The following is a short summary of some of the important rules for various competition events.  The information here is by no means definitive.

Little Athletics competitions in Australia are conducted in accordance with the Competition Rules of the IAAF currently in force, with modifications provided for in the Rules and Regulations. Where it has been decided, the IAAF Rules are not indicative or correct for athletes in the age groups covered by Little Athletics Australia (LAA), the IAAF Rule or part thereof has been rewritten to reflect the nature and abilities of athletes in the various age groups.

From time to time, the IAAF and Athletics Australia will release new versions of the Rules or Technical documents. The LAA Technical Committee will assess these changes and will update these rules to reflect any changes which may occur. To view the current IAAF Rule Book, please visit www.iaaf.org/about-iaaf/documents/rules-regulations.

Little Athletics Australia Rules of Competition are included in the Standard rules of competition booklet. This document outlines the competition rules for the conduct of State Association Competitions/Championships, and is used as guidelines for all affiliated Little Athletics Centres and Clubs. The Standard events and equipment specifications document outlines the maximum events and equipment specifications per age group that are approved and recommended for use at affiliated Little Athletics Centres and Clubs.

The officials guide rule book provides a guide for Officials on how to conduct the rules of all athletic events in South Australia. These rules apply to the conduct of all State Association Competitions/Championships, and at the competition meets of affiliated Little Athletics Centres and Clubs.

Parents and athletes should realise that these rules are enforced in the interests of fairness and safety of ALL athletes.  They are also enforced to ensure that when our athletes are competing with athletes of other centres and under the guidance of unfamiliar faces, they know the rules. Unexpected disqualification can be heart breaking for any athlete.  Prevention through education is the best policy.