44th ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS

President’s Report Page 4

Chief Executive’s Report Page 6-7

Resources Report Page 8

Business Assurance Report Page 9

Business Development Report Page 10

Membership Development Report Page 11-12

Centre Liaison Report Page 13

Registrations 2012/2013 Page 14-15

Championships/Competition Report Page 16

Competition & Volunteers Report Page 17-18

Officials Report Page 19-20

Coaching & Development Report Page 21-23

2 LITTLE ATHLETICS

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

President Neil Sandall Championships/Competition Heather Mitchell Business Assurance Russell Briggs Membership/Development Trevor Hinwood Officials Peter Barnes Business Development Michael Gray Resources Greg Dickson

STAFF

Chief Executive Officer Kerry O’Keefe Executive Assistant Georgie Boost Administration Assistant Trish Bright Centre Liaison Officer Chantelle Grills Competition & Volunteer Coordinator Diane Levy Coaching & Development Officers Darren Wensor Alvin Umadhay Youcef Abdi Regional Athletics Coordinator Scott Wescott Coaching & Development Administrator Cheryl Webb Online & Graphics Coordinator (part time) Amy Harris Finance Coordinator (part time) Greg Skinner

MEDICAL ADVISOR Professor Marcus Vowels

LEGAL ADVISOR John Bateman

AUDITOR Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

LANSW OFFICE 90 - 92 Harris Street HARRIS PARK 2150 Ph: 9633 4511 Website: littleathletics.com.au Email: [email protected]

3 PRESIDENT

It gives me great pleasure to present this, my second annual report as President of LANSW for the 2013/14 Little Athletics season. We can reflect upon another solid year with some 39,000 athletes again registering for skills development and competition at the 190 or so affiliated Little Athletics centres. Whilst this represents about a 6.5% decline in the record level of registrations in the prior season following the London Olympics, it is nevertheless a good result based on previous post Olympics seasons.

I can report that LANSW’s financial position remains strong with a healthy level of fixed assets and more liquid reserves - the latter safely and prudently invested and available to be drawn upon as required. Appropriate prudential oversight of these assets is provided by the Resources Committee (president, resources director, business assurance director and CEO) who in turn report regularly to the board via the resources director so all directors can exercise their fiduciary obligations in the financial oversight of LANSW.

At this point I would like to express the board’s appreciation for the hard working centre committees in our 190 plus centres who ensure local delivery of our Little Athletics experience, week in, week out, across a diverse spread of NSW locations. You indeed are the “lifeblood” of the huge pool of volunteers making our sport possible for the many families who participate.

At LANSW level, my appreciation extends to our Harris Park based staff led by our CEO, Kerry O’Keefe, our volunteers including, zone coordinators, our regular LANSW officials, coaches, etc, whose regular efforts are critical to our on-going success. Thank you all for your support to myself and your board.

Whilst in the appreciation mode, I also extend LANSW’s thanks to our major sponsor McDonalds (who has now been supporting us for over ten years) for not only your monetary contribution, but also for your strong in-kind support through television advertising which would otherwise be beyond our financial reach to undertake. Thanks are also extended to our other sponsorship supporters; The Athletes Foot, Hart Sport, and IMG. Thanks also to IGA who are ceasing their partnership with LANSW. Your support over recent years is appreciated.

Reviewing our year in a championships sense, we can reflect once again upon the successful conclusion in 2013/14 of 24 Zone Championships, eight Regional Championships (four metropolitan and four country), State Relays, State Multi as well as State Cross Country and Road Walks. My particular appreciation to the hearty competitors as well as officials who endured particularly appalling weather conditions whilst successfully competing or officiating at the State Multi-Event on a very stormy weekend in Shellharbour.

Our regular season ended with another outstanding NSW team effort to win the Trevor Billingham Trophy once again at this year’s Australian Little Athletics Championships held at Albert Park in Melbourne. The event having been switched to Melbourne this year as part of the celebration of the 50th season of Little Athletics which originated in Geelong, Victoria (the facilities there being determined to be inadequate for this major event).

Whilst this year has again been a successful one for LANSW, we do face the enormous challenge of getting our sport back on a growth path again. For too many years now we have simply been marking time with our registration numbers ebbing and flowing depending where we are in the four yearly Olympics cycle, without really growing numerically.

When we look at junior sports “market share” we are actually seriously losing ground to the plethora of other sports and entertainment offerings available to today’s families. Meeting this formidable challenge involves LANSW re-examining its offering at both local centres and in its major championships. Next season the board has taken the initiative of holding the State Multi-Event in Sydney to see if this can re-ignite interest in this event in what is the 35th year it has been going. This is not intended as a pre-cursor to holding what has traditionally been a country centred event in Sydney henceforth, but simply an “investigation” of the potential to add a periodic Sydney rotation to the usual mix of country venues to keep interest and participation in this event sustained. 4 PRESIDENT

We are also working more closely with ANSW through a Joint Working Party to improve transitional issues from Little Athletics to seniors and see what other co-operative efforts might improve growth in our sport. This initiative is entirely consistent with National level support for closer co-operation, notwithstanding a merger of both AA and LAA not proceeding for now. Such co-operation is in the wider interests of our sport and will allow the time to demonstrate successful joint ventures and initiatives which help our sport to grow.

Finally we have taken the decision to grow our development efforts for the sport by employing additional staff so we can provide additional on the ground support for local capacity building and to grow our participation through a more focused and better distributed series of development initiatives. More about this will be revealed at our upcoming AGM and Conference at Cessnock.

Neil Sandall PRESIDENT

5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE

I am pleased to be able to report on the progress and continuing advancement of Little Athletics New South Wales South Wales throughout the 2013/2014 season.

At the time of writing, registrations stand at 38,907, which represents approximately a 6.5% decrease on the previous record year. Whilst a decrease was anticipated, it would have been nice to maintain a membership of 40,000. Membership growth is an area which we must set as a priority and collectively strive to achieve year after year. In such a competitive environment for the attention of young people, failure to consolidate our position as a leading junior sport could have negative consequences for our organisation going forward.

It is however pleasing to report that growth was evident in other areas of our operation. We had more participants at the State Championships than ever before, more athletes attending coaching clinics, and more students participating in LAPS (Little Athletics Program for Schools). Increased engagement of members within our programs and activities is also something that we should be striving to achieve.

There were also nine re-formed centres this season, being: Blayney; Bourke; Brewarrina; Condobolin; Coonabarabran; Dungog & District; Kotara South; Rutherford; and Tumbarumba; who between them had a combined registration of over 900 athletes.

It was also pleasing to see continued increase in the number of centres promoting the online registration system as the preferred method of registration and therefore we also saw an increase in the number of athletes registering via this means. We had approximately 14,600 athletes register and pay online, which shows an increase of 18% from the previous year. This ensures that contact details are current and accurate immediately following renewal of registration, allowing communication and engagement to be promoted from the outset. There are benefits in this for members, centres and the LANSW.

The past season again saw a number of financial assistance programs offered to our members, with increased levels allocated to the individual assistance programs. Total funding across all programs increased by 44% over the previous year to $51,830. This increase was approved in order to accommodate a greater percentage of applications under the Athlete Assistance Program and the Country Athlete Support Program. Total funding was comprised of the following: $12,830 to 52 athletes as part of the Country Athletes Support Program, providing financial assistance to talented young athletes from country areas of NSW to attend the State Championships; $14,000 to 100 Little Athletes as part of the Athlete Assistance Program, helping with registration expenses; and $25,000 for 10 centres via the Centre Grant Scheme, for equipment and facility upgrade.

We had one staffing change during the past 12 months, this being in the area of coaching and development. In August 2013 we accepted the resignation of Nick Bromley from the position of Greater Western Sydney Development Officer and we were pleased to appoint Youcef Abdi to the role in November 2013. With the completion of funding for the role of GWS Development Officer through the ASC/AA/LAA ‘Joint Venture’, Youcef has been retained as an employee by LANSW in the more generic role of Coaching and Development Officer, with a specific focus however, on growing the dual registration age group and increasing transition between LANSW and ANSW. Youcef is a dual Olympian and finalist, and a three times Commonwealth Games representative. He is an accredited athletics coach with wide experience coaching athletes of all abilities and has already proven to be a great asset to LANSW.

Following extensive consultation and discussions led by the Australian Sports Commission, it was announced in December 2013 that the proposed merger between Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia into one unified body, would not be going ahead. With ‘merger’ talks no longer taking place at the national level, LANSW and ANSW agreed to form a Working Party to identify ways in which the delivery of athletics in NSW can be improved to enhance the experience for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers and the broader athletics community. This will build on the existing strong and productive relationship between both organisations. At a national level, Athletics Australia (AA) and Little Athletics

6 CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Australia (LAA) have also now established a Joint Athletics Management Group to identify practical outcomes that can help further strengthen the links between the two bodies and align their efforts to grow the sport of athletics in Australia at all levels and I am pleased to be a member of both the state and national committees.

All zones recently held their Annual General Meeting and bi-annual elections, which resulted in nine zone coordinators new to the role. It is great to see people stepping up to this position, which means ‘new blood’ and new ideas in this important role. Thanks to the ‘retiring’ zone coordinators for their contribution and welcome to the ‘new’ zone coordinators. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

It is with sadness that I acknowledge the passing throughout the season of life member, Stan Hamley; life member, former legal advisor and disciplinary panel member, Peter Wickes; former director and official Larry Jacka; and official and advisory committee member, John Wells. The contribution to Little Athletics in NSW of each of these gentleman is appreciated and our condolences are offered to their respective families.

As always, I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful partners McDonald’s, The Athletes Foot, Hart Sport, IMG STG, Coca-Cola Amatil and GA Millers. Without their support we would not be able to operate as we do. To IGA, who are parting ways with Little Athletics after several years of great support, we also say a big thank you.

My thanks again go to the board for their support, and to our zone coordinators, advisory committees, officials, centre committees and volunteers, each of who play a vital role in the successful operation of Little Athletics in NSW.

Thanks are also extended to the staff for their dedication to the organisation and their commitment to ensuring the successful operation of Little Athletics in NSW. The demands upon the staff seem to be constantly changing and growing and the way in which they rise to new challenges is to be admired.

The year ahead will hold a new set of exciting challenges, with projects such as the introduction of the new Working With Children Check requirements, the roll-out of new centre constitutions, the closer alignment of the two arms of the sport, to name but a few. I look forward to working with everyone in these and other areas, to continue to grow this great sport.

Kerry O’Keefe CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

7 RESOURCES

The 2013/2014 financial year saw a good result for the financial results of LANSW in both a surplus and in the strength of net assets of the organisation.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Income was $123,388 or 5.2% above budget. Registrations were strong although down from the previous year, an Olympic year which historically are the highest registration years. We received some government funding via the Australian Sports Commission which provided NSW funds to assist towards a development officer in targeted areas. Increased income was generated from LANSW run programs and interest generated from our investment policies.

Positive growth in income was seen in coaching camps and clinics with increased participation.

Expenditure was $64,617 or 2.7% below budget for the year.

Championships expenditure was below budget and this is mainly due to reduced cost of sending the NSW team to the ATC held in Canberra in 2013.

The cost of the equipment (office and sporting) expenditure is above budget as we purchased weighted javelins for each of the Region Championships for coming years.

Coaching camps and clinics were above budget due to increased participation and the conduct of a large clinic held on the north coast.

LANSW is required to have the land and buildings revalued on a regular basis and the latest valuation has shown an increased valuation of $355,000 which has increased the valuation of Land and Buildings with an offset increase in the Asset revaluation reserve. We became aware of some issues with the building in Harris Park which will require maintenance and other work to our major asset. We wished to provide funds for that work out of the year’s surplus as the Accounting standards would not allow us to make a provision without a contract being in place. Consequentially we have shown a contingent liability of $50,000 as well as a provision of $20,000 shown in the accounts. We have yet to scope the works required and get valuations for the work.

Some accounts have been grouped differently in the year and make comparisons from year to year a little harder. The amounts shown under Centre Grants include payments to centres for new equipment and works, it also includes athlete assistance, country athlete assistance, dual registrations and development of new centres. There was a Trans Tasman away tour which is a user pay tour and costs as well as income show up differently from year to year.

The net surplus has meant that as an association we have been able to hold fees at the current level for the coming financial year. LANSW has decided to provide more support staff into regional areas in 2015 to strengthen athlete numbers and to support centres in the delivery of programs.

Greg Dickson RESOURCES DIRECTOR

8 BUSINESS ASSURANCE

After a full year as the Business Assurance Director I have enjoyed the challenges the role has presented.

It is with much sadness however that I acknowledge the passing of two of my sub-committee members this season. Peter Wickes was a member of the independent disciplinary panel that was set up after the completion of the new LANSW Constitution, and John Wells was an integral part of the Risk Management Advisory Committee over the past 12 months. Their contributions will be missed and we extend our condolences to their families.

After the completion of the LANSW Constitution and Regulations, the main job this past season was to work through the centre constitution template, which did provide some challenges. We are also almost finished the centre regulation templates which will accompany the constitution, and they will be soon rolled out. Special thanks to Ros Read, Andrew Martin, Peter Barnes, Allan Johnson, and Kerry O’Keefe for their help to iron out some of these issues. Moving forward we will look to assist centres with their queries on the template and ideally over the next 12 months these documents will be implemented by centres across the state.

The second component of the role has been to oversee safety and risk policies and guidelines for our athletes, staff and volunteers.

We have reviewed and updated many of our risk policies; developed an Air Quality Guideline (that still needs some minor rewording) and recently (with the help of Trevor Hinwood) we have completed a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) document which has eventuated out of some council leasing documents seeking confirmation that compliance in relation to electrical appliances have been met within council owned buildings and clubhouses.

One of the key components that we have also discussed over the last year has been the implementation of the Working with Children Check for volunteers involved with sporting organisations. Education of centre committees regarding the requirements of the Working With Children Check, will be the major focus for the coming season.

From a safety and risk perspective it has been pleasing to see safety coordinators being utilised at zone and region carnivals and this is something that needs to continue. Zone coordinators, region coordinators and carnival managers are reminded that this role is not something that should be overseen by them. While I appreciate many people are multi-skilled, this role is as important as any other role within the operation of a zone or region carnival. With ongoing insurance liability issues ever present, this is not something to dismiss lightly and I appreciate your ongoing implementation of this role.

A special thanks to Wayne Thurlow, Jeff Baxter, Ed Batten and Michael Gray, who assisted with safety coordination and risk management to cover all the major LANSW carnivals last season.

Thanks also to Chris Hudson, Wayne Thurlow, and the late John Wells, for their help on the Risk Management Advisory Committee. The advice and direction they provided was an important component for this role.

Russell Briggs BUSINESS ASSURANCE DIRECTOR

9 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

I would like to thank my fellow board members, zone coordinators, life members, staff, athletes and parents for their enthusiasm and continued support in making Little Athletic’s an enjoyable sport for all to be involved with.

Little Athletics NSW has been very lucky in the past in having many long term sponsorship partners. Our major supporter, McDonalds, continues with us and enters their 11th year of support. Thanks must go to our other sponsors from last season IGA, Hart Sport and The Athletes Foot for their continued support.

Sadly, IGA are no longer continuing their support and as such we are looking to other organisations to come on board as a sponsor. Negotiations have already started and it is hoped that we will have a replacement in the near future.

The compilation and gathering of information that Amy Harris does to prepare and publish the Run for Fun E-News should be recognised. Without her involvement this important information journal could not be delivered bi-monthly for the benefit of all members.

One of the challenges facing LANSW is growing our sport. Whilst our registration numbers have ranged in the 36,000-40,000 over recent years, our sport has not grown when compared to other junior sports numbers. As the population grows our numbers should be growing as well in order for us to maintain our market share. This has not been the case and we need to look at ways in which numbers can grow. This is our challenge and without increasing our numbers we run the risk of having a smaller presence in the junior sport market which ultimately gives us less ability to increase or attract quality sponsorships.

Thanks once again to everyone for the year and I look forward to the upcoming season.

Michael Gray BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

10 MEMBERSHIP/DEVELOPMENT

REGISTRATIONS 2013/2014 SEASON It was always going to be difficult to maintain the record breaking figure from last season. At the time of this report our registrations are 38,907 which is in line with our expectations. With no Olympic or Commonwealth Games during the season, there is a predictable decrease. This still places us well above levels of 36,000 that we have experienced in the past. Congratulations to the centres that have been able to increase their registrations over last season.

NEW CENTRES There were several reformed centres this season. Refer the Centre Liaison Officer’s report for more detailed information.

FACILITIES We continue to look at possible centres in growth areas. In the last 12 months discussions have taken place with a number of councils. The centre liaison officer, chief executive officer and I have been working on the following proposed new facilities/centres.

• Blacktown City Council: “The Ponds”; a new facility and centre. The facility is currently under construction, and due for completion for the start of the 2015/2016 season. • Camden Council: a new facility and potential centre. Currently undergoing discussion with regards to funding and DA approval. • Dubbo City Council: synthetic track, due for completion October 2014. Working with council to establish opportunity to promote the new facility. • Penrith City Council: synthetic track; progress has been made through regular meetings with council and a steering committee. Layouts of the proposed facility are currently under review. • William Clarke College, Kellyville: Meetings currently taking place to utilise the school’s sporting grounds for athletics, therein forming a new centre. This project is still in early days of discussions between William Clarke College/Baulkham Hills Shire Council and LANSW. This is an exciting new concept utilising school/college facilities.

Discussions are also taking place with other councils regarding future sporting facility needs in their areas.

CENTRE SUPPORT Unfortunately we had several centre’s close due to centre’s not being able to form a working committee, meeting LANSW requirements and declining numbers. Our centre liaison officer has been working with these centres and we are hopeful of reforming these centres in the future.

ONLINE REGISTRATIONS This method of registration is gaining more acceptance and it is our preferred way of taking athlete registrations. Last season there were a number of centres who only accepted online registrations. Congratulations to the following centres: Cherrybrook, Eastern Suburbs, Glenbrook, Hills District, Kings Langley, Ku-ring-Gai, Kurrajong/Bilpin, Mosman, North Rocks Carlingford, Northern Suburbs and Parramatta.

A special mention to the centres who have been promoting and encouraging all members to register online, they are: Coolamon, Newcastle City, Rouse Hill, Ryde, Toukley, Tuggerah Lakes Mingara, Western Suburbs and Wollongong City

We need centres to encourage and support this method of registration. This season we had approximately 14,600 athletes register and pay via our online system. There are many advantages in registering this way.

11 MEMBERSHIP/DEVELOPMENT

THANKS As this will be my last Annual Report in the role as Membership Development Director, I would like to thank my fellow board members, Little Athletics NSW staff, zone coordinators, centres, and parents for their support, encouragement and advice over the past ten years.

Trevor Hinwood MEMBERSHIP/DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

12 CENTRE LIAISON

What a year it has been! I was able to help many centres throughout NSW who needed assistance, whether it was by starting a new centre or working closely with any centre who had notified me of any concerns they had e.g. not being able to hold an AGM due to lack of attendance, or not being able to form a committee, as well as those who had been declining in registrations over the past few years.

It was a massive year for re-formed centres - there were a total of nine. Some of the athletes from these re-formed centres competed at zone and continued through to state, which is a fantastic effort.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved - from committee members, to parents and athletes, and to the zone coordinators. This couldn’t have been possible without you all!

The re-formed centres and their registrations for this season are: Blayney 174 Bourke 71 Brewarrina 46 Condobolin 61 Coonabarabran 70 Dungog & District 154 Kotara South 154 Rutherford 97 Tumbarumba 91

There were a total of three Country Seminars held in 2013, at Lockhart, Kiama and Mudgee. I was fortunate to attend two of the three, which is always a pleasure as I get to meet centre personnel.

I attended Region 4 in Wollongong as the information officer, on a wet and windy weekend in February, where I again was able to meet a lot of centre personnel and their members.

In October and November 2013, Greg Dickson and I toured NSW once again for what we believed were very successful centre visits. We saw a total of 15 centres throughout Central, Southern and Northern NSW. We were able to learn a lot from these visits and hope the centres were able to benefit from us also. We were able to base these trips on visiting some of the re-formed centres (a total of four re-formed centres).

Over the past year, Trevor Hinwood, Membership Development Director and I have been liaising with councils about facilities and growth areas. Please refer to the Membership Development’s report for more detailed information.

I was delighted to announce that ten centres had been successful with their application of the Centre Grant Scheme. Congratulations to: Canowindra, Dapto, Deniliquin, Gilgandra, Ingleburn, Lismore, Springwood, Wauchope, Wellington and Woolgoolga Little Athletics centres. The scheme aims to assist centres throughout NSW, in obtaining track and field equipment and facilities that will better enable them to conduct events for their members.

A big thank you goes to the LANSW Board of Management and staff for their guidance over the past year.

Finally thank you to all centres, centre representative and zone coordinators for your continued support throughout the past year.

I look forward to working with you all again in the upcoming season.

Chantelle Grills CENTRE LIAISON OFFICER 13 REGISTRATIONS

Registrations for the 2013-2014 season did see a decrease of around 6.51% which was minimal due to no major athletics events during the year. The season did however see an increase in the number of centres using the IMG online database for the registrations with approximately 14,600 members registering and paying online. The rebate of $5 per athlete was again offered in 2013-2014 and resulted in 92% of centres receiving the rebate for a total of 34,446 athletes. This will continue for the coming season. At the time of writing, there were still a number of centres who had outstanding registrations. It is imperative that centres finalise these immediately after the conclusion of each session.

Trish Bright ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

14 REGISTRATIONS 2013-2014 0.55 1.63 3.39 1.15 6.87 5.03 0.91 2.16 5.01 5.88 0.28 ‐ 2.75 ‐ 8.63 ‐ 0.84 ‐ 9.93 ‐ 8.31 ‐ 1.45 ‐ 7.37 ‐ 6.84 ‐ 5.17 ‐ 3.44 % 16.22 72.93 12.37 20.72 66.93 28.49 ‐ 13.91 ‐ 25.83 ‐ 20.63 ‐ 27.69 ‐ 13.83 ‐ 31.73 ‐ 26.20 ‐ 65.98 ‐ 14.94 ‐ 31.10 ‐ 20.85 ‐ 91.10 ‐ 11.59 ‐ 34.15 ‐ 11.49 ‐ 12.06 ‐ 22.32 258.33 ‐ 100.00 ‐ 100.00 60 40 68 115 109 533 185 548 302 238 223 845 229 188 302 539 492 445 187 338 232 177 553 174 638 792 444 537 259 260 326 127 364 328 190 232 199 220 370 439 123 351 320 383 705 353 224 2012/13 0 99 29 72 81 408 106 236 138 551 148 162 487 215 183 222 177 591 396 272 224 368 212 115 290 209 451 309 611 205 500 389 177 220 890 536 370 215 213 378 339 620 545 263 461 174 354 2013/14 41661 38907 s ZONE k Sports Clair Park

Robins Suburbs Blues Hill Park Par CITY Park Valley Eastern Hacking MET ZONE Quakers Bankstown MID WEST MET ZONE Mt Pritchard OUTER WEST MET ZONE REGION 8 INNER Western STH REGION 7 CENTRAL WEST MET ZONE Campbelltown Balmain WEST MET ZONE Doonside STH WEST MET ZONE Camden 6.99 Eschol 6.77 Jamison 3.34 Douglas 8.30 Minchinbury ‐ 5.19 Prospect ‐ 1.83 Tiger Wests ‐ 9.26 Illawong ‐ 6.00 Tallawong ‐ 4.30 Green ‐ 9.68 Ingleburn ‐ 8.54‐ 2.24 Canterbury Randwick/Botany ‐ 4.51 Revesby/Worker ‐ 2.21 Warradale ‐ 2.38 Penrith Valley ‐ 3.88 Blacktown ‐ 6.15 Greystanes ‐ 6.78 Everley 56.52 Prestons 19.54 12.59 Smithfield 34.23 Liverpool 42.86 Girraween 25.00 ‐ 17.00 Cabra ‐ Vale Fairfield ‐ 20.42 Mt Druitt ‐ 13.23 ‐ 16.98 ‐ 14.78 ‐ 14.39 South ‐ 28.15 Helensburgh ‐ 21.31 Port ‐ 19.43‐ 12.64 St George Sutherland ‐ 17.01 Western ‐ 19.54 ‐ 34.00 Werrington ‐ 22.72 Eastern Suburbs ‐ 84.00 Nepean ‐ 38.38 Emu Plains ‐ 20.09 Holroyd ‐ 53.10 Lethbridge Park ‐ 69.57 Ambarvale 118.75 % ‐ 100.00‐ 100.00 Colyton/St Cranebrook 2012/2013 2013/2014 0 87 50 34 17 25 16 99 65 12 23 100 142 115 270 636 383 702 488 133 350 194 325 348 135 279 901 465 577 445 982 695 270 458 554 136 149 133 168 449 766 229 103 133 219 118 113 2012/13 TOTAL TOTAL 0 4 0 7 83 99 33 35 61 53 91 61 15 256 113 180 479 542 127 329 376 194 637 384 369 152 280 164 420 407 960 595 282 248 133 267 200 964 464 592 484 142 175 110 161 190 104 2013/14 ZONE ZONE k Basin RIVERINA MET ZONE Rams ‐ Wagga RIVERINA Hills ‐ Gai Wagga Park Wyalong Illawarra Cargelligo District ‐ Ring MID SOUTH COAST ZONE WESTERN Bowral Nth Districts Dapto Mosman Hills STH COAST H'LANDS ZONE EASTERN NTH EAST NTH WEST MET ZONE REGION 6 REGION 4 NTH MET ZONE Ku Junee Hay Moulamein Tumbarumba REGION 5 5.00 Shoalhaven 1.64 Parramatta 4.31 2.11 ‐ 4.86 Riverstone ‐ 7.79 Wollongong ‐ 4.35 Nth Rocks/C'ford ‐ 5.71 ‐ 8.51 Ardlethan/Beckom ‐ 4.19 Lockhart ‐ 8.60 ‐ 8.91 Wagga % 15.97 Deniliquin 12.50 Ryde 73.81 Kings Langley 42.86 Rouse Hill 14.73 Wollondilly 80.56 Hawkesbury 37.93 25.00 Finley ‐ 15.33 ‐ 22.29 ‐ 30.48‐ 22.08 West Albion ‐ 12.33 Kiama ‐ 38.82 Milton/Ulladulla ‐ 26.09 Nth Suburbs ‐ 20.75‐ 14.29 Hornsby Manly/Warringah ‐ 70.00 ‐ 10.22 ‐ 21.98 Lake ‐ 15.18 Nth Illawarra ‐ 12.59 St Georges ‐ 17.50 Cootamundra ‐ 22.07‐ 22.53 Kooringal Lake ‐ 45.76 Billabong ‐ 43.75 Temora ‐ 19.76 Coolamon ‐ 58.97 ‐ 21.10 ‐ 14.56 Griffith ‐ 24.12 Leeton ‐ 11.95 Tumut 157.14 Narrandera ‐ 100.00 Winston ‐ 100.00 Cherrybroo 0 0 0 0 0 42 16 23 21 10 56 91 35 59 43 48 95 39 29 93 56 42 119 150 166 144 105 231 244 100 426 104 130 146 152 235 138 159 116 137 129 303 278 167 200 444 182 180 202 167 109 316 257 410 2012/13 0 0 3 0 46 75 22 73 80 73 33 40 18 16 71 32 97 70 93 27 85 86 61 138 128 117 137 127 433 180 129 105 160 102 121 148 225 257 243 165 346 134 215 174 126 123 184 141 195 325 154 270 361 108 2013/14 ZONE ZONE ZONE

City RANGES PLAINS RSL South HUNTER MACQUARIE Hill Stephens Newcastle REGION 3 WESTERN Trangie LAKE Coonamble Warren Cumnock WESTERN PORT Walgett Wellington CENTRAL T'LANDS ZONE Cowra Adamstown/N Lamb. 0.00 Narromine 0.008.33 Stockton Thornton 4.35 Cardiff 1.96 Young 6.35 Medowie ‐ 1.03 ‐ 1.12 Brewarrina ‐ 6.67 Kurrajong/Bilpin ‐ 9.09 Charlestown ‐ 4.40 Oberon ‐ 0.72 Edgeworth ‐ 2.80 Condobolin 19.35 Lithgow 10.17 Peak 19.81 Dubbo 25.76 Wallsend 13.33 Westlakes 28.63 Forbes 12.75 Dubbo 60.47 Blayney 32.00 22.22 Bathurst 55.56 Canowindra ‐ 52.69‐ 22.38 Port Raymond Terrace ‐ 12.19 Gilgandra ‐ 24.19 Tilligerry ‐ 44.38 Grenfell ‐ 18.31 Orange ‐ 39.83 Ballimore ‐ 19.77 Parkes ‐ 29.06 Cobar ‐ 10.43 Tullamore ‐ 28.45 Nyngan ‐ 33.47 Glenbrook ‐ 14.77 Woodberry ‐ 49.32 ‐ 12.50 Kotara ‐ 23.39 Windale ‐ 15.35 Macquarie Hunter ‐ 20.00 Southlakes ‐ 39.74 Eastlakes ‐ 16.43 Springwood % ‐ 100.00 Mudgee ‐ 100.00 Bourke ‐ 100.00 Myall Coast ‐ 100.00 Katoomba 0 0 0 6 40 93 31 25 62 71 52 13 52 36 88 66 90 88 46 91 40 50 78 43 25 72 45 143 194 179 236 207 279 270 160 118 531 117 278 116 248 255 255 149 146 124 138 228 213 126 107 2012/13 0 0 0 0 25 44 37 47 71 70 52 83 48 89 58 83 97 35 95 40 47 80 83 87 39 33 88 69 75 74 260 248 192 426 177 111 252 260 245 102 154 249 165 137 193 178 328 168 134 104 2013/14 ZONE Valley ZONE Rocks

k y Coast Macquarie Bar West Coonabarabran Glen Innes Glenreagh Maitland Gunnedah NTH RIVERS Evans Head Tamworth Toukley Tuggerah Lakes Branxton/Greta Cessnoc Woy Denman Kurri Merriwa Singleton Rutherford Coffs Inverell Manilla Moree Ballina Narrabri Stuarts Point MID NTH COAST ZONE Camden Haven Terrigal/Wamberal Wyong HUNTER Aberdeen Dungog East Maitland Muswellbrook Grafton Curlewis Bellinger Valley Quirindi Old Port Sth Gloucester Forster/Tuncurry Gosford CENTRAL COAST ZONE Wauchope Taree Kempse REGION 1 Lismore Lower Clarence Nambucca Richmond REGION 2 Armidale NEW ENGLAND ZONE Urunga/Bellinger Valley 70 Woolgoolga 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS/COMPETITION

Firstly I would like to thank the Championships Advisory Committee for all of their assistance and hard work during the past season. Peter Barnes, Di Levy, Tim Batho, Aino Matwisyk, Simon Nicola and Glen Richardson, who all contributed in the various areas of their expertise.

Our state team selectors Marian Bennett, Maria McConville, Greg Skinner, Kirsten Crocker, Grant Levy and Craig Waters, and Trans Tasman selectors, Kirsten Crocker, Aino Matwisyk, Maria McConville and Sally Richardson, all did a great job in selecting the best NSW teams possible.

Also thank you to all the state officials and parent helpers as without your help we would not be able to conduct our state events so efficiently.

More of our eight Region Championships used photofinish thereby creating electronic track records, and even some Zone Championships used photofinish. Our photofinish system was used at the State Track & Field Championships for all track events on the warm up track whilst the SOPAC system was used on the main track.

“Late Entries” are now a well established part of our championships criteria except of course for Zone, Region and State Track & Field Championships.

CHAMPIONSHIPS ADVISORY COMMITTEE This past season the committee has met on eight occasions, with one meeting being combined with the Officials Advisory Committee.

The committee also assisted with weighing throwing implements prior to all championships. The stocktake of our equipment stored at SOPAC was another activity of the Championships Advisory Committee for this season, as well as getting it all ready for transporting to the Trans Tasman Trials, Regions and State Multi-Event.

Some of the committee also helped with the set up at State Relays and State Track & Field Championships and are now all experts at putting up tents and cabanas in the rain, heat and wind.

Heather Mitchell CHAMPIONSHIPS/COMPETITION DIRECTOR

16 COMPETITION & VOLUNTEERS

The competition & volunteer coordinator is responsible for the organisation of all LANSW competition and major events and for ensuring effective recruitment, training and management of volunteers.

CHAMPIONSHIPS State Cross Country/Road Walks – Scheyville This event was conducted at Scheyville National Park on Sunday, 7 July 2013 and had 782 athletes from 88 Little Athletics centres enter, including athletes from Ballina in the north and Gilgandra in the west. Following close of entries, the list of competitors was posted on our web and notified to centres. The first few running events were conducted on a very cold winter morning, but when the sun came out it turned into a beautiful day! After the drop off, 634 athletes competed in the cross country with 141 taking part in the road walk events. Some athletes participated in both events on the day. Thanks are extended to Kurrajong/Bilpin Little Athletics centre, for their organisation prior to and on the day.

Trans Tasman Trials – Parramatta Thank you to Parramatta Little Athletics centre for hosting this event at Barton Park on Sunday, 4 November 2013. Being an ‘away’ tour very small numbers entered. A total of 89 athletes from the U11 and U12 age groups participated, all of whom gained selection in the Trans Tasman Team.

State Relays – Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre Numbers were down slightly from the previous year but we still had over 1,200 teams who competed at our 2013 Relays on Saturday & Sunday, 23 & 24 November. There were 638 teams entered on Saturday for the Juniors (U8-U11) and 609 teams on the Sunday for the Seniors (U12-U17). The number of centres who took part was 58, which is fairly consistent with other years. We operated a fully timed program again which worked quite well but did run about 1½ hours late on the Saturday due to a delay caused by lightning strikes. The U8 4 x 200m was run entirely in lanes for the first time, which proved quite successful. There were 15 teams records broken, with nine on the track and six in the field.

Trans Tasman Challenge – Auckland Our team of U11 and U12 athletes competed against the children’s team from Auckland on Sunday, 18 January 2014 at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. The athletes, officials and supporters all had a fantastic time in New Zealand.

Zone/Region Championships – various venues Twenty-one of our Zone Championships were held prior to the Christmas break, with the remaining three held early in the new year. Following completion of all zones, the databases were sent to the office where the progressions to each region was done and the list of qualifiers posted on our webpage.

Regions were conducted in various weather conditions in February at: Lismore - Region 1, Mingara - Region 2, Lithgow - Region 3, Wollongong - Region 4, Narrabeen - Region 5, Blacktown - Region 6, Bass Hill - Region 7 and Sylvania Waters - Region 8. The Meet Manager program was again used by all regions.

Regions with three zones had the first four places; regions with four zones had the first three places and regions with two zones had the first six places automatically progress through to the respective regions. This made up 12 athletes in each event. Then an additional four next best qualifiers from across the zone results, also progressed to region, making a total of up to 16 athletes in each event at each region. There were 14 state records broken at regional carnivals. Two of these records were submitted to Little Athletics Australia for an Australian Best Performance.

State Multi-Event – Flinders Over 900 athletes from 103 Little Athletics centres entered our State Multi-Event, which was held at Myimbarr Community Park, Flinders. We had a drop off of 22.5%, which wasn’t too bad considering the

17 COMPETITION & VOLUNTEERS

heavy rain and atrocious conditions. Thank you to the committee of Lake Illawarra Little Athletics centre for the preparation of the venue, as well as the assistance over the weekend. The ground held up extremely well taking into consideration the large amount of water that fell during the weekend. One state record was broken, which was also submitted to Little Athletics Australia for an Australian Best Performance.

State Track & Field Championships – Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre The culmination of our Little Athletics season was our State Championships held at SOPAC on Friday- Sunday, 21-23 March. A total of up to 24 athletes were in each event. This came from the progression from region to state whereby the first two places at each of the eight regions automatically progressed through. Then the next best eight qualifiers from across all regions were also added. Thanks again to Craig Scott for his assistance in writing up the manual which assisted in the determination of these additional qualifiers. The fully timed program worked well again, with athletes and parents knowing when to go to the call room. There were 2,839 athletes, representing 161 centres, who qualified through to our state championships. A total of 40 state records were broken, with 37 being in track events and three in the field. Four of these state records were submitted to Little Athletics Australia for an Australian Best Performance. There was 31 AWD (athletes with a disability) who competed on the Sunday in the invitational events, which were 100m, discus and long jump.

Australian Little Athletic Championships - Melbourne The 2014 ALAC was conducted at Albert Park, Melbourne on Saturday, 3 May, in very interesting weather conditions, which had rain, wind, warmth and cold!!! The U13 team performed extremely well and eventually came out victors by winning the Trevor Billingham trophy for overall team point score with 675.5 points. Our U15 athletes finished second, with 236 points, in the Multi-Event teams point score.

OFFICIALS Online Officials Assessment The online officials’ assessment that was launched at the 2012 Annual Conference continues to be utilised. To date, there are 941 registered users who have done their D Grade and C Grade theory exams online. A total of 2737 exams have been attempted.

LANSW Nominated Officials A total of 162 nominated state officials were on our books at the end of the 2013/2014 season.

GETTING STARTED (formerly BEIC) The course is aimed at people who are brand new to the sport or who are intending to help out for the first time (as well as age managers). Only six courses were held last season.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR This award was first introduced in the 2001/2002 season. From that season until 2007/2008, one winner was presented. From the 2008/2009 season, it was decided to present an award to both male and female volunteers of the year. The winners of the Volunteer of the Year award for 2012/2013 were Carmen Jones (Randwick/Botany LAC) and Paul Deane (Bankstown Sports LAC). Congratulations to both worthy winners.

Di Levy COMPETITION & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

18 OFFICIALS

The following is a summary of some key aspects of the 2013/14 season.

OFFICIALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE I would like to thank the members of the Officials Advisory Committee for their help and support during this season, i.e. Heather Mitchell, Diane Levy, Lynne Whatman, Rosie Barnes, Brad Weyland and Les Kirkland. These officials have given up their time to review a number of aspects of the officials program this year.

APPOINTMENTS PANEL Thank you to the Appointments Panel of Greg Dickson, Ross MacLeod-Jones and Heather Mitchell for their assistance with the appointment of our nominated officials to Little Athletics NSW carnivals in 2013/14.

OFFICIALS SEMINARS Officials seminars play an important part in the education and training of officials. The seminars should explain how to apply the rules in addition to outlining the rules. Zone coordinators have prime responsibility to organise the seminars. Where practicable, accredited LANSW nominated officials are provided to assist with the presentation of the seminars.

I would like to thank the zone coordinators who arranged officials’ seminars during this season and I also thank the presenters.

LANSW KEY OFFICIALS SEMINAR A seminar was held in September for LANSW nominated officials, key officials from zones and regions and others. Agenda items included: • Rules changes • Changes to procedures • Wrap-up of previous year’s championship carnivals • Workshop discussing scenarios • General discussion of officiating matters • Mentoring

A field marking training session was held in the morning prior to the seminar.

ACCREDITATION The online exam system allowed potential officials to do their D and C Grade theory exams when they want to, without leaving home. A post implementation review of the process involved in the introduction of these system and improvements made to the accreditation process is being undertaken.

The boards of Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia have agreed to implement a unified education and accreditation system (AAOES) which will be implemented in stages.

OFFICIALS Volunteers are the backbone of Little Athletics. They fulfil a whole range of duties from the athletic officials on the field to the equipment officers, recorders etc. Thank you to all the people who have given up their time and volunteered to officiate this season. Without your assistance, none of the Little Athletics carnivals can happen.

I would like to thank our dedicated band of officials (LANSW nominated officials) who regularly officiate at the major carnivals. As we do not have sufficient nominated officials to cover all positions, we have to allocate duties to centres at some of our events. I thank the centre officials who fulfilled the duties allocated to them.

19 OFFICIALS

CARNIVALS The following is a table of the number of positions filled by LANSW nominated officials and allocated to centres at Little Athletics NSW carnivals.

Carnival Nominated Officials Centre Allocation (# of positions) 2012 Cross Country 47 Trans Tasman Trials 73 State Relays 94 (Sat) 98 (Sun) 94 (Sat) 93 (Sun) State Multi-Event 75 State Track and Field 102 (Fri) 131 (Sat) 134 (Sun) 84 (Fri) 78 (Sat) 103 (Sun)

Peter Barnes OFFICIALS DIRECTOR

20 COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

COACHING CLINICS School Holiday Skills Clinics Coaching Clinics in 2013 were once again successful. We had 16 centres involved in the School Holiday Skills Clinics. There were two regional tours held last year to Narromine, Dubbo and Bathurst as well as Griffith and Temora. All skills clinics catered for U9-U17 age groups. Across the state there were 539 athletes participating in skills clinics.

Northern Rivers Super Clinic Northern Rivers Zone held their first ever Super Coaching Clinic at Toormina Oval in November. In a first for the area, the event consisted of both junior (U9-11) and senior (U12-17) coaching clinics for athletes on the Saturday and Sunday mornings, and education workshops for coaches, parents and teachers on the Saturday afternoon. There were 96 athletes registered for the clinic.Ten coaches were used to conduct the activities including 1984 Olympic Heptathlon champion and ATFCA Executive Director Glynis Nunn-Cearns.

LANSW Super Clinic The LANSW Super Clinic was conducted in January this year at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre. The clinic was open to all registered Little Athletes in the U12-U17 age groups. A record number of 102 athletes registered for this clinic, which is 19 more than the previous highest figure, set in 2013. There were 19 coaches used over the two days to conduct the activities.

Hunter Track Classic Coaching Clinic The Hunter Track Classic Coaching Clinic which was held in January at Glendale, was open to all registered Little Athletes in the U9-U17 age groups. A total of 73 athletes registered for this clinic (including seven JETS members). There were 13 coaches used, including guest athletes Nick Hough and Youcef Abdi. Another highlight was the presence of our special guest, triple Olympian, Tamsyn Manou.

Greater Western Sydney Coaching Clinics The Greater Western Sydney Development Officer hosted two clinics since the beginning of 2014. The GWS OLYMPUS Clinic was held at Bankstown & the GWS ATHLETISMA Clinic held at Glenwood; both clinics targeted 12-17 year old athletes. More than 50 athletes attended both clinics and we employed eight coaches.

Little Athletics & ANSW Joint Clinic For the first time ANSW & LANSW joined forces and hosted a joint clinic during the Easter break. We had close to 100 athletes and ten coaches involved. This was a new initiative of utilising elite and Olympic ath- letes as guest coaches to inspire athletes.

JETS The 2013-2014 JETS has this season so far attracted 182 members, which is the second-highest participation rate in the program’s history (193 members were involved last season). Over 200 athletes had registered to attend the coaching clinics. The 2013-14 program has seen the introduction of dual registration for JETS members.

CAMPS Christmas Camp The Christmas Camp was held in December last year at Blue Gum Lodge, Springwood. The camp consisted of coaching sessions and fun activities. A total of 67 athletes attended the camp (59 in ‘12). Again, the lower than usual number may reflect the closeness of the camp to Christmas.

U15 Little Athletics Australia National Camp The U15 camp took place from Sunday, 6 October to Wednesday, 9 October 2013 at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra. The aim of the camp was to develop and support young athletes who are showing a commitment to the sport and have reached the Little Athletics Australia national standard to attend the camp. 21 COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

Little Athletics NSW selected 20 athletes to participate. Fortunately for NSW other states did not fill their quota therefore we were given the opportunity to take an extra four athletes taking us up to 24 in total.

The NSW team was managed by Cheryl Webb and Glen Howell. Alvin Umadhay attended the camp as an observer/assistant. Darren Wensor was a member of the camp organising committee and attended the event as one of the two coordinators.

STATE TEAM The 2014 LANSW State Team competed at the ASICS Australian Little Athletics Championships on Saturday, 3 May in Melbourne.

Some stand-out team statistics include: • The Under 13 team won the Trevor Billingham trophy for overall team point score. • The Under 15 team finished second in the Multi-Event teams point score. • NSW team members achieved at least 17 personal best performances. • In the 33 events on offer, the NSW team achieved 26 medals (9 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze). • The team achieved 55 Top 8 performances. • The team achieved one ABP (Australian Best Performance).

The team preparation program featured two weekend camps at the Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation, Narrabeen. The team management consisted of Jemma Lekkas, Alvin Umadhay, Cheryl Webb and Darren Wensor.

COACH EDUCATION Introduction to Coaching (ITC) In 2013, centres were targeted to host ITC courses. This proved to be successful with 17 courses being conducted. Overall there were 248 participants who completed the course. Six centres came from the metro area and 11 from regional areas.

GWS Level 1 Coaching Course (Greater Western Sydney) The GWS Development officer, working together with Seal and NSWIS, organised a level 1 coaching course on 12 January at Bankstown. NSWIS generously agreed to fund the elite athletes to complete the course. The objective was to see more and more elite athletes obtaining their accreditation, as a result we had 16 new coaches.

Coaching Education Workshops During 2013, Athletics Coaching Education Workshops were introduced in a cooperative effort by Little Athletics NSW and the NSW Branch of the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association. The workshops are designed to enhance an individual’s knowledge and understanding of various aspects of athletics coaching. Five joint workshops were held in Coffs Harbour, Toormina and Ballina.

2013 ATFCA NSW BRANCH LITTLE ATHLETICS COACH OF THE YEAR The presentation of the 2013 ATFCA Little Athletics Coach of the Year Award marked the 17th successive year that Little Athletics NSW and the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association NSW Branch have worked together to conduct the award annually since 1998.

Angus McEntyre, a young coach in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs, won the award. A special award ceremony took place on Saturday, 22 March 2014 during the opening ceremony of the LANSW State Track & Field Championships.

22 COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

SCHOOL VISITS A total of 49 centres requested school visits. Four centres cancelled all or part of their school visits leaving 45 centres officially participating in school visits in 2013. Visits took place from Wednesday, 31 July 2013 and concluded Friday, 25 October 2013. Three LANSW staff conducted school visits: Scott Westcott, Darren Wensor & Alvin Umadhay.

LITTLE ATHLETICS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS (LAPS) In 2013 we saw one of the biggest years of participation from students in the LAPS program. • 42 schools • 324 bookings • 48,091 students

There were 21 coaches utilised for the program. Of those 21, four coaches were new.

Darren Wensor, Alvin Umadhay & Youcef Abdi COACHING & DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS

Cheryl Webb COACHING & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR

Scott Westcott REGIONAL ATHLETICS COORDINATOR

23