Orienteering is a sport in which the
competitor is given a topographic map marked with a course consisting of a
series of terrain or man-made features to be visited. Competitors on each course are started
individually at two-minute intervals and navigate a series of checkpoints to
the Finish line. The winner is
determined by shortest time elapsed.
There are different courses scaled in length and difficulty and each
day's courses are unique. Meets are open to all.
PROCEDURE: The meet organizers place checkpoints called
controls at designated features. The
locations of these features are marked on the orienteering map as numbered
circles. The controls are three-sided
orange and white nylon markers. Each
marker has a unique code so it cannot be confused with other nearby controls. The object is to use navigational ability to
take the best route to each checkpoint in numerical order, locate the control
marker, mark your scorecard manually or electronically, and arrive at the
Finish line in the least possible time. If
the competitor does not find all his checkpoints, he is disqualified. There is a time limit for safety.
PREPARATION: The competitor should be in good health and
fit enough to participate on his/her chosen course. Although the ability to run is important to
finishing the course in the shortest possible time, it is not as essential as
navigational ability. Before competing
on his first course, the participant should receive instruction in map reading
and compass use from a qualified orienteer.
At every meet before the competition begins, there are orienteers who will give instruction and some helpful hints
on getting started.
Each progressive course requires
additional navigational abilities and better physical conditioning. These abilities are gained through practice
and through instruction and advice from other orienteers. There are also good training manuals
available to orienteers at all levels. Competitors on the elite Brown, Green, Red or
Blue courses should have extensive orienteering experience.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: The only specialized equipment you will need
is an orienteering compass. Most orienteering
compasses have rectangular base plates under the compass dial. If you cannot obtain one, most clubs have a
few rental ones at each meet. Wear
comfortable clothing appropriate to the season, long pants and walking or
running shoes.
HOW TO CHOOSE A COURSE: The following is a description of the courses
available.
Ř White -- The beginner course. Perfect for those who are unsure of
themselves in the forest or have little or no topographic map experience. It is also for experienced orienteers 12 years and younger. Routes of travel are along trails, streams,
and other linear features. Navigation is
easy and courses are short.
Ř Yellow -- The advanced beginner course is designed for experinced 13-14 year olds and for older teen and adult
beginners with some basic knowledge of map and terrain identification. Navigational problems are easy to moderate
and the competitor will be near easily identifiable re-location features
Ř Orange -- The intermediate course is designed for older
teenagers and adults with moderate experience.
On this course the competitor will spend the majority of his time off
the forest's trail network and will need to use the compass extensively. Checkpoints are on major terrain features.
Ř Brown/Green/Red/Blue -- The expert courses are all of the
same difficulty but vary in length. The
navigation is very tricky with few re-location features. These courses are designed for older teens
and adults with extensive previous experience and good physical conditioning.
STRING COURSES -- These are courses for
toddlers and younger children who want to experience orienteering. Parents accompany their youngsters as they
follow a string from checkpoint to checkpoint.
String courses are very safe and fun.
If you have any questions or need more
information, contact one of the organizers. If you enjoy orienteering and want
to continue, you are invited to attend future events and to join one of the
local clubs and the United States Orienteering Federation. For more information, inquire from the meet
organizers or visit the U.S. Orienteering Federation’s website
www.us.orienteering.org
5/2008