Lower Hutt Amateur Athletic Club – FAQ's

Are you and your whānau new to athletics? Start here!

Welcome to Lower Hutt Amateur Athletic Club! This guide answers some common questions for families new to athletics or our club.

How do I register my child?

Registration opens at the start of each season (typically October).

Register online: https://www.sporty.co.nz/lowerhuttaac/Join-Us-1/registration

Or scan the QR code:

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What age can my child start?

Children can join from age 4 onwards. Age groups are organised by year of birth, following Athletics New Zealand guidelines.


Club Nights

Club nights are every Wednesday at Hutt Recreation Ground from October to March:

4-6 years olds: 6:00pm–7:00pm

7-15 years olds: 6:00pm–7:30pm

What happens at club night?

  • Children meet by the LHAAC club teardrop flag and line up behind their age group sign
  • Club secretary shares important updates
  • Age grade managers take their groups through three events per night
  • Focus on skill development using the Athletics NZ ‘Run Jump Throw’ programme
  • Opportunity to meet others in the LHAAC community
  • We usually have a sausage sizzle in the Hutt Old Boys clubrooms, so dinner is sorted!

Programme by age:

  • Under 7s (ages 4–6): 45–50 minute session based on Get Set Go programme, focusing on coordination, movement, and balance in a fun environment
  • Grades 7–15: Three rotating events per night, covering sprints, longer distances, jumping, and throwing techniques

What to wear and bring:

  • Comfortable athletic shorts, shirt, and shoes (barefoot for track and jumping is fine if preferred)
  • Water bottle, sunscreen and hat, warm layers for cooler evenings

Cancellations: Check Facebook or our WhatsApp Channel by 4pm on the day. We will notify members ASAP.

More info: https://www.sporty.co.nz/lowerhuttaac/events/club-nights-1


Competitions & Events

Uniform:

  • Required: LHAAC singlet or crop top + black shorts (no patterns)
  • Purchase new from NZ Uniforms or find second-hand on the club's Facebook page
  • If you need a uniform urgently, check with the club - they may have spares available

Footwear:

  • Grades 7–9: No spikes or spike-capable shoes (standard running shoes only)
  • Grades 10+: Spikes allowed (maximum 6mm apex)
  • (Barefoot is fine for track and jumping events if preferred)

How will I receive updates?

The club communicates through multiple channels:

  • WhatsApp groups: Age group-specific channels for immediate updates
  • Facebook: Club page for news, results, and cancellation notices
  • Instagram: Club updates and photos
  • Club nights:  Bronwyn shares updates at the start of each club night session a 6:00pm 
  • Email: Occasional updates about upcoming events and important information

Make sure you're added to your child's age group WhatsApp channel and follow the club's social media pages to stay connected.

Who do I contact with questions?

  • General enquiries: Club committee (contact details on website) and the Whatsapp group.
  • Interclub coordination: Nick Horspool, LHAAC Interclub Coordinator

Don't hesitate to ask questions in the WhatsApp group—other families are usually happy to help!


Do I need to volunteer?
Yes, the club is solely powered by amazing volunteers and needs parent participation to run smoothly. With over 100 children at club nights, events, and competitions there’s plenty to do!

Volunteering includes:

  • Managing children and helping run activities at club nights
  • Measuring events and ensuring athletes are in the right place
  • Assisting with club events and possibly joining the committee if you have time and skills to contribute  
  • Mandatory: Helping at one Interclub round (e.g., running the long jump pit)
Dates to be updated when 2026/7 dates available

Junior Interclub

What is Junior Interclub?

Junior Interclub is a half-day competition for athletes aged 7–15, running from approximately 10am–2pm on Sundays. There are six Interclub events throughout the summer season, mostly held at Newtown Park (except one in Masterton).

Interclubs aren't just for accomplished athletes—they're for children to try out what they're learning at club night in a real athletics environment, with the friends they've made. Many lifelong cross-club friendships have been made at these events.

2025/26 Dates:

  • Interclub 1: Sunday 2 November 2025 - Newtown Park
  • Interclub 2: Sunday 16 November 2025 - Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton
  • Interclub 3: Sunday 30 November 2025 - Newtown Park
  • Interclub 4: Sunday 14 December 2025 - Newtown Park
  • Interclub 5: Sunday 14 February 2026 - Newtown Park
  • Interclub 6: Sunday 1 March 2026 - Newtown Park

More info: https://www.sporty.co.nz/lowerhuttaac/events/junior-interclub-1

How does Interclub work?

On the day:

  • Collection: Pick up your athlete's name flash (bib with name and age grade) from the function room in the enclosed rooms next to the grandstand (downstairs, right as you enter Newtown Park) from 9am onwards. Look for people in red tee shirts if you have any questions.
  • Club uniform is required: LHAAC singlet with black shorts (no patterns)
  • Warm-up: Club coach Owen Westerhout will take athletes through a warm-up at 9:15am
  • Club location: Look for the red LHAAC flag in the stands—we sit together as a club at the northern end of the grandstand.
  • Events: Athletes choose which events they want to compete in—they can enter every round or just 1 or 2. Just arrive at the start of the round and check in at the desk (field events) or start line (track events)
  • Grades 7–9: 60m, 100m, 200m, long jump, shot put, discus
  • Grades 10–15: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, hurdles (grades 12–15 only)

Long Jump volunteer roster

Each club is required to run a station at every Interclub and Wellington Championships event. LHAAC manages Long Jump Pit 1 (closest to the zoo end of Newtown Park).

Every family with athletes competing must help with at least one round per Interclub. The club provides training for all parents—you don't need prior experience. By the end of the season, you'll be an expert! If you time it well, you can still watch your children's events from the pit.

Wellington Junior Track & Field Champs

The region's most significant children's athletics competition, held over two Sundays in March. The club encourages every athlete to compete and plans to run relay teams to represent LHAAC.

Colgate Games

This is a major national athletics meeting for competitors aged 7–14 years (born 2011–2018). The games are held over three days in January each year, with separate North and South Island events attracting 1,000–1,500 young athletes.

2026 Colgate Games:

  • North Island: Tauranga Domain, Tauranga, 9–11 January 2026
  • South Island: Saxon Athletics Arena, Nelson, 16–18 January 2026

Registration:

What you need to know:

  • Open to any athlete aged 7–14 registered with an Athletics NZ club
  • Athletes can enter up to five events, plus relays
  • Games run Friday morning through Sunday afternoon
  • Opening Ceremony on Friday morning (all athletes encouraged to attend)
  • Wear club uniform (LHAAC singlet and plain black shorts) with Colgate Games bib
  • Grade 10+ can wear spikes

Events:

  • Grades 7–9: 60m, 100m, 200m, long jump, discus, shot put
  • Grades 10–14: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, racewalk, long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, hurdles (grades 12–14 only)

If you've entered: Let the club know and indicate if your athlete is interested in relay teams.

Lower Hutt Medal Day

A fun interclub and public event hosted at the Hutt Recreation Ground for children aged 5–15. Medals awarded for top three placings in all events.

  • Date: 26 January 2026, 10am start
  • Registration opens: 9am
  • Finish time: approximately 1:30pm
  • Entry: $10 on the day (cash only - no eftpos) for as many events as you wish
  • Open to members and non-members - bring family and friends to try athletics
  • Club members asked to bring a plate of home-baked goods for the cake stall
  • Volunteers needed for setup, running events, food sales, and pack-down
  • More info: https://www.sporty.co.nz/lowerhuttaac/events/medal-ribbon-days

Ribbon Days

Informal competitions open to registered athletes from any Athletics NZ-affiliated club (generally Grades 7–14, though Grade 6 often welcome). Opportunity for parents to learn about officiating.

  • Usually held on Sundays, first events at 10am
  • Arrive 9:30am to register and warm up
  • Entry: usually $5 per athlete
  • Sausage sizzle and refreshments typically provided

2025/26 Dates:

Your interclub coordinator will share relevant competition information and entry details via WhatsApp.


Practical Information

What if my child is nervous or unsure?

Encourage them to try different events and find what they enjoy. Coaches and older athletes are supportive. Athletics is about personal improvement and having fun - there's no pressure to be competitive immediately, or at all.

Can my child try all events?

Yes! Especially for younger age groups (7–9), trying everything is encouraged. As children get older, they often naturally gravitate towards events they prefer.

What happens in bad weather?

Check the WhatsApp group for updates. Interclub may be postponed or cancelled in severe weather. The club will communicate decisions as early as possible.

Are there costs beyond registration?

  • Club uniform (one-off purchase)
  • Optional club merchandise
  • Entry fees for some championship events
  • Spikes (for older athletes)

Where can I find the club uniform?

Purchase new from our club shop via NZ Uniforms or find second-hand on the club's second-hand Facebook page.


STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please join our WhatsApp or Facebook community, email us on lhaaclub@gmail.com, or come see us at club nights, we are more than happy to help. Welcome to the LHAAC whānau — we look forward to seeing your family at the track!

This FAQ is a living document. If you identify missing information that would help new families, please let the committee know.