FIELD GUIDE FOR COURSE SETTING AND VETTING

1. Explanation and purpose. This document covers recommended procedures for the course setter and course vetter to accomplish their tasks as defined in the USOF RULES. These procedures provede a thoruogh and proven method of insuring the courses are set correctly and meet the specifications in the Rules.

2. Course Setter Procedures. The course setter's task is defined under B.23 in the Rules. The scope of this document is limited to the actual placing of the control markers in the field. These procedures are to be done on site in the field. The course setters job is not an armchair operation. Design must now incorporate what is in the field.

  1. Visit the start and finish. Mark the location of the start and the finish. Walk through the area of the chutes to insure the requirements in B.31, 32 are being met.
  2. Visit the control sites. Check the feature against the map. The site, approaches and close attack points need to be checked for accuracy against the map. Ensure the control location is suitable to the course level. Install the control. Approach the control from all probable attack points. Make sure the control/feature meets the visibility requirements for the course level.
  3. Prepare control descriptions. Prepare the control descriptions on site.
  4. Change control locations. Change the control location when it is unsuitable for course level, the map is poor, or advantage for one route selection over another is not apparent from the map.
  5. Make map corrections. Make map corrections when necessary to avoid confusion or to eliminate unfair advantage. Make corrections available to the competitor.
  6. Work with vetter. Provide the vetter with a complete set of competition maps, control descriptions and punch cards. Work with the vetter to correct problems.

3. Course Vetter Procedures. The course vetter's task is defined under C.45 in the Rules.

A. Test Run

  1. Use competition start and finish. Confirm: start/finish chute layout meet requirements, triangle and double circle correct per map.
  2. Use competition map and control descriptions. Verify the control descriptions and codes match what is in field.
  3. Time each course. Ensure elapsed time is within guidelines.
  4. Make sure the control, punch and code are present. Ensure they are hung properly for course level. Check control for proper color, accessible punch and legible code.

B. Debriefing with course setter

  1. Report on physical condition of control equipment.
  2. Discuss any problems with control placement (no hidden controls please).
  3. Discuss any problems with control descriptions: format, readability, suitability to the control site, code mismatching.
  4. Go over percieved problems with the map.
  5. Bring up anything found that might contribute to unfair competition.

 

12/98

 

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