Relays - Control Descriptions

[PhilJ]

Really enjoyed the BOC weekend but (sorry) isn't there a way that we can get loose control descriptions for each leg instead of only on the map, as all the unfolding and folding of the map makes me (and maybe others) lose contact with the map.

Maybe they could be taped/stapled to the map bag and as you go through the issue tent then you just take them off and put them on your control holder? It would be an overhead on the map bagging I know but would be better for the competitor - just a thought.

[EddieH]

Quote "Maybe they could be taped/stapled to the map bag and as you go through the issue tent then you just take them off and put them on your control holder?"

Not a great idea. Everyone would discuss their courses and know just who was doing the same gaffles.

[PhilJ]

Yes, good point, I did not think of that, maybe then there is no answer else someone cleverer than I would have come up with it by now.

[NeilC]

You could take a pair of scissors or similar into the waiting pen and then after the start/changeover cut the descriptions off the map and slip them into your holder. 30-60 seconds here might save you more later on.

[Stodgetta]

No need for scissors - with waterproof maps you can rip out the descriptions (they are always in a corner) and carry them loose tucked under the map. Bagged maps are trickier...

[mappingmum]

. . . . rip out the descriptions . . .

Yup! This is a tip I've received before. However, despite every intention of executing it during the run-out (is that the right expression?) I've never managed it. Adrenaline or something must have got in the way . . . . .

[Gross]

I hope this is a wind up.... through Jukola & Tio Mila.... I've never seen anyone argue about the descriptions..................

[GML]

Whilst I am not too bothered about the lack of loose control descriptions when I am running a relay, I do think we should perhaps consider making them available to juniors, in particular on the mini-relay (acknowledging that some way would need to be found to do this without compromising the secrecy of the gaffles (if used)).

A number of min-relay teams mis-punched on Sunday. This appears to have been because the competitors ran the wrong gaffle, following other competitors to the wrong control 4 or control 8. Whilst I wouldn't deny that some of these might well have mis-punched even if they had loose control descriptions, not having loose control descriptions certainly makes it harder for these relatively inexperienced competitors to check their control codes. (Don't forget that a number of them have probably never run a relay before, are used to having loose control descriptions rather than looking for control descriptions on the map, and have it drummed into them by their coaches to keep the map orientated and thumbed at all times!).

Mis-punching in a relay can be very upsetting for junior competitors, and has the potential to put them off running relays in future. Anything we can do to reduce this problem, obviously without undermining competition too much, should I feel be seriously considered.

(One alternative that occurs to me now that I write this, would be to put the control codes next to the control circles on the map - which I know is used for some events - but this would still not be what these inexperienced competitors are used to and so would not be ideal).

[SeanC]

It always depresses me a bit when I see "disqualified" on any course aimed at beginners or young juniors, whether it's white/yellow/orange or a mini-relay.

Disqualifieds at this level should be for rule breaking not mistakes IMHO.

Would a serious time penality (15 mins?) for a mis punch or missing control be a better idea?

[distracted]

It always depresses me a bit when I see "disqualified" on any course aimed at beginners or young juniors, whether it's white/yellow/orange or a mini-relay.

Disqualifieds at this level should be for rule breaking not mistakes IMHO.

Would a serious time penalty (15 mins?) for a mis punch or missing control be a better idea?

Personally I don't see a problem with this idea, we should be doing everything we can to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for the younger age groups and encourage them to stay in the sport in all formats. They will learn from their mistakes, but seeing DSQ next to their name or team can be very off-putting. I've seen the time-penalty method used at low-key school events and I think the children get the idea fairly quickly when they see they've dropped down the results list...

[graeme]

all the unfolding and folding of the map makes me (and maybe others) lose contact with the map

So what we need is smaller, more manageable 1:15000 maps:!:

Jukola & Tio Mila.... I've never seen anyone argue about the descriptions..................

You weren't looking then. People complained, and so now they put the control code on the map by the control.

Would be harder at BRC when everything is cramped on small maps.

[Gross]

You weren't looking then. People complained, and so now they put the control code on the map by the control.
.

Codes differant from description in case you didn't notice

[HOCOLITE]

I had a young inexperienced 14 - year old run after me into the forest in floods of tears. I tried to put them back on track to the next control but they were too distraught and begged to be told how to get to the finish. I sent them on the most direct route I could find which actually took them back to the exit from the start. I checked on my return and they were back in club tent but I suspect that might be the end of O for the youngster concerned.