maps before the start

[Denise]

Is it against any BOF rules or guidelines for maps to be given out before the start at National events? Is it OK for the easier courses M/W10-12 to be given their maps at registration?

[madmike]

http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/d ... Jan_07.pdf

this is the BOF guideline for National Events and it doen't appear to say either way. Can't find anything definitive in any of the other guidelines. Probably best to ask the rules group -I'll dig out the e-mail

[madmike]

and of course it was obvious:

rulesgroup@britishorienteering.org.uk

[Jon X]

published BOF rules still have events classified into Levels 1-5, but the rules look like:

8.2.3 At individual events, competitors should receive their premarked maps not more than 10 seconds before their start time.

8.2.4 At Level 3 Events and below, courses planned to TD 1 and 2 should be made
available to competitors in advance of their start time.

so I think that means no maps more than 10 seconds in advance for 10s/12s at a National Event...

[NeilC]

Denise, the accepted practice is for these maps to be made available to competitors as they enter the start system ie 3-4 minutes before their start time. This allows them time to fold the map, attach clip-on compasses and orientate themselves. Parental help at this point is not usually denied.

[Denise]

Denise, the accepted practice is for these maps to be made available to competitors as they enter the start system ie 3-4 minutes before their start time. This allows them time to fold the map, attach clip-on compasses and orientate themselves. Parental help at this point is not usually denied.

In my experience maps are only given out to TD1-2 before they start at local and regional events.

I've been to a few national events this year (JK, BOC and BOK) and I'm sure that all competitors, even TD1-2 were taking their maps from the boxes after their time had started, and everything was done without parental help.

Interesting to see that its not as clear as it could be in the BOF rules.
Perhaps something that could be improved, with a table showing the differences between levels of events. I think its important that people experience a difference when they make the effort to attend a regional or national event.

[mappingmum]

8.2.3 At individual events, competitors should receive their premarked maps not more than 10 seconds before their start time.

8.2.4 At Level 3 Events and below, courses planned to TD 1 and 2 should be made
available to competitors in advance of their start time.

As these "rules" use should not must , this implies they are discretionary rather than mandatory.

[graeme]

In Scotland's top events...

http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/in ... uidelines/

Maps for courses 1 & 2 shall be collected at the car park / assembly. It is the competitor’s responsibility to collect his or her own map before proceeding to the start.

It's quite rare for these courses to fully meet the BOF TD standards, because there often aren't the paths to use. So its more important in Scotland for parents to be able to brief their children on what to expect. (at least, that's what the person who wrote the guideline thought)

The Scottish Champs just uses the BOF rules. At the JK and BOC, maps were given out at -10 sec.

[Denise]

Maps for courses 1 & 2 shall be collected at the car park / assembly. It is the competitor’s responsibility to collect his or her own map before proceeding to the start.

That quote is taken the SOL Competition rules and guidelines which are regional events.

I'm asking about National Events.

I agree that Scottish areas have less paths and tracks, but that's when tape should be used.

If maps are given out before the start, the results will depend not only on the juniors ability but also the ability of the parents to coach their children about the course before they start.
An inexperienced parent, who does not even orienteer themselves, would not be capable of coaching their child before the start, so their child would be at a disadvantage before they start. Surely that's not fair.

If the area is not suitable for a white course then tape should be used or a different area should be choosen.

I can't see any reason why maps should be given out before the start at a national event if it is planned and controlled properly.

[mharky]

If the area is not suitable for a white course then tape should be used or a different area should be choosen

brilliant

[Jon X]

I can't see any reason why maps should be given out before the start at a national event if it is planned and controlled properly.

Denise, I presume you are talking about the Scottish Champs, for which the details say they intent to give out maps at registration for 10A/B and 12B.

I agree this looks like it is against what the BOF rules say should be followed for National Events - maybe best to ask the organiser/controller why they are planning to do something different? You could always put in a protest!!

[Denise]

I emailed the organisers and they have decided to issue maps after the start.

[graeme]

Without getting into issues of fairness, I'm rather surprised that the organisers would change their minds on the basis of one email. At this particular event they clearly have thought about it - since it does say in big bold type in the details.

All competitors (including Yellow and White) on Courses 16 & 17 should collect
their maps at registration.

and

Only pictorial control descriptions will be available for all courses. These will be printed on the front of the maps. Loose pictorial control descriptions will available in the start boxes. As maps for Courses 16 and 17 will be available at Registration, parents of children on these courses will have the opportunity to go through them with juniors who are unfamiliar with pictorial descriptions.

and since the course notes tell us that the white course does not meet the guidelines (which is probably impossible to achieve in this area), there may be good reason for this.

[mappingmum]

I agree with Graeme.

The courses in question are also white/yellow. The children are only 11 and under. Many a lot younger may be just starting to go round around white unaccompanied. The important thing at this age is encouraging participation, gaining the basic skills and enjoying the whole orienteering experience.

By giving these children their maps in advance, you are also teaching them about pre-planning - be it in a subtle way.

[awk]

I emailed the organisers and they have decided to issue maps after the start.

I'm not sure why this is a cause for celebration - the original idea seemd a good one to me, helping the children gain confidence, whilst not really gaining any significant advantage (route choice is not an issue).