Events Structure Compromise?

[Scott]

According to the BOF website, a moratorium on the controller and embargo requirements for L2 events will be in place until the end of 2010. I suppose this gives some time adjust the controller grades so that they fit better with the new structure, which has to be a good thing. Not sure I understand the reasoning behind merely delaying the implementation of the embargo requirement, though - presumably this is going to be just as problematic in 18 months as it is now.

[SeanC]

Could someone enlighten me here. If a BOF committee makes something public like this does that mean it's a final decision??

Very relevant to us is the final paragraph that I interpret as a qualified controller is not mandatory for level 3 events, but good practice is that an experienced orienteer (but not necessarily a qualified controller) performs some controlling roles where appropriate. This seems sensible and I assume the insurance people are happy with this?

[Scott]

I'd recommend emailing Lyn West for clarification on local event controllers - if that's what it means then it's quite a significant u-turn.

[graeme]

a significant u-turn.

More like finally coming off the roundabout in the right direction after going pointlessly round in circles for 18 months.

We'd rather failed to interest anyone in the idea of training as a controller so they can fill in L3 risk assessment forms, then being promoted to L2 from the experience gained in completing said form. Folk had this weird idea that actually going to a forest might be involved...

Now, if we could just get rid of the triennial first aid requirement we might even get some lapsed coaches back. And if we ditched the "weekend in Birmingham" requirement the odd grade 1 controller might appear.

[greywolf]

Not sure I understand the reasoning behind merely delaying the implementation of the embargo requirement, though - presumably this is going to be just as problematic in 18 months as it is now.

Might be because there are a number of events already in the system which won't meet the embargo requirement, so they've delayed implementation rather than issue loads of exemptions (which would undermine having an embargo rule)

[Marco Polo]

Not sure I understand the reasoning behind merely delaying the implementation of the embargo requirement, though - presumably this is going to be just as problematic in 18 months as it is now.

Might be because there are a number of events already in the system which won't meet the embargo requirement, so they've delayed implementation rather than issue loads of exemptions (which would undermine having an embargo rule)

or at least they've devolved responsibility for 'exemptions' to the regional associations.

I think that the approach for 'proper' level 3 events is good and reflects current practice for a lot of clubs.

[frog]

I agree with Graeme. I really don't understand why minor injuries are considered more likely to happen on a coaching event than on a competetive event when people are unsupervised in the forest. The triannual first aid requirement for coaches is red tape for the sake of it.
I'm sure many risk assessments are still filled in after the event to keep the paperwork right because before the event people are busy making sure all the controls etc are sorted and risk assessments are a new thing that many see as a paper exercise.
If orienteering isn't careful it'll go the way of scouts in losing people who'll do events because they don't want to spend their spare time going on courses they have little interest in just to tick the boxes.

[Mrs H]

If orienteering isn't careful it'll go the way of scouts in losing people who'll do events because they don't want to spend their spare time going on courses they have little interest in just to tick the boxes.

I don't think BOF have worked that one out - but remember - even if they have it's the government's agenda to create as many service jobs as possible in the leisure sector - and employing the people who put on the courses which volunteers are required to go on is one way of redressing the loss to employment which the voluntary sector creates.

[Snail]

If it's really triannual, as opposed to triennial, then it's not surprising there aren't many coaches

[frog]

There's always one!

[Sunlit Forres]

Can't we just say 3-yearly or is that just too much like plain English?

[awk]

Can't we just say 3-yearly or is that just too much like plain English?

Of couse we can, but triennial/triannual are perfectly plain too. OK, so a slight mistake in their use on this occasion, but that's the nature of even plain language.

[seabird]

I'm glad about the moratorium but:

As a heathy by-product the embargo helped us look at our forthcoming events a little more creatively. As a result 2 old style colour coded events have become middle distance races, to get round the embargo limitations. It will be interesting to see how this change will impact on participation.

[LostAgain]

If I understand correctly our club will look at listing most of their events as L3 as there seems to be no reason to use the L2 category and suffer embargoes.