Results - Scottish 6 Day

[david_rosen]

The heptathlon scoring system is not comparable with the system you are arguing for. Jessica Ennis knows before she competes that if she throws the javelin 40m she will score 800 points (or whatever). Her points aren't calculated after the event by some complicated formula that depends on what distance other competitors threw.

My point was not so much about the previous Scottish scoring system, more about this year's one. Why doesn't the heptathlon do away with those complicated scoring tables (even if the competitors understand them, the public don't) and just use the scoring system used at this year's Scottish?

My answer is that it is important to reward performance (especially as competitors aren't always competing head-to-head) rather than just position.

David

[Paul Frost]

Having 4/6 count helps others as well as organisers etc.

EckO had several members that couldn't run every day due to work or family commitments. There were a number that originally only entered the first 3 days and went home. But they had enjoyed the event so much and wanted to get the 4th "qualifying" result, so they came back for the last day (a 200 mile round trip).

Another junior had already read the rules and demanded that he stay on to get his 4th result after the rest of his family went home after day 3 (his grandparents had to come and pick him up).

One of the returnees ended up with a 2nd place overall in his class so it was worth the drive.

I am sure that this sort of flexibility is what makes the 6days popular to the average/casual orienteer. Do we want to encourage more people to take part or have a select competition only for those with the time/energy to compete on all 6 days?

...It also has a friendly and helpful approach towards both the competitor and the volunteer on whom the event depends.
It is also recognised that one of the purposes of the event is to aid with the promotion and development of the sport of orienteering in Scotland...
full statement

With regards the number of helpers who would be disadvantaged with all days counting, there are more than you think.
Don't forget there are lots of not so visible jobs that make it hard to be competitive even if you do get a run:
Martin Dean was up early every day to co-ordinate the traders.
Andrew Dalgleish was involved in setting up the commentary every day.
David Nicol organising computing every day.
Davie Frame leading the equipment team.
Can you still be on top form after spending several hours on car parking, starts, enquiries, road crossings etc.?

[Guest88]

I realise from experience that you cannot be on top form after helping on a particular day which was why I was following up what someone said they did in the U.S. to have a time based on their time from the other days - but I think I made my opinion clear already, and I'm just 1/3000 runners, so I won't labour it.