JK2007

[Mrs H.]

I've heard the NE have pulled out of hosting this event and there is as of now no JK2007 on the table.

[Simon]

I was reading the minutes of the Managment Committee the other week and this is mentioned in that. Here and then look on page six of the minutes for 8th Decemeber. It says that they will 'ask Fixtures to investigate a number of other possiblities.'

There is also a potential problem with the BOC for the same year.

[Ernie_Wise]

Does anybody know why they can't host it?

[gross2006]

This strikes me as a good opportunity for BOF to get out of the habit of chugging JK & BOC round the rgions for the sake of it.

Let the regions (or group of clubs) bid for the JK and then keep all the profit. Regions / clubs can easily work out an approximation of how much BOF expect to make and that can be established as a minimum........

Or follow the example of the 6 Days and establish a subsiduary company to run the JK / BOC with staff at BOF Central taking on much of the co-ordination roles & x% of thier costs being covered by JK Ltd.

[mikey]

I was reading the minutes of the Managment Committee the other week and this is mentioned in that. Here and then look on page six of the minutes for 8th Decemeber. It says that they will 'ask Fixtures to investigate a number of other possiblities.'

There is also a potential problem with the BOC for the same year.

The fixtures committee is now pleading for help from any region. Lots of possibilities raised - adjoining regions sharing the event, regions without good areas organising elsewhere. All the regions (including Wales) have agreed to let another region use their areas if it will help to get JK2007 on. BOF has said it will do anything it can to facilitate a region taking on the event including, if needed, the supply of the coordinator /organisers from its own resources. The rules about elite courses and territory quality may be suspended if the event is help in non-classic areas (sounds like Clumber Park to me!).


I'd say, the odds are looking slim, though there are one or two positive noises from EM and EA.

[Mrs H.]

Let the regions (or group of clubs) bid for the JK and then keep all the profit.

I honestly think this is the only way. We as a club (and a region) are going to come out of this Jk with peanuts. I personally would not do it again under those circumstances - especially as club income is surpressed for the rest of the year 'cos everyone is knackered.

If I thought all this work was going to set our club up for the next 5/10 years I would definitely do it again - as i am actually enjoying it - and yes it is a chance to put something back into the sport - i resent my hard work earning money for BOF central to spend on another administrative officer or the like. (I'm sure Graeme will quote thealtruistic model of the Scottish 6 days at me again - but if it pays, people will do it - as it stands it is a poisoned chalice

[graeme]

The key question is why are you willing to put in loads of volunteer works for HOC and WMOA, but not for BOF?

Meanwhile many in Scotland are willing to work for their club and the 6-day company (though the latest plan for the 6-days to give nothing to the clubs might test this).

Of course, its a problem for BOF to worry about, not for you... as a volunteer nobody should be telling you what you should and shouldn't be willing to do.

As for peanuts ... well I haven't seen your accounts but whenever previous JK organisers have made this complaint closer inspections shows they assign no value to the new maps they have (and then use to make money in subsequent years). The Scottish Champs
doesn't rate to make any money for the oganising clubs this year, unless you count the hundreds of pounds going to the club who holds the map copyright as "profit".

Graeme

[RJ]

The JK2007 problem is symptomatic of the decline in membership. The NE is not a strong region, and after the British and the storm(!) it is no wonder there is a lack of enthusiasm, if in fact that is the problem.

Ten, fifteen and more years ago we had no problems staging the major events. In some cases we actually looked forward to our chance of planning it etc. But with falling numbers and an aging membership we don't have the resources any more.

So, I return to my underlying argument.... we must invest most of our current time, energy and resources into promoting and encouraging new members to participate in this brilliant sport. Most effectively this is done at local, club level. Put on those events that are appropriate to that cause.... local and informal! Map small areas close to the population centres.

JK2004 in the Lake District generated the BOF surplus, which is used to run the sport (lest we forget!), and made a sizable surplus for NWOA, which will be used to promote orienteering within NW. As a club member I'm not all that bothered that the club hasn't made money... I am happy to see the benefit come through the region's efforts.

A group of professionals managing the major events would certainly help to solve the problem. But that doesn't mean we should sit back and relax and then just become competitors. If we want to orienteer in the next ten years then we have to bring more paying customers into the arena. Bring along a friend to the next event and show them how good it is!

[Mrs H.]

The key question is why are you willing to put in loads of volunteer works for HOC and WMOA, but not for BOF?

Graeme

Because personally I think BOF represents very bad value for money whereas I know the club and the region don't

[RJ]

Mrs H wrote:

Because personally I think BOF represents very bad value for money whereas I know the club and the region don't

Mrs H, you quite obviously have strong opinions on this, and no doubt have a reasoned analysis of the expenditure by BOF and the returns that it entails.

Fine..... But, personally, after thirty years of orienteering experience, and thousands of events, I don't agree. I have had tremendous value for money out of the sport and its organisation at all levels.

[mharky]

I have only read Gross's reply. But i think that is a good idea. I think somthing like the JK could have its own Ltd Company to run it. Like O-ringen and Tio Mila etc. I know its not as big, but its still big.

This years team seem to have organised a fantastic event having read the programme. I cant wait for the Razz. So it would be good to maintain this standard (if it all goes right on the weekend )

[HOCOLITE]

Off topic a bit. But whatever happened about that idea that BOF had to buy an unserviced property in the middle of nowhere for elite gatherings. Can't remember but think the money was profit from WOC99. Surely this money could be spent on event officials for the JK. I personally think the JK is the best advertisement for our sport as a whole as it is always a FESTIVAL for all not just the elite, a great family event. I can't think of a BOC that has even come close to the JK in the 10 years I've been orienteering. This has applied even when the weather has been bad and the areas not ace.

[Mrs H.]

Northern Ireland - you weren't there - it was ace

[bendover]

i thought NI BOC was brilliant... it was certainly the best trip i went on with EUOC while i was there...

[gross2006]

Off topic a bit. But whatever happened about that idea that BOF had to buy an unserviced property in the middle of nowhere for elite gatherings. Can't remember but think the money was profit from WOC99.

It is surplus from WOC 1976..... so it's been sitting with BOF being debated occassionally for almost 30 years Actually it's a bit of a scandal if you ask me.... As far as I know (which isn't much actually) it's lost a large part of it's value.... think it started out as £12000.... sure someone will know the correct answer.

Don't think WOC '99 made much profit if any.... mind you it was a bit daft asking organisers from London to arrange a competition 1000 km away.... at least for the World Cup in May the same organisers are on the doorstep