This page explains how to nominate for selection in the 12 years and under track and field state teams to compete at the School Sport Australia championships in 2026.

Who can nominate to be selected

To nominate for selection, students must be:

• enrolled at an affiliated school.
• born in 2014, 2015, 2016.

To nominate as a multiclass students with disability as above, plus students must hold a classification.

Where and when

Lakeside Stadium. Albert Park, Victoria.

Sunday 29 November to Thursday 3 December 2026.

Travel dates may vary due to flight availability.

Team officials

• Coach (Distance Running) - TBC
• Coach (Jumps) - TBC
• Coach (Sprints) - TBC
• Coach (Throws) - TBC
• Team Manager - Kylie Ashworth, Reynella Primary School
• Team Manager - Mike Clark, School Sport SA
• Team Manager - Wendy Stimson, Trinity College
• Team Manager - TBC

The team will be under the supervision of the team officials to meet supervision ratios.

How to nominate for selection

A non-refundable trial fee of $10 inc GST per student is to be paid when nominating online.

Nomination form and due date to be advised.

Selection process

Updated 13/08/2026

• Meeting the selection criteria does not guarantee selection in the team. Selection is based on performances achieved at the Sapsasa State Championships and applies to both individual and relay events. Selection in a School Sport SA state team is final.
• Selection is based on results achieved across the four divisions of the Sapsasa State Championships.
• School Sport SA will compile an overall ranking for each event using results from all divisions combined.
• The top eight (8) athletes in each event overall, will be invited via email to nominate for state team consideration within two (2) days of the completion of the Sapsasa State Championships.
• An invitation to nominate does not constitute an offer of selection in the team.
• Athletes invited to nominate will have seven (7) calendar days to submit their nomination, from the date nominations open (2 days after event).

Team selection

Following the close of nominations, the selection panel will determine the final team based on the following:

• Nominated athletes with the highest-ranking performances in each event (based on the overall top 8 list) will receive first consideration for selection in individual events.
• Nominated athletes must meet the selection standards determined by the selection panel, based on previous School Sport Australia championship results.
• Nominated multiclass athletes must hold or be able obtain an athletics classification no later than six (6) weeks prior to the School Sport Australia Championships to be eligible for selection. Further information on classification see students with disabilities multiclass championships

Selection will also be subject to:

• the overall team size;
• supervision requirements; and
• the maximum number of athletes permitted in each event.
• As a result, not all events may have the maximum number of competitors selected.

To be considered for the Combined Event (100m, Long Jump, 800m and Shot Put), nominated athletes must:

• finish in the top eight (8) overall in at least two (2) of the four Combined Event disciplines;
• provide evidence of a verified 800m time between 2:20 and 3:10 (must be from the Sapsasa State Championships or South Australian Little Athletics State Event or Athletics SA sanctioned event within last 12 months)

The selection panel reserves the right to consider factors affecting team balance and event entries when determining the final team.

School endorsement

Selection in a School Sport SA state team requires endorsement from the student’s school principal before confirming their place in the team. Therefore, parents are advised not to make any arrangements that incur costs until the school has confirmed that the student fulfils all requirements.

Training and championship expectations

All selected team members will be required to attend all team trainings and a team photo shoot.

Country team members travelling more than 2 hours can negotiate their commitment.

The selected student agrees to attend the competition for the full duration including the opening and closing ceremonies and the educational experience.

Accommodation, flights, and daily transport

Parents/caregivers who can accompany their child must book and manage accommodation, flights and daily transport for the entire championship.

Should this not be possible then the family will need to negotiate with School Sport SA to arrange appropriate flights, accommodation, meals and daily transport for their child which will be an additional cost. Negotiations must begin within 1 week of the team being announced.

Championship costs

The anticipated cost to School Sport SA is approximately $700 which includes levies to participate at the championship and any training costs. Walkout and competition uniforms will be approximately $450 depending on the number of items ordered. This will be a separate online ordering process where payment is made directly to the supplier.

Program and results

See School Sport Australia Track and Field for the program and results as they are available.