Analysis of Kids’ Athletics implementation in Wallonia

peer reviewedIntroduction Since decades in Wallonia (French speaking part of Belgium), athletics competitions for children are miniaturized versions of adults’ competitions. Despite the fact that it has been pointed out that such kind of approach, based on performance, is not appropriated for motor learning and could result in an increased rate of dropout (1), no change has occurred since years. The International Association of Athletic Federation has developed and promoted a more appropriate model of competition for children under 10 years old: ‘Kids’Athletics’ (KA)(2). While this model is well known, it has not been selected by the Wallonian federation as the gold standard yet . This study aimed to analyze the perceived interest of a group of experts about KA, and to identify the strategies that could be considered for KA implementation in Wallonia. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 athletics or marketing experts (demographic presentation; knowledge about KA and personal experience with KA ; opinion about KA model in comparison with the traditional one, and ; strategies that could be helpful to implement KA in Wallonia). Results Findings showed that 12 experts knew the KA concept while 9 have experimented it in their own club. None mentioned an official competition between clubs. A list of KA’s advantages and disadvantages has been identified (organization, children needs, and development). All experts considered that KA was more adapted to children than traditional competition. Based on subjects’ proposals, a progressive strategy for KA implementation is suggested. It includes the support of the federation and recommends to start with the more convinced clubs. Conclusion This study confirms that KA should be implemented in Wallonia. In order to optimize the chances of success, it would be appropriate to multiply actions, taking into account the potential barriers identified by the experts. Keywords : Children, track and field, competition, Kids Athletics, Wallonia. References Gozzoli C., Locatelli, E., Massin, D., & Wangemann, B.. (2002). IAAF Kids’ Athletics : A team event for children. Monaco: IAAF Shields, D. L. & Bredemeier, B. L. (2009). True competition: A guide to pursuing excellence in sport and society. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics