Bayside Cross Country is in hibernation for the Summer

What is Cross Country ?
During the winter athletics break a number of Bayside Athletics Centres coordinate a Cross Country running competition. What is Cross Country running ? It is a race run on a course that is typically a middle to long distance over grass or dirt and may include hills, valleys and sometimes obstacles to jump or duck. The distances vary depending on the age group as does the course that is set.

Events are run each Saturday morning and start with a course walk or warm up at 9:10 am. The first event is started at 9:30am Sharp. It is open to age groups from U6 to U15 (as per the athlete’s last summer season). There is also an Open event for anyone over 15 including mums and dads. We aim to be finished by 10:30.

Distances vary from 500m for U6-U8 age groups to 3km for the U13 and above. Note that there is a shorter distance for the first week then the State distance is run in preparation for that event with two longer distance courses available.

At the end of each season we have a presentation night at which trophies are awarded to all regular athletes who have paid their season fees.


Who Runs Bayside Cross Country
Bayside Cross Country is run by one or two volunteers from each of the participating athletics centres. Currently this includes members from Brighton, Caulfield, Mentone, Moorabbin, Oakleigh, Sandringham and Springvale.

Contacts
The Bayside coordinators from each of the supporting centres can be found on the Contacts link.

How to Join
You must already be a paid member of a Little Athletics Centre. If you are not you will have to join one. You choose which Centre you wish to join. Advice will be given to you as to which Centre is the closest to your school or residence.

If an athlete competes at Regional and/or State Cross Country competitions you will represent the centre that you have joined or for which you are already a member not Bayside. To join you simply contact your Centre Cross Country representative or register on the first day of competition. Contact details for each Centre are supplied on the back of this booklet.

Costs
Season entry: The season entry fee is $30 for all registered athletes and “Open Age” entries.
Casual entry: Casual athletes can run on any Saturday competition day for a fee of $5 per day. This will not be deducted from a season entry fee. Casual athletes are not eligible for awards or trophies.
Non-VLAA athletes: If athletes are not registered with VLAA then they need to do so for the Winter. This is at a cost of $40 and this means athletes are insured to race. VLAA registration does not apply for the Open Age category. Athletes not registered with VLAA may have one free run as a guest.

Region & State Competitions
All Under 9 to under 15 athletes can compete at the Regional and State Cross Country events. The Regional is not a qualifier for the State Cross Country Championships. There's Mixed Age Cross Country Relays for Boys and Girls. Entries & payment to your Centre’s Cross Country Co-ordinator.

Athletes must wear their approved Centre Uniform at these events. The under 7 to under 8 age groups may also compete at both Region and State events however these are only invitational races. Under 6’s and Open athletes can compete at the Regional event in an invitation capacity.

Under 9 to under 15 athletes need to compete at the Regional cross country event to be eligible to enter the State Cross Country Championships.

Team Events
Team competitions are also held concurrently at Region, State and Open Day competitions. Teams are made up from the first three athletes in the same age group from the same Centre. Points are allocated according to placing so even if one team member finishes close to the end of the pack the team may still be eligible for a medal.

Open Days
A number of Centres conduct Cross Country Open Days which we will try and advise members about as we find out where and when they will be run. Each year we include one or more Centre Open Days in our program Calendar. We encourage you to attend these. You get to run at new locations against athletes you would not normally see until you get to Regionals or State level competitions.

Officials
Like all of these type of events we need help to run the cross country events every weekend. Up to 10 extra officials are needed to assist but also to act as course marshals to ensure the safety and well being of the athletes as they run the cross country course.
We will make up a roster but please feel free to offer a hand, it will always be welcome. In the end many hands will make the running of cross country easier.

Championship Points & Awards
To be eligible for a cross country championship medal or award you must have competed in at least 50% of the available competition days. After this qualifying your place on each competition day will contribute to your season points tally which decide awards.

Each season we present two perpetual shields. These are for athletes who try all season regardless of what place they finish, maintain a good attitude and good sportsmanship towards other athletes, officials and the sport of cross country. Athletes that compete in 100% of events will also be presented with 100% Participation Certificate.

What to Wear
At the weekly competition your club uniform or Bayside Cross Country shirt (along with registration patch) would be preferable. Cold weather may dictate a change in what you wear. You must also wear your registration patch. Its a VLAA requirement and it makes it easier to identify who you are.

Correct Centre Uniforms must be worn at Region and State championships. You will be disqualified if you do not wear the correct uniform. Good fitting footwear that gives support and grip on wet grass and dirt is recommended. Spikes are not permitted. It is advisable to bring a dry pair of socks and shoes to wear after your run.

Program.
Depending on numbers age groups may be combined with other age groups who are running the same distance.

Distances
Age Groups are as per the preceeding Summer competition. An Age Group calculator can be found in the Forms section of the website.

Start Times
All normal competition days will start at about 9:10 with a course walk. The first race of the day will start promptly at 9:30am. We dont wait so please don't be late. Registration Day and Open Days may start at other times, please see Calendar for details.

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