Welcome
to Orienteering -- an exciting sport and recreational activity for all ages!
Thank
you for coming out. We want you to have
fun. To help you enjoy this event, we
would like to tell you what you can expect to see and do today, and hopefully
answer many of your questions before you begin.
1. BEGINNERS
CLINIC: We suggest that you take advantage of the beginners clinic which is offered at every orienteering
event.
2. THE
MOST IMPORTANT RULE: If you register to go out on a course, you
MUST check in at the Finish, whether or not you complete the course. The organizers do not enjoy searching
unnecessarily for someone who has not checked in. There is a 3 hour time limit on all courses.
3. REGISTRATION:
There is a registration fee. You
can go on a course either on your own or as a group. Please be sure to sign the waiver too.
4. ON
THE COURSE:
a. Orient Your Map -- turn the map until
the features around you lie the same way as on the
map; that is, turn the map until its magnetic north lines lie parallel and in
the same direction as the compass needle.
b. Stay in Contact with Your Map
1. on the map, check off features you pass.
2. look for features you see on the map as you
travel.
3. keep your thumb on the map where you are,
move your thumb as you travel.
4. look at your map in relation to the terrain
frequently.
c. Check Your Control Code and Punch in
the Correct Space:
1. make sure the control has the same control
code as on the control descriptions. If
not, you are not at the right place!
2. be sure to punch your card in the right
place.
d. Your Elapsed Time
1. for competitive orienteers,
the goal is to finish the course in the shortest possible time.
2. for recreational orienteers,
the main goal is to have fun. If you
successfully find all the controls on your course, you time will be posted in
the results. If you choose not to find
all the controls, your results will be shown as "did not finish."
AFTER THE EVENT:
Come back to the welcome area. We
would like to hear how you did, what you liked, what you didn't like, and any
suggestions you have. Remember to find
out about our next event and plan to be there.
5/2008