Weekly Competition

Competition offered at Dunbar Park for our 6s to U20s athletes operates according to the NSW Athletics Rules of Competition. 

Each week athletes arrive and meet their team and Age Manager. The Age Manager, and any parents assisting them, will take the team around to their events for the morning. 6 events are offered each week. 

Weekly Program

Ryde Athletics Centre offers a 2 week program cycle for athletes, which means that each event for each age group takes place at least once every 2 weeks. The program is a mixture of short and long-distance track events, as well as field events.

We also have a wet weather program for days when the track is able to be used but the weather is inclement and athlete/helper numbers are small.

In the event of the wet weather program being utilised, the program that was scheduled will be postponed until the following week.

Program downloads:

• Weekly Program
• Circular Track Schedule
• Dunbar Park Ground Layout Map

Some notes about our new program for 2026/27:

• The Week 1 program will alternate every two weeks between Programs 1A and 1B. The only difference between the two programs is whether the 1500m and walks events are held as the first or last events of the day, respectively.
• In contrast to previous seasons, we will have a fixed order of events on the circular track. Instead of queueing at the start line for circular track events, age groups should remain at their field events until they are called to the circular track for their races by a track marshal.
• Overall, we hope that the new program will be more efficient, but acknowledge that we may discover unforeseen issues as we adapt to it. We will endeavour to resolve any such issues as quickly as possible and really appreciate everyone’s help in making this a success!

Participation

Participation in all events is encouraged but NOT enforced. It is always the athlete’s choice to compete or not. Not everybody does all events or attends all weeks! If you can’t attend a week, that’s fine – we’ll see you next time.

We do ask however, in the interests of safety, that you advise your Age Manager if you need to leave early. As long as we have enough helpers to keep the events moving, we complete competition well before noon.

Some age groups finish earlier than this, and some that do Javelin and Race Walking may finish slightly later.

Tiny Tots Program

If your child is a Tiny Tot, they will participate in play activities, mainly in their own area. Tots usually spend some time on the track where they run, have relays, and long jump into the sandpit to get them used to the track, running in lanes, and queueing for their turn, amongst other things. The activities are designed to develop some of the gross motor skills and co-ordination used in later years for athletics.

A parent of the Tot stays with them and helps with the activities. The Tots’ program starts at 8.30 and usually finishes by 9.30. No times or places are recorded for them.

Parental Responsibility

Parents are required to stay each Saturday and help out on the oval as an official/helper or alternatively can help with the BBQ or Canteen. Ryde Athletics Centre can only continue with the support of the parents involved in the morning activities, and this is why we need your help.  Our Volunteers Coordinator can help you choose which event to help with if you are unsure.