What is Athletics SA or ‘Seniors’ athletics? An explanation

When an athlete registers for PAAC as an Athletics SA member they are entitled to compete in Athletics SA competitions, summer and winter. Anyone turning 11 or older is eligible.

The summer season includes state relay championships and state championships, similar to little athletics, although there are no qualifying standards for ASA state championships, so it is inclusive of everyone.

The bulk of the season is made up of 12 rounds of Interclub competition, usually held on Saturdays from about 12 to 5pm at Athletics SA stadium. Athletes compete for their clubs, in events of their choosing, in a graded competition against other clubs. Graded competition means that in certain events you compete against athletes that have similar ability to you regardless of age. Premiership points are earned by every athlete. Premierships are contested by clubs in each age group and gender.

Field events are grouped in similar age groups and high jump and pole vault are grouped according to starting heights. For example: U14 and 16 shot putters compete at the same time with the age appropriate shot. The exceptional 13-year-old high jumper, doesn’t have loads of jumps at a low height or wait for ages for the bar to rise to their start height, they compete against similar ability jumpers.

By having a graded track competition, you do not run against the same people every week. An athlete who dominates their little athletics age group on Friday nights, would face genuine competition, which helps them develop. This system is great for the high performers but just as good for everyone else as they are not getting beaten by large margins every race. The team aspect means no matter where they finish, they are earning points to try and win as a team. Unlike traditional team sports, the weakest are not relegated to the bench or placed in a position where they do not see much action. Athletes are also trying to improve personal best performances.

Athletes choose to do as many or as few events as they like, we encourage the athletes to do what they enjoy. For some that may mean turning up for just a 1500m race, they could check in, warm up and race and be gone in an hour. Others will get there at 12pm and leave at 5pm after doing as many events as they can fit in.

Athletics SA competition is for everyone just as PAAC is. Beginner to elite, 12 to 75-year old’s, mum’s and dad’s competing with their kids (sometimes against them). Multi class athletes with mainstream athletes. Not many other sports could have a novice athlete competing in the same arena at the same time as an Olympian.

The choices for athletes turning 11 and older are as follows:

Little Athletics – Friday nights at PAAC

Athletics SA – Saturday afternoons at ASA Stadium, Mile End

Or

Become a dual member and compete in both Little Athletics and Athletics SA competitions.