A classy sport?

[Carnage Head]

"It's a sport for public sector workers"

This was the view of my friend in Leicester, whose dad, a bearded council head-of-this-or-that, is a regular orienteer.

"We're just a bunch of middle-class do-gooders"

This was a paraphrased quotation from the smoking discussion in 'Banter'.

"Vote Liberal Democrat"

That was the sign placed clearly in view of the crowd and finishers at one round of the World Cup / Surrey 5-O last year.

Unfair stereotyping? Let's see. With a view to this poll being potentially useful (to dispel myths / enable us to reach out to non-o sectors of the public), I've put it on the 'Discussion' forum. I'm sure the cartel will move it to Banter if necessary!

BTW I thought about having two categories: public sector / private sector; or working/middle/upper class, but I though they'd be a bit vague (with reference to contracting out in the first instance).

A point to debate: can anyone think of another sport with such a high level of 'public sector' participation? (I'm jumping the gun here, I know.)

[guest]

Rather than being determined by your background it could be that orienteering is a genetic trait.

How many orienteers do not have orienteering ancestors?

[*Carol*]

I certainly don't! My family started a few years back when my younger sister encountered orienteering on a school trip and enjoyed it so much, probably because she won.. Then an event happened to take place on our local area pretty soon after and we were all hooked.

Maybe we're in the minority of orienteers without orienteering ancestors(?), but we're still about!

[Harley]

err.. actually Carol, that nearby event was advertised on the local council staff notice board, without it I doubt that we'd have got involved ... so the public sector bit seems to hold true.

[HOCOLITE]

We don't have O ancestors and perhaps thats why we're not in the elite, there is a trend to see off spring of regular O ers up the top end of the results. There are exceptions Lilywhite is certainly one.

[guest]

Rather than being determined by your background it could be that orienteering is a genetic trait.

How many orienteers do not have orienteering ancestors?

Actually... neither do I.

That rather ruins the line of my earlier argument.

[RobSoS]

I'd always seen Orienteering as being a 'professionals' sport; public sector or private industry. Having initially got involved over 15 years ago, but then stopped and re-started in 04, I think an interesting test is the 'car park test'. What do the cars in the muddy fields tell us? Lots of Audi's, not that many brash 4X4's, a fair number of sensible people carrier types, and a good number of student cars.

A sport that involves physical activity and serious thinking, means you run, alone round beautiful parts of the country and is co-ordinated by voluntary groups and officers is going to attract a certain type of person, especially as a main recruiting ground seems to be universities.

To be honest, that's why I like it so much - most people are a bit like me (but far better and orienteering!)

[Lard]

Surely, you can't deny that orienteering requires a brain - some quick thinking and lateral processing.
It also is a sport where people do ot to be healthy - If you are thinking about your health you are generally brighter than the average bear.

So we are a sport that's bound to be middle class at least!

My folks and brothers and sisters are working class - no brains, like lots of drink, smoke, no intentions of exercising or going out in the cold!
I am the black sheep of the family - degree, moved away from the "village" and into healthy outdoor, brain challenging activities.

Lard