Control Descriptions Poll

[mappingmum]

OK, so everyone wants to talk about control descriptions (see the end of the BUCS thread) so let's get a poll going.

[mappingmum]

I really miss not having loose descriptions available for a relay and thanks to Fiona Berrow (ex EUOC) for the tip, I now always tear off the descriptions on the run-out.

[frog]

I've never done an event with codes on the map so don't know whether the advantage of having codes easily seen is outweighed by the map detail the extra numbers cover up.
The problem with loose descriptions for a relay is that if handed to runners on the way in when they collect their folded map they can then read them and see who else has the same gaffle.

[Marco Polo]

I would have thought that having loose descriptions for relays must increase the administrative load on the organisers as they need to ensure that competitors have both the right map and descriptions. (Not that that need have a direct bearing on this poll from a competitors perspective. )

Tearing the descriptions off the map is a compromise, but not a bad one, and it is easier if the descriptions are printed well clear of the mapped area.

[Mrs H]

I've never been in a relay that had loose control descriptions. I have had codes printed on the map and generally am in favour - perticularly for relays......
.....but I do remember a very young younger Miss H mis-punching at her first o-ringen when the control codes were on the map - something like 5-756 and she punched 575 which was on a nearby path junction - even the official who explained to us what she must have done looked a bit circumspect Extra care required on the ordering of control numbers and adjacent codes.

[plain lazy]

I really miss not having loose descriptions available for a relay and thanks to Fiona Berrow (ex EUOC) for the tip, I now always tear off the descriptions on the run-out.

I've never heard of this in 25 years of orienteering, it sounds like a great idea!

However my current control description holder loads from one end only, so I would not be able to race out of the start line and slide my descriptions into the holder quick enough.

[housewife]

Control code on the map and a purple dot at the exact control location, then no loose descriptions would be needed, just full descriptions on the map somewhere.

[Stodgetta]

I rip my descriptions off in relays & just carry them under my map. Much better than unfolding & re-folding the map every control or two.
I have never ripped through the course, but I'm sure the time will come when I do...

[King Penguin]

Not in favour of loose descriptions for relays as the risk of runners getting the wrong set for their gaffle is far too high. Inagine the protests - I only mispunched because I was given the wrong CDs !

[mappingmum]

. . .it is easier if the descriptions are printed well clear of the mapped area.

Yup. The first time I tried to do this, half the description table was in the top right of the map and the other half was in the bottom left. So it didn't happen on that occasion.

Yes, I do loose time on the run out while I pfaff with my precision tearing and insertion operation . . . . . but I probably re-gain this time through pfaff opening and folding the map at every control.

I could do with a table with scissors just behind the changeover pen Seem to re-call one at Culbin a few years back when the "universally available CDs in advance" policy was first withdrawn.

[mappingmum]

Not in favour of loose descriptions for relays as the risk of runners getting the wrong set for their gaffle is far too high.

That's easy to mitigate. The gaffle is marked on the map eg course A, gaffle XY and the runner is responsible for picking up the appropriate CDs themselves.

[madmike]

How about the control descriptions on a perforated strip at the edge of the map so those of us who want to orienteer properly could rip them off easily and not end up with a missing bit of map that later become mildly important And those who want to practice origami can continue to do so......


Edits: spelling corrections so Mrs H doesn't tell me off - again

[mappingmum]

Oh Mike, now you're talking

[frog]

The sticker on the outside of the folded map should not display the gaffle to stop people comparing gaffles. The gaffle is only on the sticker on the map once you open it. I doubt people will then want to faff on looking for the correct control descriptions amongst the umpteen different piles a complex relay like the JK would have. I think loose control descriptions for relays are daft.

[Red Adder]

As a runner I like to have CD on the map - no icky bit of paper to have to bother with.

As a planner I always want to do both as

a) I accept that many if not most runners like to have the CD before they start

b) In these days of pre-marked mapped but rare pre-entry the stock of maps will always be finite. The loose CDs are a good way of crossing checking that registration does not sell more entries to a particular course tham there are maps.