Major event closing dates

[EddieH]

I don't believe I am getting less efficient.

In the past we invariably received fliers for the major events (JK and BOC) from BOF. These fliers had all entry information INCLUDING the closing dates for various fees. Also event lists always had closing dates on display.

Now we seem to be expected to go online and search the website for this information.

Had it not been for today's posts on relay entries, I would not have visited the BOC site until after the first closing date which I see is only 5 days away.

I know I missed one of these events early entries last year - it seems this is the future.
I think it's a retrograde step. If we are not to have fliers the information should be rather more transparent. For all BOF's multiple fields of mostly unimportant information on their fixtures, entry fees and closing dates are missing.

Am I the only person missing early closing dates? I doubt it.

[denzil53]

You're quite right, Eddie. I knew about the closing date because a (more organised) clubmate warned me, but I wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

I've rummaged through recent copies of Focus and CompassSport, but can find no mention of closing dates.

It seems that we now have to rely on the internet (Nopesport?) to keep ourselves informed.

[andy]

Am I the only person missing early closing dates? I doubt it.

No, you're not, that's why the other post exists

[RS]

Thanks Eddie. I'm usually well organised as well but have missed this one. Got the accomodation but that's all.

[Spookster]

A reminder on the BOF website published earlier today.

[Angry Haggis]

British Orienteering's own fixtures site doesn't have a closing date listed!

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/index.php?pg=80&action=details&id=58473

[EddieH]

And a reminder on the BOF website appears on the screen just as long as it is not overtaken by a couple of newer stories.

The few answers here demonstrate that I am makong a very valid point. I don't wish to criticise this year's BOC specifically as it seems to be happening for all major events.

I think the process for showing entry dates needs to be rethought. We no longer have printed fixture lists with this data clearly written, and more and for the vast majority of events closing dates are now 1 week before - 3 month dates simply don't impinge on people's consciousness they need to be obvious.

When I enter WMOC I know to expect massively early closing dates. I make sure I obtain a bulletin which invariably has all the entry information clearly presented.

[NeilC]

Perhaps the UK Cup / Masters Cup / Nopesport league co-ordinators could list the closing dates alongside the names of the events that comprise these competitions. Competitors will be regularly visiting these sites for updated scores etc.

[Karen]

Closing dates should definitely be on the BOF fixtures list - it takes far to long to trawl through all the clubs websites for this information.

[seabird]

Earlier this week, I put a message around our club's e-mailing list about the BOC early entry deadline, haaving seen how few had entered, and have had a significant number of replies of thanks from seasoned orienteers who were unaware.

I recall that in not so distant days, this information went out in leaflet form with BOF membership renewal documentation so that everyone knew, and then additionally on-the-ball Club Captains got it publicised in Club magazines and/or on websites.

We are clearly missing some communication tricks these days.

Today to discover anything you have to be far more pro-active in your search for information. Many people do not have the inclination to do this.

[SeanC]

The obvious solution to this is email push where the BOF computer emails members weekly with your relevant list of forthcoming events and closing dates, rather like the SEOA mailer does. A national mailer would have to be more sophisticated, perhaps sending you details of just level D events for your region, level C and B events for yours and surrounding regions, and all Level A events.

All this IT development cost money, or another volunteer to step forward. Would it be something people are willing to pay extra on the levy/membership fee for (there would be some cost savings to individuals if the cheap entry deadlines weren't missed)?

[EddieH]

It is really an issue with a very small number of events - those that have closing dates in advance of 1 week.

There is no need to spoon feed everyone with e-mails about every standardish event.

If people wish to go orienteering it is not hard to find where and when - the problem here is that where these lists are entry data is no longer available - at least in 99% of cases if you "VIEW FEES" they are TBC as indeed they are for BOC to this day. Clearly the straightjacket system is too cumbersome for organisers to use as anticipated.

[roadrunner]

The obvious solution to this is email push where the BOF computer emails members weekly with your relevant list of forthcoming events and closing dates, rather like the SEOA mailer does. A national mailer would have to be more sophisticated, perhaps sending you details of just level D events for your region, level C and B events for yours and surrounding regions, and all Level A events.

All this IT development cost money, or another volunteer to step forward. Would it be something people are willing to pay extra on the levy/membership fee for (there would be some cost savings to individuals if the cheap entry deadlines weren't missed)?

I'd get really fed up if I got an email every week about events that I didn't want to enter (or did want to enter and already had). Better to just list the closing dates on the fixtures list, perhaps with a "closing soon" option to remind you of the ones you needed to get round to entering.

[ricardito]

I'd get really fed up if I got an email every week about events that I didn't want to enter (or did want to enter and already had).

Well, an opt-out shouldn't be beyond the wit of man.

Personally I'd welcome a monthly digest of forthcoming closing dates (weekly might be overkill). Heck, I get plenty of more frequent newsletters etc from other sources - it wouldn't make much impact on the volume of e-mail I need to deal with!

(BTW, I'm grateful to whoever posted the reminder about BOC closing dates a week or two back - I would probably have missed it but for that!)

[HOCOLITE]

I think communication should be improved. We had a problem with a regional event in our area where the early closing date was well before normal and the prices went up. End result we did colour coded as not prepared to pay prices.

If I hadn't had a reminder from smart club member BOC would have gone off the radar, particularly after last years CSC Final left such a bitter taste. Jenny has sent assurances that the area will not be so unwelcoming so perhaps we will attend BOC