BSOC 2006

[kedge]

Rather than carping about map scales (see previous thread - and I admit RJ does make an important point) perhaps this is the place to thank all the hard working members of Harlequins for all their efforts in organising this year's British Schools Championships.

Yes, there were some rough edges, but they got the most important bit - the actual orienteering itself- right.

Thanks to all.

[Simon]

Barny took some photos at the event. They are available here.

[Barny of Blandford]

If I hear correctly there were about 1020 runners yesterday and about 600 on Saturday
I think from these numbers it is fair to say that it is a big multiday event and not just another badge event
I think HOC are to be congratulated on putting on an event of this scale on basically their own - the organisation at the start, what went on out in the forest, the courses and the finish results were excellent

HOC should be proud of what they have achieved

Next year we are putting on BSOC2007 in Dorset and hope that you will all come and support it.

On the Saturday there will be both a selection race to pick the England teams and an introductory event
On the Sunday the Championships
The organising clubs will be SARUM and WIM with help from other local clubs
We now have 12 months to prepare and look forward to meeting you all at what is the schools event of the year

Perhaps a junior moderator could copy and paste this under their name into the junior section as I do not have access
Also point out that there are some photos under Simon the Owls link

Thanks

[awk]

I was hoping to get my primary school to BSOC next year, but am afraid Dorset is way too far, especially at this time of year. Will have to wait for another year. Hope to help bring some older juniors down from the north instead.

[Axel]

Well done to the organisers, especially so for being flexible and making a quick decision to change the location of the prize giving ceremony.

I can always tell when my boy has enjoyed a day out orienteering, he sleeps all the way home, he is covered in mud(in this case a fair amount of sheep ---- as well) and he asks when the next event is.

Whatever it takes one club or more, this event, the BSSC's, PPR's and YB Trophy have got to take place annually for this is where the future of our sport lies.

Teachers, Schools, Clubs get yourself down to the Southwest next year, its a cracking venue with lots to do, Tank Museum, Monkey World and if thats not enough a warm welcome to boot.

Again well done HOC, great day out

[Mrs H.]

Having been more on the front line at the training day on Saturday - I would like to say how impressed I was with the behaviour of all the 600 or so children there considering this was run on an absolute low key level - it really was a most enjoyable day.

I also thought the moving of the prize giving outside had a "let's do the show out here" feel about it.

I didn't get away from my desk much on sunday - but as mentioned by Ifitiches on the map scale thread - I heard several stories of children who were obviously completely out of their depth. Elder Miss H. said she was in the start box with a boy who told her this was his first time ever orienteering and several of the start officials had to explain what the children were meant to do (not just where the start kite was etc) this was a big drain on volunteers who were effectively doing a double shift anyway.

Given that it states in the entry documents that children must have done 3 courses of a similar standard - and I have always made sure that anyone running with my little school team has done so - perhaps it is time that th BSOA or BO (who ever is responsible) sought evidence of this in the form of results - as in the heavily enforced YBT gold standard.

The last thing anyone wants - particularly the organising club - is to have anyone go away, after all this work, with a negative impression of the sport.