Controlling standards

[Gross]

I have controlled lots from World Universities, British Champs, Scottish Champs, Euromeeting, various 6 days, elite tests and selection races at home & in Europe and of course lots of humble competitions.

So many hoops to jump through in orienteering to do anything nowadays I have zero intention of doing anything else...

One less old git to worry about

[RanaldMacdonald]

Back to the original question and how officials get feedback to enable them to learn and improve their practice and the quality of events.

At DVO's East Midlands Championships event at Stanton Moor on Sunday there was plenty of discussion at Download about the mapping and location of a couple of control sites. The Planner, who also happened to be the Mapper, Controller and a number of competitors engaged in what seemed to me to be a healthy discussion without it turning to blame/criticism and overly defensive positions.

It's worth reading the Controller's comments in the result - https://www.derwentvalleyorienteers.org.uk/results/2022/stant22/index.htm - as he sets out the positions as he and the Planner saw it and asks for further feedback.

Without necessarily discussing the issues raised, it's more the principle of being open to constructive feedback, reflecting on the comments and seeing what lessons we all have to learn from them.

However, as I was listening to many of the exchanges, I was struck by the contrast between those who genuinely wanted to know 'why?', often after having thanked and praised the officials for enjoyable courses, and those who a more belligerent and critical tone. Some people need reminding that we are all volunteers, giving up many hours doing something we enjoy but which can become dispiriting in the face of negative comments.