frequently asked questions

We answer the popular questions you may have about athletics, coaching and training in Hobart.

How does the local competition work?

The OVA Southern Saints are a Hobart based athletics club with athletes that compete in the track and field competition between October and March each year. Competitions are usually every Saturday, in either the afternoon from 1:00pm or in the morning from 9:00am at the Domain Athletics Centre.

These competitions are run by the overarching body, called Athletics South, and as a club we compete as individuals but also field competitive and fun relay teams. This local competition is often referred to as 'interclub'.

Athletes must be registered with a club in order to compete – and if you’re looking for a club we welcome you to join the OVA Southern Saints. Along with the registration fees, each club also has a uniform which must be worn during competition. For more information, see the cost section above.

How does coaching work?

Unlike team sports, OVA does not have a set coach who looks after every athlete or coaching times or days. The athletics community in Hobart does however have a great group of people who coach OVA athletes. It’s important to note that some of these coaches do charge. There are also some OVA members who are coaches - and do a great job. 

CAN YOU ARRANGE A COACH FOR ME/MY CHILD?

Yes - definitely!

Through our role as an athletics club, we happily point athletes – from those who want to have fun to those who take the sport more seriously - in the right direction. If you're interested or in need of a coach, please contact us via our contact page or alternatively if you'd feel more comfortable you can send us a message through our Facebook page. 

ABOUT INTERCLUB

CAN I Try things out first?

We invite anybody who may not have competed before to contact our club, and if applicable, Athletics South (the overarching body) offer a two week trial period before fully committing; there is a small cost associated with the trial, however it is a worthwhile investment to ensure that athletics is for you!

Join OVA Today >

WHAT ABOUT UNIFORM?

Each club has their own competition uniform, which must be worn during interclub, state championships and other competition. 

The OVA Southern Saints competition singlet and/or crop top can be purchased from the club - and we also have a range of casual gear such as our polo top or team hoodies.

ova uniform shop >

Male Competition Singlet ($35.00)

Female Competition Singlet ($45.00)

MORE INFORMATION

Competition, held on Saturday morning and afternoons from 9:00am and 1:00pm respectively, between October to April, consists of a variety of events rotated over three weekly programmes. For example, Program A might contain the 100m, 400m, 1500m, Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put and Javelin. The next week, Program B might have the 200m, 800m, 3km, Triple Jump, Discus, Race Walk etc.

Importantly, you must enter your event at least 30min before the scheduled start time. This is done on paper, adjacent to the administration office.

Based on everyone's current personal best performance results (times, distances, heights), the events are organised in categories that group athletes by abilities. This means that an 18 year old could be competing against a 30 year old - and makes for great and even competition.

CROSS COUNTRY

During the winter months of the year, Athletics South (AS) run a cross country event. Full Registration or Out of Stadium Registration, athletes compete over a variety of longer running and walking distances at a location that changes each week.

photo of ova athletes race walking

OVA Southern Saints and Little Athletes in action

What's next?

HOW TO JOIN

We are an inclusive club that welcome any interested member, of all ages and abilities, to join the OVA Southern Saints athletic club.

You can learn more about joining, or join today, via our dedicated page that makes the process of joining easy.

JOIN OVA

I'd like to know more

If you'd like more information or to get in touch with someone from the OVA Southern Saints, don't hesitate to fill in the form on our contact page.

You can also message and engage with us on Facebook.

Contact OVA
sam morey runs for OVA

Our OVA members in action