with no hurdles, horizontal or vertical jumps. There will be a full suite of flat track events as well as throws. We may also introduce optional walk or distance events to add more variety.

 

Both Righetti and McAlpine Ovals will be linemarked to avoid congestion at the finish of the 200m and the start of the 400m/800m.

 

Unless on the volunteer roster, parents may be asked to sign their child in and return at the end of the circuit to collect. Exact times will be advised when booking.

 

Registration

Our registration portal is not yet open but, as a community organisation, we are keen to have our little athletes back enjoying community sport and connection. As a club, we recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, fun and affordable experience for our families. We also acknowledge that many families have been stung by lack of refunds from cancelled winter sports. As such, there will be no charge to families attending our program until registrations open,  COVID restrictions ease beyond groups of 10 and we can run to a format that looks largely like other seasons. The club is in a strong financial position and our aim is to ensure our program is accessible to all. We want to ensure all former members are able to participate and are welcomed back to the club.

 

Volunteers

In order to safely resume our program we call on volunteers to either be stationed at an event or to chaperone a group of 10. Please let Ben Hahnel (benhahnel@gmail.com) know if you are able to assist and which night of the week you will be available.

 

Having had a winter of cancelled activities and strict lockdowns we can’t wait to be able to get our season started safely and responsibly. Please call me anytime to discuss any element of Camberwell Malvern Little Athletics. We welcome your thoughts and feedback.

 

Nerel Ezra

President

0410 324 191