Focus

[Paul Frost]

You could avoid the OS copyright if you use compass and wheel to do the survey

As I understand it this would make no difference. British Orienteering have been paying the OS for every orienteering map printed for a while now. I raised the issue some time ago that most of our maps are produced from a PG plot and not derived from OS data so not liable (that was before they claimed to own the air we breath and any straight line on a map).

I don't agree with the new licence agreement and am currently searching for a way for clubs to be able to provide maps to view online.

[distracted]

This is an attempt to clear a few things up, but might just raise more questions...

Firstly, remember Focus was produced in advance of this latest round of meetings and so there are likely to be some changes in views as we see how things are panning out. This is especially true with the implementation of the new event structure. My impressions are that there was an intention to encourage more events and more types of events (sprint, middle, urban) in the new 'Regional' Level - the sort of event that will attract a significant turn-out from several clubs in the region. However, it has become clear that the major barriers stopping this happening are the necessities of a Grade 2 controller and 12-month embargo - hence many events that could well be Level 2 are being pushed into the Level 3 category. This is causing confusion by blurring the Local/Regional event boundary - it is currently possible to go to a near-identical event two weeks running but find them classified at different levels.

By relaxing the embargo and controller rules, hopefully this will encourage the larger events which are best described by the 'Regional' category into this level. Clearly the major issue preventing this is the numbers of and requirements for Grade 2 controllers, and we need to encourage more people to step up to this level. So, for one, it would help to know within this new event structure what the requirements now are, and how these have been reviewed/changed to sit with the new system. I agree entirely with Awk that the rules should not determine the structure and it seems that this could be a more generic problem that needs to be overcome.


On the Rankings - ultimately the board has the say on what does/doesn't get implemented, for what range of events and so on. The working group were tasked to, amongst other things, perform an "Evidenced based review of the current Ranking System, its use and member satisfaction with the System" as well as determining the purpose of the system, its underlying principles etc. They've produced a document for review and asked for feedback. The feedback from development committee so happens to say that that the rankings system, in current form, are felt to act more as a competition and not necessarily as a motivator to continue and improve in the sport.

Unfortunately, the greatest problem the board will face is that the report has been produced primarily on the views of the working group, and lacks any evidence from the general membership/those new to the sport/those who currently use/don't use/don't care about the list to back up any of the arguments put forward. By not doing this, I feel that the working group have neglected their most important task and the conclusions that they have come to are questionable.

[EddieH]

Moravian are now putting on the Scottish Sprint Championships in September. We will ensure that it is a proper championship event across the age groups, with all runners quarantined prior to their start.

Nevertheless it is listed as a "local" event and I doubt that anyone our end is going to do anything to attempt to change this. We hope that appropriate publicity will let everyone know what is happening regardless of a meaningless "local" heading.

[AndyC]

[quote="EddieH"]Moravian are now putting on the Scottish Sprint Championships in September. We will ensure that it is a proper championship event across the age groups, with all runners quarantined prior to their start.
quote]


I knew Swine flu has reached Scotland but I didn't think it was that bad

(I know- that was in bad taste and Eddie was referring to the ban on access to the area)

[EddieH]

Actually what I mean is that all competitors will have to enter a quarantine area at least 5 minutes before the first start.

[mharky]

(I know- that was in bad taste and Eddie was referring to the ban on access to the area)

/FAIL

[AndyC]

I fail a lot of the time but I get up again!

So no embargo just a prevention of seeing the maps early

[graeme]

Actually what I mean is that all competitors will have to enter a quarantine area at least 5 minutes before the first start.

Where they'll have their passports checked to ensure they're proper "locals" not dodgy incomers?

What's the format? The Scottish event predates the British one and offers much more flexibility for the organisers.

http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/in ... uidelines/

[EddieH]

We have a classy but small area (thus there will be only the one race). The urban part looks about as good as flat urban gets (yet to see the map) - a section of old quarry, and some open land amke it a great mixture.

We intend to encourage locals, particularly running clubs who have been having some urban tasters. Obviously anyone can enter the championships obeying the quarantine rules, but we intend to offer less confident people the chance to have a timed run around the courses after the event having been able to spectate where they like.

And we will be offering all age classes, clearly with lots of combined courses.