AUTUMN 2012 AUTUMN THE OFFICIALVOICEOFBRITISHORIENTEERING Future of Croeso 2012 Championships World Trail O Championships World MTBO Championships World Orienteering INSIDE THISISSUE

Photo: Murray Strain Competing in the Race at the World Championships Credit: Soren Andersson AUTUMN 2012 Welcome to Valuing Our Volunteers By Lyn West Compasspoint are the proud During the last 3 months, I have benefit of a home crowd was judo, table tennis, had the pleasure of being involved apparent. The loudest cheers were Greco-Roman supplier of Noname clothing, the Great Britain Orienteering with three world level sporting for the Swiss team with a good wrestling (now there’s Team’s official kit supplier. events, each of them very different accompaniment of cowbells and a strange sport), taekwondo and Orienteering has certainly added to the but rewarding in their own way. flag waving. And the results show fencing. The atmosphere when fantastic summer of sport with some that the Swiss team responded. It Brits were competing and winning Visit the Compasspoint event shop to buy from the extensive incredible performances from across The first was the World Trail was the same in France last year. was amazing but actually my the ages and disciplines. From the top range of the latest kit or visit our website: Orienteering Championships I am looking forward to WOC2015 most enjoyable day was working ten performances by Scott Fraser and based around Dundee. I was when the British athletes will have on ticket scanning on the main Claire Ward at the World Orienteering www.compasspoint-online.co.uk originally invited to attend as the the same opportunity to run in front entrance sharing the excitement of Chairman of British Orienteering of a home crowd. thousands of spectators as they Championships to Emily Benham’s Silver but on hearing that the organisers flocked in. medal in the Elite Class at the World Club clothing orders welcome. Visit: were short of helpers, I volunteered And the third event happened MTBO Champs. There were also medals my services. So I came to spend closer to home in Stratford (and So what have I learnt from these in both the Foot O and MTBO Master’s www.nonamesport.com several hours at a time officiating a few other venues) when Team events. The importance of Championships and a podium finish and use the MYDESIGN Tool to design your clubs new clothing. on timed controls in the cold and GB responded to the enthusiasm volunteers and how they are at the World Trail O Championships the rain (did I mention that this of the home crowd. A couple of rewarded and valued. None of held in Scotland. Congratulations to all was in June!) at Camperdown years ago, I was prompted for the events could have happened who achieved personal bests or medal Park and in Tentsmuir Forest. without the volunteers giving up winning performances, it has been great I came to realise that Trail O their time (in some cases using Lyn West to follow your achievements. requires very specific skills both was a valuable annual leave) and often for the competitor and the helper. Gamesmaker paying out considerable sums in Manning the timed controls was this Summer travel and accommodation to be You can read about all these events as exhausting. It requires great focus there. Small things make a huge well as the very successful Croeso 6 and concentration to ensure that difference to the way the volunteer days that had its largest entry to date, each competitor is given the feels. Food becomes an issue, including 800 international competitors same level of service. I had a go so provision of a packed lunch who came to enjoy the stunning Welsh at the model event and of at WTOC and someone being countryside. we tried to work out the correct thoughtful enough to ensure it answer for our timed control. It reached the helpers stuck out As always if you would like to contribute took several of us a few minutes in the forest was a definite plus. to Focus magazine please email to reach the correct answer. The Some form of uniform even if only top competitors did it in seconds! a Tshirt makes you feel part of a [email protected] I was very impressed. The British team. Small gifts – mug, badges, team definitely appreciated certificate saying thank you, Caroline Povey competing on home soil and it are well received. Free entry to Marketing Manager was good to see Ian Ditchfield on spectator races is easy to provide the podium, although there were reasons I now forget to fill out an as a reward. A ticket for the dress only a few spectators to give him a application form for volunteering rehearsal of the Olympic opening rousing cheer. at the Olympic Games. I was duly ceremony was a big bonus! interviewed, selected, trained and Being remembered when you Contents In July, I attend the World kitted out with the now familiar are stuck on your own in a boring Orienteering Championships purple and red uniform so that but essential job, rotation around Valuing Volunteers 3 (WOC) based in Lausanne. at 7am when the gates opened jobs to relieve boredom and the Chief Executive’s Update 4 Along with Martin Ward, I was at Excel on the morning after easiest one of all – saying thank UK Orienteering League 6 representing British Orienteering the opening ceremony, I was on you, all really do make a difference. at the IOF General Assembly. My station to carry out my role as a Orienteering is a hugely volunteer Whole Sport Plan 7 husband, Colin, and I chose to Gamesmaker. It was exhausting dependent sport and we should World Orienteering 10 drive out and run the Swiss 5 days with early starts (3.30 am alarm) be aiming to ensure that all those Championships which gave us the opportunity to and 10 hour shifts but a fantastic who give so freely of their time are World University 14 watch some of the WOC races experience just being part of the valued and supported. Championships and support the British team. The Games. Yes, I did get to watch WOC 2015 15 Planning your Training 16 Past Chairs OZONE School Games 17 Volunteer Coaching Update 18 Pictured are 5 former Chairs and the current Chair Community O Coaching 20 of British Orienteering, all of whom were involved at the World Trail O Championships 2012 held in NWO Club Activities 21 Dundee. Illustrating that orienteering is not only a World Masters Orienteering 22 sport for lifetime involvement as participants but Championships also as volunteers! World MTBO Championships 24 Point, PO Box 274, Lytham St Annes, Lancs. FY8 9FX World Trail O Championships 26 Tel: +44 (0) 1253 795597 Fax: +44 (0) 1253 739460 // email: [email protected] Pictured left to right are David Peregrine, Chris James (who acted as MC at the ceremonies), Lyn Croeso 28 West, Clive Allen (GB Team member), Neil Cameron Incentives 30 and Anne Braggins (Event Coordinator). A 7th Contacts 31 former Chair, Richard Speirs was also involved but was not present when the photo was taken.

More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 3 scheme is to set in place a simpler The Board was pleased that there members are keen for British Mike Hamilton and fairer levy structure. were several offers to help British Orienteering to be governed Club & Chief Executive Orienteering resolve this gap in effectively and efficiently. The benefits Participation levels are increasing Chief Executive’s Board capability; all the applicants of Independent Directors have been Association largely as a result of an increase in demonstrated the knowledge and discussed by the Board over the last the number of small local events that Conference expertise required to fill the role. year since the Sport & Recreation have incurred little or no levy. Many Alliance published the Voluntary Sheffield Hallam University participants have made little or no After a short appointments process Update Code of Good Governance, available Saturday 20th October contribution towards the operational Bob Dredge was offered the position at www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/ costs of British Orienteering. By and has accepted. Bob has a smart-sport/voluntary-code. Club proposed agenda item: International Performaces introducing a flat rate levy, the cost wide range of competencies and 1. Communications between of supporting the activities of British experiences within his strong CV The Government has, through UK British Orienteering and GBR orienteering probably had one of The World Mountain Bike Orienteering Orienteering is spread more equally in addition to which he is a keen Sport and Sport England, established Clubs & Associations our most successful days at the World Championships took place in Hungary and Emily across all participants in proportion orienteer. Bob recently returned the criteria it believes must be met in The Board agenda items: Orienteering Championships Sprint Benham had a superb ride to take Britain’s first to the number of times that they from the World Master Orienteering order for a governing body of sport 2. Independent Directors race with a 4th (Scott Fraser) and 11th Elite medal in a World Championship event. orienteer. Local events are vital to the Championships in Germany where such as British Orienteering to be 3. Committee Structure (Murray Strain) place in the men’s and 7th Emily enjoyed a fantastic career as a junior and development of orienteering, and we he finished, in his words, ‘in a eligible to receive funding. British 4. Funding of British (Claire Ward) and 11th (Tessa Hill) place it is great to see her continue her success with do not think this small levy will have a surprising’ 18th position in the ‘A’ Orienteering has now been assessed Orienteering Programmes in the women’s competition. Claire Ward a Silver medal. The whole MTBO team won 3 detrimental effect. Sprint final. against these criteria and has some 5. Role of Associations continued her good form and was the most Golds, 2 Silvers and 2 Bronze medals, with the changes to make in order to meet Clubs have the freedom to set On receiving news of his appointment consistent athletes at WOC with a 7th, Golds won by Charlie Somers-Cocks and Killian the criteria including: We have now circulated papers 22nd and 25th in the Sprint, Middle and Lomas. entry fees and can choose whether Bob said “I am genuinely honoured for the Conference and ask that • A third of the elected directors Long distances respectively. to pass levy costs directly on to and delighted to be given the chance clubs and associations agree must be ‘Independent Directors’; In the World Masters the GBR team won 11 competitors or whether to use to put something back into our great the representatives they will definition of ‘independent The Olympics raised many people’s awareness medals including 6 Golds. Claire Ward (W35, income from some events to sport. I will do all I can to support the ask to attend and are able to directors’ has been agreed of what performance at the top level is about ESOC) and Quentin Harding (M50, SROC) both subsidise others. Clubs are also Board and staff at British Orienteering brief these representatives on as, a person who has not and at what cost to the athletes involved. As won two with Jean Lochhead (W65, EPOC) and free to choose whether or not to and apply whatever knowledge their views after the contents been involved in the national we review the Performance Programme in light Peter Gorvett (M65 , SYO) securing the other offer discounts on entry fees to and skills I have to underpin our of the papers have been governance structure including of the loss of funding from UK Sport it will be victories. members. To meet the target of £1 progress and development in what discussed. important we listen to the views of athletes, levy, cost savings are being made will, undoubtedly, be a tight financial the Board, or any national coaches and others involved in the programme. Congratulations also to the team that to the general of British period.” committee or group. The matter of the role of We must focus on ‘performance’ and what funds staged a successful World Trail Orienteering Orienteering. • The recruitment and appointment associations has been raised a are available must be invested in athletes willing Championships in Scotland earlier in the IOF PINS OF HONOUR process for independent directors number of times by members. to make the hard decisions in order to perform summer. The team was led by Anne Braggins Claire Ward Board News Congratulations to Erik Peckett must be open and transparent The Board has no agenda in successfully at the World Championships. It will ably supported by the Organiser Anne competing The Board confirmed the and Clive Allen who were recently and make it feasible for non- this matter but is interested in need to be a no compromise approach if we are Hickling and the remainder of the volunteers. at the World appointment of Bob Dredge (WCH) awarded with IOF Pins of honour. Erik members of British Orienteering the views of both associations to be successful in the future. 97 competitors from 23 countries travelled Orienteering as a director through to the 2013 was awarded the Bronze pin for his to be recruited and appointed. and clubs. The Board Championships AGM. The position had become work in Commission whilst Clive recognises that there is and will to Scotland for the Championships based in • At least 25% of the Board must

Credit Soren Andersson vacant when Mike Forrest resigned was awarded with the Silver pin for be quite differing roles between Dundee. be male and at least 25% female. as a director with effect from the end his work in writing numerous articles associations, some are national of the 2012 AGM. and guidelines as well as assisting The Board agreed that proposals for associations, whilst others UK Sport Funding Programme and that we are a categories: Senior (>21) and Junior member that has a registered email with the media and the IOF website. changes to the Articles of Association are regional associations. The Unfortunately UK Sport has deserving non-Olympic sport. This (<21) charged at £5.00 and £2.00 address in the database. When no The Board advertised for a person should be drafted and presented to sharing of role, good practice confirmed that funding will not be will enable British Orienteering to respectively. You will be able to renew member of the household has a with the competence and experience Governance members for consideration at the etc at the Conference could offered to British Orienteering for the continue to work with a variety of your membership from 1 November registered email address or it is an to become a director and act as The Board is committed to good 2013 AGM. help understanding across the period 2013/17. This is in line with partners to maintain pressure on UK 2012 for the 2013 membership year. item that needs to be sent via post Treasurer for British Orienteering. governance and believes that governing body. the message they have been giving Sport and government to fund sports e.g. Focus magazine, then we will To be a member of British us for the last 2 years. We continue such as orienteering at the elite level. continue to send one copy of the Orienteering you will still need to be to lobby as strongly as we can and correspondence to each household. a member of an affiliated club and actively involved in taking the sport forward hope the situation will be reviewed. Sport England Brian Porteous (left) with former association and pay the appropriate If you have any questions regarding New IOF • to have a growing dialogue and sense of Submission President Ake Jacobson Sarah Hague our acting Performance As this article is being written we are club and association membership the membership scheme please President partnership with our federations Director meets with the Board starting to receive feedback on our fees where they apply. Clubs can contact the National Office. Congratulations to Brian Porteous who has been • to have continued development around the in September to discuss the Sport England funding submission. continue to offer a family and student elected as President of the IOF for the new 2 world by working closely with our federations, Levy Performance Programme, what it It appears that our submission membership category and the British year Congress period. Brian has an extensive regions and sub-regional groups The levy scheme will also be will be and how it will be funded. It is has now been through the formal Orienteering membership database orienteering background and clear ideas on • to have world-wide television coverage of our changing as from 1 January important to recognise that we are assessment process and is, in and online payment system will how he believes the IOF should prioritise its major events 2013 when there will be a levy of likely to continue to receive funding general, well thought of. support this. work. Brian’s key message is, “Now is the time • to make a significant difference in the finance from some sports councils for parts £1.00 at all events for all senior for orienteering to stop being sport’s best-kept available to the sport from external sources We are trying to operate as of the programme and therefore Sport England appears to be participants (over 21 on 1 January secret.” A view that British Orienteering fully • to maintain the values of our sport cost effectively as possible and the programme will continue to be prepared to fund British Orienteering 2013). 3 juniors will continue to be supports. a significant part of this will be Brian continues, “One can only hope to lead an centrally led. The Board has already to develop the sport in terms of the equivalent of 1 senior for levy to reduce our mailing costs by One of the ways in which Brian hopes this will international body effectively if one understands confirmed that we must implement a increasing participation and talent purposes with the number rounded using email to communicate with be achieved is through getting much more the interests, hopes and aspirations of the member programme that is fit for purpose and development. The submission was down to the nearest whole number outlined in the Summer edition of members, clubs and associations of senior equivalent. The participation widespread TV coverage of orienteering. federations, and I believe I can claim considerable leads to success at WOC 2015 and Commission in 2002. I was then elected as a Focus and further information can be as far as is feasible. The cost and numbers for each event will continue He says, “The IOF multi-media action plan, knowledge of where the sport is around the world. beyond. Council member in 2004 and as Vice President in found later in this edition. necessity of membership cards to be entered into the web database covering technology, production, distribution and Because my professional career has been in 2008, so I do now have a depth of experience of No doubt we will be seeking input has been discussed and we have with the calculation and total shown commercialisation for the IOF’s highest-profile sport and I have worked extensively with many what the IOF is and crucially, how it works. I see from athletes, coaches and other’s Membership decided to no longer issue cards, on the data entry page. races, is at an exciting point of development.” national and international federations advising involved in the programme as the and will instead provide a letter that as being especially important at this time when them on strategic and structural development and Preparation for the roll out of the Brian is very well placed to be the new President planning for 2015 and beyond confirming your membership and the This change reflects the fact that we are ready to make a step change in our world organising major events, I also bring that wider membership and levy scheme having years of experience within the IOF which continues. relevant details. prior to 2013 more than 50% of visibility,” perspective to orienteering.” adopted at the 2012 AGM are well began as a member of the Development & underway. The resolution passed participant runs are at events which It is important that we continue to When communicating electronically Promotion Committee back in the 1970’s. He Brian lists six areas of potential achievement British Orienteering wish Brian all the best in his stated that from 1 January 2013 did not contribute to the costs of demonstrate that British Orienteering by email, British Orienteering will adds, “My main involvement with the IOF started that are particular important to him: new and exciting role. British Orienteering will have a orienteering through the payment has a nationally led Performance send the correspondence to each when I was appointed Chairman of the Foot O • to have all Council and Commission members single tier of membership with two of a levy of any sort. The aim of this *Interview courtesy of Clive Allen

If you have any comments or questions please email [email protected]

4 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 5 ORIENTEERING LEAGUE

In 2013 British Orienteering is launching a new competition called the UK Orienteering In the last edition of League, which has been developed from Focus we looked at UK Cup the findings of the Competition Review. the opportunities and By Robert Campbell Effectively it will be an amalgamation of challenges facing 3 existing competitions: FCC, UK Cup orienteering and at The most extensive and and Masters Cup and be a league based ORIENTEERING an overview of the competition for individuals and club teams. various segments of the demanding UK Cup series The primary objectives are to: LEAGUE participation pathway to date is drawing to as it is presented to its dramatic conclusion • Encourage greater The competition is Sport England for participation at a based around the British Sprint Championships possible funding. In this this autumn. The 17 map sample counting races (which national level and thus standard age based edition we’ll look in increase the quality of class structure (It will more detail at one of commenced back in competition. apply to Long and A the larger programmes, February at the British • Provide competition classes only, but where Community O+, for Nights Championships) in a variety of terrain there are Elite classes which funding is being have seen athletes travel types, across the the competition will only sought. across mainland UK United Kingdom. apply to these and not Whole The objectives of (with 6 in Scotland, 2 in • Promote new and the Long class in those Community O+ are: alternative event age groups. M/W 10, 12, Wales and the remainder 1. Acquisition: formats. 14 will not be included). in England). In both To attract new • Provide an excellent men’s and women’s Where events participants from the sporting experience. competitions, there are use a different target groups class structure, 2. Retention: To retain still more than 5 runners Annually the UK e.g. urban events, new participants in with a genuine chance Orienteering League classes will be the programme of taking the coveted will consist of 16-20 Sport 3. Retention: To disaggregated for events from February • 3 from classes M/W encourage and trophies, which, with the purpose of the to November. In 2013 16 to M/W 21 provide a local the arrival of the UK UK Orienteering the league consists • 3 from classes M/W pathway for Orienteering League in League scoring. of 19 events starting 35 to M/W 45 participants to Scoring is based 2013, is set to be the at the British Night • 3 from classes M/W progress to club on position as Moray 2013 Culbin last edition of the UK Championships which map sample 50 to M/W 55 training and club shown below, with Cup in the format that is taking place on the • 3 from classes M/W organised events a competitor’s was established in 1997. complex former mine 60+ overall score being their working of Tankersely, Club Competition • plus any 3 additional Plan The final three events will best 10 scores from the Sheffield. As the season In addition to the scores. see orienteers heading 19 events: Community O+ is built on the young women, did not want progresses competitors individual competition to Yorkshire for the AIRE principles of Community O to be seen participating in will find a real mix 1st 50 points there will be a club team Each team must How to Deliver Long-O, travel south established during the 2009/13 open/popular areas such as of race formats and 2nd 49 competition based on include at least 5 men funding cycle but we are seeking busy parks/streets but are keen to the beech forest of terrain types; from the 3rd 48 the 15 best individual & 5 women. Clubs with Community O+ to increase the variety of delivery to visit different places (local Epping before meeting in streets of London to 4th 47 club members’ total enough scorers will Much of the research has pointed to the fact mechanisms by involving more attractions/beauty spots). Lancashire for the Final in the complex dunes of 5th 46 scores as follows: count B teams. that there is a need to be more targeted partners. We have recognised • Travel time to the events is October hosted by PFO. Culbin. ... 50th 1 point in the marketing strategy. When looking at the problems we have caused important and a travel time of Event Schedule for 2013: Community O+ it is clear that there is a need overworked clubs by asking club less than 30 minutes is necessary. Dave Schorah is currently to change certain aspects of the Marketing Date Format Venue Host Title volunteers to deliver Community O • The favoured activity times were Mix to create a more targeted and appealing leading the series and during 2009/13 and we recognise 30 to 45 minutes (40%) or 45 to 60 09 February Night Tankersley, Sheffield SYO British Night Championships product to the different target markets. has clearly made a that clubs need to focus on minutes (30%). 10 February Middle Tankersley, Sheffield SYO YHOA Superleague ( Middle Distance) strong improvement meeting the needs of their • First impressions are vital if 16 March Middle Pitlochry, Perthshire FVO FVO Middle Distance Race After undertaking more research we have since his 23rd placing members by staging competitive newcomers are to return. 17 March Long Pitlochry, Perthshire FVO Scottish Orienteering League now developed two brands; RUNCHALLENGE in 2011. The Sheffield orienteering events and club Additionally experience 29 March Sprint Reading SCOA Jan Kjellstrom Sprint Event and XPLORER. University-based athlete training activities. indicates: 30 & 31 March Long (2 days) Chilterns SCOA Jan Kjellstrom Individual Combined has scored consistently The work to identify the potential • April to September is the 20 April Sprint Loughborough University LEI British Sprint Championships well with eight top 10 participants for Community preferred period for delivery, 21 April Middle Stanton Moor, Derbyshire DVO British Middle Championships finishes this season. O + was outlined in the last when there is likely to be warmer 04 May Long Winterfold, Guilford SEOA British Long Championships Close on his heels (a edition of Focus and that same weather conducive to activities 25 May Long Brown Clee Hill,Shropshire WRE/HOC Spring Time in Shropshire mere 3 points after the research informed the decision peripheral to orienteering. 26 May Urban Ludlow WRE/HOC Spring Time in Shropshire that orienteering in parks is most • Spectators accompanying 2 Croeso events) are 22 June Urban Halifax EPOC YHOA Urban League suitable to meet the needs of participants should be Murray Strain who was these target markets. encouraged to enter into the 2nd overall in 2011 and 23 June Long Hebden Bridge EPOC Northern Championships Research indicated: social side of the activity: this Richard Robinson, 3rd in 29 July Long Lossie, Morayshire SOA Moray 2013 Day 1 • A high percentage of potential often encourages them to return 2011. In the women’s 30 July Long Culbin, Forres SOA Moray 2013 Day 3 participants favour the use and try orienteering. event, three-time UK 21 September Urban London SLOW 5th City of London Race of parks but are also keen to • Creating an environment where 22 September Ultra-sprint London LOK LOK Ultrasprint Cup champion (2008- experience local countryside participants are encouraged to 02 November Urban South Hampshire SOC SOC Urban Race 10) Sarah Rollins heads and forests/woodland. provide feedback is important 03 November Long New Forest SOC November Classic the field from Rachael • The option to run on terrain away in delivering a good ‘customer Rothman, Tess Hill, Claire from paths should be available. experience’ and ensuring Ward and Helen Bridle. The full competition rules can be found • New participants, especially customer needs are met. on the British Orienteering website.

6 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 7 work in orienteering that have the ability that these resources will be funded by Sport activities and across into local club activities RunChallenge XPLORER to help British Orienteering meet market England. and events. (Singles/couples 16-30) (Families with young children under 14) demand. In addition to these initiatives, we hope Product A 45 minute score event, where each participant A 30-45 minute score event, where each d) Schools have created a generation Community O+ will be nationally managed clubs will continue to offer the current, more (or group of participants) is given a map marked participant (or family) is given a map marked with of people that know of or have by the National Development Manager traditional means to increase participation. with control points. Participants use the map to control points. Participants use the map to navigate experienced orienteering, but who with Participation Managers responsible for This includes ‘come & try it’ events and navigate to as many control points as possible to as many control points as possible in the find it difficult if not impossible to find a an area. Participation Managers will work promoting and welcoming newcomers to in the allocated time. The map will be designed allocated time. Participants choose when to start supply of orienteering opportunities. to develop partners or recruits that can be club events, activities and club nights. These to provide the appropriate level of challenge to the course. The map will be designed to provide the e) Members (current participants) of British commissioned to deliver the Community O+ activities are offered to the full age range of meet the needs of the target participants. It is a appropriate level of challenge to meet the needs Orienteering state strongly that they programmes as ‘Activators’. participants from 5 to 90 and all social and mass start event. of the target participants. would like to orienteer more frequently. ethnic groups. In most instances a course option suitable for In most instances a course option suitable for Activators may be partner staff, partner wheelchairs will be available. wheelchairs will be available. Discussions indicate that some local new recruits or British Orienteering new authorities are keen to start delivery; recruits. Each activator will be responsible Feedback Price A low cost activity £1 - £3 A low cost family activity £1- £3 several have already stated they would for delivering a package of activities based A system of participants providing feedback Place Town/Urban/Country Parks or similar environments Small town parks/County Parks at weekends. All like to commence training of their sports around Community O+ at venues all within through social media will be instigated, on weekday evenings. Participants will meet at a courses and areas need to be safe and enclosed. development staff as soon as possible. relatively easy reach of each other. stressing the need for staff to make a good fixed point for onward travel or at the venue to be Easily accessible parking and toilet facilities are Some clubs are also keen to participate, first impression. Feedback will be ‘public’ used. The emphasis will be on more ‘challenging’ important, as are additional facilities i.e. cafés, providing support is received to increase We will be trying to create a workforce creating both an effective means to gather places. play equipment, farm parks etc. These should be their workforce capacity. of similar age to the participants and will feedback and also a system on included in the marketing of the event. Travel time which it can be demonstrated Travel time to the venue will be as short as to the venue will be as short as possible. Ensuring the quality of that feedback is being heard and possible. experience is vital to responded to. Providing a good Promotion – The marketing and The branding will be created to appeal to The branding will be created to appeal to the success and therefore impression is made, such feedback communication strategy needs active 16-30 year olds and to create an image family market and create an image that illustrates British Orienteering staff will be an effective form of self- to be tailored to the target that illustrates a sporting activity that is exciting, an activity that is fun for the family to take part in will be involved in quality promoting for the offer. market. competitive and sociable. A bespoke website together. A bespoke website will be created for assurance including training Providing participants with this will be created for the RUNCHALLENGE but social XPLORER that will serve as the main information and mentoring all deliverers degree of ownership in shaping media will form the backbone of the marketing platform as well as using social media. In addition of the Community O+ the local offer should improve the and communication strategy. Engagement with to digital marketing there will also be a focus on programme. There will also relationship between Activator, participants and potential participants through more traditional marketing tools such as flyers and be close control of the Participation Manager, British social media will be key to the offers success. posters, advertorials in local newspapers, and product, promotion and Orienteering and the participant partner work via schools and local authorities. the dressing of the offers significantly. A more responsive to ensure participant/ People – The organisers will be Participants want the events to be organised Families expect the organisers to be sympathetic programme should be the outcome. customer needs are taken key to creating a good first by their peer group, who will understand their to their children’s needs and to have created an into account and met. impression and need to meet needs and make the events aspirational. They environment that is tailored to families. Organisers Scale the target markets expectations expect friendly professional organisers who make should be polite and helpful, and ensure instructions During year 1 of implementation it both in terms of aesthetics, them feel part of the ‘scene’. Organisers need are understood. They need to take an interest in the Structure & Schedule is planned to deliver 17 ‘Activator’ professionalism and customer to emphasise the fun and social elements and enjoyment of the families, answering any questions During the last funding packages of the offers. Each service. The social aspects engage with participants afterwards through and ensuring they feel welcome to come back period the benefits of package will consist of Xplorer, required will also be different. social media. again. focusing delivery were Run Challenge, Student Starter Process – The different target This age group expect events to be professional Families are generally happy for events to be apparent and it is clear and access to ‘How to O’ for those markets will have differing and well run. They want the events to be more low key and ‘basic’ with less emphasis on that, with the resources interested. The Student Starter and expectation of what they aspirational to their peer group. They may expect technology. E.g. they are happy to enter on the available, it is not feasible How to O were described in the last expect from the delivery of online entry/results and technology to be used day and use more traditional controls. They do to deliver nationwide in the edition of Focus. Year 2 will deliver the event and it is important when taking part in the event. however expect the delivery to be in a child first instance, we simply will a further 20 packages to different that their first impressions of the friendly environment with the needs and safety of not have the resources. We venues. Alternatively a fun, low key social process is also have gathered a great deal of knowledge event meets/exceeds these their children at the forefront of organisers minds. engage with FE colleges and Universities Based on the evidence collated during the acceptable. about the areas in the country where there expectations. E.g. Clear instructions, simple to take part, ease of to find motivated enthusiastic individuals last funding period the above programme are good venues, partners willing to work access. to deliver. Activators will be trained by will produce: closely and where the population has been British Orienteering staff in the first instance Physical Evidence – It is clear Social facilities are most important to this Facilities such as a toilets, refreshments and good • RUNCHALLENGE centre: 200 new shown to be reachable. This experience although this may pass over to partners that the setting of the event and target group. A place where they can meet parking are very important to families as are other participants per year; conservatively has been used to good effect to identify in time. Mentoring of new recruits will the facilities available will need up with friends, have fun and enjoy themselves amenities at the venue such as a playground. 50% retained based on experience areas where there is a strong opportunity for take place as part of a quality assurance to be matched to the target is paramount. Additional entertainment and of delivering Community O (which Availability of public transport to the venue should success through delivering Community O+. process. Most activators will be contracted 2 markets expectations and refreshments also need to be considered. demonstrated that on average 55% are also be considered by organisers. days per week, delivering offers on Tuesday, aspirations. Availability of public transport to the venue should retained) In order to meet resource constraints Wednesday and Thursday evenings and also be considered by organisers. • XPLORER centre: 50 new family units and to demonstrate the feasibility of this one on Saturday or Sunday. Delivery less direct delivery by British Orienteering and volunteers. The last funding period has programme there will be a phased role out averaging conservatively 3 participants, 150 participants; conservatively 50% Activators. By the end of the 4 year funding demonstrated to British Orienteering that: across the first two years with an option to Activators will ideally be recruited who Delivery will change across the 4 years retained programme the intention is to switch delivery pursue further funding if the programme have similar attributes and age profiles to of the programme. There will be a mix • Student Starter linked to charity: 250 into a self-sustaining model. Experience a) Partnerships can be beneficial and is demonstrating it can produce the sea the new participants. In time it is intended of deliverers including local authorities, new students; conservatively 20% during 2009/13 has indicated that it takes 2 effective. For example working with a change in growing orienteering envisaged. to recruit from within the ‘new participant’ commercial organisations and clubs. Various estimated to be retained by signposting to 3 years of delivery before they are able number of CSPs and commercial work The implementation schedule for the first groups. Review and reflection will be built organisations from within each of these to RUNCHALLENGE although this estimate to become fully self-sustaining. If this switch with a number of suppliers (SI, Fabian4 two years of the programme is to deliver into the training and Activators will be categories of partners have demonstrated will need to be reviewed as delivery in emphasis takes place early, resources provide IT solutions and services at in selected areas of the North and East required to deliver a set product and to an interest to be involved. British Orienteering progresses and funding will be moved to delivery in events). Midland/East of England. The rationale gain insight based on participant feedback. will also deliver direct through a structure of • ‘How to O’ centre: delivered either additional geographic areas. b) There is a large potential market of for commencing delivery in the North Such feedback will be fed into a process local Activators. through e-learning or at a college/school; participants interested in taking part in and East is based on the delivery of of review so that learning can take place The switch from direct delivery by British orienteering but insufficient capacity increasing participation through Community 100 new participants; conservatively 50% Initially most of the delivery will be through quickly across the network of Activators and Orienteering to a self-sustaining model from clubs and volunteers to meet Orienteering during 2009/12. retained through signposting to other British Orienteering Activators and as modifications to the product or offers can of delivery by partners is a 4 year target. the needs of the market – there is offers. confidence in the product and delivery be agreed. Traditionally British Orienteering has limited consequently a need to use other We recognise that to deliver a significant Total per centre: 700 new participants systems grow, other delivery partners will be experience of working with external partners to increase capacity. impact on participation we have to of which 275 will be retained – these are brought on board. As the 4 year programme A key role for Activators supported by partnerships; there has consequently been a c) There are commercial organisations now concentrate our resources (staffing, financial conservative estimates based on available develops there will be a switch of emphasis Participation Managers will be to ensure reliance on ‘internal’ partners, primarily clubs working in orienteering or seeking to and marketing). We appreciate that this evidence.ble evidence. by using more partners to deliver and all participants are signposted to other may be contentious but please be assured

8 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 9 Team Manager, Dave Rollins commented, “It was a great day for

Credit Martin Ward British Orienteering, two top tens and two11th places must be one of team Credit Soren Andersson GBR’s best ever days. The amazing thing is that it could have been so much better, it was so nearly 4 top tens and Murray Strain two medals - they were all so close!” Tessa Hill finished just outside the had another Women strong top 10 1 Simone Niggli-Luder SUI 15:43.7 Performance at WOC 2 DEN 16:20.2 +0:36.5 3 SWE 16:28.0 +0:44.3 Helen 7 Claire Ward GBR 16:49.4 +1:05.7 Palmer 11 Tessa Hill GBR 17:14.4 +1:30.7 has 38 Catherine Taylor GBR 19:29.4 +3:45.7 focused on the Middle Men Distance 1 SUI 15:32.0 2 SUI 15:49.5 +0:17.5 3 Matthias Müller SUI 15:59.0 +0:27.0 4 Scott Fraser GBR 16:11.2 +0:39.2 Cat Taylor was 11 Murray Strain GBR 16:46.1 +1:14.1 making her WOC debut Credit Martin Ward

Credit Martin Ward Long Qualification In the women’s qualifications Simone Niggli-Luder (SUI), Tatyana Riabkina (RUS) and (FIN) won their heats with Britain’s Claire Ward Doug Tullie qualifying the best of the Brits in 4th place. Both Sarah Rollins (12th in her heat) and Helen Bridle (14th in her heat) joined Claire in the Final.

In the men’s qualifications (NOR), Matthias Merz (SUI) and (LAT) won their heats. Of the British men, Scott finished 9th in almer, his heat, but unfortunately both Matt Speake (20th) and Hector Haines (19th) The team comprisedTessa a Hill,mix Helenof youth P and failed to qualify for the Final. The World Orienteering Championships (WOC)Taylor took and place Claire in WardLausanne, and the Hector Haines said about WOC, “The Switzerland inT hethe women’s middle of team July. was Helen Bridle, Tullie. competition has definitely increased experience. dramatically over the last few years GUE and more and more people are getting Sarah Rollins, Rachel Rothman, Catherine serious about orienteering. The group T BY SARAH HA men’s team was Scott Fraser, Graham Gristwood, Hector Haines, Mark of runners in positions just below the REPOR Nixon, Mathew Speake, Murray Strain and Douglas Credit Soren Andersson top elite have moved up and got closer and there is a greater number of them. Unfortunately, domestic performance does not bely international performance, Sprint Race level of concentration up throughout. Matthias Kyburz taking gold by 17 running straight past the spectator the two have never before been so I dropped about 15 seconds when seconds. Matthias Merz was second control. The second half of the course polarised, in my opinion. It’s tough, but Claire Ward, Tessa Hill and Catherine I missed a set of steps just before with another Matthias, this time was pretty physical so I tried hard to no-one said it would be easy. I’m going Taylor all qualified for the Final of this number 10, but apart from that I was Müller, finishing in third. keep the concentration in the midst to continue to stick to my plan, have fast and technical course alongside pleased with my performance and of the TV cameras and spectators. faith, but also change a few things and

Scott Fraser and Murray Strain. In Credit Soren Andersson delighted to finish 7th.” The British men backed up the However, the last 2 controls were a keep training intelligently - hoping to get the women’s competition, Simone women’s strong performances bit of a disaster after taking a different an edge from the thought behind my Niggli-Luder (SUI) dominated the race Tessa was also very pleased with her with Scott Fraser finishing just 12 route choice from most of the others training, as well as through the sheer and won her 6th World Sprint gold result and said “I lost time on two seconds outside the medals in 4th and running into a ‘wall’ of spectators hard work that is required nowadays.” medal and her 18th world title. It was controls but the other athletes were place. Scott said, ‘’I went into this who were waiting on me coming from also a good day for the British women very good out there today. For me it race feeling pretty confident that if I the other direction! I then lost time Team Manager, Dave Rollins said with Claire Ward finishing 7th and is a case of could have, should have, ran a good race I could win a medal. I on the last control by running to an afterwards, “Unfortunately not everyone Tessa Hill just missing out on a top would have, but in general I know started quite well but then lost some unmapped sponsor tent close to the last does get through to the Final and that ten in 11th place. Catherine Taylor that my international performances time going to number 3 due to coming control. Losing a medal by stuffing up is really tough especially after the hard finished in 38th on her WOC debut. continue to head in the upwards across an unmapped small wall down 2 of the easiest controls on the course work and time that goes into an athlete’s Claire said after her race “I aimed direction”. one of the embankments and I wasn’t is disappointing but part and parcel of preparation. However all the athletes will to enjoy the orienteering today and I sure if it was cross-able or not. I then Sprint being able to do well at a World Champs have learnt some valuable lessons and really did. It was an interesting Sprint Hector Qualification In the men’s race, Switzerland took some ‘twisty-turny’ route choices is having the composure to focus for the will be even more determined than ever course and I managed to keep a good Haines map excerpt completed an historical hat trick with losing some valuable time before whole race and block out distractions.’’ to make WOC finals in the future.”

10 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 11 stronger than ever I also feel that I can of months, but the back to back Claire Ward said, “The forest Middle still improve and I’m still motivated to combined with a virus meant that I didn’t was grotty, so route choices Qualification aim for better results.” feel good at all during the final race. I often involved long track legs. After the Middle distance tried to give what I had, but I pushed I managed these fine, but qualification races the British women Claire Ward said, “I decided beforehand too close to my limits and made one wasted a lot of time in the

achieved a feat that that hasn’t Credit Soren Andersson to run aggressively rather than big mistake. I was not in the kind of circle, thrashing around in conservatively around this tricky course. physical shape I have been in for the last nettles and brambles looking been realised since 2006, a 100% Rollins Dave Credit I made a bad mistake at number 8 and couple of years and not fit enough to for ditch junctions. I really qualification record across the Cat Taylor, Sarah Rollins & Claire Ward Sprint, Middle and Long distance dropped further time at number 11, but achieve the kind of results I was looking wanted to perform well here qualification races! it was number 13 that spoilt what would for. As always I have learned from the but sloppy let me have been a decent run. I snapped my experience and look forward to preparing down. I feel confident that made a large mistake on the long leg, a parallel error. I guess I’ve In the women’s qualifications, magnifier early on in the leg, and didn’t for next year!” by working on these areas I can make been around long enough now Tatyana Riabkina (RUS), Tove take the extra time needed to read a big leap forward next year in my

not to beat myself up over poor Credit Dave Rollins Alexandersson (SWE) and Simone the detail properly near the control. I performances.” performances. I know I’m a good Niggli-Luder (SUI) won their heats. dropped a lot of time here and as a Long Final Matt Speake, Mark Nixon & Scott Fraser orienteer. It is just a shame to All three of the British women result missed my top 15 goal - very Simone Niggli-Luder won her 19th Sarah said, “After a successful World perform badly in the big races qualified comfortably with Rachael disappointing.” World title after taking victory in the Masters I was hopeful of a good result and having run in 10 WOC’s now, Rothman (10th), Claire Ward (7th) Long race ahead of Minna Kauppi (FIN) at WOC. At WMOC I managed to it’s a shame to have let myself be and I dragged my little group of followers and Helen Palmer (6th). find that ‘zone’ where you are relaxed affected mentally.” round the next part of the course and the last loop. But I led all the way and I A smiling and happy Helen said In the men’s race, Olav Lunanes (NOR) am very satisfied with my performance of her race “I am really happy and Rachael who led the race from start to finish and with my physical shape. relieved to get through the race Rothman won his second gold medal in the Long with no big mistakes and to be only gave So what for me now? I started my WOC Scott Fraser distance, the first being in in 2:41 behind Simone is probably the some solid ‘campaign’ in 2001 in Finland in the performances finished 4th Credit Soren Andersson 2010. He was almost 3 minutes ahead closest I will ever get to her in a Sprint with my next WOC in Switzerland in the Sprint of the second place athlete Matthias race.” race 2003. I wonder whether I should now Merz (SUI) with the Latvian Edgars finish with Switzerland 2012 and then Bertuks in third place. In the men’s Finland 2013? This hangs on two qualifications, Mark Nixon things really. Firstly, I took a big knock, Scott Fraser was the only British was close to not being selected for the WOC Sprint male to make the Final and finished a (FRA), Gernot making the this year and secondly I am having an Long Final in disappointing 20th by his standards. Kerschbaumer operation on my achilles in September. his WOC debut Scott said, ‘’The final was a big (AUT) and Karl If the latter goes well then I will hopefully disappointment for me; the course/ Waaler Kaas be able to run pain free for the first time terrain suited me and I wasn’t able (NOR) won in years. I hope this will then allow me to take advantage of it. I felt flat their heats. to address the former problem.” from the start and did some stupid Unfortunately for mistakes as I was trying to push the Claire Ward said, “I am really glad I ran the British men it speed to compensate for feeling tired. all the disciplines. I just didn’t seem to was only Graham I can say that towards the end of the get tired. The toughest days were the Gristwood who course I was having to work for every rest days, when with no adrenaline to qualified for the step! On analysis I was simply not carry me through I felt totally exhausted. Final after finishing prepared enough for such a program The day after the Long was a real low, 11th in his heat. of races with inadequate preparation in as I was very disappointed with my Unfortunately Switzerland before WOC.’’ performance, but it is amazing how Mark Nixon (16th) the adrenaline of the Relay restores narrowly missed energy levels. Overall there were ups out by 2 seconds Relay and downs to my performances at WOC with Doug Tullie Credit Soren Andersson The women’s Relay was hotly contested 2012, but I still think I have made a big finishing 22nd. with home nation Switzerland victorious over Sweden and . This victory improvement from last year. I have a Middle Final lot of things that I need to work on over Immediately after the race Mark secured Simone Niggli-Luder her the winter and I am looking forward to was asked how he felt after his first In the women’s race the Finnish 20th World title. The British women putting them into practice next year.” ever WOC race and he said, “Fine. athlete Minna Kaupi dominated the of Sarah Rollins, Claire Ward and race from start to finish and claimed Catherine Taylor finished in 10th place. People have asked me if I was feeling Helen Palmer said, “For WOC 2012 I her 3rd World title in the Middle In the men’s race, after a particularly but focused and racing hard and I felt In an exciting finish to the men’s race good and I just feel normal. OK it decided to focus on the Middle distance and Annika Billstam (SWE). The British distance and 9th gold medal at a World tight finish, Edgars Bertuks won confident, happy and settled. I managed Sarah says, “I am pleased to say that I Jan Procházka secured the Czech is my first WOC race, but I have for the first time. The technical, rocky women Claire Ward, Helen Bridle and Championship. The Swedish youngster Latvia its first gold medal at a World to find almost the same ‘zone’ for the came back fighting for the WOC relay. Republic it’s first gold medal in the run in the Europeans and World Jura terrain was more exciting and Sarah Rollins finished 25th, 36th and (2nd) won her first Championships. The Russian Valentin Long qualifier but for some reason, I It is always one of the most exciting World Championships Relay. Norway Universities this year and I am not inspiring to me and I thought one 37th respectively. individual WOC medal and Tatyana Novikov, finished 5 seconds behind him didn’t manage to find this in the Long parts of WOC and there is a thrill racing finished in second place, 5 seconds getting nervous. For me, it’s about season focusing more on the Middle Riabkina (RUS) finished in 3rd. in 2nd and Fabian Hertner (SUI) took Helen Bridle said, “It was a tough final. I felt unsettled and insecure and in that pack of first leg runners, fighting ahead of Sweden. picking up the map and doing what I distance would help strengthen my fine have to do. I had a simple plan, read 3rd place. long distance. My tactic was to run once the race started I ran defensively for your team (and also significant orienteering. I’m really satisfied with The British men of Matt Speake, Mark the contours and use my compass. The British women; Rachael Rothman, around as much as possible to avoid and wasn’t orienteering the way that nerves!). I made one mistake. I had the whole process. Racing the Middle Nixon and Scott Fraser finished in 16th I took a good look at the course at Claire Ward and Helen Palmer came A very emotional and disappointed the brambles. I think this worked well I like to orienteer. We had identified a split second decision to decide what distance was an exciting and intense place. Scott said, ‘’I was feeling drained the start and saw that the second 21st, 22nd and 26th respectively. Graham Gristwood who finished 36th at the start of the course but as I got that the forests were overgrown and route to take to a control. Either stay new challenge and as a bonus I also got from the WOC week but I was ready half looked relatively easy whilst it Rachael said, “It was quite tricky and said, “My preparation this year was tired towards the end I made a few scrappy and we had thought that this with the pack or take the safer option a solid result (26th) which was close to to give it everything for the GB team. was the beginning of the course that quite varied in the terrain and I am a far from ideal, with sickness and injury smaller mistakes. I was happy with my meant you had to avoid going in them up to a small path and in. At the my previous best in the Long distance Unfortunately it wasn’t our day but it looked a bit tricky, so I took it steady, bit disappointed not to be in the Top 20 to my calf preventing me from training performance at the start of the race but as much as possible. This is not how Europeans I did it my way and nailed it. (23rd, 2011). However, I ran better was a pleasure running with Mark and taking the path options where I after the run I had.” as I would have liked. I was very happy a bit disappointed with the time loss at I like to orienteer and on the day, it At WOC I decided to stay with the pack in the qualifier than the final and have Matt. We wore the GB top with pride could. I am gutted not to have made to have a solid run in the qualification the end.” seems, the straighter route choices and blew it. What to learn from this? struggled with various things throughout and gave it everything. We’ll be back the final.” race having hardly raced for a couple were better anyway. On top of this I Do it my way. From that point on I did the season. So even though overall I feel next year!’’

12 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 13 WOC 2015 World University Preparations for WOC2015 have been continuing over the summer with a delegation attending the World Championships in Switzerland. This proved Orienteering Championships to be an inspiring visit and was an extremely useful experience for those Report by David Rosen who attended. WOC has moved on considerably in recent years and there Great Britain had a full complement of 6 women and 6 men at the 18th World University Orienteering Championships in Alicante, is no better way of understanding this than attending in person. Spain. The terrain was very dry and rocky with many steep rough slopes, deep ravines and thorny vegetation. The team were Anwen Of equal inspiration that volunteering is and motivation will help Darlington, Anne Edwards, Rebecca Harding, Hollie Orr, Mairead Rocke, Catherine Taylor, Hector Haines, Peter Hodkinson, Kristian to the Organising extremely rewarding but to make WOC2015. Jones, Mark Nixon, David Schorah and Douglas Tullie. Committee was the the key to this is good So whilst the summer London 2012 Olympics, training and support. of sport is fresh in the There were no medals for Great Britain this steps, narrow alleys and high walls. The Mark Nixon made one 2 minute error which and whilst the events mind please consider year with the medals table dominated by the map was very detailed and quite difficult kept him out of the top ten but finished a are on a different scale One of the key tasks volunteering for one of Swiss, Czechs and Swedes. Hollie Orr was to interpret making it one of the most very respectable 18th. Doug Tullie felt he there are many lessons for the Organising these roles which will the outstanding British competitor with two technically difficult sprint races the athletes ran a bit too hard and made mistakes in the that can be learnt Committee in the be publicised in the top ten placings, but Dave Schorah, Anwen had encountered. It was also rather long circle finishing 23rd, whilst Peter Hodkinson from the success of coming months will autumn at Darlington and Anne Edwards all had a with the winners taking much more than the finished 47th and Kristain Jones finished particularly good week. advertised expected winning time. 71st.

Long Race Hollie Orr was the best Brit and finished in Lilian Forsgren of Sweden and Martin be staged at the Moray a brilliant 7th position. She really enjoyed Hubmann of Switzerland won the gold The Long distance race took place on 2013 Scottish 6 Days the challenging course and stayed in control medals. the lower slopes of the mountains. Many event. Euromeeting is throughout the race. Anwen Darlington had of the legs had a number of quite radical an annual international another good run only 46 seconds behind alternative options with a much longer path competition aimed at Hollie in 11th place with Mairead Rocke in route or a straighter way with a tough climb The Relay used the same arena as the developing elite athletes 44th. and rough descent. Middle distance and the terrain was who are aspiring for

therefore very similar. The ground was again future WOC’s, so The men packed well finishing within 61 Anwen Darlington took some good route very stony and bushy. this will further put seconds of each other. Fastest was again choices and ran very well to finish 20th, just the spot light onto Dave Schorah in 19th place, but they all over 10 minutes Hollie Orr led off Scottish Orienteering. down on the for the women’s With its proximity to winner. There was first team and was some of the WOC a particularly tricky up with the leaders 2015 areas it will be an ravine crossing, until just before the excellent opportunity where the only spectator control for familiarisation with relevant terrain and route across was when she found the Credit Soren Andersson difficult to spot, wrong one of the planning. and many runner group. At that point, London 2012. A perfect be appointing a range www.woc2015.org, or including Anne Hollie was passed example is the Games of team leaders who email: Euro Meeting Edwards (31st) by Anne Edwards Makers who were the will take responsibility [email protected] to Programme: and Mairead running for the 2nd army of energetic and for the delivery of key express your interest 31st July - Sprint race Rocke (44th) lost team and Anne came motivated volunteers pieces of WOC 2015. now. who gave up their time From start team leaders 1st August several minutes in 9th, three minutes Middle race - there. Rebecca ahead of Hollie. On to play what turned out to arena managers, Euromeeting 2013 to be a starring role transport management Another development (day 4 of Moray 2013 Harding (32nd) was leg two, Rebecca and WRE) disappointed to Harding caught up in the success of the to merchandising there related to WOC make a couple of The Great Britain world universities team with Mairead Rocke games. Having heard are a range of roles that 2015 is the recent 3rd August poor route choices and they finished from many Games require volunteers who announcement that Long race - which cost her a lot of time. only seconds apart. Cat Taylor’s injured Makers it was clear through their energy Euromeeting 2013 will (day 6 of Moray 2013) made mistakes or too many hesitations and achilles meant that Anwen Darlington took felt that they had the potential to do better. The British men packed well in the top over from Rebecca and there was no-one Kristian Jones was 19th, Hector Haines quarter of the field but felt they had the to run third leg for the second team. Anwen WOC in the future 30th and Peter Hodkinson 37th. Switzerland potential to be much higher. Dave Schorah had a good run and just held off Poland and took a full suite of medals in the men’s race A significant part of this years’ IOF General Assembly, which took place in Lausanne Switzerland, was the first GBR starter and had a strong Germany in a sprint finish to bring the team and silver in the women’s with the Czechs was taken up by the discussion of the future model for the World Orienteering Championships clean run to place 18th but missed a couple home as 9th nation. winning the other medals. (WOC). Four proposals had been put forward, all proposing significant change in the nature of of the optimum route choices. Doug Tullie WOC. Three of them were variations on the same theme (Italy, Switzerland and the IOF Council’s (19th) was off at the hottest part of the day Mark Nixon came in 17th on the first leg for MIDDLE Race own proposal), the fourth proposal came from the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway and and faded in the last part of the course. the first team, a few minutes off the pace Denmark) which was for alternating ‘forest’ and ‘urban’ WOC’s. After a long and lively debate and a Hector Haines (24th) was going well until he The Middle distance race was held in a with Kris Jones just a minute behind for number of votes the IOF Council’s proposal was selected. turned off a path too late and lost several relatively flat area, dissected by some steep the second team. Dave Schorah, took over This is how the World Orienteering Championships The exact rules for qualification were not decided minutes making a parallel error. rocky gullies. The underfoot conditions were from Kris and, with his third good run of the programme will look like in the future: at the General Assembly and will now be worked very stony and many people suffered from week, brought the second team in three on by the Foot-O Commission. The main principle The Swiss runners Isabelle Feer and Raffael blisters. Apart from that, the runnability minutes ahead of Doug Tullie who was still Sprint Interval start, qualification & being that there is at least one place for every Huber won the gold medals. was relatively good but the many bushes not enjoying the terrain. On 3rd leg, a strong final nation.The new programme will take effect from reduced visibilty so it was easy to pass run from Hector Haines took him past Peter Sprint Relay Mixed teams 2017, but the organisers of the World Orienteering SPRINT Race close to a control without seeing it. Small Hodkinson to restore the first team to their Middle Interval start, participation Championships in earlier years have the opportunity mistakes were almost inevitable. rightful position bringing Great Britain in as The Sprint race took place in the old town Distance according to nation’s strength to amend their contract with the IOF to incorporate 12th nation. Peter finished just half a minute of Alicante. The pre-start was up in the all or parts of this programme. Already it appears Hollie Orr again ran an excellent race behind. Long Distance Interval start, participation ancient castle which towers above the town, likely that WOC2014 in Italy will adopt the new making only small errors and ended up in according to nation’s strength and was reached by a lift going up a tunnel model so it would seem likely that 2015 & 2016 will 8th place. Anne Edwards also had a good The women’s relay was won by Sweden and Relay As now drilled through the rock. Most of the course follow suit. run to finish 15th with Rebecca Harding in the men’s by Switzerland. was in a steep part of town with many 24th.

14 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 15 Planning your Orienteering in the School Games Development physical training The School Games are made traditional Orienteering Score respect and team work. School Games Case up of four levels of activity: Competition - the formats British Orienteering Clubs Study load competition in schools, are simplified, progressive and club night activity are Piloting How much is too much, too little or just right? between schools, at county/ and varied so can provide a the ideal progression for School Games Format piloting took place By Jackie Newton, National Talent Development Coach area level and a national fun and exciting introduction newcomers or beginners to in July at Priestnall School, Stockport and finals event. Commissioned to the sport as well as get involved further in our sessions were introduced to a group of Year by Sport England, the Youth suggestions for new and sport and the introduction 7’s and Year 8’s across separate sessions. Sport Trust aim to provide exciting ways of running the into orienteering offered The pilot took place in a one hour PE lesson developmental support to same competition. Teachers by the School Games and faced with 60 students, the lead Coach Now that autumn is here athletes from every sport around the world schools, National Governing and Young Leaders can be Programme will provide Hamish Willis adjusted the formats to suit. He will be reflecting on their 2012 season, setting targets for 2013 and Bodies of Sport and other supported by training and an invaluable link into said, “We halved the group and half did the planning how they will get there. Yes, this is the time to consider how local partners to help them printable resources to allow local club and community symbols relay with a couple of teachers whilst much training and recovery needs to go into your programme but getting develop, embed and run the them to deliver the School opportunities. I ran the cones exercise with some Young the balance right can be tricky and if you get it wrong it can interfere School Games successfully. Games activities without any Leaders. Having 30 students on the cones with your fitness levels and, even worse, lead to injury or illness. The Games are designed specialised equipment. There is limited support exercise working in pairs was no problem and to build on the magic of from British Orienteering one and a half hours after school would be 2012 to enable every school • Primary School formats with regards to the running ideal for doing one or two of the introductory and child to participate in include Counting Cones, of local/county finals and formats before a Score competition. Relays competitive sport. Matching Symbols Relay, clubs may find themselves are a format most children are familiar with so the Map Symbols relay always goes down Your training load and Generally speaking your training how training load and recovery you could start on a downward For each level of really well. The simple formats require subsequent recovery will depend load should vary from day to day. affected you. spiral and wind up injured or the School Games fewer and colour printing than I have on your fitness levels and your If you are new to orienteering you ill. You could also compromise – challenges and previously needed. On the feedback forms a experience of training. You may look to do: easy, hard, easy, Understanding how training your fitness if you give yourself competitions are number of pupils highlighted it was hard work, need to listen to your body and easy, hard, easy, easy through works will help you to work out too much recovery. If you do recommended and but they still enjoyed it and I noticed that even make notes on how you feel the week. If you consider yourself how much recovery you need. a training session and then do Orienteering formats for non athletic pupils were running as hard as and respond to different training to be an intermediate you may Training is the stimulus for your nothing for several days you will Primary and Secondary they could!” sessions. You should keep a go: easy, hard, easy, hard, easy, body. When you have done your not improve and may even lose ages have been created diary of training noting your hard, easy. Orienteers in elite training session you will feel fitness. that provide a pathway for Pupils commented, “It was the best PE lesson training load, sleep, nutrition, development who have a lot of fatigued as the body is broken young people to progress this term”, “It was fun and interesting”, “It was hydration and anything else that training behind them sometimes down. When you allow recovery Once you have worked out your and develop. good to be outdoors”, “I really enjoyed it” affects your levels of fatigue. You put in weeks that look more like: your body begins to repair itself optimal training levels and the should find a way that works hard, hard, easy, hard, easy, but rather than just mending itself recovery needed to sustain and Natalie Shaw who Ms Standish, SSCo of Priestnall School for you to keep a check on the hard, easy and there may be to the level that it was previously grow you can put together a coordinates the School said, “I was surprised by the variety and volume and intensity of your some ‘double days’ (training at, it thinks to itself, “that was more effective individual training Games for British flexibility that the orienteering activities and training. Attack Point is a good twice per day). hard and it has damaged me, I programme for yourself. It is Orienteering says, “The aim competitions offer. With activities you can resource and your coach could of orienteering is to navigate do on standard school fields to the traditional in sequence between Orienteering Score Competition there is read your training on there to STIMULUS overcompensation keep up to date with what you controls and therefore has a something for everyone regardless of size of are doing. lot to offer in terms of raising School or facilities.” achievement and numeracy You should decide on a format to fitness in the School environment Stockport School Games Organiser, Elle record your training load. It may as it is great for meeting Baker said, “When competing individually be that you monitor the distance the developmental needs, at Secondary age like the competition we you ran and the time it took to run both physical and mental, of Netball Numbers and contacted directly to see ran, athletes count as scorers within a it and so you can see how quickly pupils. Orienteering is also Team Score if they are in a position to school team (as in Cross Country) which is you were moving, you may use a cross curricular activity • Secondary School formats provide any planning or more straightforward than I imagined. It is that can support subjects include Pitch Orienteering, delivery support. Local a fantastic alternative to some of the more a heart rate monitor and know compensation (recovery) such as Maths, PE and traditional sporting competitions, and we your training zones or you may fatigue 2 Person Star Relay and organising committees are use RPE or Rate of Perceived key Geography. The School Score Competition in place nationwide with are looking to run orienteering at district and Exertion. training too easy Games is therefore not only specific posts that now work County level in 2013” training adequate an opportunity to boost To download these formats in and between schools to There are a few different ways training too hard participation of our sport in or for more information see help them run the School of using RPE. Perhaps the most will build myself back and make important to remember that schools - it can also provide www.britishorienteering.org. Games; School Games Score for Years 5/6/7 and simple is to rate your training As well as noting down lots of myself stronger so that I will everyone is different and you a catalyst for a wider impact uk/page/school_games Organisers and Teacher Individual Score for Years session from 1 - 10. 1 is where numbers in your diary such as be ready for it next time!” This may need to work at a different across the curriculum.” Release posts. The British 8/9/10 (although a multi- it is very, very easy and 10 is training load, hours of sleep, is called overcompensation. It rate than others that you are The link into local Orienteering Development sport approach featuring the where you are running as hard as mileage etc you should also makes you fitter and so next time competing against. Beware of Orienteering School Club and Community team will ensure we promote other formats as a warm up/ you can. You could then multiply include some free writing about you put in a training session, or reading Attack Point and trying Games Formats Opportunities our Clubs and Community introduction is recommended). this number by the number of how you felt. Every so often you stimulus, you are starting from a to copy somebody else. It all The School Games formats The challenges and Orienteering programmes We have also ensured we minutes that it took you to do the should read back through your higher point and so your fitness depends on fitness levels and for Orienteering are made competitions provided into any communications we signpost the British Schools training session. For example, log and ask yourself how effective increases over time if you get this experience of training. up of challenges and in the formats develop may facilitate. Score Championships where boys and girls an easy run that you rank as a 2 your training and recoveries right! competitions that allow the fundamental skills of compete individually in a 45 minute score that took you 20 minutes would have been. Highlight the positive Always discuss your plans progression for pupils at a orienteering such as map Signposted event and the British Schools Orienteering give you a score of 40 and at comments such as felt good, On the other hand, if you don’t and thoughts with your coach. social and motivating level. reading, navigation and Competition Championships where school teams compete the other end of the scale a hard felt brilliant, really enjoyed this give yourself enough recovery the A coach’s knowledge and From Pitch Orienteering decision making and are Our recommended formats (individuals can enter) but the emphasis is interval session ranked at 7 that session. Then take note of any overcompensation doesn’t occur. experience in orienteering training that takes place on a a fantastic mechanism for bringing schools together towards the School team with 3 to score. took 30 minutes would score negatives such as my legs felt You may only build yourself back together with your knowledge standard football pitch to the for developing self-belief, to compete are Team 210. Multiplying the intensity with heavy, felt lethargic, didn’t enjoy to the level that you were at or and feelings about yourself can the volume gives you the overall this one. You may well discover you could even start from a lower equal the winning combination in training load. why you had your good times level and break yourself down developing your full potential. More details on these competitions can be found on the and your bad by looking at further. The danger here is that British Schools Orienteering Association website www.bsoa.org

16 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 17 Issue 23 - Autumn 2012

FOR JUNIOR ORIENTEERS Pictured: Lucy Butt competing at the Junior World Orienteering Championships. Credit: Tomas Drencak Credit: Tomas Orienteering Championships. Butt competing at the Junior World Pictured: Lucy

Inside this Issue: Junior World Orienteering Championships European Youth Orienteering Championships Summer Training Camps

More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3)

www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/ozone Lucy Butt ‘My 2012 JWOC’ This year’s JWOC was definitely the best experience I’ve ever had! I went out a few days early with some of the JUnIOR other girls to acclimatise and settle in ORIENTEERING to the accommodation, which was a Junior World Orienteering large student hall that created a great World atmosphere. The first race was the Sprint and I think Championships we were all quite frustrated as technically on & Tomas Drencak it was really pretty easy and didn’t go into Report by Jackie Newton. Photos by Jackie Newt the small park area which would have Championshipswas the Sprint provided some trickier orienteering. took place in July in Kosice, Slovakia. The first event but The Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC) course to be technically simple centre of the city. The British athletes found the RACE that took place around the was the highest finisher The Long race was a lot harder with the heat, which hit a high of 34 degrees! Jamie Stevenson very fast, with the main challenge everyone in the GB team making mistakes. the best of the girls in 39th place. in 25th place with Charlotte Watson The courses were amazing and the vegetation and hills/depressions provided Charlotte Watson also ran a superb Katrin Harding The next day saw the team tackle the Long course 70km race to finish 9th. Charlotte competing in the really good route choice. south west of Kosice in variable weather conditions. the youngest member of the team, Aidan Smith who summed up her week by saying “I Long Race The early starters were, once again, challenged by the finished 4th in the B final. hadn’t been pleased with my week In the Middle race the team had a mixture heat that peaked at 31 degrees and the later starters by as I felt like I had panicked each of emotions, but we were all happy for torrential rain and thunder storms that affected visibility In the A final Duncan Birtwistle got off to a flying day so last night I went through the Charlotte for coming 9th in the A final. and conditions under foot in the forest. The highest start, achieving the 9th fastest time of the day to the things that I was scared of and sorted By this point in the week we were all position of the day was achieved by Lucy Butt who was first control. By the end of the day his overall position out what I could and couldn’t control. exhausted from the previous four races mixing with athletes that she had previously thought were was a very credible 38th. Rona Lindsay was the next My mistakes earlier in the week had but we were still looking forward to the in a different class. She showed herself and her rivals that to finish and reported an enjoyable and clean run. been made because I was Relays. The area was pretty fast and the she also belongs in that class. Lucy finished over the line Rona had a great JWOC. She achieved top 60 in the trying too hard to make it gaffles weren’t too different so there were Sprint and the Long (57th and 53rd respectively) and W20 Long in 6th and then later dropped down to 7th, only missing happen. I decided that Final Map packs throughout the race. The uphill finish the podium by 6 seconds. a superb 29th place in the Middle. Jonny Crickmore today, if it was technical, run-in was my least favourite part of the showed good improvement on last year’s JWOC I would run slower and whole week but once it was over I knew I’d Lucy said, “My goal was to finish in the top 30, my dream results and he finished 39th in the Middle. He has not be tempted to run finished the whole week and could relax! was top 20 but I made top 10! I did make a few mistakes another year’s eligibility in this competition and is too fast. I focused on but I’m not complaining! When I finished I had no idea looking forward to improving further still in 2013. orienteering. It wasn’t an M20 Middle On behalf of all the athletes, I’d like to Final Map what position I was in. I sort of heard it over the PA amazing run but I didn’t make say a huge thank you to the coaches who supported the team and the family and friends who came out to support us!

Aidan Smith ‘My first JWOC’ As a bottom year M18 getting selected for JWOC was my goal. I knew the JWOC week would be tough and I went in with a goal of clean technical performances in all races, and no particular expectations for Zoe results, apart from hoping to qualify for the Harding out Middle A Final. Aidan Smith in the forest performed (L-R) – Zoe Harding, Jamie Stevenson, Charlotte Watson, Tom Charlotte Watson ran The set up of the event was familiar from strongly at his Fellbaum, Lucy Butt, Duncan Birtwistle, Rona Lindsay, Aidan Smith, superbly and finished EYOCs, but the standard of competition and first JWOC Katrin Harding, Jonny Crickmore, Florence Haines, Peter Bray. 9th in the Middle Race atmosphere were on a completely different anchor leg which gave her the 23rd fastest time on leg 3. level. I was pleased to run clean in the system but couldn’t hear whether it was 6th, 16th or 60th! any big mistakes, only a GBR2 finished 30th overall. All eyes then turned to the coaching zone, where the Sprint and I enjoyed the Long race which Florence told me it was 6th and it was like ‘deja vu’ from a few hesitations. I’m really athletes passed approximately 4 minutes before the was my first time in Karst terrain, despite couple of years ago at EYOC when she met me across the pleased and I think it is my best run of The women’s team said afterwards, “We’re really happy finish. Jamie Stevenson came through neck and neck a disappointing technical performance. I line to say I had finished 3rd!” the year.” with a solid finish to a tough week of racing. Everyone with the Swedish athlete, Martin Regborn and the two held it together and with a relatively young team, we’re was quite down after the Middle qualifier, of them were running hard. A few minutes later Jamie In the men’s race Jamie Stevenson was, once again, the The final event was the Relay and this all looking forward to see what we can achieve in the as qualification would have been possible could be seen sprinting for the line with plenty of first finisher for Great Britain finishing one place higher took place at Jahodna, 15km North West future.” without mistakes, but I had a great run daylight between himself and the Swede. than he did in the Sprint (24th). Jonny Crickmore took of Kosice. In the women’s event the under no pressure to come 4th in the B 25th spot but was disappointed not to have a completely It was unfortunate that Jonny Crickmore had to withdraw Final. Jonny’s injury meant I was running Jamie took approximately 10 seconds out of him running order for GBR1 was Lucy clear run. from the Relay because of injury and so GBR1 fielded just first leg on the only complete Relay team, after the last control. Jamie had a great JWOC and Butt, Florence Haines and Charlotte two runners: Jamie Stevenson and Peter Bray. However, which was the most pressure I’ve ever felt finished 19th in the Middle. His aim was top 12, top Watson. Lucy ran a solid race on the The Middle race took place at Herlany, 30km North East first leg and passed on to Florence GBR2 stepped up to the mark and all three runners; under in a race, but I kept a cool head and of Kosice, where the atmosphere was electric at the 35, top 40 for Sprint, Long and Middle respectively. Aidan Smith, Tom Fellbaum and Duncan Birtswistle ran He fell short on the Sprint but smashed his aims in in 18th place. Florence then ran ran well to come in one and a half minutes finish area in the centre of this small, picturesque town. a very determined race and in great races. Once again Aidan, who still has potentially down at the back of the pack. There were mixed fortunes for the British athletes with six the Long and the Middle. He said that he felt “a bit three more years of competing at JWOC, impressed by rusty” going into the Middle race but changed gear so doing pulled back 7 places. qualifying for the A final and two missing out by the skin running a superb race and handing over to Tom in 16th JWOC was a great experience and the when Regborn went past him. “After he caught me Charlotte Watson then wound it of their teeth. up even further to bring the team position. Tom then ran a very strong race and made up team really pulled together through the and I started orienteering better, I was navigating in one more place to put Duncan into 15th place. Duncan the circle and spiking the controls. He made a mistake home in 9th place and 8th nation. ups and downs. The coaches were great The finals took place at Izra, 36km South East of Kosice. The running order for GBR 2 was went on to run the 12th fastest time on 3rd leg and too, and made it really easy as an athlete. The B finalists were first off and the aim for all of the at the last control and that’s where I took advantage Katrin Harding, Rona Lindsay Jamie Stevenson brought the team home in 13th place and 12th nation. It was a really good motivator to go away athletes was to run a ‘clean’ race with technical accuracy and ran away from him.” When asked about his had a superb and Zoe Harding. Zoe had a The men’s team concluded , “After all the highs and lows and train hard to improve on performances and finish with fresh legs for the following day’s relays. overall performances he said, “I am most happy with JWOC particularly good run on the that JWOC brings we are very proud of our performances in Czech next year. All six came across the line with a smile of satisfaction my Long performance. It was my best ever run at an over the week.” for achieving that aim. A special mention should go to International.” 02 Ozone Issue 23 03 egional European Youth Junior Inter Regional Orienteering Championships 2012 Report By Jackie Newton Championships The European Youth Orienteering Report by Mark Purkis (SEJS) // Photos by Wendy Carlyle Championships (EYOC) took place in the Limousin region of France. The Sprint distance race took The Junior Inter Regional Championships (JIRCs) is an annual place in the old town of Meymec, competition in which the twelve regions of the United Kingdom compete Correzeand and good organisation meant that only residents of the against each other in an individual and a relay event. The top two runners town were permitted inside the from each region in the individual event and the top two boys and girls town on race day. The finish Arena, relay teams count towards a total score to determine the Regional located in the ‘Place des Porrots’ Champions. The age groups are M/W14, saw 331 athletes cross the finish line with France, Poland, Russia Back row left to right: Chris Smithard, Ciaran Allen, Joe Woodley, Chris M/W16 and M/W18. and Belgium winning the first gold Galloway, Dane Blomquist, Sasha Cheplin, William Rigg, Jackie Newton medals of these Championships. Front row left to right: Elizabeth Furness, Katie Reynolds, Rozy Shepherd, This year’s competition was hosted by East Sarah Jones Julie Emmerson, Natalie Beadle Anglia Junior Squad (EAJS) in the large mixed The British team posted some forest of the Sandringham Estate. The Estate positive results. In the W16 Julie Emmerson finished 12th and said Julie went on to say that she felt she had boasts large areas of intricate contour detail and “I was expecting to be in the top 15. I used prepared for the Long distance race better vast swathes of indistinguishable rhododendrons Google Earth and Street View to look around than she had for the sprint distance race. “My in mixed run-able woodland. However during the the whole town and I had done some short and coach, Riina Kuuselo, prepared maps of this final two weeks before the event the ferns grew fast training and so enjoyed the fast running area and planned courses. I ran with them; from ankle height right up to 6ft high, causing today. I made a mistake towards the finish and looked at Route Gadget for other peoples severe complications! The courses were all lost 30 seconds but it was great fun!” courses; saw that the planners liked long legs; control for added enjoyment of fellow runners. took the paths off and familiarised myself The only thing that couldn’t be controlled –the Two M16s came tantalisingly close to the top with the area. Looking at the vegetation at the rain- came down hard and fast for about 45mins 20 with Joe Woodley finishing 21st and Will model event helped too. It was quite physical during the relay causing all the face paint expertly Rigg 24th. Joe had his first experience of the out there today though. The hills were hard and applied to run off! The M/W16 and M/W18 courses GPS “TracTrac” and said that he enjoyed it. there was a lot of rough running.” were gaffled as always to prevent strategic “I thought it was nice that people would be watching me. I was very relaxed about it and Report author Mark following and to split up the pack. The Relay took place at Lac de Vassiviere Purkis in action actually forgot about it once I started.” and the course for all age groups could be described as ‘a course of two halves’. The first The race ensued with the leading teams Katie Reynolds made sure that the speed work she has done over the last two years paid off half was quite straight forward, a long run past runners. An exciting spectator control swapping positions constantly. An amazing run by a spectator point and then a technical loop that Harrison McCartney completing his run 9 minutes and said, “It was a fast course but with some shortly before the end on all the courses tricky parts. I had a few blips that cost me a bit could be described as ‘tres difficile’! faster than any other M14 gave the WMOA team created a superb atmosphere with all of time but it was nothing too major.” squad members cheering on their runners the advantage to forge ahead and win overall. The M16 team went into the race with high Once the athletes were home and dry there as they powered on to finish the race. The girls relay was hotly contested with the top 4 hopes. Dane Blomquist finished the first leg in teams finishing within 26 seconds after all three was just one more race to go. The event wasn’t third position and handed onto a determined planned for straight line routes being the best over until the coaches had run! Chris Smithard Joe Woodley who ran hard all the way to hand The Relay was on the same area and the legs! choice however in most cases (due to the ferns) and Elizabeth Furness lined up for the mass over in first place. Sasha Chepelin ran neck format remains the same from year to year: a start and the athletes were delighted to cheer the fastest route was unfortunately on the path. The final prize giving occurred and the squads and neck with the 3rd leg Polish athlete and mass start for the M/W16 followed by M/W14 and Chris home in first place! The atmosphere they came through the spectator point together. began to disperse. With goodbyes and farewells finished off by the M/W18. at this event was tremendous with lively However, the second half of the course got the Heavy overnight rain had left the ground said, the juniors eagerly anticipated the multidays saturated and the ferns hanging low under the celebrations enjoyed by athletes, spectators better of Sasha and he was disappointed to and training camps where the different squads and the local school children who were very weight of the water. As the individual competition Thanks to excellent planning and organisation by bring the team home in 7th. EAOA the relay ran very well, with an excellent would meet up again! An excellent weekend of excited to watch the athletes’ race along the progressed, elephant tracks formed through the orienteering was enjoyed by all the competitors streets outside their school. In the W16 team Julie Emmerson should be ferns handing over an advantage to the later change-over/ finish leg as well as a spectator and everyone looks forward to an equally It was an early start for the Long Distance Race singled out for a superb performance. Julie memorable JIRCS 2013 hosted by SWOA. the following day with Will off first at 0908hrs went out on the first leg and rather than going The best runners on each course and overall standings after the and Dane Blomquist, with a point to prove with a very fast pace that was set by the Polish individual day WERE as follows with the top three Regions being SOA after mis-punching on the previous day, last athlete, Angelika Mackejewska (winner of both (240 points), NWOA (203 points) and YHOA (190 points): to leave the start area. This time it was the the Sprint and Long distance races), she ran her own steady race and came into the finish Position 1 2 3 turn of Chris Galloway and Rozy Shepheardto wear the “TracTrac” systems but neither were in a group of 4 and passed onto Natalie Beadle, M14 Aidan Rigby (NEOA) Harrison McCartney (WMOA) William Louth (EAOA) Overall Regional distracted by it. our second leg runner, in 3rd place. Sarah W14 Clare Stansfield (SOA) Fiona Bunn (SCOA) Abigail Mason (SOA) rankings: Jones brought the team home in 10th. M16 Sasha Chepelin (SOA) Joe Woodley (YHOA) William Rigg (NWOA) The earlier starters enjoyed cooler Individual Relay temperatures but half way through the Unfortunately we weren’t able to finish a team W16 Julie Emmerson (WMOA) Sarah Jones (NWOA) Jennifer Ricketts (SOA) Region M W M W Total start blocks the clouds were thinning and in the W18 as Rosie Watson had to withdraw M18 Aidan Smith (YHOA) Dane Blomquist (SCOA) Ben Beresford (EMOA) SOA 113 127 129 129 498 temperatures were rising with high humidity. from the competition because of injury. The W18 Lucy Butt (SWOA) Florence Haines (YHOA) Katy Reynolds (WOA) NWOA 97 106 111 114 428 Great Britain were thrilled to have two athletes M18 result also didn’t count due to a mis- in the top 10, with Julie Emmerson and Dane YHOA 88 102 93 99 382 punch on the last leg. The best Relay teams WERE as follows with the top three Regions Blomqvist both achieving 7th position. SWOA 82 79 93 87 341 being SOA (258 points), NWOA (225 points) and YHOA (192 points): Full results can be found on the WMOA 77 85 84 84 330 Julie crossed the line in 4th place after starting Position Junior men in the middle block. “I knew I would go down European Youth Orienteering SCOA 57 90 51 114 312 1 Ali Gardner, Harrison McCartney, Matthew Elkington (WMOA) from 4th as there were some strong athletes Championships website EMOA 77 67 87 72 303 starting after me but for a long time I was 2 Angus Dobson, Matthew Fellbaum, Oliver Williams (NWOA) www.eyoc2012.fr WOA 74 77 69 78 298 6th. It seemed too good to be true but the 3 Matthew Galloway, Ross McMurtie, Joshua Dudley (SOA) SEOA 74 66 93 0 233 longer I stayed there the more I hoped I would Position Junior Women EAOA 60 24 36 45 165 keep this podium position. I was gutted to be 1 Katie Blackford, Fiona Bunn, Tamsin Moran (SCOA) knocked down to 7th but am very pleased with FOOTER Scotland were the overall Champions NEOA 52 42 21 33 148 2 Sarah Jones, Laura Hindle, Zoe Harding (NWOA) my performances at my first EYOC and on my NIOA 46 11 30 0 87 British debut”. 3 Briony Kincaid, Abigail Mason, Katrina McLeod (SOA) 04 Ozone Issue 23 Ozone Issue 23 05 Talent Development Training Camp, Badaguish Jackie Newton, National Talent Development Coach Katie Wright swings through skills in technical the ropes course The Talent sessions on Balavil. on the rest day at the Lagganlia Development Training On the Wednesday Outdoor The whole tour group after the fun relays on Friday afternoon the whole group went Adventure Camp took place in together to enjoy July in Badaguish, technical orienteering near Aviemore. Twenty sessions at Findhorn seven athletes were and Roseilse and to selected for the camp practise some of the physical, technical that aimed to identify and mental skills that Report by Hannah Cleary-Hughes Kincraig training methods had been explored in Photos by Ellie Stone and ideas that can the group sessions. be implemented into Training Camp The second half the athletes training of the week saw Twenty four M/W16s travelled up to the Cairngorms in Scotland programmes as they the athletes Speedwork on the beach to take part in the Kincraig summer training camp which move towards 2013. back in their promised a week of improving technical ability, fitness and fun. groups on another carousel hanging The week began with a classroom where strength and conditioning, The success of the camp was the around Aviemore; Jon running technique and coping with Sunday was very busy with evens Relay session on “Championship result of hard work and enthusiasm Hollingsdale for mapping the coastal distractions in the forest were the training in the morning at the and a ‘light Characteristics”. The athletes were from a top class team of coaches areas and both Jon and Paul Furness focus sessions. Added to the mix wooded marshes and steep knolls green’ race. asked to consider the attributes a and helpers as well as the positive for hanging the controls there. We John Dempsey starts in the B final of in all of this was a team relay and of Alvie followed by a time-trial on I found the the Sprint at Faskally talented athlete needs to possess, attitude of the athletes. Special are hugely indebted to Phil Kirk and team presentation that brought the track through the woods near ‘light green’ develop and utilise in order to fulfil thanks should go to Ben Chesters, David Parr for putting together a everything from the week together. Laganlia Outdoor Centre. The girls race quite his or her potential. This set the Paul Murgatroyd, Elizabeth Furness perfect menu of meals that could not Each team researched a ‘role model’ were started at minute intervals for difficult, and I scene for the training sessions and and Heather Gardner for their time in have fitted the bill better. overnight to be able to run and come orienteer and their strategies for a 2km run, whilst the boys were at think that if the workshops scheduled for the rest of preparing the training sessions and 3rd out of the girls. Andrew Barr won before, during and after competition. 1 ½ minutes for 3km. In the evening map had been the week. their skill in presenting and coaching Lois Jefferson and the boys’ and Beth Hanson won the The final presentations were both we then took part in a night o’ event from the Lake them; Hilary Quick for organising the Hannah Cleary- girls’. In the afternoon we took part informative and entertaining and which was really fun and a new District, the Hughes punch The athletes worked in three areas and control in fun relays at Avielochan, which concluded the week’s activities well. experience for a few of the athletes. ‘light green-slow the finish after the groups for most of the week and Classic race at was very easy running, especially run’ would have rotated around a carousel of Loch Vaa compared to the morning’s race Monday’s training was at been marked activities. The first half of the controls on, and when everyone had found the terrain We look forward to seeing the impact the training camp has Balavil where we focused on slope as ‘dark green- week consisted of sessions to you must navigate around the hard going. The Relay was great exercises and staying on our line impenetrable’! develop mental strategy, plan on the athletes involved as they progress their skills and paths until you reach a viewpoint as it enabled us to run and have whilst going diagonally up or down balanced physical training fitness levels towards next season’s competitions. for the control site, which will have fun without it being a competition. the hill. We then did a Middle On Wednesday the exercises sessions and focus on selected anything between 3 and 6 kites. By My team came 2nd overall after distance race in the afternoon which were based on coping with reading your control description, managing to carry three balloons was won by Harry Butt and Fay distractions and not being put off you must then identify which flag is around the course and without Walsh. by people talking to you. Sadly, I the actual flag and then you write either of them being popped. I was twisted my knee on the first exercise this onto a scorecard. I found this lucky enough to have Fay Walsh Tuesday was my favourite but did manage to get out on to the very enjoyable and I liked how even and Michael Adams in my team and Orienteering Games & Tips training day, as we took off on a 1 ropes course that had been planned people who are injured or disabled we ran two legs each. All the other ½ hour bus journey to Roseisle, a for the afternoon. We worked in can still participate! I’ll definitely be teams had at least one coach so I contour strewn area very much like teams to try and get round the ropes Orienteering giving this a go at the JK next year! think we had a pretty good run! Culbin with many sandy hills and course without spilling a bucket depressions that were interesting to full of water, this was great fun but Thursday was the ‘Sprint Friday evening was the ominous navigate off. I thought this was the much harder than it sounds! qualifier and final’ day at Faskally, ‘Couples Night’ and we were all best area because of the complex Millie Map asks, Sudoku but my knee was still swollen and seated opposite our ‘date’ for the contours and the fun races we did That evening, we were able to Why is it important to keep sore. Alice Rigby won the A final evening. However, it wasn’t as bad after lunch. In the morning, we experience the delights of Trail O’, and Lisa White won the girls’ B final as most of us thought it would be, a training diary? were focusing on simplification a type of orienteering where you’re with the fastest time of the day! Tam and the coaches seemed to have and attack points and then not allowed to run or leave the Wilson took the ‘gold’ for the boys in taken into account who had been in the afternoon we track. It’s basically the A final. getting on with who so we were all did an odds and a normal suitably paired. I think it’s fair to say orienteering The Long race on Friday at Loch Vaa that it was great fun and we all had Charlie Compass says, map with was fun and I managed to recover an awesome time! A training diary is important as it allows you

to reflect on your performances and look at

Overall the whole week was really fun and I really enjoyed getting to what you did well and where you could know all the new people. I found all the different exercises and training really helpful and the coaches were all really good fun and amazing at have improved. It is important to sit down encouraging everyone. I would like to thank Tony Carlyle and Nev Myers with your coach and reflect on your training for organising the week and I’m pretty sure everyone will agree that it

was fabulous! Thank you as well to those who sent me grants to help and performances and plan your The three girls from LOC; Hannah Cleary- me get there, without your help it wouldn’t have been possible. Hughes, Katie Wright & Lois Jefferson future development goals. 06 Ozone Issue 23 Ozone Issue 23 07 JUNIOR PROFILE: Alexander (Sasha) Chepelin

BRITISH SCHOOLS Age: 15 What kind of training do you do? Club: GRAMP SCORE ORIENTEERING I do everything from fast intervals to CHAMPIONSHIPS steady long hill runs. I use small events Age started to train technically by analysing splits and Saturday 13th October 2012 orienteering? route-choice after the event. Kingsbury Water Park I’ve been orienteering from a very young age. Warwickshire What is your best result? Do your parents I’ve come 2nd, 3rd and 6th at Oringen British Schools orienteer? in the past. Most recently I won the JK Orienteering My Dad does. Sprint which I was pleased about. Championships Why/where did you start Alexander Chepelin Sunday 18th November 2012 competing at EYOC Delamere Forest, Cheshire orienteering? Credit: EYOC I started orienteering in Further information about both events can be Aberdeenshire because found at www.bsoa.org of the influence from my Dad but I was never forced to go to events, I enjoyed them from Trophy 2012 the start. The Yvette Baker Trophy is the premier Junior Inter-Club What do you competition for English and Welsh clubs. It is named after enjoy about Britain’s first World Orienteering Champion, who won Gold in orienteering? the Short Distance event in Scotland in 1999. It is aimed at I like the fact that it’s club teams comprised of Junior orienteers of all standards. not (normally) just Please find below the dates for the rounds and the final for the a running race and Yvette Baker Trophy 2012. Please can clubs make sure that it’s also about using they notify the Organiser of the event they wish to attend, in certain skills. advance, preferably 14 days beforehand. Do you have Please note that this will be the last year the final is in a coach? December as it is moving to 7th July in 2013, so the rounds I don’t have a proper coach, however my will be held in the first half of 2013. brother Oleg helps me Date Club Ass Venue prepare for big races and congratulates me 07/10/2012 SOS EAOA Chalkney Wood, Earls Colne post-race. 21/10/2012 TVOC SCOA Kingswood, High Wycombe 21/10/2012 NN NEOA Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland If so, how has this What advice would you give to people wanting 21/10/2012 NOC EMOA Byrons Walk, Mansfield helped you? He helps me by telling me what sort to get into the GB 21/10/2012 OD WMOA Oakley Wood, Warwick of physical training to do before major Squad? 21/10/2012 SROC NWOA Simpson Ground, Kendal events and re-assures me when my Now that the main season is over, prepare 04/11/2012 POW WOA Hafod, Pontrhydygroes nerves step in. for next year by doing some quality running and polishing and sustaining your 11/11/2012 SO SEOA Worthlodge, Crawley Where is your favourite orienteering skills. 11/11/2012 EPOC YHOA Ogden Water, Halifax place to orienteer? 25/11/2012 BOK SWOA Cannop Ponds, Forest of Dean Rosieisle - but any forested sand dunes What do you enjoy doing 09/12/2012 SARUM SWOA Collingbourne Woods, Ludgershall in general outside of orienteering? I enjoy doing some training that leaves me motivated for big races. Doing long hill runs always leaves me happy as well. www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/ozone Coaching COMMUNITY ORIENTEERING COACHES FORUM Licence to Supporting Coaches DVO Coaches North East Coaches Coach & CRB During the last 4 years The DVO Community After the success of the DVO the British Orienteering Coaches come together for forum a second forum was held The satisfactory disclosure of the criminal record of a coach is no Development Team the first time in December for the NEOA and took place in By Helena has continued to work 2011 to explore whether Sedgefield in July 2012. This According to Greek mythology longer a required component of the MentoringBurrows British Orienteering Licence to Coach. closely with volunteers the Forums would be was hosted and organised by Odysseus asked his trusted friend, and coaches to develop worthwhile and effective. NEOA Regional Representative for Coaches However British Orienteering Community Orienteering The East of England Mike Hardy and National Mentor to watch over his son when your mentee to put as much recommends that all clubs ensure ‘club nights’ around the Participation Manager Participation Manager Steve he (Odysseus ) left for the Trojan Wars. information as possible onto the that coaches who come into contact Vernon. Six other coaches session plans and evaluation with children or vulnerable people country. These local Natalie Shaw and East Mentor undertook to guide and and regular coaching Community Orienteering attended from the region. The forms and to provide them with complete an enhanced disclosure opportunities have not only Development Officer agenda provided the coaches educate Telemachus into adulthood written feedback. through British Orienteering. Further information can be found on the increased participation at Pauline Olivant organised with the opportunity to discuss: and so the term mentor came to our clubs through providing this from the National • Club night updates: A document “Guidance notes British Orienteering website. a social and regular Office with 7 DVO coaches a) Durham mean a trusted adviser or friend. for mentors” is given to all UKCC orienteering experience in attendance representing b) Prudhoe learners to pass on to their To have a Licence to Coach, a coach for beginners but has also the 4 Derbyshire club c) Guisborough Mentors are needed to help and guide mentors. If you’ve been asked must have: provided opportunities for nights. The agenda d) Darlington trainee UKCC level 2 and 3 coaches whilst to mentor and haven’t seen this • Current membership of British established club members provided the coaches with • Community O support they do practical coaching sessions before you can download it from the Orienteering to get involved in coaching the opportunity to discuss: required from British putting themselves forward for assessment. coaches section on the British • Signed to confirm they accept at an informal level. Orienteering These sessions give the coach time to embed Orienteering website. the British Orienteering Code of • Club night updates: • Open forum to share Good the skills they have learned on the coaching Conduct for Coaches Supporting coaches to a) Buxton Practice and Coaching ideas. course, refine their style of coaching and All good coaches, whether • Demonstrated competence by develop their skills, ideas b) Chesterfield • WSP 2013/17 update and gain confidence before putting themselves they are working towards a holding an Orienteering Coaching and good practice is key to c) Derby questions forward for assessment. The level of support higher level of qualification Award motivate and inspire a new d) Matlock provided by a mentor can be critical to the or not, should actively seek generation of orienteers • Marketing What the forums progress made during the sessions. opportunities to work with and To maintain a License to Coach and from this has grown a • Funding needs - achieved? benefit from other coaches to status, coaches will also be required variety of resources from Possible grant application These 2 hour forums resulted Mentoring is different from coaching. develop areas of their coaching to demonstrate and provide the ‘club activity guide’, • Level D and C events - in a number of key discussions Coaching is about improving performance skills that they wish to improve. evidence that: ‘year in a box’ to ‘Luc update for Community O and actions for example: in a particular role or area of skill while Mentoring is a two way process • Once the coach has qualified Cloostermans’ exercises. clubs from 2012/2013. • The need for qualified mentoring aims to increase an individual’s and has benefits not just for they commence a programme of These have all been useful • Coach/Volunteer coaches/leaders at clubs to potential and help them to develop their own the mentee, by challenging Continuing Personal Development to our coaches in giving development support club lead coaches self reflection practice as a coach. The role of and encouraging the mentee (CPD) to improve their coaching. the mentor will themselves Evidence that demonstrates their them session examples • Future plans with large groups of mixed the mentor is not to preach or dictate but to Carlyle Credit Wendy and idea’s to teach various abilities. assist the mentee to develop and clarify their be challenged to adapt and CPD is gathered in a CPD log own personal set of values and beliefs. evolve thus improving their which is checked at least every skills. To get the most out of the • Centralised coaching mentee to self reflect and find and using this information to own coaching. Whilst the vast three years. More information can evening we suggested to support Community solutions to problems? assist in planning the following If you are asked to be a mentor it is usually a majority of mentoring will take be found at www.britishorienteering Community O Coach Coaches came armed Orienteering adults/coaches sessions. While you as mentor sign that the mentee respects your work as a place between coaches .org.uk/page/licenced_coaches Forum with suggested dates and • Discussion of avenues for Am I sufficiently committed to may have seen the sessions coach and you should be very pleased but qualified in orienteering • Relevant First Aid Certificate (4 It is clear that coaches venues for events/summer completion of members develop my own mentoring delivered the assessor only you need to ask yourself a few key questions: the benefits of working with hour: Emergency First aid, 8 hour: have different ideas, leagues to complement UKCC L2 qualifications skills? has the information on the coaches from other sports Emergency and Basic First Aid or sessions and plans that club nights, thoughts on • Community Orienteering Just because you are an paperwork provided upon Do I have the time, commitment and should not be overlooked. 16 hour: Practical First Aid) can be utilised and shared what has or has not been Leader Award courses to experienced coach doesn’t which to base their decision availability needed to help the mentee? with others. They will successful in marketing allow keen individuals to get automatically make you a good (they also assess Meeting face to face and being present at have experienced success and also activities that onto the coaching pathway. mentor. In any new role there several written the sessions being delivered is the ideal but stories as well as things have worked well at club • Success stories – for example are skills to be developed and home study it is still possible to mentor from a distance that haven’t worked so nights. Night Orienteering bringing processes to learn to improve tasks and the using email, phone or skype. You will need well and this sharing of more people than any other your own performance in the final practical time to find out in what way you can help ideas does happen on an As a result the Buxton and single form of activity to a role. A useful book ‘Mentoring observed the mentee and what their needs and ad hoc basis, for example Matlock club nights have club night. in Sport’ is available from session) so it is expectations are. You will also need the time at events, informal significantly contributed • Winter coaching sessions: SportsCoach UK who also offer important to to review and discuss each session soon after discussions or via email. to the 2012 DVO Level D indoors or small enclosed a 3 hour workshop “A Guide encourage it has taken place so that the mentee can programme by staging sites? to Mentoring Sports Coaches” reflect and plan the next session. However the growth in club events in their areas. This • Rewards for junior members while you can gain a level nights has led to a higher is a fantastic example who turn up regularly/work 3 qualification in Workforce Do I have the skills to be a good mentor? number of Community of DVO and club night hard/show progression. Mentoring through 1st4Sport. Orienteering clubs in an coaches working together • Long term club nights were Some of the core mentoring skills include being able to develop a good relationship area which means there is to provide the opportunity able to offer advice and Having a good mentor can with the mentee, being approachable, now the potential to bring of linking Community recommendations to new make a tremendous difference open minded and objective and showing coaches together as a Orienteering club nights club nights. to the level of competence a genuine interest in helping the mentee mechanism to improve the to event organisation and • Potential for some form exhibited at assessment. At to develop. You will need to be able to use communication pathways provision. Low level events of support mechanism for level 2 the six sessions form part questioning effectively to encourage them to for our coaches and remain key to complement progressing through courses of the assessment process. The self reflect on why and how they are doing also the sharing of good club nights in terms of at events – e.g. via shadowing assessor is looking to see if the things. Take the time to listen and consider practice – for example visibility, increasing local experienced orienteers at an sessions have been suitably your response - active listening is important holding Community profile and recruiting new event. planned and that the coach is to your understanding of their thoughts Orienteering coaching members and this is a undertaking self evaluation as and ideas. Can you provide constructive forums within Counties or great example of what can well as seeking feedback from feedback in a way that encourages the member regions. be achieved. participants and the mentor

18 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 19 Coaching No wilderness? Report by Caroline Gay, Participation Manager (West) Community O Coaching Based around Swindon, No worries! Chippenham and The maze format provides Zach Carter (MVOC) is an orienteering coach for the Community O Club in participants with an Leatherhead, Surrey that runs every Wednesday from the Leisure Centre. surrounding North Wiltshire introduction into orienteering towns, NWO focus their high profile events on the Situated within the Surrey Hills, I felt we already Selling a Concept found him in quite a areas of Savernake Forest had a sublime advantage in the outstandingly Many people turn up shaky state, claiming and West Woods, also beautiful backdrop in which to run weekly without knowing what to that he had lost sight hosting competition in the sessions. But organising a regular Community expect and suddenly I can of her and that she scenic but less technical Orienteering Session proved to be a lot trickier find myself explaining why, must have gone Marlborough Downs. So than I had first realised. rather than how. This task missing. I explained without large expanses of is not coaching but selling that this was because wilderness or a major city ‘Drop in’ Structure orienteering as a concept. she’d done so well in close proximity, how has Sand is used to teach that she had finished NWO grown to become participants about contours With most classes I conduct in other disciplines, I This can become a skilful heartbreaks of a real event. the course 10 minutes ago, the second largest club in will know how many participants to expect and juggling act when others They need to have been was safely inside and way membership terms in the what their age and level of ability will be, most are waiting to start or need rain-soaked, breathless ahead of her father! South West? likely with classes grouped accordingly. I can advice. and running north instead also be confident that they have an interest in of south to realise the NWO has always placed the activity! The excitement, satisfaction Concept to Context benefit of learning their navigation skills in a warm, great emphasis on and achievement of Here lies the next dry sports centre next to a developing the club None of these factors can be assumed orienteering can often challenge: perspective. To newcomer who doesn’t and the friendly, family beforehand, when taking a Community O be found in the first race. experienced orienteers (or yet know which way is East. atmosphere is obvious session. I can’t be sure who will arrive, whether The whole purpose just even navigation experts they have experienced orienteering before, or if ‘clicks’ and the thrill of to the outsider at NWO they fully understand what the activity is about. adventure can be felt activities. Instigated by the One of the children ‘Community’ is in every uneven step, now Chairman, Ken Stimson, Courses must be accessible and challenging participating in inclusion at every NWO has run the Swindon in every reconsidered borders on Lydiard Park which provides a for every ability or we risk losing the interest an orienteering level Schools Orienteering Festival since 2000 Volunteer Support decision and in every great area for practising a whole range of Of course, none of this would be possible of the potential orienteer. Therefore we must activity The sessions I run in conjunction with the local authority and hard fought control. This orienteering techniques. John has the knack without the heroic efforts of the NWO learn to vary the activity for each individual. A offer a real benefit to School Sports Partnership and is hoping was my experience of of creating activities which hide ‘educational’ volunteer crew. Well over forty people have helpful word I learned early on in general coach established orienteers to link in with the national School Games entering into the sport within a whole load of ‘fun’ – club night-ers contributed their time over the past year and training is STEPS - an acronym listing the main and I encourage them initiative in the future. but the challenge is to recently learnt the finer points of contour thanks go to each and every one. Developing ways to vary any activity: to come along and convey this concept to lines whilst building sand castles in the long the club has been a great team effort, with a bring a friend who is aMAZEing those who don’t feel a jump pit! helping hand from communications methods - Space - changing the amount of new to orienteering. More recently, NWO successfully applied constant desire to leave old and new. The traditional newsletter and space for warm ups, cone exercises Many orienteers are for funding from the Sport England ‘Small the car/office chair at The second club night to start up this year email updates are supplemented by the S and courses. Have a list of points that self-starters which can Grants’ scheme of £5887 to support any moment and go has been hosted by Chippenham’s Sheldon club’s new Facebook group and Twitter can be added to the existing controls so that sometimes prevent equipment for their aMAZEing orienteering running into a forest School. Coach Leanne Taylor has a way with feed which feature updates on what’s orienteers have to memorise or write down a them from attending a project. This enabled the club to purchase an after an elusive goal. from the community who younger participants, being a mother of three on, a chance to link up with others taking word or number. coach- led session. The electronic timing set, stakes, barrier fencing drop by) the sight of a 3m² and an experienced deliverer of National part in the same events, not to mention emphasis when advertising and other equipment to run a series of Maze - Task - changing the rules of the task This I believe is the real area of cones boasting a Navigation Award Scheme sessions and Eco event summaries from major events to to club members should be events across North Wiltshire to enable set - e.g. adding controls, changing challenge of Community reorientation challenge, Kids creative classes for children. Her ‘code- inspire those back home. The efforts put on the strategies, problem families to try orienteering. While setting up T O. We are literally may seem very attractive breaking O’, collecting clues around the directions or the purpose of the each Maze took a good deal of volunteer into making members feel part of the club attempting to teach a solving exercises, resources exercise (“focus on two attack points for every and rewarding. However, elbow grease, 800 people took part in the extensive combined grounds of Sheldon and whether they are newcomers or old hands sense of adventure which and courses available. control” or “use handrails whenever possible”). trying to motivate the 30 series. It was a fantastic way for families to Hardenhuish Schools, went down a storm on will hopefully ensure that the club continues builds on a foundation of year old outdoor-hungry the first night. The council sport development to go from strength to strength. - Equipment - Maps or lack of it e.g. With variety and flexibility experience fast-paced navigation during exploration, self-challenge triathlete who’s been team have been very supportive, helping the Norwegian Map Memory, deciding at the heart of every their day out and 25 new members joined and problem solving. watching Adventure club to access the network of parks within E whether an individual has to use a session we can meet these the club as a result. Some families went on Secrets to Success Racing on Sky to see your to complete the local permanent course the town to provide variety for club nights • While the club may not have the number compass or control descriptions . Community O can challenges and deliver cone activity in the same the same day, others have become regular and pushing forward plans for permanent of ‘elite’ orienteers that some of its - Solo/Buddying/Teams - achieve this. One father truly inclusive Community - People way is more challenging. attendees/volunteers and one family has courses. competitors do, it has really worked on One of our favourite warm ups is brought along his ten year Orienteering, leading to a already planned and organised a summer building a friendly atmosphere with its P old daughter to help her successful weekly activity keeping balloons in the air. Start with It’s almost as if some Olympic Fever newsletters, social media and club nights that supports all who evening event, such was their enthusiasm! one each and increase, then create groups of 2, become independent and participants need to have Outside of the club nights, NWO has a which has paid dividends in retaining attend. then 3 and 4. build confidence. I later experienced the highs and Community O great track record of making the most of members and spurring on the all- - Speed - Look at how a timed score This year, NWO has embraced British opportunities outside the sport. Orienteering important volunteer team. event changes the tactics of the Orienteering’s Community Orienteering may not be part of the Olympics, but that • Get creative: seize new opportunities to S search. programme to give their members and new isn’t going to stop NWO – the club put grow the club from multi-sport festivals participants a chance to take part in more on orienteering activities as part of the to the wealth of grants available. NWO Another common acronym shared in activities, brush up their skills and of course Trowbridge Olympic Play Day, a maze at has had to prioritise the events that it has SportsCoachUK workshops (I recommend these get together as a team. Their first club night Chippenham’s Olympic-themed Games targeted to avoid burning out volunteers workshops as they are very informative) is CASE was started up in Swindon led by long- and has organised maze and short courses with the huge range of opportunities - Copy And Steal Everything. Go along to a term orienteer John Orton. John is quick to in Swindon’s Brunel Shopping Centre in available. local club night or a coaching day. Watching establish a rapport with participants and his conjunction with the Olympic Big Screen. • If you want something done, don’t other coaches helps us reflect on our own previous experience of coaching youngsters Not content to rest on their laurels after do it yourself: NWO has built great technique and discover what works and what in football clearly comes in handy. Lydiard their Sport England grant success, NWO partnerships with the local sports forum, doesn’t. Planning becomes a process of sifting Park Academy have been incredibly is working with Wiltshire Council and councils and county sports, making the through these memories of what went well or supportive, offering not only their school the County Sports Partnership to put on best use of this support to ‘punch above Some of the Club what left participants with more confusion than grounds but also free run of their buildings coaching as part of the ‘Sportivate’ scheme their weight’ Night Participants confidence. to enable rain-free indoor-O! The school for 14-25 year olds.

20 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 21 Claire Ward’s Sprint route

After control 6 the As I entered the finish I heard pedestrians and I settled voices urging me to sprint home in to a fast pace. Looking and then the commentary ahead I could not discern suggested that it was going to World Masters whether I could get to be close. I punched the finish to control 9 from the west be told that I had won gold by Orienteering Championships side, eventually I decided 3 seconds. Looking back at the I had to come in from splits I was 11 seconds down The World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMOC) 2012 was held in Bad Harzburg, Germany and attracted approximately the east side and ran at 13 and had made up all my 4000 competitors. The forest events took place in the Harz Mountains, moderately hilly terrain with many small rock details whilst accordingly. time on the uphill climb to 14. All looked clear until If I had not jumped that fence the Sprints took place in local towns: qualifiers in Bad Harzburg and the final in the stunning old town of Goslar, a UNESCO world control 13 where the but run around the end I would cultural heritage site. description had the have been in second place. control on the inside The feeling of elation kicked in, within Once again Britain showed its elite orienteering, I am proud very little as to the standard to times however as my start time Quentin (pictured with his proud strength in veteran orienteering to be able to say I am a double expect. I therefore decided I had approached the rain eased but Quentin Harding’s Sprint route minutes my daughters) now has international honours to add to his British Titles with an 11 medal haul placing us WMOC winner, and look forward to orienteer as hard as I could to was still threatening enough that father phoned third in the medal table, of which to attempting to repeat the feat in ensure qualification. My run was I wore my visor when I left for the from the UK, than normal in order to weave my sister texted 7 came in the Sprint. Further the future.” clean and I finished winning that start. As I entered the start lanes both M50 gold medals. safely along the streets. I had and my daughters underlining the opinion that Britain Quentin Harding (M50, SROC) heat by 83 seconds with a 12:19 I decided that I would be more I had won the Sprint by 3 seconds experienced this before while called all equally is a Sprint orienteering nation. said, “Within our domestic winning time for a 3.0 km course. comfortable without the visor so I and the Long by 8 seconds, hardly competing in a York City race on shocked as myself. stuffed it down the back convincing margins but somehow I Credit www.sportfotos24.com a busy Saturday and had it found Of the many strong of my shorts. A strange had come out at the top of the pile, unnerving then. This contributed I later learnt that performances two athletes sensation that I soon twice! Looking at my competitors to my first mistake, coming I had beaten stood out by winning both forgot after starting. there were in excess of 4000 towards control 5 I missed the Michael Thierolf Sprint and Long gold: competing at this event from 42 gateway and ran briefly past it from Germany who Edinburgh Southern’s Claire I quickly got in to the nations, with the biggest proportion before returning. I felt things had run at WOC Ward in W35 and South course which seemed coming down from Scandinavia. were not flowing as well as at the in his prime and Ribble’s Quentin Harding in to be fairly straight While many of these participated Sprint qualifier. in third place was M50. Both athletes tell us forward but as I reached as part of an orienteering holiday, Jorgen Martensson about their performances and the centre of the city I there were many that stood on the from Sweden who what these victories mean to came across increasing start line as serious contenders. had won numerous them. numbers of pedestrians Undoubtedly there were some WOC medals who had come out on notable absentees who might back in the 1990’s Claire Ward (W35, ESOC) said, to these car free areas have beaten me but as it stands corner of the fence and I including two golds. Maybe it had “At the start of the WMOC Sarah Rollins won now that it had stopped these are the highest accolades a double checked that I was been a good thing not knowing my sprint final I was well aware two silver medals raining. Instead of looking veteran orienteer can pursue and I going to the correct side competition. that the main competition was at my map I found myself won them both.” starting 1 min behind me - my looking up much more as initially I did not see a Later that week I managed to good friend Sarah Rollins. She is competitions we come to know I felt good and looked forward to bend in the fence. Out surpass this feat by winning the a world class Sprint orienteer, but who our main rivals will be the final the next day. of 13 and I chose the fast Long final and came home with has been troubled with achilles and which events and terrains zigzag path up the hill to a problems for some time now, so I may play to their strengths The next day it rained. marked crossing point through knew that if I had a clean run I had and weaknesses. We also This is significant to a high wall to be faced with a a chance of taking the win. Sarah have experienced most of the me as I must now fence between me and the and I were both using WMOC orienteering terrains in use and wear glasses to read control that I had not seen. as a WOC warm up competition where they are new, we have a the map with a I checked that it was and were determined to enjoy good idea as to their type and so visor as my only crossable and then ourselves, but at the same time we what to expect. So competing protection. For jumped to reach the were going to go all out to win. this year at the World Masters in early starters the control. It was then Germany provided me with both rain was hard at just a sprint for The first part of the course was unknown competition on unknown the last control fairly straightforward with 50/50 terrain, something that can faze and the finish. route choices, and during this some orienteers. section I managed to keep my pace high. I lost time at number Heading in to the Sprint the terrain 7 though, expecting the control to is less of an issue, provided be at the edge of the open, but it it is mapped correctly then Claire won 2 was behind a tree - I should have there is much less ‘mapper’s gold medals checked my descriptions. As so interpretation’ and so you can often happens, I rushed off to the expect to perform close to your next control without checking potential. Unlike in the UK I found Credit Soren Andersson my exit direction and dropped that Google have 10 seconds at number 8 as well. not got Streetview Then we were back out into the in this part of winding streets of Goslar for some Germany. So my GBR Medal Winner more fairly straightforward Sprint preparation was Sprint Gold Sprint Silver orienteering. I then missed the done using street best (Northern) route to number maps and static Claire Ward, W35, ESOC Sarah Rollins 16, only seeing it as I was half way photo shots. Quentin Harding, M50, SROC Alice Bedwell, W50, BOK to 16, and the thought that Sarah Jean Lockhead, W65, EPOC Hilary Palmer, W65, NOC was sure to see the better route As for my spurred me up the hill to the finish competition, as I Peter Gorvett, M65, SYO arena. stood on the start Long Gold Long Silver line for the Sprint Credit www.sportfotos24.com Claire Ward, W35, ESOC Sarah Rollins, W35, BAOC Although my goals over the next qualifier I knew few years remain focussed on Quentin Harding, M50, SROC Nick Barrable, M35, SYO

22 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 23 Cameron as well as current Chair, For the Trail O competition, The final day of Lyn West who spent three days on everything moved to the Kinshaldy competition saw the timed control team. Clive Allen, picnic site in Tentsmuir Forest, some warm sunshine. The Day 2 another previous chairman, was a which was used as the Assembly course started near the ice house member of the GB Trail O team. Area and Arena for the Model at Tentsmuir and followed a route Brian Porteous, now the new IOF event and the two days of the Trail of 1.9km back to the car park with President, and representing IOF at O World Championship events. 23 controls and 2 timed controls WTOC 2012, put in a shift at the Thursday’s event was a non- through the smaller but highly Temp O event. competitive model event which complex dunes on the Eastern side allowed competitors to see the of the forest. The route used some The competition began with the style of mapping and examples of narrow paths within the forest which Temp O World Cup event, the the sort of problems which they proved challenging to wheelchair Trail O equivalent of a Sprint race, would encounter in the competition users and their escorts, but allowed at Camperdown Park in Dundee. courses. A short course of 10 everyone to experience the most World Heavy rain, which began before the controls plus 2 timed controls was beautiful parts of the forest and escort must be accompanied by an event and continued through out set out around the car park area coastline. official to ensure fair play during the the day, hindered race preparations with each nation allocated a time competition. and the start had to be delayed by slot during the morning to ensure it In the Paralympic class, Pekka 30 minutes, after which things ran ran smoothly. Seppa (Finland) and Ola Jansson Furthermore, circumstances smoothly with very little evidence of (Sweden) both achieved 24 points dictated that the event had to the long queues at control stations Competitors were then bussed with Seppa ahead on time. Joint be held in early June, outside which had marred Temp O at to the northern end of Tentsmuir. third place went to Ivica Bertol traditional holiday times. Holding previous WTOC events. The course for the first day of the (Croatia) and Kari Pinola (Finland) on the competition the week after the Trail O competition followed a loop 23 points (both 80 sec for the timed Championships JK in April was considered, but controls). There were eight timed control of 2.3km with 20 controls (plus 2 Report by Dick Keighley (with acknowledgement to discounted as being too soon in stations, with three controls at timed controls at the start of the Combined results for the two days Anne Hickling, Anne Braggins, Paul Frost and the WTOC the international season and also each station. Competitors are course) amongst the spectacularly gave victory to Jansson, one point 2012 website). Photos by Colin Matheson. too early in the year for suitable scored by recording how long they large dunes. ahead of Seppa with Kucherenko a weather. The accommodation take to solve each problem, with further point behind. In Autumn 2010 the International Orienteering Federation, having failed would also not be available until 30 seconds penalty time added In Trail O one point is given for a In the Open class, three competitors to persuade Switzerland to host the 2012 World Trail O Championships the end of the university year at the for each wrong decision. The correct answer and the time taken achieved a maximum score of (WTOC) alongside the World Orienteering Championships as has end of May. We couldn’t hold the winner is the one with least timed at the timed controls is used as event any later because of London 25 points – Vitaliy Kyrychenko become customary in recent years, approached British Orienteering to 2012 as IOC/IPC regulations GB TEAM MEMBERS (Ukraine), Christian Gieseler see whether it would be possible to stage WTOC 2012 in Great Britain. prevent any other sporting World (Germany) and Ian Ditchfield (Great Championships being held in Britain). Not far behind was GBR’s After some thought, we accepted of Tentsmuir with high quality in the Paralympic class from and Jari had visited and given the same country within two John Kewley in 10th place, rueing a the challenge. In many ways, it photogrammetric contours on 2011 onwards meant that more his approval to terrain, courses, months of the Olympic/Paralympic loss of concentration leading to an was ‘our turn’ to host a World Trail which Brian could base the new competitors than ever would be accommodation and our general competitions. There was also the error at the last control. The Day 1 O Championships. We had never maps necessary for the event. wheelchair users. Finding enough planning. Queen’s Jubilee celebrations to leaders had a less successful day, done so before and whilst the Trail suitable accommodation with contend with in the days before the with Gerdtman 13th, Rusanen 26th O community in the UK is small, Anne Hickling (GRAMP), a highly wheelchair access in one place In December 2011, Scotland was event, which had tied up possible and Ebright 42nd. The combined it contains a number of highly experienced organiser and a often presents considerable hit by heavy storms and gale non-orienteering sources of help results showed Swedish dominance experienced IOF senior advisors director of the Scottish 6-days difficulty for organisers and we force winds. Luckily, the areas of (e.g. local military units). with victory for Gerdtman, followed who had officiated between them company, agreed to take on the were fortunate in acquiring as our Tentsmuir were largely unaffected, by Kyrychenko and Sergiy Stoian at many previous international crucial job of Event Organiser and Event Centre the excellent and but an area, which was earmarked In the event, Anne Hickling (Ukraine). Ditchfield achieved a championships. began the hunt for the event centre modern West Park hall of residence for the Model event, was smashed recruited helpers drawn mainly podium place in 5th. Defending and accommodation. Anne lived of Dundee University. Here we to pieces by the gales and from Scottish orienteering clubs, champion Lauri Kontkanen was not From this group the completely unusable. This with some volunteers from clubs able to repeat his success of last major officials were meant Brian had to produce south of the border and some local year and finished in 20th place. appointed. Anne another new map for the non-orienteering helpers including penalties. Team scores are on the a tie-breaker. In the Open class, Day 2 also involved a team Braggins (WAOC) as Model event as it moved 20 young people from Madras combined scores of a nation’s three preliminary results gave a surprise competition; each federation Event Director, Brian areas. College, St Andrews who acted as nominated team members. victory to Richard Ebright (USA), declared a team of 3 which included Parker (DEVON/Kerno) wheelchair escorts on Day 1 of the but a protest was lodged by Finland at least one paralympic and one as Mapper/Planner, The most difficult part of Trail O. We had sufficient helpers, The Trophy was won by Swedish about the positioning of the flags open competitor. Finland prevented Dick Keighley (WIM) as organising WTOC was but only just enough, and most W20 Marit Wiksell with a total time at Control 1. This was upheld by a Swedish clean sweep of the National Controller for still to come - recruiting people worked very hard for very of 220.5 sec (including 2 incorrect the jury and the control voided. gold medals by taking victory with organisation and Anne the helpers for the event. long hours, with much multi-tasking controls). Second place went to The revised results showed three their team of Kontkanen, Rusanen Straube (OD), a former Scotland has had few Trail involved. For example, on Day 2 Guido Michelotti (Italy) in 233.5 sec competitors tied on 20 points and and Seppa, finishing on the same World Champion and O competitions organised of the Trail O, your correspondent, (1 incorrect) and third to Martin the timed control times gave victory points but ahead of Sweden on German national but a in recent years and with the nominally one of the controllers, Jullum (Norway) in 268 sec (2 to Antti Rusanen (Finland), followed time. Croatia took the bronze medal long-term GB resident, JK being held in Scotland also acted as starter for the World incorrect). Tomas Lestinsky (Czech by Stig Gerdtman (Sweden) and with the Great Britain team of Ian as National Controller in 2012, many experienced Championships, timed control Republic) was the only competitor Ebright dropped down to third. Ditchfield, John Kewley and John for forest matters. orienteers were already official for the following public race, who completed the course with no Britain’s Ian Ditchfiled and John Crosby finishing in 7th. relatively locally to the areas: a were able to offer accommodation committed to other activities. Trail flag raiser at the medal ceremony errors, but his time of 278 sec was Kewley both scored 18 points on After inspecting a number of mere 70 miles away in Aberdeen! for all the athletes and officials. O at international level needs lots and part of the arena demolition only good enough for 4th place. Day one, putting them respectively In the evening a gala dinner took suitable areas we decided to hold The rest of the main officials lived Almost all of the 97 competitors of helpers and Temp O is even party following the event! The best British result was Ian in 16th & 18th places. place at the Event Centre followed the main Trail O competition in hundred of miles away in the and their team officials from 23 more resource hungry. Our Temp Ditchfield in 337 sec (4 incorrect by traditional Scottish music and Tentsmuir Forest in the Kingdom of English Midlands or the South different countries including the19 O event used eight timed control Never let it be said that the controls). The trophy and prizes for In the Paralympic class the leading dancing. There was a very positive Fife. Tentsmuir, with its extensive West! As our Senior Event Advisor, wheelchair users opted to stay at stations, each with three helpers. orienteering top brass don’t get the first three in the Temp O were competitor was Ola Jansson reaction to the WTOC from the area of forested coastal sand the IOF appointed Jari Turto from West Park. Officials at the timed controls need their hands dirty. Amongst many presented in the evening during the (Sweden) with 18 points. With competitors. The Event Director dunes, was both highly technical Finland, an experienced member to be trained so procedures are very distinguished and experienced WTOC2012 opening ceremony. the same score but a slower time reported that, ‘someone from terrain and large enough to hold of the Finnish Trail O team and a Although we had less than two consistent. Each wheelchair user officials were past and present A civic reception for competitors was defending champion Dmitry every Federation thanked me for a both days of the main competition former foot O international. years to get the event up and must be provided with an escort by SOA chairmen, and five previous and officials was hosted at the Kucherenko (Russia), followed by wonderful competition, the courses, as well as the model event from running instead of the usual five, the organiser so we were going to British Orienteering chairmen, Anne Event centre by the Lord Provost of Pekka Seppa (Finland) with 17 the accommodation and the friendly the same Assembly area. There Changes tightening the IOF by June 2011 maps had been need about 20 escorts. Even those Braggins, David Peregrine, Chris Dundee who presented the prizes. points. help and atmosphere’. Many thanks was also an existing foot O map qualification rules for athletes produced, draft courses planned competitors who bring their own James, Richard Spiers and Neil to all who made the event possible.

24 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 25 warnings of debris on the area and not placed on tracks but needed the worst areas were made out of the interpretation of subtle contour bounds, but Emily Benham was details. After a second map still immobilised by a length of wire exchange the courses headed into wrapped around her deraillieur. town and a killer climb to the finish Pippa Archer had a really good in the town square. ride after her earlier mechanical misfortunes to reclaim some of the Charlie once again proved her World MTBO lost places. Steph Fountain then dominance in the W50 category had a solid ride to bring the team in by winning Gold again and goes 17th place overall. home with an excess baggage allowance of trophies and medals. Ian Nixon started the Elite men’s Angela Brand-Barker despite a Championships challenge in 29th position. Andy frustrating ride made the podium The small, historic town of Veszprem in Hungary played host to the 2012 World MTBO Championships. For Douglas then had a flier to end in 6th. A fantastic 4 of the top 8 the first time Elite, Junior and Masters categories were all held at the same time and venue. 21 riders the second leg in 17th position places in the M40 went to GB represented Great Britain with the aim of emulating the recent success of their Olympic ‘cousins’. and Edwyn Oliver-Evans stepping riders. Pride of place went to a up from Junior to ride in the Elite delighted Andy Conn who won a brought the team home in 23rd. superb Bronze medal behind the With temperatures regularly we were not sure what other were not restricted to riding on Cocks added a well-earned silver Czech Rygl brothers. Killian Lomas reaching the high 30s, conditions challenges lay ahead! paths and tracks. Technical to her collection with Angela In M40 a strong team of Andy made the podium in 6th place to provided both a navigational & features located well away from Brand-Barker coming 4th and Conn, Al Powell & Killian Lomas overcome disappointment in the fitness challenge. The terrain used The opening day was the Elite line features were the norm. keeping her company on the looked all set to take another Relay. Emily Benham had a good was mainly a mix of Karst Forest & Junior Long qualifying races. Riders from a podium. In the M40 race Killian medal until an uncharacteristic ride in 9th position whilst Ed Oliver- and open grassland most of which Strong performances from Andrew background had the advantage as Lomas in 4th and Al Powell in 5th error by Killian, whilst in the lead Evans again showed his potential had been used as military training Douglas and Ian Nixon saw them it quickly became apparent that helped raise the podium profile of on the anchor leg, gave the Czech for the future finishing 22nd. Top areas. All of the venues qualify for Saturday’s A Final navigating by the contour detail British MTBO. Republic victory. Tony Brand- Elite was again Ian Nixon in 43rd were within a short drive whilst in the Women’s rather than the multitude of tracks Barker started the M50 challenge with Andy Douglas finishing in of Veszprem and Elite Emily Benham was going to produce the quickest with a nightmare ride by falling off. 51st. The private battle in the with map names like and Steph Fountain times. A superb ride by Emily A navigation error and a puncture M50 for top Brit once again went ‘Osku Minefields’ found good form Benham to finish second claimed ruled then out any chance of to John Rawden in 22nd place and ‘Veszprem to qualify. World the first ever medal by a GB rider Andy Conn victory for the M50s. Keith Dawson overall. Close packing saw the Battlefield’ MTBO debutant at Elite level, an outstanding heading for remaining four Brits finish between Edwyn Oliver- performance. Pippa Archer & Chris a Bronze and Stuart Norman did their best to 27th and 32nd. Evans, Britain’s Brand-Barker, also putting their medal make up time and they eventually sole junior orienteering experience to good finished 5th. The open team of As the week progressed it became representative, use, produced their best positions Duncan Archer, Patrick Higgins a point of honour to race for the Steph Fountain easily made of the week. Edwyn Oliver Evans and Chris Brand-Barker produced in action fastest split on the finish leg. Whilst came in 18th place to produce the the result of the day by finishing Chris Brand-Barker, Andy Douglas best ever result for a British Junior second against the ‘surplus’ elite and Patrick Higgins shared the man. riders from other countries. GB men’s honours, Steph ‘Usain’ Emily Benham Fountain, beat ALL the elite The Masters, who so far had The final day had a little bit of at the start of everything except hills. Fortunately women at 3 of the races! Now do it been enthusiastically cheering Relay Angela Brand-Barker, Killian Lomas & Charlie on all of the other legs! the elite from the sidelines, finally Somers-Cocks at the Sprint presentation the temperatures were not quite got their chance on day 3 in the a mix of urban and woodland on the big screens. There were a Middle distance race. The area The men’s elite once again saw navigation saw a long technical few tense yet exciting moments! was billed as ‘The Tough One’ Ian Nixon leading the Brits in 54th descent to an urban finish in the Brothers Al and Ifor Powell largely because there was a position with Andy Douglas, Chris resort village of Balatonalmadi. completed the podium positions lot of . The first half Brand-Barker and Patrick Higgins Despite being a net downhill taking 5th and 6th respectively. of the courses went through fighting it out for the remaining course we were not spared a few Super rides from all and a proud a well-defined path network Relay positions. With the potential steep climbs in between. The moment to hear the National in beech forests, but about half of good results in the Masters format provided fast and furious anthem played not once but way through they broke out into Relays later in the week the Middle racing with some very close twice. The M50 race did not the open to be met by the usual race was also nominated as the times. provide any podium positions but ‘crunchy’ dry grass and small selection race for Team GBR. In was keenly fought within the GB blackthorn seedlings awaiting the M50s Keith Dawson produced Charlie Somers-Cocks finally team. John Rawden took team the final despite giving the unprotected! The final legs the best performance beating Tony overcame an Australian rival, honours and only 30 seconds away almost four years presented riders with a little bit Brand-Barker by 14 seconds with Carolyn Jackson, who she had separated John from Graham to some of his rivals. of urban O before a circuit of the Stuart Norman completing the never beaten to take the Gold Fielding and Tony Brand-Barker. M50 Sprint Map football pitch and into the finish team. With Killian and Al proving medal. Angela Brand-Barker also With the Long qualifiers field. Once again the temperatures their worth by reaching the podium had a superb race putting her ‘Osku Minefields’ hosted the out of the way it was were more suitable for sitting in it was left to Andy Conn to beat recent urban foot O experience to Relay races, another wide a change of focus for the shade with a cold beer than Ifor Powell and claim the final good practice to take the Bronze open area of grass and scrub as high and there was a pleasant Overall it was a superb the Sprint. The area of eyeballs out racing. place. Edwyn once again had a top medal. The M40 race provided woodland with a high risk of cooling breeze. The first part of week for British riders open grassland had an 20 placing. 3 of the 6 podium places. Killian punctures. The hottest day so the course headed out into the and a record medal extensive network of On a day that saw a number of Lomas improved on his Bronze far saw temperatures reach 43C forest before breaking out into haul. The team won 3 motorcycle tracks carving riders retiring with mechanical Thursday saw a rest day for Elite & medal of 2011 to take the Gold with little shade on the courses the open area that was used as Golds, 2 Silvers and 2 up the area. Unlike problems, team GB acquired its Junior riders but the Masters were medal. His ride was followed and dehydration was always a tank training area. In the open, Bronze medals as well many of the areas used second silver medal of the week. once again in action, this time at keenly by the rest of the team going to be a problem. The the orienteers again had the as achieving 6 minor in previous years, riders 2011 Champion Charlie Somers Sprint distance. A high start with watching the live gps tracking ex-military training area had advantage as the controls were podium placings. Congratulations to the team. Report by Tony Brand-Barker, MTBO Coordinator Photos by Steph Fountain & Richard Schumacher Full results can be found on www.mtbo.hu/mtbwoc2012.php/lists

26 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 27 Day 5, course 2, leg 5-6 Planning The big choice was North or Strategy at South of the largest lake, But Croeso if North how much to use the by Mark Saunders road? And if South, which way around the subsequent Croeso 2012, the Welsh 6 Day, When I first saw the map smaller lakes? Again route

Croeso 2012 Credit David May ended with the largest British and visited Llynnoedd gadgets shows lots of Urban race to date, held in and Teifi, I realised that like options, with those either around the Aberystwyth University many open areas it was going South of the main campus. Many other records were not going to be a hugely lake tending to be faster or broken too – the pre-entered list of 2055 competitors made Croeso the difficult area to orienteer if North, going immediately largest event ever held in Wales in on. The visibility on a North to pick up the road for terms of runs. Nearly 800 overseas typical summer’s day in a large part of the leg. competitors from 24 different Wales, lack of lots of really countries – the largest contingent fine detail, and presence day 5, course 2, LEG 5-6 The nature of the terrain being the 113 Swiss - made the of plenty of big distinctive meant that route choice week a truly international one features – marshes, lake, wasn’t simply one of round too. One notable competitor was Credit David May hills – makes relocation or over. Long but featured ex-World Champion Yvette Baker, fairly straightforward. slopes meant that some back home for a short time from her adopted New Zealand. interesting legs across the However I did think that it slopes were possible.

Good weather for the week banished Credit NGOC gave far more scope than the organisers’ fears about unusable most areas for some long Day 5, course 1, leg 14-15 car parks and miserable orienteering legs and some interesting There were all sorts of on the predominantly open hillside route choice. So once I had options as to how quickly to terrain and, by all accounts, the worked out likely starts – Day 5, course 1, leg 14-15 descend. Many contoured week was a huge success. The driven as ever by needs of at various heights having experimental competition format shorter and junior courses of four Long races and two Middle Day 4, passed to the South of the races (one being Urban) proved – my focus was very much course 3, uncrossable marsh/open leg 3-4 popular too, as also was the on making the most of water. Sander Vaheer ( M21 organisers’ emphasis on extra value those aspects. winner) went down to the orienteering. dam and then contoured. The first thing I looked at Whilst others went even Not only were talks, entertainments, was planning some long lower down to the fence line quizes etc staged during the week, legs. I appreciate that these / path before coming back but the Croeso Co-ordinator Dave are not necessarily always up to the control. Brodie, also found time to design a Photo-O competition centred on the to everybody’s taste. The town of Aberystwyth which nearly danger of course is that It wasn’t just about the long half the competitors tried. they become boring – just legs, I wanted to provide left or right, dead running route choices on shorter legs Some 500 competitors were following a path or simply as well, and even to the very accommodated in student rooms sighting some feature in end of the course if possible. Credit NGOC in the University campus itself and the distance and running another 400 camped on school to it. However given that it Day 4, course 3, leg 12-13 playing fields just across the road, is relatively rare in the UK giving the event a hugely sociable The lower (West most) these days to get courses crossing point and atmosphere. ay id M av with long legs – many contouring around was D it areas not easily supporting quickest. d e r them – I felt it would be an C << Fraser opportunity missed not to Day 4, course 3, leg 12-13 Of course route choice Stephens include some. wasn’t the only thing I was Behind the scenes of taking the time to look at concerned about. As with The overall shape of Croeso 2012 We were, even then, taking proved large This was a bold Distance races (one more left out of 3, passing to I did try to make them as the whole leg, before rushing any set of courses, I was went through many gestations on board the fact that many enough, and change to make and of which may be an the West of the uncrossable interesting as possible, with off. trying to provide variety, over the three+ years beforehand. competitors were finding that good enough, one which could end Urban race)” – 27% marsh before crossing the multiple choices along the changes of direction, A note from the Croeso minutes of many multiday events consisting to stage two in tears if competitors strongly agreed with road? way. For example: I was also keen that short as well as long legs. May 2009 said: only of Long Distance races were Long days. The voted not to come as a this and a further competitors had the chance Diagonal legs across the proving too tough, including even programme was now result. 40% agreed. The routes drawn on route Day 4, course 3, leg 3-4 to experience all the different hills as well as contouring “The following areas are the previous year’s Croeso in crying out for another Some 13% were in gadget show that all these The big choice was how parts of the area. Thus most legs etc. And as with any provisionally selected for follow 2008. We wanted to break the shorter day to provide some So, how did it go? Firstly, Croeso disagreement. options and many more high to cross the East-West courses went into the wilder planning exercise there are up investigation: mould and introduce some variety balance, with the aim of having a 2012 had a record entry of were taken. Out of interest valley two thirds of the way feeling area north of the the inevitable compromises • aberystwyth University for into the programme. Spurred on diet of Long/Long/Middle, rest, over 2000 with some 800 from As ever, there are the evidence from the splits along the leg. But if around road on Day 4 – and great – particularly when planning Sprint /short distance race by the success of the Urban day in Long/Long/Middle. But where to overseas. Secondly, a post Croeso some who prefer suggest that crossing the the head of the valley, what for diagonal legs across the lots of courses, even more (4th or 5th day) the 2006 Zermatt 6 Day, we were find the other Middle day? survey had 438 responses which the traditional big valley high up was the then? Left or right of the hill? grain of the terrain. Similarly so when using the same • carn Owen (Long) determined to use the excellent included the following: diet of six Long best option. From talking And if right of the hill, how the lakes themselves are very area and assembly two • Teifi Pools – potentially two terrain of Aberystwyth in some There are excellent dune races, but the to people after the race, a high do I cross the shoulder beautiful, and particularly as days running. But from the days (1 Middle, 1 Long) way and the final programme used areas in the vicinity, but these • “The programme was survey clearly number of people said they of the hill? Similarly if you a holiday event I wanted as feedback I have received • gwanas - Long it for the Urban race on the last were either too small or had enhanced by the inclusion of demonstrates were caught out because decide to cross high up by many people as possible to people seemed to enjoy • Tir Stint/ Tan y Gader – 1 or day, providing a superb climax to environmental constraints on the Urban race in Aberystwyth” a significant they hadn’t spotted the big the reservoir, what is the best see them. Whilst the legs themselves. Rule no 1 for a 2 days Long the week. them, so we returned to the – 43% strongly agreed with appetite for decision – across the valley way to get there? South which went across the lakes successful planner – make • Reserve area - Nant y Arian idea of using Hafod, the site of a this and a further 27% variety in multiday or around – until they had via the small paths to the probably had more dead sure the weather is nice! The draft programme from 2009 previous Welsh Middle Distance agreed. Only 10% were in programmes. gone too far – and were road before heading South running, I still tried to ensure Stand by areas to include: underwent other changes too. Car Championships. So now we had disagreement. Something for the effectively committed to West, passing to the West people had decisions to • hafod parking problems meant that we our programme: four Long days, • “A future Croeso should retain Scottish 6 day to going down and up. An of the smaller reservoir? Or make. • Pumlumon” had to scrap Carn Owen, despite one Middle and one Urban (with the programme of four Long illustration of the importance ponder perhaps? perhaps immediately turning having mapped it, and Teifi Pools Middle Distance winning times). Distance races and two Middle

28 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 29 National Office: British Orienteering 8a Stancliffe House, Whitworth Road, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2HJ Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm Second list of Championship Awards for 2012 Tel: 01629 734042 Fax: 01629 733769 Contacts e-mail: [email protected] Congratulations to the following who are eligible to claim a Championship award as a result of their efforts in the JK (days 1,2 and 3), the British Night Championships, the British Sprint Championships, the British Middle Distance Championships, the British Long Distance Championships and the Midland, Northern and Scottish Championships. National Staff: Group Chairs: Development Team Chief Executive: Fixtures: Mike Cope Development Manager: As it stands at present Alice Bedwell (W50), Geoff Ellis (M35) and John Britton (M60) have obtained Championship standard in all 10 Mike Hamilton 01423 868545 Edward Nicholas events. There are no classes for the under 16’s at the British Night Championships so Rachel Duckworth (W10) and Sarah Jones e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] (W16) as well as Anne Straube (W35) and Peter Gorvett (M65) have missed out in one eligible event. Accounts Manager: Map: David Olivant National Participation Manager Jannette Blunden Tel: 0115 9872083 (Participation Manager -North): e-mail: [email protected] Steve Vernon Men Women Event Manager (2 days): [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] M10 Matthew Gooch MAROC, Finlay Johnson SROC, Louis Macmillan W10 Lizzie Stansfield FVO Helen Errington Participation Manager (South): ECKO, Peter Molloy FVO W12 Sarah Duckworth DVO, Ella-Rose McCartney OD e-mail: [email protected] Useful Contacts: Richard Barrett M12 Daniel Weaver DEE W16 Hannah Cleary-Hughes LOC Event Manager (3 days): Anti Doping: Mike Hamilton e-mail: [email protected] M14 William Louth WAOC W18 Rhona McMillan MAROC Dave Peel e-mail: [email protected] Participation Manager (East): M16 Harry Butt SARUM, Thomas Wilson CLYDE W20 Bryony Harding HH, Cerys Jones AIRE e-mail: [email protected] British Orienteering Website: Natalie Shaw M18 Sam Mitchell SBOC W21 Laura Daniel SYO, Mhairi Mackenzie WCOC, Kirsten Strain EUOC Marketing Manager (3 days): e-mail:[email protected] e-mail: [email protected] M21 Duncan Archer CLOK, Rob Baker SYO, Richard Guillaume SYO, W40 Heather Hartman INT, Jen Leonard FVO, Mary Ross INT Caroline Povey Badge Claims: Chris Boycott Participation Manager (West): Jegor Kostylev INT W45 Liz Campbell WAROC, Heather Fellbaum MDOC e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] National Talent Manager: Caroline Gay M35 Peter Tryner SYO W50 Elisabeth Dickson BAOC, Sue Harding SROC, Lindsay Knox RR, British Schools’ Orienteering Association: Sarah Hague e-mail: [email protected] M40 Ben Stansfield FVO Karen Nash SROC Melanie Elkington e-mail: [email protected] Community Orienteering Development Officer M45 Mark Adams HH, Nigel Bunn TVOC, Steve Dempsey MDOC, Jon W55 Jane Anthony SROC, Elizabeth Hindle LOC, Janet Nisbet ESOC, e-mail: [email protected] National Talent Development Coach: (East Midlands): Hateley DEE, Alan Irving WCOC, Graham Watson AIRE Linda Pakuls GO, Anne Salisbury WAROC Child Protection: Mike Hamilton Jackie Newton e-mail: [email protected] Pauline Olivant M50 Graeme Ackland INT, Martin Bagness WAROC, Michael Billinghurst W60 Liz Godfree DVO, Miriam Rosen SROC, Sheila Strain ELO e-mail: [email protected] Environmental Officer: Peter Brett Tel: 0115 9872083 WCOC, Robert Lee INT, Mark Seddon SELOC W70 Jean Rostron POTOC, Louise Wilson BL Office Administrators: e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] M55 Derek Allison LOC W75 Pat Spoonley DEE Janine White, Jessica Gouge & Cerianne Dengate Fixtures Secretary: Paul Caban Regional Community Orienteering Coach M60 Dave Armitage GRAMP, Tony Davies SELOC e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] M65 Dudley Budden BOK, Phil Smithard KFO (Yorkshire and Humberside) Lake District Access Officer: Carol McNeill Dan Riley M70 Chris Lates BL, Brian Morris WRE, Brian Shaw SYO, Barrie Speake Directors: e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07796 886974 EBOR, Robert Verity DEE Chair: Lyn West Scottish National Orienteering Centre Community Orienteering Coach M75 Tony Noott BOK Tel: 01206 322905 Tel: 01479 861374 (Northern England): e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Hamish Willis Chief Executive: Mike Hamilton BMBO: John Houlihan Tel: 01706 210642 Championship badges and certificates are available from Chris Boycott, e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Woven cloth badge £1.50 e-mail: [email protected] 13 Dawlish Avenue, Stafford, ST17 0EU, on receipt of the relevant fee (cheque Philip Baxter Age (e.g. M60) flash £0.50 Regional Development Representatives made payable to British Orienteering) and an appropriate SAE (A4 size with a Tel: 028 9263 9841 Committee Chairs: Certificate £0.50 e-mail: philip.baxter@ britishorienteering.org.uk North East (Northumberland, Tyne and Wear): Large letter postage stamp for certificates). Neil Cameron Coaching: Lynne Walker John Crosby Tel: 01684 294791 Tel: 01808 511425 Tel: 01670 736242 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Congratulations to Scott Fraser (INT) and Claire Ward (ESOC) who are Scott Collier Development: Ian Webb North East (Durham, Tees Valley): National Rankings both number one in the British Rankings as of the 31st August 2012. Tel: 07791 564449 Tel: 07870 938295 Mike Hardy e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01287 624521 [email protected] Position Men Club Points Bob Dredge e-mail: [email protected] Events and Competitions: Scott Collier (acting) Scott Fraser in Tel: 07974 089335 Northern Ireland Development Officer: 1 Scott Fraser INT 8078 action at the JK e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07791 564449 Helen Baxter 2 Murray Strain INT 7932 Judith Holt [email protected] Tel: 07701 018037 Tel: 01629 582325 International: Martin Ward e-mail: [email protected] 3 Mark Nixon EUOC 7915 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0114 220 9553 Scotland Development Officer: David Maliphant 4 Oliver Johnson SYO 7866 [email protected] Hilary Quick Mobile: 07708 252083 5 Richard Robinson NOC 7846 Trail O: Dick Keighley Tel: 01479 861374 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Martin Ward - Vice Chair Tel: 01258 860935 6 Hector Haines AIRE 7846 Wales School Liaison Officer: Tel: 0114 220 9553 [email protected] Mair Tomos 7 Peter Hodkinson NOC 7842 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01286 830 142 John Woodall 8 Dave Schorah DEE 7841 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0115 921 1567 9 Kristian Jones SBOC 7835 e-mail: [email protected] 10 Alasdair McLeod EUOC 7831

Position Women Club Points 1 Claire Ward ESOC 7546 2 Catherine Taylor CLOK 7455 3 Tessa Hill HOC 7445 4 Sarah Rollins BAOC 7413 Saturday 9th February 2013 5 Rachael Rothman SYO 7403 Tankersley Woods, Sheffield 6 Helen Bridle ESOK 7384 The event will be hosted by SYO and is 7 Riina Kuuselo OD 7366 twinned with an SYO Middle Distance 8 Hollie Orr CLYDE 7328 event, also to be held at Tankersley The full Rankings list can be found at Woods, on Sunday 10th February 2013. 9 Anne Edwards TVOC 7226 www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/rankings www.britishnightchamps.org.uk

10 Heather Gardner SROc 7206 Credit Rob Lines

30 Orienteering Focus - Autumn 2012 More People, More Places, More Podiums (MP3) 31 32