Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about registering and participating with Goulburn Mulwaree Athletics Club for the 2026/27 season.
Registration & Membership
What ages can participate?
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GMAC caters for athletes of all ages, from Tiny Tots through to Masters.
Tiny Tots: Children born in 2022 and 2023
Little Athletics & Juniors: Athletes born from 2009 to 2021
Seniors: Athletes born in 2008 or earlier
Age eligibility is based on the athlete's year of birth and the relevant registration requirements.
What age group will my child be in?
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Age groups are based on the age the athlete will turn during the calendar year in which the season finishes. For the 2026/27 season, this means the age your child will turn in 2027.
For example, if your child turns 8 at any time during 2027, they will participate in the Under 8 (U8) age group for the entire 2026/27 season.
Your child's age group will be determined automatically during registration based on their date of birth.
Can my child compete in a different age group with their friends?
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Athletes participate in the age group determined by their date of birth and are not able to move into another age group simply to compete with friends.
Events and equipment specifications vary between age groups to ensure activities are appropriate for an athlete's age and development. This can include different running distances, hurdle heights and spacing, throwing implement weights and the age at which particular events are introduced.
Keeping athletes in their correct age group also ensures they are prepared to compete in the appropriate age group when attending external carnivals and championships.
Athletes remain with their age group throughout our Thursday meets, providing plenty of opportunities to get to know other athletes and make new friends during the season.
Can my child try athletics before we register?
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Yes. Week 1 of our season is a Come & Try opportunity, giving new athletes the chance to experience a GMAC club meet before registering.
After Week 1, Come & Try opportunities may still be available. Please contact GMAC before attending to check whether a Come & Try session can be arranged.
Can we register after the season has started?
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Registrations may still be accepted after the season has commenced, subject to membership availability and the relevant registration options available at the time.
Please contact the Club if you are considering joining after the beginning of the season and would like further information.
What is the difference between Standard and All Access Competition Membership?
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Standard Membership – $175 includes participation in GMAC’s regular club competitions. Athletes can also enter eligible Capital Athletics competitions, carnivals and championships separately, with entry fees payable when registering for each event.
All Access Competition Membership – $430 includes regular GMAC club competitions as well as eligible Capital Athletics competitions, championships and series events throughout the season, without additional entry fees for included events.
Club-run carnivals and some other state-level competitions are not included in the All Access Competition Membership.
Can I use an Active Kids Voucher?
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Yes. NSW Active Kids Vouchers can be used towards registration.
Select the NSW Active Kids Vouchers option during the registration process and follow the prompts to apply your voucher.
How do I register?
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Registrations for GMAC are completed online.
When registrations are open, athletes can select the membership appropriate for their age and the level of competition in which they wish to participate.
If you're unsure which membership to choose or experience any difficulty completing your registration, please contact the GMAC Registrar for assistance.
Thursday Club Meets
When and where are club meets held?
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Our club meets are held every Thursday afternoon at Hudson Park Athletics Track, Goulburn during the season.
For U6 through to Masters:
4:30pm – Set up
4:45pm – Warm up
5:00pm – Events commence
Tiny Tots commence at 4:45pm, with sessions running for approximately one hour.
What happens at a Thursday club meet?
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Each week, age groups participate in four events, generally including:
a sprint or hurdle event
a longer running event
a jumping event
a throwing event
Events rotate throughout the season to give athletes the opportunity to experience the range of track and field events available for their age group.
Younger athletes (up to U10) are not eligible to participate in the full range of events. Their weekly program may therefore include two events from the same discipline, such as two running, jumping or throwing events.
How does the weekly program work?
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Our meet schedule operates on a three-week rotating program, allowing athletes to participate in a variety of track and field events throughout the season.
Check the Club Calendar to see which program is scheduled and what events are being held at each meet.
Does my child stay with their age group?
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Yes. Athletes remain with their age group throughout the meet.
An Age Group Manager, with assistance from parents and carers, helps keep the group together and guides athletes between their scheduled events.
What happens if a club meet is cancelled?
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Every effort is made to conduct our scheduled Thursday meets. However, athletics is an outdoor sport and occasionally a meet may need to be modified or cancelled due to weather, track conditions or other safety concerns.
If there is a change to a scheduled meet, GMAC will provide families with an update as soon as practicable via our Facebook page and/or email.
If the weather is uncertain, please check for Club updates before travelling to Hudson Park.
What should my child bring to club meets?
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Athletes should come prepared for an afternoon of athletics and changing weather conditions. We recommend bringing:
their GMAC uniform, with current registration bibs/patches attached
suitable running shoes
a water bottle
a hat and sunscreen
warm clothing or a jacket
any personal medication that may be required
Please ensure all personal belongings are clearly named.
Athletes should arrive with enough time to be ready for the 4:45pm warm-up, with events commencing at 5:00pm.
Parents and carers should also be prepared to lend a hand with their child's age group or events during the evening.
Can my child wear spikes?
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For most athletes, regular running shoes are suitable for our Thursday club meets.
The use of spike shoes depends on the athlete’s age group and event:
U6-U10: Spike shoes are not permitted.
U11-U12: Spike shoes may be worn in events run entirely in lanes, as well as long jump, triple jump, high jump and javelin.
U13 and above: Spike shoes may be worn in all track events, as well as applicable field events.
If you’re unsure whether spikes are permitted for your athlete’s age group or event, please check with a GMAC official before competing.
Uniforms
Do athletes need a club uniform?
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Yes. A GMAC Club Uniform is compulsory for registered athletes.
Uniforms can be purchased at designated pack pick-up nights, before club meets, or through the GMAC online shop.
Athletes must also wear their current registration bibs/patches at club meets and competitions. These are provided in the athlete pack at the beginning of the season and help ensure athletes can be correctly identified and their results recorded.
Can we use last season's uniform?
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Yes. If your athlete's existing GMAC uniform still fits and meets the Club's current uniform requirements, it can be worn again for the new season.
Athletes will need to wear their current season registration bibs/patches, which are provided in their athlete pack.