Club Competition
Te Aroha Athletic Club holds weekly club nights at Herries Park (Rewi Street, Te Aroha)  from October through to March. Competition starts at 6pm, with the announcement of notices and event information starting from 5.45pm. The club caters for all levels of athletes - from those who participate for fun, to those who compete at local, regional, national and international levels. There is a wide range of events to cater for sprinters, longer distance runners, throwers and jumpers. Athletes can choose to compete in some or all events for their age group. Events are run in age groups right from the 1-year-olds, up to the teenagers. A number of adults also run in the longer distance runs that are offered for 5-9 year olds, and 10 years and over at the end of the club night.

All registered, paid members are eligible for points cups and championship trophies. Results of weekly events are kept and tallied towards overall season trophies and awards. The club runs a 4-week programme which alternates on club nights so that a full complement of events can be covered during the season. Events typically include short, middle and longer distance runs, long jump, high jump, shotput, discus, hurdles. Novelty fun races (sack races, relay events, mini-hurdles etc) are available for the younger members of the club to entertain them between events. All events are age appropriate in accordance with Athletics NZ guidelines.

As part of its programme, Te Aroha Athletic Club holds handicap races at each club night. This provides an opportunity for all participants to get a fair go at placings. Points are allocated for the handicap races, with age group winners receiving a Points Trophy at prizegiving. Championship cups are awarded for club championship events in each grade. There are also selected field event and overall club trophies that are awarded to best performers in the respective categories. Club championships are run in February / March over a 4-week period. Club championship trophies are awarded to age group winners at prizegiving.

Cancellation Policy
Club nights will be held if at all possible - if children can run then it will be on. The programme may be adjusted dependant on the weather. If it is very bad weather, the President and Club Captain may make a decision to cancel some or all events onsite at the grounds when they get to club night. Any events held will count for points. Parents please bring waterproof clothing as we will still require helpers in the rain. Any cancellations will be notified by 5:30pm via our Te Aroha Athletics Club Facebook Page.

Outside Competitions
In addition to club nights, there are plenty of opportunities to compete in fun competitions - ribbon days where placegetters are rewarded with ribbons, individual and relay champs where medals are on offer, interprovincials which are a teams competition, and Colgate Games. Find out more about these under Key Dates and Events. The club likes to support these events and organises teams to participate - many of our athletes excel both individually and in relay teams.

Club Uniform
The club uniform is black shorts (above the knee and no big logos - Check with us if unsure) and a maroon and gold singlet top. Singlets can be purchased from the clubrooms on any club night, or contact the Uniform Co-ordinator (see Contacts). Children wishing to compete at ribbon days or other outside events must wear a club singlet and black shorts (no large branding). Purchase price for singlets  are $35 each for sizes 4-12, and $40 each for sizes 14 and above. Jackets, trackpants, polo shirts and caps maybe considered placing a special order if enough pre-order and pay, these are often worn by athletes competing at Colgate Games or Waikato-BOP Champ events. Grade flashes (provided on registration) must be worn at every club night. They must be sewn on the front right hand side of the club singlet for ribbon days or Waikato-BOP competitions.

Club Coaching
We have a throws training for members ages 7 up on a Monday and Thursday (weather depending) 3pm to 4pm and grounds, This is run by Sarah Van Marrewijk. Parent help is required and any child under 14 must have a adult there.

Kelly Diprose runs a running training also two days a week on Monday and Thursday, This is open to club member ages 8 up free and to the public at a cost of $30.00 for summer season (at the grounds) and $30.00 for winter (held golf course - starts bottom Tui Road) 4pm to 5pm.Children under 14 must have a adult there as well. A hand packing up the gear at end of night is also needed. For non club members please email [email protected] for form and it will be emailed to you. 

Please follow Te Aroha Athletics Facebook page as Sarah puts on there if Training is cancelled.

Club Facilities and Equipment
The club owns its own clubrooms so club members are able to hire the facilities for other activities (a minimum charge will apply). The club also has a great collection of equipment which is used on club nights and at training sessions. Ongoing care in the use of the equipment helps to minimise damage and ensure it continues to be available to all.

Parental Involvement
Te Aroha Athletic Club is successful due to great parental support and involvement. Everyone has something to offer on a club night - from raking the longjump pit or cooking sausages on the BBQ, to measuring throws, recording results, or helping to put away equipment at the end of the night. Learning to become a marshall, a judge, a starter or a recorder can be a very rewarding experience and helps our kids tremendously. The best place to learn is at the grassroots of athletics, and we can offer that right here in Te Aroha!

Junior and Senior Programmes
Juniors are classed as athletes up to the age of 14. Ribbon days are held throughout the region on Saturdays to provide regular competition for this age group. There are also a large number of events organised regionally for the seniors aged from 15 upwards, with a regular programme of competition available at Porrit Stadium in Hamilton.

Crouch Starts, Spikes and Starting Blocks
As athletes move through the grades they are able to use spiked running shoes and starting blocks. Spikes may be used for athletes Grade 10 and above. Athletes using spikes must take them off straight after each event for safety reasons. Grade 7 and above use a crouch start in all events up to and including the 400m. Starting blocks are optional for athletes Grade 10 and above. The club has a supply of starting blocks for those athletes wishing to use them.

Want to Know More?
For full details of competitions available visit the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Athletics website Click Here or check out the Athletics New Zealand website Click Here