Kids' Athletics participants, Gold Coast, Australia (© IAAF.org)
Athletics Australia has demonstrated the spirit of the Athletics’ World Plan with the changes they have made to their National competitions programme. The adjustments they have made to their competitions to support youth retention has inspired us.
Athletics Australia, in conjunction with its Members, will be introducing a range of changes to the National competitions programme. The aim of these changes is to improve the quality and quantity of competitions available for junior athletes and provide a clear pathway for athletes from junior competition to senior Athletics.
These changes will also improve the integration and support for competitions delivered by School Sport Australia and Little Athletics. By providing a more rational and age appropriate set of Championship dates they hope to significantly increase the retention rate of athletes in age groups from U14 to U20.
How has your organisation adjusted competitions to help promote the sport of athletics? If you want to share some of your own experiences please contact us at worldplan@iaaf.org with a short summary, and a member of our editorial team will contact you. Together, we can share in the spirit of the Athletics’ World Plan.