Parents and families play a very important role in their child’s little athletic involvement.

Volunteer Role

As Little Athletics is a totally voluntary organisation, Centres cannot operate without the assistance of parents each week in fulfilling the many and varied duties required. These include officiating at an event, managing an age group, recording results, working in the canteen, to name just a few. Little Athletics is one of the few sports where parents can become fully involved in their child’s sporting interests. There are always plenty of experienced parents and officials on hand to answer any questions you may have.

At Little Athletics we understand that just like our athletes, our parents come from a diverse range of backgrounds and as such have different talents and experiences. There is a place for everyone at Little Athletics and there are a number of ways that you can become involved. You may have skills that the centre doesn’t even know they need. So if you think you can help with something, let the committee know. Regardless of whether or not this is your first involvement as a Little Athletics parent, it is always worthwhile, at the start of each season, to consider what your role will be over the next six months or so.

Whatever you experience, don’t feel scared about putting your hand up and ‘giving it a go’. After all, isn’t that what we ask our kids to do?

Parental Role

Your child is in a sport that provides an opportunity for immediate and long term benefits. The benefits include: higher levels of fitness; better health; a pleasurable social environment and the satisfaction derived from skilled performances. Little Athletics can provide a launching pad for a life-long involvement in sport, whether it be elite or purely recreational. Little Athletics is the Foundation for All Sports, and it offers young people life skills which will stand them in good stead for the future.

Just as important as any of the above benefits is that Little Athletics provides children with the chance to have fun – TO PLAY. Please do not ever lose sight of this!

Unfortunately, all of the potential benefits of involving a child in a sport can be quickly lost due to one very important factor – ADULTS. Do not underestimate the effect that you can have on your child’s long term participation in and enjoyment of sport. By taking a considered, understanding approach, a parent can be their child’s most valuable asset.

You must realise, however, that you don’t have to be a ‘screamer’ to have a subtle negative effect on your child in sport. All too often, adults attempt to impose their own values on children’s’ sport. Do not assume that children play sport for the same reason that adults do. For example, when surveyed, a large number of children list ‘beating opponents’ and ‘receiving medals and trophies’ as last on a ranking of ten enjoyment factors in sport. Children are not little adults and their sport should be free from adult pressures and demands.