Wearing shorts

[tomtom]

I was under the impression that wearing full leg cover was compulsory.
However, at WOC I noticed that a runner from New Zealand wore (short)shorts for every race.

Is this just a rule in the UK?

[LostAgain]

I think full leg cover is compulsory only in Sweden, whatever the terrain.

Elsewhere is not at the discrection of the Organisers? (Controller)

[RS]

Yes, I heard it didn't apply at WOC. I remember the checks at O-Ringen many years ago - on the way to the start you were checked that there was no gap between socks and o bottoms and even small tears in your clothes were taped over.

[AndyC]

Am I right in thinking that the rule came into force because of a bout of hepatitis caused by orienteers running through sewage contaminated undergrowth?
I think that the use of shorts depends on the terrain and underfoot conditions -urban will be usually OK (although in one recent event I ran without gaiters and found myself scratched through having to transit via rather unpleasant undergrowth).
In the last event I planned in the NE I was very clear on insisting on full leg cover because of sharp sea grasses which meant gaiters while planning.

[mikey]

Am I right in thinking that the rule came into force because of a bout of hepatitis caused by orienteers running through sewage contaminated undergrowth?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7836

[AndyC]

So I was nearly right. So we can run in shorts as long as we shower not bathe on that logic

[harry]

a runner from New Zealand

normal rules don't apply to Chris Forne
http://www.merakertiltopps.com/default.html

[harry]

Re: Rules
At an event in the Lakes this Spring I was told by an official "it is ALWAYS compulsory to carry a whistle" - new to me after over 20 years orienteering..!

[King Penguin]

I think it depends where you are.
West Midlands adopted this as a rule for WM events a couple of years ago. It only has to help one seriously injured runner to get help once to be justified. It alerted me to a young girl who had fallen at the H&W Schools champs a couple of years ago. I doubt I would have heard her shout from where I was at the time. Fortunately her injury was only mild shock from the slip (and probably an emerging backside bruise) rather than anything which needed any real medical attention.

[frog]

Am surprised it was an NZ runner in shorts as I started orienteering in NZ and back then (early 90s) full body cover was compulsary due to the hepatitis risk.
Not sure I'd fancy wearing shorts for anything other than an urban event or treeless park in Scotland though. Some sort of lightweight space suit I can plough though dense forest would be more useful than a skimpy t shirt and shorts.
Full leg cover isn't compulsary in Scotland or whistles, all at organiser's discretion.

[EddieH]

I for one hope that Chrs Forne's example will lead towards some relaxation. I nearly always run in shorts when it is hot in Eastern Europe (coincidentally where I believe tick borne diseases are more frequent), it feels much more pleasant.

Since arm cover has been removed we now scratch our arms, it doesn't take much to get used to scratches on the legs either.

[frog]

"it doesn't take much to get used to scratches on the legs either."

Not keen on the getting used to pain idea, but then I like long armed O tops as well as full leg cover.
Don't like arriving for work looking like I've had an emotional weekend of self harming!
Bring on the light weight space suit, it could have special springs in the feet as well so I can take giant strides, and a jet pack so I can fly over the bogs and dark green bits.

[harry]

Pretty sure he ran in shorts in Czech and Hungary too. He doesn't like the heat. Doesn't help having All Black O kit.

[madmike]

Yes, I heard it didn't apply at WOC. I remember the checks at O-Ringen many years ago - on the way to the start you were checked that there was no gap between socks and o bottoms and even small tears in your clothes were taped over.

Not that many years ago a well known nopesporter was turned into something like a mummy with all the white tape the 3 little old ladies put over all the holes and tears in his aged o-kit - circa 2005 methinks

[greywolf]

BOF rules seem straightforward (although somewhat detached from reality and largely ignored )

7.1.1 Subject to Rule 7.1.2, clothing shall fully cover the torso and legs. In other respects the choice shall be free. Competitors not complying with this Rule shall not be allowed to start.
7.1.2 If the competition area contains little or no undergrowth likely to cause leg abrasions, the Organiser may give notice that competitors are not required to wear clothing which fully covers the legs.

So you can't wear shorts (or a skirt ) unless the organiser gives notice that full leg cover isn't compulsory. These rules apply to all BOF events held in GB/NI (except those organised under IOF rules) and therefore apply equally to sprint and urban races. Have just had a quick look at the details for the upcoming London & Lincoln races and I can't find any evidence (sorry if i missed it) that the Organiser has "give(n) notice that competitors are not required to wear clothing which fully covers the legs" so on a strict interpretation of the rules anyone turning up in shorts shouldn't be permitted to start.

So maybe the rules need sorting out? or maybe organisers should read them? or maybe it would just be simpler to have another tick box for "full leg cover compulsory?" on the BOF fixtures list event details page?

should add that I much prefer running in (long) shorts and often do so in local forest events, although I have been chastised for it on a couple of occasions...