Making "orienteering" more accesible

[ryeland of doom]

Some of the cairns in Quantock Forest did survive and were used as controls. It was a very uniform and steep bit of forest.

Back on topic - Often events, especially in the new fashionable disciplines are in very public areas. A great chance to hook in passers by. They may not want to tackle the event on the day, but should be given some info and contact details. - Many sports appear exclusive and inward to outsiders - we need to say "Come on in!"

There has been a lot of progress to this aim in recent years with the new style road signs etc, but it needs to be clear that the event is open to all. Come and have a go!

[greywolf]

Many sports appear exclusive and inward to outsiders - we need to say "Come on in!"

Agreed. Publicity material for CATI events etc needs to make orienteering look easy to take up - I think images of O-suits & gaiters (and compasses) should be banned - they're completely unnecessary for beginners anyway, and whilst a small cadre of nylon fetishists might be attracted, they're probably catered for elsewhere on the web

[distracted]

Well the Orientator was today. And judging by the initial comments on the blog it seemed to go down well, and could get new people into orienteering. I know of some orienteers who ran it, and will be interested to hear their opinions.

One thing which will be interesting to see was the simplified map that was used - and how simplified it was. The one in the details, which I'm aware wasn't the one used in the race, seemed only to include what was wooded, what was open heath, the major path network, the surrounding roads and Hawley Lake. I think that for newcomers, there can be far too much unnecessary detail on the map and this can be off-putting. How many white and yellow competitors, and potentially those on orange and red too - know about, or need to know about contours (for instance). Would having a simplified map make things seem less complicated perhaps, and an easier route into the sport, making things more accessible? Then once someone has mastered the basics with the simplified map, go on the full one and the courses therefore (in theory) get more technical and people can continue on the progression.

[The Loofa]

[quote="distracted"]
One thing which will be interesting to see was the simplified map that was used - and how simplified it was. The one in the details, which I'm aware wasn't the one used in the race, seemed only to include what was wooded, what was open heath, the major path network, the surrounding roads and Hawley Lake.

The map in their details did turn out to be the race version - except for the addition of 14 very small control circles - each with a control number (no c.d.s. - wise move - beginners never read them) I agree with what you say about simplified maps for these sort of things. Contours and all the veg detail just serve to confuse/frighten/ put off people in.

he had 170 entries and I counted just 6 regular o'ers. So the newbies had a pretty clear field to get on with it by themselves> Perhaps a bit of a shame those regulars took 4 of the prixes on offer - would have preferred to see them all go to absolute beginners. Anyway judging from the blog it looks to have been a hit

Speaking to the organiser afterwards his next idea is street-O in Guildford. Now....

[EddieH]

Well as a beginner once I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that a poor map with no contours would NOT have encouraged me back. Presumably we want people to come so that they can try it and those that are likely to love the sport will discover it and become involved.

[RJ]

I feel it is more important to find the area.... and to have somewhere that is suitable for the introduction that you have planned. There are many levels of introduction depending on the age, fitness, sportiness(!!) etc of the target audience. Simple, straightforward areas won't have complex contour detail that will present problems. Parks can have some contour detail but it tends to be easily interpreted, and is anyway a good introduction to land form interpretation.

Many clubs could benefit from mapping small straightforward areas and using them for sprint and park races. Having 10-15 minute winning times for these races make a very successful intro package, because newbies can race against club orienteers and not feel they are being treated differently.

We have had our highest participation levels and membership uptake from using these small, park areas.

[graeme]

How many white and yellow competitors, and potentially those on orange and red too - know about, or need to know about contours (for instance). Would having a simplified map make things seem less complicated perhaps, and an easier route into the sport, making things more accessible?

Young juniors seem to like full details on the map, even if they're irrelevant to the course, and similarly they certainly do pay attention to control descriptions. Why would adults be different?

I suspect whereas kids are happy to see events as part of a learning experience, the adults want the more instant gratification of something immediately understandable. Also, a small set of map symbols and no control descriptions makes the sport seem a lot less geeky.

But giving some people a "simplified" map when "proper" orienteers have the real thing seems patronising and would be counterproductive. Giving everyone a good map with limited details seems to work out fine, though ine must be careful as many "simplified" maps are also rather badly made.