MJG wrote: Novices & newcomers are not prepared to commit or find our entry systems daunting
We have gone full pre-entry only (entries allowed up until the evening before) and this was my concern, but we have not found this in practice.
For example Saturday's Kent Orienteering League local event at Brockhill Park had 32 out of 98 entries as non members*, which is pretty much the same percentage as when these events were EOD only. 98 is a better than expected turnout for an event in the far end of Kent as well. These 32 entries will represent 50+ real people as many entries were groups.
We have started using racesignup which allows good customisation of the entry process, and one of our members spent time during lockdown polishing questions on our racesignup from the newcomers/non-members viewpoint.
* non members total excluded the non-member juniors from a local school linked to Saxons.