Frequently Asked Questions
Are we a Little Athletics Club?
We are not just little. Our club takes age groups from four through to ninety-nine. Our club is no longer affiliated with the Little Athletics Association and since 2007, we have been affiliated solely with the Athletics North Queensland Association which also includes Queensland Athletics and Athletics Australia.
Age groups are, 5 and under, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, U16, U18, U20, Open and Masters
Age 4 (must be at least four as of 1 January 2024 (5 as at 31 Dec 2024) and upwards are welcome to participate as members of the club. The groups are based on how old the participant will be as of the 31st of December of that year. For example. A participant who turns eight during any time of the year will be grouped in the 8-year-old group.
What day and time are our club days?
Club competition days scheduled on set dates between March and October. Most of these falls on Saturdays and run between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The first few club days start late in the afternoon to keep out of the midday sun and heat. Some club competitions may be scheduled for another day or at night. As well as our club days the club hosts local Inter-Club meets and Carnivals and these may be held on different days and times.
What events do we do on a club day?
Typically, the events are Sprints, Middle Distance, Hurdles, Relays, Walk, Shot Put, Discus, Javelin or Turbo Jav, High Jump, Long Jump and Triple Jump.
These will vary depending on the age group. During Club Competition days, each age group will have a set program of up to five events. This program changes each week over a four-week period (I.e. Program A,B,C,D) and then recommences. The club produces a Know your Event booklet given to each member family free and it has a brief guide to the events, age limitations and what events are to be held on a club day.
Do you have club days all year?
The North Queensland Athletics season usually starts in March and runs through to October. View our Calendar page for more details.
Can I let my child have a go to see if they like athletics before paying the membership fee?
The club provides a trial period for new members. This is available for a two-week consecutive period during the first 6 weeks of the season. The Trialist fee is $30.00 and is nonrefundable. After this time, the athlete must either complete the registration formalities or not participate. The $30.00 trial fee is deducted from the membership fee if membership continues.
We also have available a Day Visitor option that can be used on our designated club days, for those who want a casual style membership ($22.00 per visit)
How much is membership and how can I join and pay?
The 2024 membership fee of Mackay Athletics Club is $225.00 per athlete with additional members from the same family being $215.00 per athlete. We also offer Trial membership and Day Visitor options. The registration process is to use the club's online portal to manage your membership. With online registration, you can pay with Visa/Mastercard Debit or Credit cards. If you wish to pay cash or use a voucher, then also use the online registration system, and follow the cash/voucher instructions, then pay/present the voucher at your next club visit. A small transaction fee applies to online payments.
> Click here to go to the online registration portal
Membership period starts from when full payment is received through to 28 February 2025. Membership as an athlete also includes membership with ANQ (Athletics North Queensland) which allows participation at ANQ sanctioned events and carnivals throughout Queensland and Australia. Masters' members (30+ yrs.) include Queensland Masters membership.
Is it a First, Second and Third placing system?
No. On club days, we never emphasize a first, second or last placing, but encourage all athletes to have a go and if achieving a personal best is the result of having a go then it’s a bonus. Parents and athletes must show support and respect for each other regardless of how others have performed or likely to perform. The club monitors athlete performance and each time a member accrues 10, 20, 30... pb’s in total, they will be presented with an award certificate. For athletes aged ten and over, the club also monitors results against a range of standards set by Athletics North Queensland, and Queensland Athletics.
What to wear?
Our club uniform is a sublimated polo shirt in children's, youth and adult sizes and a bucket hat. These are available for purchase from the club house.
Otherwise, a collared short sleeve shirt with a bucket or wide brim hat will be required on club competition days. Black shorts complete our uniform. Footwear must be always worn. Joggers, waffles, or spikes are acceptable. Refer to our uniform and shoe policy for spike shoe age limitations. No football shoes are allowed.
How do I know the results and performance?
Each new member receives a folder to hold the results cards given to the athlete at the end of the day's events. You can also keep track of personal bests achieved. Results are also keyed into the Results HQ system and each member can track performance through the online links. Club day results are also available on our website via member login.
Do you offer Training/Coaching?
Club Training is designed to provide basic development of skills across the spectrum of athletic events. As such, the focus will be on technique improvement. Training and coaching fees are not included in the standard membership fee. Please enquire with us on coaching availability.
Can I drop my child off and pick up at the end of the event?
No. We are not a Stop, Drop and Go club, or waiting in cars. All families with athletes under 15yrs must have a parent or carer present during the day and assist in various event and club duties. Athletics requires a lot of Volunteers to run smoothly for the benefit of the athletes. We can never have too many willing helpers. All our Officials are volunteers either because they enjoy officiating, want to put something back into the sport or want to help their sons and daughters. You don’t have to be qualified to help and, in the beginning, you don’t even have to know the rules – we will teach you. We all had to start somewhere.
You could be asked to rake the Long Jump pit, carry back the Shot Put, help put up the High Jump Bar or Time Keep – nothing too difficult to start with. All you need for this is enthusiasm and a desire to assist the athletes. The club provides each member family a ‘Know your events’ booklet to help understand some of the rules and how measurements are done. These can also be found on our Rules & Technical page.
Does the club have a Canteen?
The Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex does have a commercial kitchen and meals, snacks and drinks will be available.
How can I find out more information about the club?
