Orienteering ... some photographic clarification.. with some explanatory photos
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Orienteering ... some photographic clarification |
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| Contents : | Tell me a bit about orienteering,
how
does it work?
.. with some explanatory photos |
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for full-size shots |
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(there are more photos from Postensplain here and also in the orienteering library) |
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Parking.
Once you have found your way to the event by following written directions and local signposting using control markers - 
- members of the organising club will collect a parking fee at the entrance
to the car park, normally a field, where you will be directed as to where
to park. You will find an orienteering shop
and hot food here at larger events. |
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Registration and Map Sales
Almost always a row of parked cars with boards on the windscreens, with one car selling maps and the other cars running registration for two courses each. There is usually a pile of flyers for forthcoming events here too. Maps normally cost £3.00 - £5.00 per senior. |
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Course Registration
You select a course, depending on the technical difficulty or length, and are allocated a start time. The registrar will hand you a control card and a list of control descriptions and numbers. |
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Map Corrections
Unless a map has been produced for a particular event, or has been surveyed in that season, you will probably have to copy down some minor changes to the map, such as new minor paths, undergrowth or recent felling. |
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Toilets
Except at the smallest of events there will be toilet facilities. But beware, there is often a queue and you should leave sufficient time before your start for this. |
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Start
At the start you will be called forward when your start time is displayed on the digital clock. You should hand your control card stub in to the start team. |
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Start grid
At the start there will be three boxes which you will move forward to at one minute intervals. Any last minute information such as vandalism of the course, dog warnings, and where your master map is located, may be communicated to you here. |
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Master maps
Except at Badge events and for the least difficult courses, you will be required to copy your course's controls onto your map from the master maps. Do this carefully as if you make any mistakes with your red circles you might never find that control! |
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Punching at controls
Unless you are on a course with e-punching, the red and white control kites will be accompanies by a couple of needle pin punches. Always check the number on the control matches the number on your course. |
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Finish!
The finish is in sight ... normally there will be a "FINISH" banner and a small tent at the finish, as well as a short tape funnel to make sure you go to the right place. Some squash or fresh water is also provided. |
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Results
Results are posted on a wooden stand or on string lines within a few minutes, in batches, so that you can have an instant idea of how you ran. Most clubs post results on their websites as well as offering to post them to you for a nominal fee. |
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(c) 2000 |