Dates, dates and....more dates!

Excitement is building for Season 2024/25 and you will see a big advertising push for it over the next few weeks.  There are several important dates to keep in mind:

• 1st August - Registrations for Season 2024/25 will open on this date.  Note, however, that this is only really of relevance to new members of Athletics Wollongong, or those joining a Little Athletics Centre.  For members of Athletics Wollongong in Season 2023/24, recall that the membership you purchased last year was for 365 days; this remains the case.  More details regarding that are in the next section.
• 25th September (TBC) -  Athletics Wollongong will have a soft launch of our 2024/25 Summer Season of Weekly Wednesday meets.  It'll be a meet and greet for new and returning members, an opportunity to pick up a uniform (if you need one), learn about the club and what we can offer, and perhaps dust the cobwebs off with a few events.  We may even fire up the BBQ!
• 16th October (TBC) - Pointscore begins!  Athletics Wollongong will host 20 fun and social meets this season: 10 on either side of a couple weeks' break over the Christmas and New Year period. 

Existing Member News

As noted above, last season's memberships were for a duration of 365 days from the date of purchase.  To align both Little A's NSW and Athletics NSW going forward though, we will be returning to season-long memberships for 2024/25.  There will be a crossover period where people will be able to participate in the 2024/25 season with their existing membership - up until it elapses.  When it runs out, you will need to purchase a new Season 2024/25 membership to continue your participation (whether this will be discounted based on the time remaining in the season is left to be seen: ANSW will advise).  Registrations for 2024/25 will be performed via the Athletics Wollongong website (Registration page).

For the two different systems to work together this season, Athletics NSW have migrated existing Athletics Wollongong memberships to ANSW's own "club".  If you are an existing member and try to log in to Athletics Wollongong's webpage right now, it will say that you don't have a current membership.  If you log into Athletics NSW's webpage however, you will see on your Membership Card that your status is '365 Day' and your club is 'Athletics NSW'.  Unfortunately it doesn't list the date your membership expires - only the date your record was migrated (16th July).  We've been told that members will receive email alerts when their membership is about to run out; otherwise we can provide this information.

2024/25 Membership Categories

Membership Categories for Season 2024/25 will remain the same as last season.  Those on offer will be:

• Junior Membership - Those born between 2006 and 2012 are eligible.
• Open - Those born 2005 or earlier are eligible.
• Concession Card Holder - Those born 2005 or earlier - and holding a Government concession card - are eligible.
• Community Member - All those born 2018 or earlier are eligible.  Unlike the above categories however, Community members can only participate in club-level events.  Participation in higher level competitions will require one of the above membership types (you can upgrade at any time for no extra cost).
• Volunteer - All ages are eligible.  This free membership is for non-competing members (e.g. club admin, coaches, helpers and volunteers).  We recommend everyone associated with the club hold this free membership, including parents who assist at events.
• Official - This free membership is for accredited technical officials.

'Active and Creative Kids' vouchers are also able to be used at the time of registration by those eligible.

The prices remain the same for all memberships bar Junior.  These were offered by ANSW at a discount last season.

Second claim

'Second claim' is an old term that's making a comeback this season; it's used in reference to an athlete holding a membership with multiple clubs.  An athlete's 'first claim' club is where they have their primary membership; i.e. they would wear that club's uniform at major events and that club would have 'first claim' on selecting them for relay teams.  Subsequent club memberships they hold would be 'second claim' ones.

While our membership platform revSPORT has always provided this facility, it's anticipated to be especially well-utilised this season on account of the partnership of LANSW and ANSW: 'NSW Athletics'.

In years past, to contest Zone & Region and qualify for State in Little A's, athletes would obviously need to join a Little A's centre to be eligible.  If they wished to also contest events held by Athletics NSW, they would require an additional membership via an affiliated club like Athletics Wollongong.  With this new State-level partnership, having two memberships to do so is no longer necessary.

There's still a great reason to join a Little A's centre AND Athletics Wollongong though and that reason is: we're pretty AWesome! 

Those holding a 'first claim' membership via a Little A's centre can also get a 'second claim' membership with Athletics Wollongong.  Second claim members will basically hold a 'Community' level membership, meaning that they're eligible for trophies, prizes and awards at our club meets and to set club records.

While the process to join a club 'second claim' is yet to be bedded down, it's anticipated that an online form will be developed, with the ANSW Office entering that data into revSPORT.  While it's basically just another registration, it's thought to be best to separate the two membership types lest it create confusion.

This same process will be able to be used by any regular attendee of our club meets, regardless of whether they hold their 'first claim' membership with a former Little A's-aligned centre or another (former) ANSW-aligned club.

Competition Age

To align the two organisations under the partnership, there will be some changes to how competition age is determined and referred to. 

Masters athletes (i.e. those above 30 years of age) will continue to determine their age as on the day of competition (or as on the first day, if it's a multi-day event). 

Unlike previous years though, junior athletes will always remain in the one age group for the duration of the season.  For developing athletes, it was considered disadvantageous for them to potentially be shifting specifications (for throwing implements or hurdle heights) midway through the year.  Ages for Season 2024/25 will be determined as at 31st December, 2025.  Age groups will also be referred to via this age.  That is, instead of the group being called Under 15, for example, that age group will be referred to as 14's.  Confused?  See these tables for Season 2024/25.

Specifications, Progression and Calendar

How the partnership will work continues to be developed and the best place to find out news as it comes to hand is HERE.  Hot off the press - and yet to make it onto that webpage - is information from the NSW Clubs Forum held last week.  This includes changes to event specifications for junior ages, in order to bring the two organisations into alignment. Note that the events listed are those that would be held at higher-level events.  For club meets, individual clubs can deliver competition as they see fit.  We won't be introducing 70m, pack start 200m races and 700m, for example, to our regular program.  And neither will we be dropping practice hammer, 60m, the mile, and so on.  We'll align the events we already hold with the new weights and hurdle heights, but otherwise don't anticipate much change.

The link also gives details on how athletes will progress through to the State Championships.  For some of our junior members, i.e. those in 13s to 15s, there may no longer be direct entry.  Athletes will need to qualify either via the Zone-Region pathway, else via nominating with one of the next 8 best performances (from accredited meets, like Region but also Treloar Shield and the Country Champs, etc.

You'll also see a draft NSW calendar for the year, though note that several events are still missing on account of the National calendar not being released yet.

Finally, keep in mind that the partnership is still a work in progress.  The steering committee have already made some changes to what had previously been announced following feedback from the community.  Given how new this information is, perhaps don't lock it in quite yet.  Instead look to it as an indication of what NSW Athletics is trying to achieve.

Olympics & Paralympics

The greatest show on Earth is underway, with Paris 2024 capturing the world's attention for the next couple of weeks.  Track and field competition will begin on August 1st and the 8 hour time difference will be little reason to miss any of the action.  9Now will show every event online, so get ready to cheer on the Aussies against the best in the world - and draw some inspiration for the coming season!

Several of our members will have a training partner in the Olympics, with Sarah Carli in the 400m Hurdles and Josh Azzopardi in the 100m and 4x100m relay.  Local superstar Jessica Hull will contest the 1500m.   And when it comes to the Paralympics, we'll have the one and only James Turner to cheer on.  Though he's since moved to Canberra, he won his first few Paralympic golds under the AW flag!

Trivia Fundraiser

A hearty well done to the local community who gave tremendous support to two Athletics Wollongong members at a recent fundraiser.  Held at Collegians Wollongong, the event saw $2000 raised for each of Chelsy Wayne and Delta Amidzovski, assisting them with costs associated with their selection in the Aussie team for the World Athletics U20 Championships.

Big thanks to chief organiser of the Trivia Night, Donna Hiscox who - along with other helpers from the AW Committee - put on a great event.  Life Member Phil Frkovic also deserves a shout-out for coming back from his new home state of S.A. to M.C. the event.  Over 100 people were in attendance, testing their wits with trivia, along with their skill and luck in various games.  Those who couldn't make the night also had the opportunity to make a donation online: $900 was raised by that means alone!

Delta and Chelsy will now find it a little easier for them to get Peru for the competition in late August.  All the best, ladies - and thank you to everyone for your support!

Thanks must go to our prize sponsors: Michael McClelland, Donna Hiscox, Adriana Van Bockel, Carlton United Breweries c/o Manu Pate, Bunnings Bellambi, The Athlete's Foot Wollongong, Hask Beauty, Leisure Coast Fruit Market & Deli, Northern Bowl, Bellambi Lane Cafe, Anthony Howlett, Figtree Family Dental, Fraternity Club, Kevin Beauty Mobile Service & Studio, Flat White With One, and Ron & Ros Perry.

Annual General Meeting Results

Athletics Wollongong's AGM was held earlier this month, which included elections for Committee roles and Support Positions.  You can see who will be helping our members have the best possible club experience this season HERE.

While the linked article says that we're short two helpers, we've since had approaches to fill those vacancies.  Welcome to the team our new Equipment Officer Nicole McHenry, and welcome back to our Wednesday Competition Coordinator Simon Harmey.

With these two additions, for the first time in a looooong time: we have every role filled!  Note that this doesn't mean that everyone else gets to kick up their feet for the year.  We will still, of course, rely on helpers at our club meets and will call for volunteers for a variety of other events through the season. 

Every member is welcome to attend Committee Meetings (from 7pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Boardroom at Wollongong Tennis Club) and - if you were keen to become involved - we will surely be able to put you to good use.

Oceania Championships Results

The Oceania Championships were held in Fiji last month with several Athletics Wollongong members in attendance.

Chelsy Wayne had the honour of being the co-flag bearer of the Australian team as well as the girls' U18 captain.  She also finished her discus competition with a silver medal.

Our Masters athletes saw great success too, with Adriana Van Bockel bringing home 3 gold and 3 silver medals, Cristine Suffolk winning 4 gold, and Donna Hiscox collecting 3 silver.

Australian Masters Multi Event Championships Results

More Masters action was in Townsville at the Australian Masters Multi Event Championships.  Making his debut in the decathlon - including his first competitive attempt at pole vault - was AW's Anthony Howlett.  He took out the 55-59's category and also the Australian record.  Anthony even snuck in a couple of extra invitational events in the midst of his decathlon, just to make the trip worthwhile!

Australian Masters Indoors Throws Championships Results

The Masters have done a great job at introducing indoor competition to Australia.  While an indoor track is still a way off, there are several equestrian facilities that can pull double duty as an indoor throws venue.  Adriana Van Bockel contested the National Indoor Throws Championships, winning gold in the 70-74 category in the shot put and each of the 12lb, 20lb, 56lb and 100lb weight throw events.  She also broke the Australian record in the two latter events!

World Masters Athletics Championships

Bon voyage to those making their way to Sweden for the World Masters Athletics Championships!  They'll be held in Gothenburg from August 13th to August 25th.  Keep your eye on the Athletics Wollongong Facebook group for updates.

NSW Cross Country Championships Results

There were fourteen Athletics Wollongong reps at the NSW Cross Country Champs, held at the fantastic course of Willandra.  The competition proved tough but three medals made it home in the hands of AW members:

• Cristine Suffolk - 3rd 50-54 6km
• Geoff Stalker - 2nd 65-69 8km
• Xavier Wilson - 2nd U15 Para 3km

Full results of our members are available on the AW website.

NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships

Eleven hardy Athletics Wollongong runners contested the NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships in our 'backyard' of Dapto.  Full details are available via the Results page, but particular congratulations must go to our medallists:

• Cristine Suffolk - 3rd 50-54 4km
• Sienna York - 3rd U10 1km
• Xavier Wilson - 1st U15 Para 2km

Athletics Wollongong Winter Distance Pointscore Competition

AW's Winter Distance Pointscore Competition is drawing to a close with only one remaining Saturday to go.  The North Wollongong parkrun on August 10th may well determine who takes out the Open and Junior categories.

Volunteering Opportunity

Elite Energy are seeking volunteers to assist at the Ride Wollongong event being held on September 7th & 8th:

• Adults (18+) will receive $50-$100 per person for every 3 hours 
• Youth (12-17 years old) will receive $25-$75 per person for every 3 hours 

That's a whole heap of entry fees this season taken care of!  If you'd like to hear more about their offer, check the details HERE.

Tennis Club Membership

Our neighbours in the Beaton Park sporting precinct, Wollongong Tennis Club, are a sponsor of Athletics Wollongong.  One leg of our deal is that we are reimbursed a percentage of purchases made across the bar and bistro by Tennis Club members who have noted an affiliation with AW.

We strongly encourage our members to also join - and patronise - the Tennis Club.  WIth a one year membership there costing only $10 ($5 for student or pensioners), you'll be saving in no time.

Membership forms are HERE and can be submitted anytime at the Tennis Club bar, or their reception during office hours.  Remember to note 'Athletics Wollongong' in the Sponsorship Group section.

• 1st August, 2024/25 Season Registrations Open
• 3rd August, NSW Road Relay Championships, Bankstown
• 11th August, Australian Half Marathon Championships, Gold Coast
• 17th & 18th August, State Primary Schools Carnival, Blacktown
• 18th August, NSW Long Walks Championships, Chipping Norton
• 25th August, NSW Half Marathon Championships, SOPAC
• 27th - 31st August, World Athletics U20 Championships, Lima
• 31st August & 1st September, Australian Cross Country Championships, Perth (Tasmania)
• 1st September, 2024/25 Season Commences
• 15th September, Australian and NSW Marathon Championships, Sydney
• 25th September (TBC), Athletics Wollongong Season Soft-launch
• 28th September - 2nd October, NSW All Schools Championships, SOPAC
• 16th October (TBC), Athletics Wollongong Pointscore competition begins