The following descriptions have been developed to ensure a clear understanding of the objectives and focus of the guiding principles for each stage of a young athlete’s development.
The athlete development pathway (FIT Model) aligns with evidenced based programs and models used in other nations (UK and Northern Island, Canada, North America, New Zealand) with a similar sporting structure and culture to Australian athletics. In addition, the FIT Model reflects Sport Australia’s Physical Literacy Framework and specifically, its approach to holistic development across the four domains of physical literacy (physical, psychological, social and cognitive) as the core driver of lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. The Overview of Stages of Development should be read in conjunction with the Training and Competition Guidelines for Children and AdolescentsThe FIT Model is made up of the following stages of development:
Fundamentals 1 Approximately 4 – 7 years
The focus of Fundamentals 1 is on introducing, learning and developing key fundamental movement skills (balance, agility, locomotion and hand-eye coordination) which provide the foundation for more complex skills in athletics as well as in play and other sporting and recreational activities. The emphasis is on fun and play with group activities providing opportunities for social interaction, inclusiveness and demonstrating cooperative behaviour (e.g. sharing, patience). At the younger ages there should be minimal focus on formal athletics training and competition, however “team event” contests may be introduced towards the end of this stage.
Fundamentals 2 Approximately 8 – 10 years
Entry into this stage is from approximately 7 – 8 years of age. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are further developed and refined through the introduction of specific athletics skills and activities (running, jumping, and throwing), delivered in athletic event group areas (e.g. understanding the need to pace in longer events or coordinating a movement sequence for a throw/jump). More structured training and technical development may be introduced towards the end of this stage when children become more responsive to constructive and positive feedback. However, children should be encouraged to participate in a range of other sports (team/individual) which helps foster both competence and confidence through exposure to other coaches, peers and sporting experiences, thus enhancing all round athleticism and holistic development.This is also a good stage to incorporate social opportunities and begin developing some healthy attitudes and practices in relation to daily physical activity. At this stage children enjoy working in pairs, small groups and teams and begin to understand simple rules, sporting safety and etiquette (e.g. fair play and respect for other athletes, coaches, and officials). Therefore, fun, variety and the opportunity to learn, balanced with occasional but age and developmentally appropriate competition opportunities, are important factors at this stage of development. More formal and regular competition can be introduced at this stage but competitions should be modified, low key, and seasonal (e.g. 4 – 10 weeks duration), with an emphasis on “team event” contests rather than individual achievement.

AND MINIMUM AA AGE RECOMMENDATIONS
In considering the recommended ages below, please note the following:
These recommended ages are intended to provide general guidance only. Any competition rules pertaining to a particular event distance determined by World Athletics, Athletics Australia or associated governing body takes precedence over these guidelines.
Given the significant variation in physical and mental development amongst children and young adults of the same chronological age, the listed minimum ages may or may not be appropriate for every individual child/ adolescent.
Just because a child or adolescent is capable of completing a particular distance doesn’t necessarily mean they should participate or compete over that distance at a given age. We encourage coaches and parents to exercise caution, particularly over longer distances for growing bodies in the interests of a child’s longer term health, wellbeing, and development.
Participation in the event distances below for children/adolescents could involve fun runs or parkrun events. Athletics Australia’s recommendation is that specific training on a regular basis for longer road runs should be delayed until 15 – 16 years for 5km, 17 -18 years for 10km and 18+ for distances beyond 10km.on “team event” contests rather than individual achievement.