In This Issue

IN THIS ISSUE: British Championships JK Festival of Orienteering 40th Anniversary Celebrations Club of the Year Training with Jamie Stevenson Permanent Orienteering Courses - information wanted British Orienteering is planning to give more information about Welcome... Permanent Orienteering Course locations on their new Website Before we can do this we need up to date information about where the courses are. All clubs have been sent a letter and the new ... It’s been a busy time for orienteers since the last edition POC registration form for completion and return to myself. I have of Focus. Our premier events have taken place and the had some replies, but need more. The new form is available on the 2007 British and JK Champions have been crowned forms page of the British Orienteering website. – Congratulations to all. The JK and British were both blessed with bright sunshine and feedback received from members Celia Watkinson (RDO SW) has been extremely positive – a testament to the volunteers Email [email protected] who make them happen! Full reports can be found inside. SOA Appointment If you have any feedback or reports for future editions please email [email protected] From the 1st May the SOA’s Assistant Professional Officer Hilary Quick will become full time. Hilary will be working for the Caroline Povey SOA/Scottish 6 Day, and will be taking on the running of the Marketing Manager National Orienteering Centre at Glenmore Lodge as well as extra development work. Hilary can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by tel 01479 861374 NEW World Class Start and Potential Programmes Manager I have come all the way over from and 2007 and subsequently as Australia’s Head Australia to join British Orienteering’s Coach and High Performance Manager for 2007. One of the highlights for me was being involved as World Class Orienteering team. I will team coach when Hanny Allston won Australia’s first be managing the World Class Start ever gold medal at the Junior World Orienteering and Potential Programmes for British Championships in 2006 but equally as rewarding Orienteering and I’m looking forward was helping other team members fulfil their ambitions of making ‘A’ finals and attaining top3 0 results. to helping to develop Britain’s future orienteering stars. In February of this year I saw the positions of managers for the World Class Start and Potential Orienteering has been a part of my life since my programmes advertised on the British Orienteering earliest memories and in Australia I developed website and recognised them as an opportunity far as an athlete through the junior programmes to too good to pass up. Around six weeks later my the national junior team (JWOC 1999, 2000) and wife and I had packed up our lives in Australia and senior team (World Cups 2000, National Senior were on a plane headed to our new lives in England. Squad 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007). I also went I am very excited to be able to take up a position through a long period of rehabilitation from illness in British Orienteering’s well run and well respected after contracting Glandular Fever in 2001 and then World Class programme and I’m looking forward suffering from post-viral fatigue syndrome from to having a positive impact on the development 2001 to 2004. of many talented young orienteers. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all the Whilst struggling to train and overcome the post- current and future World Class Start and Potential viral fatigue I studied coaching and sports science athletes, their parents, individual coaches, tour at the University of Canberra and started to become coaches, managers, cooks etc. So if you see more involved with coaching and managing someone standing around in a British team tracksuit individuals and teams. I also became much more talking in a funny accent come and introduce involved with the administration of the sport taking yourself. a position as a Councillor for Orienteering Australia from 2004 to 2006 and then a Board Member I am also committed to reviewing and improving from 2006 to 2007. I also worked in a paid role for our junior programmes and would like to hear from Orienteering Australia as Executive Officer from anybody who has been involved in the programmes 2006 to 2007. and have suggestions as to how we can do things better. Please get in touch by emailing After developing my skills and experience as a [email protected] so I can take your coach and manager with local athletes and teams ideas into consideration. and through my studies at University I was selected as Australia’s national junior team coach for 2006 Gareth Candy

Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007  CHIEF EXECUTIVES UPDATE BY MIKE HAMILTON participate reflect the esteem that our major an event say twice every 4 years. This events are held in? Panel would take responsibility for the My recent visit to the 2007 ‘high level’ organisation and work with Action How can we host a major event that the Association or Club volunteers Jan Kjellstrom International everyone wants to take part in? who will continue to be the workforce Plan: on the ground during the actual event. Similarly I have become aware over the There are two major advantages to this last 15 months that we have practically approach, the Panel learn year on year Orienteering Festival was no processes or procedures in place for through practical experience and they agreeing responsibilities, roles, etc which can take responsibility for budgets and a) Agree the objectives for our I find quite surprising! I had assumed enjoyable, informative and staying on top of currents trends. major events there would be contracts between British b) Decide how we will measure challenging. I chatted with and Orienteering and the Association taking 3. Adopt a model similar to the Scottish responsibility for hosting the major event. 6 Day Company which has most of the success of the events These contracts would outline the ground the benefits of 2 above but also has c) Determine the most listened to a variety of orienteers rules for the relationship and clarify budget professional support for day to day effective way in which these procedures, risk management, roles and matters. objectives and success can and their views on the JK, responsibilities etc; unfortunately if such contracts exist I have yet to find a copy of There are probably other models that can be achieved. one. One could argue that having a trusting meet the needs of delivering our major orienteering in general and the relationship is the right way forward for a events however I am convinced we should We probably have some of the sport reliant on volunteers; I would respond first decide on what we are trying to achieve. best volunteers in the world, governing body. All without to that by stating that it is our responsibility Whatever we decide marketing should play as a governing body to manage our a more significant role in the organising let’s accept the challenge affairs properly and that includes taking of major events as these events are the and develop a system that exception agreed that JK07 was cognisance of the risks involved in the major ‘shop window’ of orienteering. Is there a will stage major events that events we are responsible for. In 2006 the ‘corporate’ image to the major events that everyone from the world JK and BOC had an expenditure of over British Orienteering franchises or does each a success; the weather helped of orienteering wants to £110k; the impact an error could have had event establish a new corporate image? is significant when one considers the total participate in and sustain the considerably, however the income of British Orienteering (not including Time is of the essence as commitments are quality year on year. Sports Council grants) was around £180k. already made for at least the next couple of years, let’s find the right forum and move organisation and terrain were Have your say at: So what is the objective of the debate forward at speed so that we can compete with some of the high profile www.britishorienteering.org.uk also singled out for praise. a major event? orienteering events held in Scandinavia. Is it: to increase participation at the event or in orienteering in general; to increase Major events, of which JK07 is addition to the natural evolution of public awareness of orienteering; to bring in a good example, are one of the technology, event strategies etc. sponsorship or commercial interests? Our aspects of the work of British I have no doubt that volunteers major events undoubtedly meet the needs Orienteering that I have battled to have a steep learning curve for of a percentage of the membership but have comprehend since taking up post. each major event and whilst word we gathered evidence that this is actually I appreciate it will take me a long of mouth, evaluation reports and what the majority of members want? As yet time to get a good understanding Major Events Conferences will help, I have no answers to these fundamental of how they are organised however it will remain a daunting task for questions and accept that major events are some significant questions already committee members. always likely to be a bit of a balancing act need answers. but I feel sure we could debate what we are From a British Orienteering trying to achieve with our major events and British Orienteering has fantastic perspective there are several key have at least a more informed view. volunteers who create excellent questions: what are the objectives It seems to me that we have a new major events but at what cost to for our major events and what organising committee for each event each themselves in time, finance and procedures do we have to agree a year and that this is quite different to most health? I’m sure the stress of events ‘franchise’ with an Association and sports where the expertise of staging major such as JK07 must take its toll how do we support them? events grows year on year with the bulk on health and relationships. Last of the organising committee remaining the year I heard comments such as “I Currently I am unaware of what same. I suspect this model may not be organised such and such an event we are trying to achieve with our appropriate to orienteering but there are so many years ago and never again, major events except to stage other options that could be considered. or at least not for … years, I need them successfully – whatever that to recover”. Is it good for the sport means! Perhaps we are in the 1. Continue the ‘franchise’ system as that we treat our key volunteers situation of measuring the success used currently but put in place a in this way? The very nature of of our major event against the more rigorous set of processes and major events is that organising number of mistakes rather than procedures committees will only stage an by what is positively achieved? Is 2. Develop a ‘National Major Events Panel’ event every 8-10 years and the success measured by the number which consist of a group of people personnel change in an Association of participants or the number of who have expertise in organising major is considerably over that period in overseas participants, or does the number of elite orienteers that events and are involved in organising

 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007  AGM REVIEW British Orienteering New Councillors Governance Review At the 2007 AGM it was agreed that the Governance Workgroup looking at the decision Annual General Meeting making and oversight structure within British Orienteering should continue their work with a view to taking recommendations to an Extraordinary The 26th Annual General Meeting The election of Officers and Councillors General Meeting in the autumn of 2007. of British Orienteering was held resulted in the following people being elected: President: Sir Christian Bonington, CBE Whilst there will be another the membership. Directors will on Saturday 7th April 2007 at the Vice President: John Disley, CBE edition of Focus before any hold post for three years and a Chairman: Neil Cameron (NGOC) EGM it is worth updating you maximum term of office of nine Speech House Hotel, Coleford. Vice Chairman Peter Christopher (WCH) on the thinking so far. You have years after which they will be 88 members attended the meeting Vice Chairman: Lyn West (SOS) the opportunity to consider the required to stand down. The Treasurer: Jenny Peel (SYO) recommendations and provide Chairman will be elected by the Jenny Peel – Treasurer Roger Hargreaves - and were asked to vote on seven Councillor: Chris James (NGOC) us with feedback through the Board and the CEO will sit on Councillor: John Morris (SO) I started orienteering as a junior Councillor governance@britishorienteering. the Board. proposals and the usual election of Councillor: Roger Hargreaves (KERNO) in SN and then ran for CUOC I only came across orienteering in org.uk email address. A Councillor: Ed Nicholas (EUOC) before joining SYO 15 years 1983 when my wife suggested that slightly modified copy of the Are there issues still to be ago. In that time I represented a family activity would be a change presentation made at the AGM addressed? Officers and Councillors. GB at junior and senior level from my weekends away taking part by Neil Cameron, Chairman of Yes, there are two issues that Various British Orienteering between 1983 and 2001 running in motor sport – mostly rallies – as British Orienteering, is available require further discussion; awards were also presented in 6 World Championships a navigator / co-driver. Our move to view on the web site and a the way in which the views of at the meeting: (WOC’s) and numerous other to Cornwall in 1979 cut me off from All seven proposals were agreed, these are competitions. My highlight mainstream rallying and after James copy can be sent on request and Associations are reflected to the in brief: Silva Award for Services to was my relay performances in arrived in ‘82 there was a need to receipt of a SAE at the National Board and whether Directors - The adoption of the audited accounts for 2006. Orienteering was awarded to three WOCs 5th, 4th and 5th, focus on the family. Office. should be elected to portfolios - That Messrs Barber, Harrison and Platt be Brian Parker (DEVON). a European bronze and a silver or be given portfolios after appointed Auditors for 2007. in the World Cup relays. I have That decision to visit Idless on a Why was the review election. In regard to the latter - Eight minor amendments to the Memorandum and been a coach for the GB team CATI in 1983 started it all off. We instigated? it is clear we need the best Clubmark Award - OD, BKO, at the last three WOCs and held Articles of Association. were hooked. As a civil engineer Councillors and officers were people available to be given the SOS, WIM, SN, SOC, BOK and positions as Club Secretary for - Amendment of the Articles of Association so that I knew a little about surveying and keen that we operate as opportunity for election to the MDOC have all been successful CUOC, joint Chair for SYO and nominations of candidates proposed for election got roped in to help with the early effectively as possible and Board. in achieving the Clubmark Award Chair of the GB Squad. With map of Penhale – albeit with a can be submitted by electronic mail. decided that a review was since last year’s AGM. my husband Dave Peel I have theodolite. Cornwall OC was of - Amendment of the Articles of Association to clarify needed. initiated the UK Cup Series, course the only club in Cornwall and What are the benefits? the status and relationships of Associations, Clubs, 3 series of MTBO events and my wife and I soon got involved with You, the members, know the Associates and Affiliates. Club of the Year was awarded organised the British Sprint organising, planning & controlling as What did the review find? Board has the authority to make - Amendment of the Articles of Association to to Octavian Droobers and was Championships. well as joining the committee. That our current system of decisions at the speed required establish the voting and guarantor status of received by Peter Guillaume. decision making, accountability by you and our partners the Honorary Members. Professionally I qualified 14 As the family grew older and more and authority is poor when Board is accountable for those - That British Orienteering Membership Fees for years ago following jobs with competent we travelled many miles judged against standards decisions and there will be Bonington Trophy for Services British Steel, Ericssons and 2008 will be as follows, (the figures for 2007 are in to events all over the country from used in the non-profit making greater clarity. It is envisaged that to Mapping was awarded to Jon Stanley Tools. My current role brackets): our base in Cornwall – 1000 mile sector. Since then the sports more high quality people will be Sutcliffe (PFO). is Director of Finance and IT for weekends were not unknown – so councils have also audited interested in becoming Directors Panache Lingerie Ltd based we do know about peripherality of National Senior Membership: £16.50 (£15.00) in Sheffield. In three years I our governance and found in a streamlined, less onerous Chichester Trophy for Amateur “remote” clubs. Accompanying all Local Senior Membership: £ 6.60 (£ 6.00) have helped the company of the children on squad weekends our decision making and but clear decision making body. Cartography was awarded to National Junior Membership: £ 3.85 (£ 3.50) turn a weak cash position and led me to take an involvement in oversight does not conform to This change will inspire our Local Junior Membership: £ 0.00 (£ 0.00) Robert Dove (SMOC). losses into a growing profitable the SW Regional Squad; notionally, standards of good practice. partners to have greater faith National Family Membership: £22.00 (£20.00) business. My expertise is making as a coach before all the current In essence the list of issues in British Orienteering as the organisations more efficient, Local Family Membership: £11.00 (£10.00) Silva Trophy for Professional requirements came into place. includes: poor accountability, Board system will stand up well improving processes and quick Associate: £16.50 (£15.00) Cartography was awarded to people unclear of their authority compared to best practice and decision making. Since then I have planned Club: £33.00 (£30.00) Roger Maher (SO). and responsibilities, very slow be seen to address current poor numerous events, controlled process for decision making, practice. It will also prove to be My vision for British Orienteering numerous at Grade 3, Grade 2 - That the British Orienteering Event Levies for is that our sport should be confusion over Council and more cost effective and both less Neil Cameron, British and I’m yet to get my first invitation Seniors and Juniors for 2008 be as follows: simpler and less complicated Management Committee demanding on Directors’ time Orienteering Chairman, went on to control at Grade 1. As for with a focus on innovative ideas responsibility, company directors and a better use of their time. At Local and District Events: to present the work completed organising beyond the club, my and making the best use of the recent memories are of the BNOC with legal responsibilities but I hope this provides you Seniors £1.20 (£1.10) and Juniors £0.25 (£0.22) so far by the Governance Work resources that we have. To do ‘99, coordinating BOC 2005 and unclear roles and responsibilities with an insight into the At Regional and National Events: Group, which is made up of Neil this we need to make it easier involvement in organisation of recommendations which will Seniors £2.40 (£2.15) and Juniors £0.50 (£0.45) Cameron, Mike Hamilton, Martyn to put on great events and keep some elements of JKs ‘97, ‘02,& What is being recommended? require member approval to Broadest (AIRE) and John Morris improving what we have. We ‘07. I’m also booked for Harvester A Board of ten Directors is come in to force. Rest assured For full details of the proposals, go to the AGM (SO). Further information can be need to attract more younger 2007 and Caddihoe Chase 2007. I established to take the place that the members will remain the people to the sport and that minutes which are available on the British Orienteering found in the “Governance” article. have been Chairman of SWOA for of Council and Management ultimate authority since you will requires change. I intend to help website. 3 years (2003 – 2006) and served Committee. Directors will have be able to vote down a Board to take our sport forwards. on Council as the SW Regional AGM Review written by Amy Sarkies - Executive Officer Administration the legal status of company at an AGM if you do not have representative from 2003 – 2007. directors and be elected by confidence in them.

 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007  40TH ANNIVERSARY Schanning who is still active and Ted Norrish (known as Droober within the school) from the Edward VIII School in Coventry were also there. All this activity soon led to the formation of the Celebrating English Orienteering Association in 1965. A team from England was sent to compete in the 1966 World Championships in Finland. The IOF was never quite the same again! Ten men runners - six for the individual race and four for relay were selected. On relay day the four runners who hadn’t had a run in the individual event were put forward. The team was told that they couldn’t do this as the relay runners had to come from the individual runners. It was pointed out that this was unfair and asked to see the rules. It was then that the Scandinavians admitted they didn’t have the rules written down, because they all knew them! All that was to change and they even finished up with a British woman President - Sue Harvey. Lasse Heideman, the Finnish President of the IOF at these championships finally recognised the claim for ‘natural justice’ and let the fresh runners race 40By Amy Sarkies - Executive Officer Years with a proviso - if the team got in the medals they would be pronounced non-competitive. Officials from the EOA (Brasher, Disley, Charnley, & James) and the SOA (Climie, Hewat, As one of the founding spoke about how the first JK Both British Orienteering and the JK Festival of Cruickshank, & Chapman) met in Dalbeattie in early 1967 and discussed and agreed a format members of the British came about. Extracts of these for a British Orienteering Federation. A sticking point in the negotiations was solved when Orienteering celebrate their 40th Anniversaries Orienteering Federation and speeches can be found below. the Scots led by Bob Climie were given an additional member on the executive board. This this year. In recognition of this, British as the second Chairman, constitution was presented at an English O.A. AGM later that summer, at Hamsterly, in County John Disley spoke about Both Neil Cameron and Mike Durham, the evening before the 1967 English Championships race. The motion to form the Orienteering and the JK organisers came the early days of how the Hamilton spoke about how British Orienteering Federation was passed and the race the following day was re-named the sport of orienteering came the sport of orienteering “First British Championships“. together to organise a celebration at the 2007 over to the UK and how had evolved and looked to JK. The celebration took place straight after the British Orienteering started the future of the sport. The out. Chris James, another speeches were followed by British Orienteering AGM in a marquee at the founding member of the British the cutting of a beautiful 40th CHRIS JAMES’ MEMORIES Orienteering Federation, Anniversary cake, which Jane Speech House Hotel, Coleford. The evening fourth Chairman and as Forrest kindly organised. Chris started with memories from June addition to the IOF of the previous USSR started with excellent speeches from John Disley, someone heavily involved in 1966 – the first English Championships that states in their own separate right. Having the organisation of the first JK, Thank you to all those involved. turned out to be the only one ever held! It been in contact with Bob Climie just prior to Chris James, Neil Cameron and Mike Hamilton. was listed in the fixtures as being within 50 the evening Chris was reminded that Bob in Km of Guildford. On entering one received his words had faced some rebels rousers in the joining instructions to report to Farnham Scotland that were overcome! - our coaching guru for the juniors for many from Kingston in Johns VW bus ‘borrowing’ Railway Station some considerable time years, whose school in Hazlemere helped to road-lamps from the various holes that they before ones allocated start time. Here Around the same time in 1967 the First Jan JOHN DISLEY’S MEMORIES spawn the Combine Harvesters. All these and passed. However they were very responsible, instructions were given to drive to Merchant’s Kjellstrom Event had taken place. Following many others including John’s Olympic Gold only removing one lamp in four. This was quite Hill School, Hindhead, the Assembly the sad death of Jan who had done much to The story starts where you want it to. It could Those early events in 1955 were not much of medallist colleague Chris Brasher who became an epic, for in those days council road lamps area. The event itself was held in the help us, John Disley had invited the Swedish be in 1898 in Bergen, Norway, with the first a success due mainly to having to use the 1” chairman of the English Association and later were paraffin - no battery ones like today, so Devil’s Punchbowl. Such was the secrecy Club Rotebro to visit Surrey to commemorate recorded public orienteering event or nearer to the Mile O.S. map. The problem was that it the first Chairman of British Orienteering found you could also smell your way in to controls. surrounding those early competitions. Jan. It was about two weeks before that home when John Disley first heard about was hard to find three ’features’ marked on the orienteering to their liking and stayed for a near The lamps were duly replaced and re-lit at their John had asked Chris to find an area, plan orienteering in 1949. His athletics coach, Geoff map that would make controls in any one grid- lifetime. original sites after the event. Remember that The prizes were presented by Sir John Hunt, courses, and help organise! A week later Dyson, had just returned from Sweden, where square. So one ended up setting a mini fell-race head-torches did not exist in those days just later to become Lord Hunt, the leader of the having failed to find area with permission he had been told by Sweden’s Chief National in a near vertical forest. John felt that he had a Incidentally how many people remember that small ‘flash-lamps’ - so the council lamps were successful 1953 expedition that conquered it was decided to hold a crisis meeting in Coach, Goster Holma, “That the life blood lot to learn about making orienteering enjoyable. in those embryonic days of the sport in Surrey worthwhile. The last control was in the public Mount Everest. He apologised to us all for Martin Hyman’s caravan at his Blackdown was being squeezed out of middle-distance At the back of his mind he felt that orienteering that the organisers often insisted that after bar of the White Hart Pub in Hindhead! It was having potentially held back the introduction Event in Sussex. It was agreed that we would track running in Sweden by some game called should be “character forming”. Yes, there were getting your map and marking it up, you sat at also the first time that the Royal Marine ‘squad’ of orienteering in the UK. He had stated that use the same area from the opposite end orienteering.” And Geoff gave him a Silva the 1:25,000 O.S. maps but they cost 8/6d a school desk and studied your best route for with Major Rod Tuck, Captain Jonathon orienteering as a sport wouldn’t work here. in the hope that no one would notice. Tony five compulsory minutes? Actually, this rule was compass that he had picked up on his visit. each in old money and no one was going risk Thompson and Lieutenants Wells-Cole and He was very impressed with all that he now Walker volunteered to plan the courses and thought necessary in the south, as the many Mike Wimpenny appeared. Rod became the It was ‘induction damped’, not liquid filled - a getting such an expensive map dirty and torn in saw at Hindhead and felt sure that it would the event successfully took place. museum piece now? a rough forest. So the attempt to establish this international athletes who turned up to run first British team-selector and manager. Mike now develop. So 41 years later we have new sport of orienteering was put on the back - Chris Brasher, Gordon Pirie, Roger Bannister, Wells-Cole became, with Geoff Peck, our first proved him right. In the summer of 1967 Chris had moved to Then in 1953 while spending a couple of days burner until in 1963, when Mr. Rank marketed a Martin Hyman, Bruce Tulloh , Tim Johnson world-class orienteers. Sadly Mike was to be Scotland. He had helped John with Fixtures outside Stockholm before an athletics match, black and white plain paper copier machine. - were just like ’race-horses’ . If you shouted struck down by a virus that attacked the heart John joined in an orienteering race - his fellow “GO” they set off at a blinkered gallop in the after a short flu-like illness. Chris’s own memories now moved to March since 1965, became the English fixtures competitors were women student PE teachers. By that time John had left Plas y Brenin direction that they just happened to be facing! 1967 when the 1966 Scottish Championship Secretary and in due course the first British Most of them beat him. He could run twice as and was working as a PE Organiser for But those athletic personalities that John had At the same time in the North West, Gerry were held in Dalbeattie Forest. Chris Fixtures Secretary. The SOA welcomed Chris fast as them but they knew where they were Surrey County Council - and they had Rank persuaded to come to his early events, gave Charnley formed Britain’s first specialist remembered doing rather well in the event as their first Fixtures Secretary so pulling going! It wasn’t looking for an excuse but he Xerox Copiers. It is doubtful if the Education orienteering fantastic publicity in the press and orienteering club - South Ribble O.C. It even if he had only been running since the together the programmes across the whole might have said that he was confused by the Department ever got the credit for funding the radio. was actually an off-shoot of the South previous year! However he could not be UK. To again quote Bob Climie – Chris 400 degree compass they lent him. But what hundreds of copies of orienteering maps, that Ribble Mountain Rescue Team,- after being declared as the Scottish Champion; that Brasher as the Federation’s first Chairman he did understand was that this was a sport enabled Orienteering to get started in the south- Gordon Pirie, Olympic medalist and British encouraged by the enthusiasm shown for accolade went to someone placed lower did a very good job at leading and placating that the British would love - running, in beautiful east, nor for allowing their schools in the Surrey record holder for the 5,000m., at his first try at the various events that had been held since down the results. all in that first year. environments, with a map. Someone once wrote Woods to be used on Sundays for assembly orienteering, took off into the woods around November 1963 in his area. Gerry and his “It’s like doing the Times Cross-word puzzle areas for events - schools like Peaslake, Peaslake in Surrey, and returned two hours mates from the Preston area had got their John had already referred to the meeting on Chris concluded that at Easter 2007 that he whilst running for a train”? That was exactly, Holmbury St Mary and Coldharbour. later having only found one control. It is thought first orienteering experience up in Dunkeld the previous evening to establish the format is still involved in moving British Orienteering what many were looking for - intelligent running. that he had the young John Rix in tow. He only in Scotland where the Swedish ‘missionary’ for the Federation and Chris reflected that forward after a difficult period. Since his day Back in Surrey teachers were recruited and found his way back to Peaslake School by Baron Rak Lagerfelt was planting the seeds the British Sports Council had effectively as Chairman in 1975-78 there were so many Two years later when John went to work at encouraged to bring their pupils to John’s knocking on the door of a cottage and asking of orienteering in a very fertile land. He found dictated the twelve Regional structure that external factors not present in 1967. He was Plas-y-Brenin, in Capel Curig, he had his first events. That is how our dearly loved and now for directions! But Gordon, who hated loosing the Scottish Council of Physical Recreation we have today. It was also the case that the very glad to have made his own contribution opportunity to try out this sport on others. He lamented Peter Palmer, became involved in at anything, went away and learnt how to map and the Scottish Tourist Board very welcoming IOF would only accept a British Federation both in the early days and now. There was had captive students at the Centre for a week our sport, he was the geography master at read. A month later he was winning races by to this new sport. This initiative had started in into membership rather than Home certainly the need for continuity but very and a forest just across the river. Each week Rydens School, Surrey. Also becoming involved 15 minutes. 1961 and 1962 and out of these initiatives the that summer another batch of ’students’ were was Chris James working in Kingston upon Scottish Orienteering Association was born. Countries for fear that the USSR might much the need to move forward in the next encouraged to try this new sport. They were Thames who in turn recruited student Tony A little later the first ‘night event’ on Hindhead attempt a takeover of the IOF by applying 40 years. sent out to find 10lb jam tins which John had Walker later to become British Orienteering’s Common was held. Lacking confidence in the Gerry Charley and John first met in Birmingham for each of its states to become individual painted red and white. first General Secretary and Martin Hyman competitor’s ability to find the flags in the dark, and ran a training course on the Lickey members. Of course in 2007 that situation Extracts by Chris James on behalf of John John alongside Anne Grant drove down the A3 Hills. John seemed to remember that Chris has dramatically changed with the welcome Disley & Chris James

 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007  DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT The 2007 Club of the Year

Octavian Droobers, the Coventry & Warwickshire Orienteering Club, (OD) Clubmark certificates were presented at the JK prize giving by Chairman, Neil Cameron to (from left) Sue Bett (SN), Christine Currie, won the British Orienteering Club of Colin Hicks and Di Smith (SOC), Lynn Branford (WIM) and Jenny Shaw, Rae Lomas, Margaret Gregory and John Britton (MDOC) the Year award this year in a very close competition between six clubs. British Orienteering safety sure that most orienteering guidelines, carrying out clubs already operate to these Peter Guillaume is shown receiving the Clubmark risk assessments) standards and could achieve trophy and prize cheque from British • Junior competition and the award, whether the club Orienteering Chairman, Neil Cameron, Congratulations to seven clubs coaching programme is in England or one of the at the AGM. which have achieved Clubmark (including club coach other home countries. Your accreditation in recent months: training, access to development officer will be able OD has had a very successful year, regular coaching and to offer advice and support. retaining the Compass Sport Cup, and Berkshire Orienteers (BKO), competitions for juniors) has employed GB Senior Team and Bristol Orienteering Club (BOK), • Sports equity and ethics The most recent club to gain OD member, Graham Gristwood, to (including clubs being the award, MDOC, had a work with schools in the Kenilworth Essex Stragglers Orienteering welcoming to people from group of four key people led area, run after-school orienteering Society (SOS), Manchester & all backgrounds, codes of by Rae Lomas who all took clubs, integrate school and club junior CLOK receiving CCPR Award with Sir Bobby Charlton and Richard Caborn - Photo courtesy of CCPR District Orienteering Club (MDOC), conduct) responsibility for finding the members at joint training sessions Southampton Orienteering Club • Club management evidence for the file and in this and coach the University of Warwick Tees Valley area and the fact that club junior partners, the volunteers within CLOK have (SOC), Southern Navigators (SN) (including junior Denise Harper way the work was shared and orienteers. OD used their own funds as well as membership is now one of the largest five in contributed to hundreds of people learning receiving the and Wimborne Orienteers (WIM). membership and entry the award achieved within 7 money from the Kenilworth Sports College and the country with over 60 school age junior a new sport.’ CLOK received a cheque for BKO Clubmark fees, a club junior months of starting along the the University of Warwick. British Orienteering members (along with BOK, HOC, DVO and £1000 towards their development plans. certificate from This brings to total of Clubmark orienteering committee or rep on the the mayor of road. NOC). clubs to 17 in England and 1 in Northern main committee, links with Blaenavon at the Peter Guillaume receiving the prize at the AGM from Neil Cameron I would also like to pay tribute to the three British Champs. Ireland. 24 more English clubs are working local schools and sports South Yorkshire clubs which were not awarded prizes and towards the standard along with hundreds of development units in the community, a club Orienteers was mention some important developments for clubs from 24 other sports. This is not a ‘tick development plan and ways of involving placed third with each club: box’ scheme; rather it is regarded as a way juniors in running the sport e.g. helping to their committee’s of demonstrating that a club operates to a run or plan events) enthusiastic Harlequins Orienteering Club (HOC) has minimum standard with regard to four areas: adoption of junior continued to gain members through its Whilst the criteria are specifically geared to development Malvern initiative which started in autumn • Duty of care and child protection (which sports clubs’ junior sections and the logo and local urban 2005, an excellent example of frequent and includes criteria such as child protection is designed to let parents, schools and orienteering at localised targeting of events in a limited area training and Criminal Record Bureau other youth organisations recognise that an the heart of their and the impact which this can have. disclosures for coaches, first aid training, accredited club is one which is well run, I am application. SYO has Stephen Cartwright (SOS Lead Coach) is presented coaches who are qualified and working to with the Clubmark certificate at the AGM long been regarded Mar Orienteering Club (MAROC) has regular as an ‘elite’ club club junior coaching sessions to which local with few juniors but school children are invited after they have BSOA MEMBERSHIP FOR 2007 that has changed sampled a school-based introduction to the NEW RDO Has your school renewed its membership to the BSOA? Renewal details were included with the significantly in the sport and many join the club. The club has I am delighted to be able to past couple of years also experimented with bringing the sport to last edition of “Focus” but it has been brought to our attention that some schools missed the letter. announce that Michael Chopping and the club is the people by holding local events starting We will be sending out reminders but please check if you still have the old “Focus” around. of Norfolk Orienteering Club gaining new family from a venue such as the village hall. Orienteering and “Step into The April edition of the Awards sport, provide fun activities on has been appointed to be the and junior members Sport” for Young Sports Leaders now a safe enclosed site and enable Development Officer for the and took second Newcastle & Tyneside Orienteers (NATO) has “Step into Sport” is part of the includes the “Orienteering them to assist as volunteers at development project money from the school/ place in the Yorkshire heat of the Yvette Baker re-structured its club management so as to run northern part of East Anglia Government’s PE and School Young Leader Award.” This is a school or local events. club links and the multi-day event funds also Trophy in 2006. affairs more efficiently and enables specialist covering Norfolk, Suffolk and Sport Club Link (PESSCL) six hour course that is split into The tutor pack available to helped. There is no doubt that the club’s working groups to oversee programmes and northern Cambridgeshire. Michael strategy. It focuses on Young one hour sessions for flexibility regular programme of local events (over 50 in OD, CLOK and SYO’s Club of the Year entries training for officials, coaches, mappers and schools costs £40 (£30 to is leaving the RAF and will start people aged 14 – 19 years of delivery and can be delivered BSOA schools) and is available the year) is an important factor in the club’s were all passed on to the CCPR National Club planners so that the club can put on a regular and aims to encourage them by teachers and other adult work for British Orienteering (part from British Orienteering. success. of the Year Competition. CLOK was short listed programme of events and coaching. to undertake an involvement leaders who have attended time) on the 1st June. Tel: 01629 734042 as one of six finalists for the award ceremony in sports leadership and a British Orienteering Level 1 Last year’s winner, Cleveland Orienteering Klub in London and finished joint3 rd. The CCPR Congratulations to all involved. volunteering that will continue (1 day) course. The course is Peter Bylett (CLOK), was runner up in 2007 and continues said that CLOK had shown commitment Hilary Palmer later in life. designed to enable students Chairman to catch the judges’ eyes as a result of the and dedication to improving their community Hilary Palmer, Development Manager Development Manager to coach the basic skills of the BSOA considerable outreach work to schools in the with sport. Working together with a variety of

10 11 British JENNY Championships Report by Joe Mercer

On the 5/6th of May this year some of the UK’s top runners travelled to Pwll Pinker had clawed back some more of OLI Du in South Wales to compete in the most pure of orienteering disciplines, the South Yorkshire lead the race was set up perfectly for newly crowned British the classic distance. Pwll Du offered a variety of challenges to competitors, Champion Oli Johnson to hunt down Neil combining remnants of mining activity with rocky moorland, with the longer Northrop and the Gold medal. Northrop did courses making use of both areas. Few will have been disappointed with the not surrender this position easily though and fine sunshine that bathed the open fell and intricate mine-works, allowing as the two training partners battled it out spectator-friendly viewing of runners as they flew down off the final slag heap they set the two fastest times for the course by some minutes. and into the assembly field.

As well as a part of the ongoing UK Cup clearly not a fair situation for the competitors league, for many of our country’s elite and in recognition of this the organisers runners the British champs forms part of took the decision to remove the splits for crucial race preparation for the upcoming the leg either side of the originally misplaced World Cup races in Finland and Norway. control. The races therefore promised to be closely fought as the elite runners ultimately Inspired by the previous weeks’ fine look towards the summer and the World weather, many competitors took the Championships, to be held in the Ukraine. decision to camp for the weekend. Despite a stormy night and a wet morning In the elite classes Sheffield-based Oli and competitors spirits were not dampened on Jenny Johnson cemented their positions the morning of as Britain’s most successful orienteering the relays couple, repeating the “double” they and several recorded at the JK earlier this year. Although teams were current UK cup leader Oli claimed he in contention experienced difficultly in finding “anything” for both the out on the course, he did not let this stand male and female premier in his way in recording the fastest time of race titles. The relay courses were the day on the men’s 21E course. Second confined to the mine-work region of the area placed Duncan Archer held the lead for a and were printed at an easier-on-the-eyes matter of seconds before Johnson arrived in 1:10 scale, a welcome change for many of the finish lane, chasing hard. He was closely the competitors struggling on a 1:15 the followed by Mike Sprot, who came in to take previous day. the bronze medal. Results: On the women’s course Becky Carlyle of Men’s Open Long On finishing Jenny Johnson admitted Edinburgh University set the pace on first (Length 14.1km, 360m climb, 32 controls) that prior to her race she had thought the leg, flowing smoothly through the complex 1st Oliver Johnson SYO 86:03 women’s distance was a little on the short contours, closely followed by Laura Daniel 2nd Duncan Archer CLOK 88:33 side and planned to run the course hard, of South Yorkshire. However, the strength 3rd Michael Sprot SYO 91:56 treating it like a slightly longer middle race. in depth of the South Yorkshire team soon Women’s Open Long Clearly her aggressive tactics worked showed as Jenny Johnson led them home (Length 9.2km, 245m climb, 18 controls) and she blew away the competition to victory by a margin of nearly 3 minutes. JOE MERCER 1st Jenny Johnson SYO 59:05 taking first place by an impressive seven Second placed were Sheffield University 2nd Karen Heppenstall CLOK 66:24 minutes. Second place was taken by Karen led home by Lizzie Adams, who recorded 3rd Kirsty Bryan-Jones (W35) FVO 67:12 Heppenstall of Cleveland and third by W35 the fastest time of the day for the women’s Kirsty Bryan-Jones of Forth Valley. relay course as she passed both Octavian Men’s Premier Relay Droobers and Cleveland first teams who had (Length 19.6km, 330m climb, 66 controls) Unfortunately the women’s race fell foul to settle for third and fourth respectively. 1st 118:59 SHUOC (Andrew Llewellyn, Marcus Pinker, Oliver Johnson) of a misplaced control that also affected 2nd 119:28 SYO1 (Michael Sprot, Nick Barrable, Neil Northrop) the M21L course. A few early competitors On the men’s course, teams from Sheffield 3rd 129:20 SYO2 (Richard Guillaume, David Sprot, Rob Baker) spent some time hunting for the control were equally dominating, however on this Women’s Premier Relay and were able to inform the race organisers occasion the University team got the better (Length 15.6km, 345m climb, 54 controls) who then set out to move the control to of South Yorkshire’s first and second teams 1st 126:05 SYO3 (Laura Daniel, Kim Buckley, Jenny Johnson) its correct position. This led to the bizarre to take the gold medal. A strong first leg 2nd 128:56 SHUOC (Hazel Tant, Elizabeth Britton, Lizzie Adams) situation of the control being punched while run by Andrew Llewellyn kept Sheffield 3rd 129:02 OD2 (Lesley Ross, Liis Johanson, Toni O’Donovan) on the move by a number of elite runners, University in contention and after Marcus

12 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 13 JK REPORT The JK Festival of Orienteering celebrated its 40th RELAY of terrain that all your orienteering Women’s Open Relay Results: Anniversary in style over the Easter weekend in Bristol and The final day of the JK was the skills were tested at one time or Length 15.1km, 280m climb, 65 the Forest of Dean. After last year’s successful invitation relay races with each club keen to another. It was a great weekend controls over 3 laps Sprint race, it was decided that the Sprint discipline should take home the honours. This year with a fantastic atmosphere and the relay was held in to win the JK for the first time at 1st: SYO – 105:03 become part of the main JK programme for 2007. The race its 40th anniversary made it really (Laura Daniel, Helen Winskill, took place at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Caerwent Military camp which special.” Jenny Johnson) Over 1000 orienteers competed with 224 men and 121 provided a fast and furious event 2nd: SHUOC – 107:02 women contesting the elite classes. The event was blessed that was spectator friendly. The Men’s JK Trophy Relay (Lizzie Adams, Elizabeth Britton, with blue skies and bright sunshine, which only added to area showed its military past with Results: Rachael Elder) bunkers, buildings and a railway Length 23.0km, 400m climb, 90 3rd: CLOK – 109:34 the fantastic atmosphere. The race was fast and furious with breaking up the undulating open controls over 4 laps (Aislinn Austin, Karen Heppenstall, intricate map detail and lots of route choice. The venue also ground. Pippa Whitehouse) allowed for some interesting locations for the controls. 1st: EUOC – 123:10 In the JK Men’s Open it was (Mark Nixon, Duncan Coombs, Edinburgh University (EUOC) who Oleg Chepelin, Scott Fraser) won the trophy. The team was 2nd: WING OK – 123:45 made up of Mark Nixon, Duncan (Allan Bogle, Stig Alvestad, Coombs, Oleg Chepelin and Audun Bjerkreimn, Ozstein Kvaal Scott Fraser. In the Women’s Osterbo) Open it was SYO who once 3rd: HALDEN The Vikings again triumphed with Laura – 130:52 Daniel, Helen Winskill and Jenny (Ewan McCarthy, Christian Schive, Johnson, making up the jubilant Bard Hauan Anderson, Eirik team. Hauan Andersen) Jenny concludes, “The four days of racing were in such a variety Credit: Elena JK2007 Chepelin The elite Men’s class was won by The men’s open class was won by Graham Women’s Open Long Results: Norweigen Oystein Kvaa Osterbo, 17 Gristwood who had a fantastic run to finish Length 10.3km, 355m climb, 28 controls seconds ahead of GB team mates Oli 18 seconds ahead of Oli Johnson and 24 1st Jenny Johnson SYO - 74:55 Johnson and Graham Gristwood who seconds ahead of Matt Speake. 2nd Helen Winskill SYO - 75:29 finished 2nd and 3rd respectively with only 3rd Pippa Whitehouse CLOK - 78:01 two seconds between them. Men’s Open Middle Results: Length 6.2km, 255m climb, 18 controls Men’s Open Long Results: In the women’s event it was Great Britain’s 1st 31:45 Graham Gristwood OD Length 15.9km, 620m climb, 32 controls Pippa Whitehouse who had an excellent 2nd 32:03 Oliver Johnson SYO 1st Oliver Johnson SYO - 91:14 run to win by a massive 47 seconds. GB’s 3rd 33:09 Matthew Speake EBOR 2nd Matthew Speake EBOR - 94:03 Jenny Johnson and Norwegian Elise Egseth 3rd Scott Fraser INT - 95:28 could not be separated and shared second Women’s Open Middle Results: place in a time of 11:34. Length 4.9km, 230m climb, 15 controls JK CHAMPIONS: Men’s Open Sprint Results: 1st 4.43 Rachael Elder CLOK To determine the overall JK Champions in (Length: 2.9km, 20 controls): 2nd 4.49 Jenny Johnson SYO the elite classes, the times from the middle 3rd 4.50 Elise Egseth WING O and long races are combined. In a JK first, 1st 12:11 Oystein Kvaa Osterbo WING O recently married Oli and Jenny Johnson LONG EVENT 2nd 12:28 Oliver Johnson SYO triumphed to take the honours. The final day of the JK individual races took 3rd 12:30 Graham Gristwood OD place in the stunning setting around New Men’s JK Overall Results: Beechenhurst forest combining runnable Women’s Open Sprint Results 1st Oliver Johnson SYO 123:17 - forest with rolling hills and steep slopes. (Length: 2.4km, 18 controls): Race 1 - 32:03(2) Race 2 - 91:14(1) The area showed the scars of its industrial 2nd Matthew Speake EBOR 127:12 - past with pits and spoil heaps making for 1st 10:47 Pippa Whitehouse CLOK Race 1 - 33:09(3) Race 2 - 94:03(2) an intricate area, which combined with an 2nd = 11:34 Jenny Johnson SYO 3rd Graham Gristwood OD 129:33 - intricate contour section proved demanding 2nd = 11:34 Elise Egseth WING O Race 1 - 31:45(1) Race 2 - 97:48(4] for many.

MIDDLE EVENT For the elite it was finally Jenny Johnson’s Women’s JK Overall Results: For day two of the JK the competition turn to take the honours, after two runner up 1st Jenny Johnson SYO 109:44 - moved to the beautiful Forest of Dean to an spots. Jenny ran fantastic to take first place Race 1 - 34:49(2) Race 2 - 74:55(1) area known as Swallowvallets. The forest 34 seconds ahead of SYO team mate Helen 2nd Helen Winskill SYO 111:51 - was lightening fast and the podium places Winskill and three minutes ahead of Sprint Race 1 - 36:22(6) Race 2 - 75:29(2) were split by seconds. In the women’s Champion Pippa Whitehouse. 3rd Pippa Whitehouse CLOK 112:57 - event only seven seconds separated the Race 1 - 34:56(4) Race 2 - 78:01(3) top three but it was Rachael Elder who In the men’s event Oli Johnson and Matt triumphed. Jenny Johnson and Norweigen Speake fought to the end but it was Oli who Elise Egseth repeated their battle from the triumphed to leave Matt in second. Scott sprint race with just one second separating Fraser took third place with Middle winner Full results can be found at: www.jk2007.org.uk them into 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Graham Gristwood in fourth.

14 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 15 EVENTS Chairman Neil Cameron presents Mike Forrest with the organisers award

the JK. We deliberately left web entries open as late as we could (23rd March was the Seaside Scramble By Nev Myers date we ordered overprinted map numbers), and ordered extra maps for late entries. When Steve Whitehead first roundabout and the finish location on problem – across or round. In this For the individual races, we had (for almost suggested Scarborough as a the slipway. case though, across meant through all courses) enough maps, but we didn’t venue for a sprint race, everyone the sea (which was deeper than have the manpower ready to process those immediately recognised its potential. Most of the big names made it it looked) so full credit to the first entries during the ten days before the event Having had lots of experience in through to the A finals and you two finishers on the mens A Final (as most people were by then quite busy planning the York Park Race, there could feel the tension building in (and others) who chose this route, preparing for the weekend in other ways), could be no-one better able to fully anticipation of the afternoon racing even though it was probably not so we had to close entries on Sunday 1st utilise its potential as an excellent in the South Bay. The location of the the quickest, it provided excellent April (four full days before the first race!), venue for a major event. Discussions start area for the finals drew a big spectator value. With the prizegiving and even that proved unpopular with some took place and the idea of making crowd of day trippers and proved on the beach, a good crowd stayed prospective runners. For the relay, we added this event the British Elite Sprint that this type of event is ideal for behind to applaud the deserving 10% more teams, and then another 10%, Championships, linked with the bringing orienteering to the public, winners - what better end to a but because we were accepting entries right British Elite Middle Championships rather than trying to take them out to memorable day? up until the Sunday, we ran out of maps became a reality. When Steve the forests. on most classes. This definitely requires secured permission to hold the event Everybody then looked to the Middle a substantial rethink, so that we properly and CLOK agreed to use Mulgrave A short loop round the ornamental Championships the next day in manage people’s expectations in future for the Middle race, the Seaside gardens before crossing the Mulgrave woods. Organised by Well, EMIT must be top of the list! Not, as years. Scramble weekend was on! footbridge to the South Bay cliffs, CLOK the event was well planned some would have me say, that I regret in the runners sped off into a complex and provided a challenging race. any way my decision to select EMIT ahead The last thing that didn’t go well was the The day itself dawned fine and sunny, maze of paths at different levels, The race took place in mixed terrain of SportIdent. It was primarily a financial preparation and posting of the programmes but with a cold sea-fret greeting with route choice and control flow that was physically demanding and JK07The Organisers Perspective decision, with EMIT (UK) offering a very and parking permits. Amongst all the other the early arrivals. The forecast said being at an absolute premium. The was concluded by a run in back up attractive financial package for JK 2007, tasks that needed doing, I did not give this it would remain cold and overcast tricky sections of the courses caught a steep slope. SYO rained supreme combining very low rental costs for the Well, it’s all over! JK 2007 was one the priority it required, which resulted on the coast, but the sun burned out many, including some of the with Oli Johnson and Helen Winskill use of their equipment, with substantial successfully delivered with a lot in everything hitting the post too late. So, through and hot and sunny weather most experienced, and the ultimate winning the event. financial assistance for the event. I also of sunshine and a very relaxed apologies to all those people with whom I remained all day. Being able to use winners were indeed worthy of being believe that it is imperative to the health atmosphere. A few people asked me had e-mail and telephone dialogue as you the beach for the assembly area called champions. Helen adds, “Following tough races of the electronic aspects of our sport that what I was going to do next, but such became increasingly concerned that the added an enjoyable dimension to the at the JK the previous weekend and there be competing systems, striving to be an undertaking will require some required stuff hadn’t arrived in the post. venue, with the distant views of the Jenny Johnson adds, “Racing round two sprint races the previous day, I the preferred system by offering the best recovery time before I get anywhere Also, I have to acknowledge, it would have Castle and the qualification race start Scarborough was fantastic – it was pretty exhausted standing on combination of facilities. near another orienteering project. been better for the parking permits to be adding to everyone’s anticipation of surpassed my expectations. A race the start line at the British Elite Middle bigger, and bear the word “PARKING” the days racing. that starts in a castle and has the Champs. The latter part of the course No, my regret is more to do with being My main feeling now is one of relief! As on them, which would have reduced the contrast of seaside hills and intricate was technically challenging with unaware just how many orienteers in the UK the weekend approached, I was sleeping number that got thrown away with the Steve had planned the qualification town centre lanes before finishing vague contour shapes and a lack are completely unfamiliar with EMIT. If I had less and less well as I worried about what I envelopes! What does seem clear, even in races utilising the slopes to the north with a confusing underpass onto of definite attack points. I was very realized, I would have made sure that we hadn’t done, what might go wrong and what these days of electronic communications, of the castle and the town centre. the beach is always going to be fun careful not to miss anything knowing set up better training, including a dummy I would do about it. However well organised is that people like to have a professionally The view as competitors ran through and that was just the qualifier! The that there was very little to relocate course for people to try out before doing you are, it always seems to get frantic printed programme to carry with them the arch just after the start kite was, afternoon’s final in the Victorian parks on near the control points. I could their competitive courses (as we did at the towards the end. Eventually the weekend during the JK weekend. We tried to link the I am sure, a surprise to many as above the South Bay proved better hear the commentary as I punched Peter Palmer relays in 1998), so that people arrived, and I decided that “If I haven’t done posting with the availability of start times, the whole of the North Bay was still with no-one choosing all of the the penultimate control, and ran hard had a better understanding of how it works. it yet, then it’s too late now!” In the end, which probably wasn’t necessary. spread out before them. Competitors best routes. The only thing that could for the line. It was great to know I also regret weakening on the use of the however, everything went really well, much returned expressing surprise and have improved my day would have that the hard work I’ve put into my touch-free controls for the sprint race. I am helped by the glorious weather, and the I’m still compiling the list of people who delight at the variety of terrain and been beating Pippa!” training since January was paying off in no doubt that it is the best equipment exceptional band of helpers, both the major helped to make the weekend a success. the quality of the courses, with many and I could look forward to the rest of for sprint races, but it is equally clear that officials and the army of day helpers who It has already passed 250, and I don’t yet being caught out by the complexity The route from the last control to the the season with renewed vigour.” we caused much confusion by the change turned out on the weekend, who were really have the data for the relays as Focus goes of the last control underneath the finish posed the usual route choice of technology (which, bafflingly, happened responsible for delivering such an excellent to print. Clearly, the final figure is going to at the last control of the sprint race, which weekend of orienteering. The disappointing exceed 300! Just to put that in perspective, needed punching). Although some of the thing was that I didn’t get out to run until that means that competitors had one helper correspondence has pointed out that JKs between ten for the weekend! The income the relays, although everything I heard MAP SECTION: 2008 and 2009 are not expected to use for the event will probably be close to Neil Northrop’s map suggested that the quality of orienteering BRITISH SPRINT RESULTS: BRITISH MIDDLE RESULTS: EMIT, they have clearly missed the fact that was nothing short of a £100,000, and our budget was to make a Women’s Open: Men’s Open: over whole weekend was excellent. masterpiece. It became a BOCs 2008 and 2009 probably will, as profit of £24,000. As you can see, I’m not (Length 2.6km, 15 controls) (Length 5.3km, 345m climb, 25 controls) they are being staged by regions for whom labour of love for Neil and, So, what are things that in the forefront of shy about this; the money helps to finance as each updated version 1st Pippa Whitehouse CLOK 15:54 EMIT is the chosen equipment (the NE of 2nd Jenny Johnson SYO 16:15 1st Oliver Johnson SYO 5:06 my thoughts as I try to sort out the final British Orienteering (who receives two-thirds was produced, the detail Scotland and SCOA), so we are all going to of the profit – but no levies) and the clubs and complexity of the area 3rd Rachael Elder CLOK 16:51 2nd Neil Northrop SYO 6:52 finances for the event with our treasurer? was revealed. have to get used to it! who staged the weekend. We will publish 3rd Scott Fraser INT 7:03 Men’s Open: full accounts and statistics as soon as they The first point to make is that none of them (Length 2.9km, 19 controls) Women’s Open: The second thing is an admission that I has very much to do with the orienteering are finalised. 1st Scott Fraser EUOC 15:43 (Length 4.3km, 280m climb, 23 controls) was completely caught out by the levels of – as I have said already, the races were 2nd Oliver Johnson SYO 15:56 1st Helen Winskill SYO 6:55 requests for late entries. I have been entries excellent, and the individual race days were Mike Forrest 3rd Murray Strain INT 16:26 2nd Rachael Elder CLOK 8:06 secretary for national and regional event 3rd Jenny Johnson SYO 8:48 well organized. The issues were to be found JK 2007 Co-ordinator before, but never for something as big as elsewhere ….

16 17 Issue 2 - Summer 2007

FOR JUNIOR ORIENTEERS

Inside this issue: JK2007 British Championships FCC World Schools Lucy Benham The Benham’s are a keen orienteering family and members of Sarum Orienteering club. Below we follow Emily, Jack and Lucy JK Festival through their weekend at the JK. of Orienteering

Day One – sprint race. Still the rest of the course thought I couldn’t run any more but I found one extra JK Sprint Race with Emily. went well, although the final uphill run in boost of energy, that I used to sprint into the finish. I was a killer!! collapsed onto the floor, I was so pleased that I had The South West Junior Squad and the reached the finish. I was pleased with my time as I Welsh Junior Squad were given the task So now to the most important part; what was within 6 minutes of Jonathon Crickmore who or co-ordinating the JK sprint race at the did I learn and how can I improve in the was the leader and I was currently in 3rd place. Emily Benham University of the West of England at the future? Running down dead ends is not Frenchay campus. My dad was asked wise; it costs you time and energy, and I now had a tense thirty minutes wait for the rest of to lead a team of people to manage the more importantly, places. It’s always the runners to come in. I went for a 10 minute warm starts, so naturally I was roped in! worth in sprint races, looking well ahead, down so I would have a good run on Day 3 of the not only will this improve your running JK. When I was on my warm down I was thinking it I’ve often thought that if you have a late style and posture but you may also see would be great if I could stay in 3rd place, and luckily start at a big event, when you stand on problems ahead before you meet them I did. the start line the start official, who tells and become stuck. The most important you to punch and which side the maps thing on the map is the thick black lines Day Four – are on, always sounds bored and robotic and buildings. If you see a route with a as if they have been saying the same thick line in the way, you won’t be able JK Relays with Lucy. spiel for years. I was given the job of to cross it, and you are likely to lose time All of us know that orienteering in the rain is not telling the starters to remember to punch here. Avoid complex building areas where quite the same as orienteering in the sunshine… so the start and pick up one map…..as if possible as the chances of you getting lucky for us, all the JK days were good and sunny! people would take more! But I said what confused are high. To improve, as my Caerwent, a disused army camp between Chepstow I was told to say not wanting to make grandfather always says…..practice, Jack Benham and Newport (Gwent), made a perfect setting for a competitor of Lucy. Lucy ran off for the middle leg a mess of the event. I did the first hour practice, practice. good relay day. The fast undulating open grassland and I prepared myself for another fast run. of starts and the last hour. The hour in with thick bramble, large banks partly surrounding between I was preparing to race and then Day Two – redundant ammunition bunkers, disused buildings I soon entered the waiting pen and then watched racing. Stood on the start line, I couldn’t JK Individual Races with and detailed woodland, was the fantastic venue. for Lucy going through the spectator control. As I help but laugh as being told to pick up waited for the change over, I heard announced on the one map sounded rather ridiculous! Jack. I really enjoy the atmosphere of the relays, it brings PA system that the gap between Lucy and Florence JK Day two was about to begin and clubs together and creates a strong team spirit and was only 2 seconds. This now meant I had direct The race was my 3rd sprint event, so I unfortunately I had a late start but as my it’s enjoyable to cheer other teams on from within competition against Victoria Stevens (who is normally am still learning the techniques required parents had an early start I had plenty my own club (Sarum). However, the pressure of not a competitor of my older sister and was 2nd overall to have a successful run. I never seem of time to calm my nerves. Every single letting your team down, especially if you know it has on the W18L the previous day). I knew I didn’t stand to be able to judge my speed correctly second I couldn’t stop thinking about the potential, tends to make me nervous as I see myself a chance but the best thing I could do was get my and try to push myself to run too fast, course. I didn’t know how to stop being as the weaker runner in the team. course right, keep running and stay focused, and so I make mistakes. Friday proved no nervous so I got my ipod out of the car towards my first control - as you would expect he that is what I did. In the end we came second to exception! I ran the women’s open and started to listen to “don’t stop me beat me to it but I tried my best! On my second Julia Blomquist, Lucy Butt and I made up one of AIREstyle. We were all really pleased. course which was 2.5km. The first half now” by Queen and “monster” by the control I found I had to jump over a river and into the the W48- teams. Julia ran first and hoped to finish of the course passed without much Automatic. I decided to go up to the finish brambles and up a bank with loads of brashings, it with a top place; with a course length of 3.5km we I hadn’t ever orienteered on a place like Caerwent incident other than misreading the and I saw the first finisher coming in did hurt but I still carried on racing against the time. expected her back in approximately 25 minutes. before and it was so different from other places map and having to double back. The and realised it was Harry Butt who is in (I stopped racing the elite as he ran away from me!) Lucy wanted to be prepared and entered the waiting in the Forest of Dean where I often orienteer. The long leg caused me the most trouble, my club. I watched him sprint in to the pen 10 minutes after Julia had started, Julia came disused railway (and train!) was an interesting where reading the map on the run, finish and as I was about to turn away As the time went by, I suddenly had the tune “don’t back in 2nd with a time of 24:18, closely followed by feature to run over and I certainly had not done so planning ahead and sprinting proved to I saw that Harry’s sister Lucy was also stop me now” by Queen in my head, so I smiled and Chloe Haines, of AIREstyle (our main competitor) who before. Overall, the whole weekend was fantastic be an unwise combination at that time. rushing from the forest into the finish. I ran even faster. Soon afterwards I found myself at would change over to Florence Haines, a friend and and really fun. I misread the map and ran down a dead As I wandered back to the club tent I the finish control. I was so tired from the hills that I end, expecting an underpass (which was saw Harry and Lucy come back to our above me) and some stairs beyond it. tent discussing their courses and split They were both there, just not where I times into the finish. When it was my thought! Returning along the alley, up time to start I got a lift with one of my some stairs and along the path at the club members to the start, I was still top cost me 50secs plus, a mistake that quite nervous, but I controlled it. I went to causes you to drop tens of places in a warm up and got ready for my run.

As the beeps went 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, I got ready to run to my map, then the long beep went and I sprinted off, had a look at the map and raced an elite

02 Ozone The assembly area was in a fenced field basically on Standing at the northern side of the assembly area, the competition area. When we arrived, there were you could see the competitors coming in a steady lots of club tents, banners and people, all enjoying stream down from the hillside and towards the the sunshine. This was really great as you could see spectator control. The loudspeaker system was a people on parts of the area from the comfort of the great help as, with so many people on the sixteen British Orienteering club tent! The individual day was very hot and sunny. different relay categories, it made realising who was This made it quite hard to run, as all the area was who and where your team was easy! open and there was no shade to be had anywhere. The non-existent breeze didn’t help much either! In our relay team, running in the W14 category, Zoe Harding came back from first leg five minutes down Despite the heat, once you got going, past the initial on the leader, Jenny Evans running for NOC. When our Championships, 2007. “Oh dear, why did I think I could do this, I can’t run second leg, Kira Browne, came back in first place, I By Katrin Harding, SROC to save my life” stage (well, I don’t know if this was was definitely feeling the pressure not to muck it all the case for everyone, but it certainly was for me), it up! Not to fear however, when I was running into the became quite enjoyable. It was a bit of a challenge to finish it was to hear that we were still in the lead, and Both the individual and relay events at the British pick up a lot of the map detail on the run, especially our club, SROC, had won one of its first relays for a if you were trying to read it while going over some while. Just after finishing, however, I heard that the Champs were held in South Wales, on an area of open rough tussocks. I had to make the decision whether Junior Ad Hoc team, of Matthew Nash, Ben Selby and to slow right down and get a closer look at the map, Christopher Nash had also won their relay by a very hillside and old mining works called Pwll Du. The map or continue running and hope that I got to the right close three seconds. place. Speeds were fairly fast, despite the rough showed rough fell that covered all terrain, with the winning elites running at around 6 It was really great to be taking part in a different form minutes per kilometre. of orienteering, and I would definitely recommend it of the area, with many spots of to anyone who hasn’t tried it. One of the great things The day of the relays dawned (not quite so) bright about the British Champs, is that there are people highly detailed contours. There was and early, with some fairly high winds and occasional at the event of all different ages, from all over the rain showers. The mini relays kick-started the day, country, and it is a great chance to meet up with old a sparse network of very complex with the M/W12-‘s racing about the fell. As some of friends or make new ones. the same area was used on the Individual day, there paths, with ditches, marshes, were quite a lot of elephant tracks around the fell that made the already fast terrain even quicker. ruined walls, slag heaps and ponds making up the only other features…apart from the contours. For all the people on TD5 courses, so everyone except the M/W14-, South Ribble’s winning relay teams there was very little path running, making it hard work as people tried to battle their way through tussocky grass, bilberry bushes and heather for most of their run, making the area physically tough and technically difficult.

04 Ozone Issue 2 - Summer 2007 05 General 3. For a school to be considered for selection, it must compete in both events. 1. A maximum of 8 teams will be selected: School and Select 4. Once a school is selected for a ‘School’ place, the selection International School teams in each of the 4 categories: Older Boys, Older Girls, of its team members will be at the discretion of the school Younger Boys and Younger Girls. There are a maximum of 5 concerned. places in each team. Sport Federation 2. For the Older categories, students must have been born in 1991 or 1992, i.e. be M/W16s at the time of the qualifying Select teams events. For the Younger categories, students must be born 1. A Select team can only be selected if a school team is FACTS and in 1993 or 1994, i.e. be M/W14s at the time of the qualifying selected for the International Championships in the same Orienteering events. category. FUN! 3. Selection will be based on two events: the British Schools 2. All team members must be from schools which are BSOA Orienteering Championships (BSOC), and a Special member schools on the closing date for BSOC / SQE, and at Championships 2008 Qualification Event (SQE), to be held the day before the BSOC. the time of the International Championships. Millie Map Asks... 4. Whilst the BSOC will be run in school years (as usual), the Day 3. Selection for select teams will be based on the two 1 Special Qualification Event will be run in the appropriate qualifying races. Other form may be considered, but How do I know when I classes, i.e. M16, W16, M14, W14. Students participating must will only be used where selectors feel unable to make a be the correct age for that category. In particular, students decision based on the qualifying races. If so, only the Aire am at the correct control? must not run up (M/W12s are not eligible to compete). National event on the 15th September and the Regional event on the 4th November in the New Forest will be used. All schools wishing to be considered for School team selection 4. Priority for selection will be given to students from schools and individuals for Select teams must compete in both qualifying that enter a complete team or teams (age class or whole events. If a pupil is unable to compete in one or both, the school) at the BSOC. These teams need not be in the Clive Control Says... selectors (admin) must receive a written explanation by Friday category in which the individual themselves, who is trying 16th November, otherwise the individual concerned cannot for selection is competing. The selectors reserve the right By checking your control description sheet” be considered. If any reason for non-competing occurs during to see proof that any team member has completed three the weekend the selectors (admin) must be informed before local events prior to BSOC at the required level. Priority Whenever you reach Wednesday 21st November. means that a minimum of three places in each select team is guaranteed to schools with teams and that in the a control you always Owing to International School Sports Federation rules, all school case where selectors are unable to differentiate between need to check that the teams and select team members will be from schools situated in students based solely on the two selection races, they will England or Wales. If students from a Welsh school are selected, look at whether the students are from schools with teams code on your control their selection will have to be verified by the National Council before looking at all known form. description sheet 2006 England Team for School Sport before it can be confirmed. (Scottish and Northern Irish teams are the responsibility of Scottish and Irish Please note that this is not a British Orienteering team, and matches the code on Associations). funding is the responsibility of the schools or the individual the control and also The next championships in 2008 will take place in Edinburgh from the teams’ members, although many have been able to obtain School teams help to meet the costs in the past. All areas for the competition that the control is on 20th – 27th April. If you would like to try for a place in the England team weekend are now out of bounds, except during your individual the correct feature. 1. All schools must be BSOA members on the final closing date runs. keep reading for the selection criteria. For selection to the Scottish or for entries to BSOC/SQE and at the time of the International You will then know for Championships. The selectors are Pauline Olivant (Admin), Ben Chesters and sure that you have Northern Ireland teams please contact the relevant association. 2. Selection for school teams will be based on the BSOC/SQE Carol Farrington. The team will be announced on the BSOA web events. site on Tuesday 27th November. punched correctly.

’l s Jamie? Future Champions Cup Where ’l Jamie Stevenson wasn t off i ficially at The weekend of the 21/22 April saw the FCC Final come to the West Midlands. The Final consists of a middle race on the Saturday followed JK07, but was he hiding in the crowd? by a long race on Sunday. Juniors from all extremes of the country came to compete at Cannock Chase and Bentley Woods. Results: Can you f i nd him? FCC Champions: The middle race tested navigational skills to a maximum with many 1st Duncan Coombes short tricky legs in complex areas of the woods, where small errors 2nd Joe Mercer can be costly with winning times just below 28 minutes. The race 3rd John Rocke commentary was good for spectators and competitors alike and gave the day a good atmosphere. With the 20s and 18s combined, 1st Rebecca Roberts there was little separating the fields and it was all to play for going 2nd Anne Edwards into the long race. 3rd Hollie Orr Bentley Woods proved to be a physical and technical challenge whilst also being a beautifully runnable forest and we were blessed Age Class Results: with sunny weather. The spectator control, visible from the finish M18: 1st Hector Haines; 2nd Ralph Street; 3rd Alasdair McLeod area, along with commentary proved exciting, giving an idea of how W18: 1st Anne Edwards; 2nd Hazel Wright; 3rd Hollie Orr each athlete was performing. There was also a leader board at the M20: 1st Duncan Coombs; 2nd Joe Mercer; 3rd John Rocke finish, showing combined race times for the overall results. It was W20: 1st Rebecca Roberts; 2nd Tessa Hill; 3rd Jessica Halliday after the spectator control, with 1-2km to go, that it became really tough to keep focussed on navigation as most people were starting to get very tired having run about 7km (girls) or 10km (boys) with Club Shield: final distances being 8.1km and 12.1km respectively. The races 1st: AIRE 2nd: OD 3rd: DEE saw two impressive wins from Rebecca Roberts and Duncan Coombes, who both won the combined weekend title in their final University Shield Results: year as juniors. 1st Edinburgh University 2nd Sheffield University Jo Halliday

06 Ozone Issue 1 - Summer 2007 07 Anne Edwards News Age 17 British Schools

Orienteering Club: TVOC

Championships Age started orienteering: Well, if you don’t count string courses (up to – Dorset - 17th/18th age about 10!) then at about 11

November 2007 Do your parents (Organised by SARUM orienteer? Yes and WIM and assisted Why/Where did you start by WSX) orienteering? Because my parents did it; at first I hated it, but I enjoyed it as soon as I moved up from On Saturday two events are being organised yellow to orange, because of the technical in the Wareham Forest area. The first is a challenge. training event at Cold Harbour for the majority What do you enjoy about of school children in preparation for the orienteering? Pretty much everything – the fact that it’s Sunday event. Courses from White to Green exercise, the navigation, and the international will be on offer. The second is a selection race competition atmosphere, but most of all the people, and going on tour with everyone. at Gore Heath (now embargoed) to choose the teams for the World Schools in 2008 – the two Do you have a coach? age groups are M/W14 and M/W16. Yes If so, how has this On Sunday the main Championships is being helped you? It’s really useful to have someone with more held at Bovington. The event area is Crane’s experience to discuss training with, and also to Moor which is a new area. It promises to talk about mental preparation before races. be a fantastic weekend of Orienteering in Where is your favourite the stunning Dorset Countryside. Further place to orienteer? information can be found at www.bsoa.org.uk Slovakia, where the World Schools was last year, is lovely and runnable and really pretty.

Chris Branford What kind of training do Coordinator British Schools Orienteering you do? What advice would you Something most days, including cycling, give to people wanting to Championships 2007 intervals, long(ish!) runs, hill reps, and get into the GB Squad? It is orienteering races. But I always have at least possible! Plan your training, have easier days one rest day each week. before big competitions, and find out how you best approach competitions mentally. What is your best result? 2nd at the Spring Cup, and winning the D18 What do you enjoy doing relay with Emily Benham and Hollie Orr. outside of orienteering? Reading, sleeping, baking, and talking to friends.

08 Ozone JAMIE STEVENSON Danish Spring Cup 2007 seconds fast running with 30 seconds maximum heart rate. There are no long

rest and occasionally I ran as many as hills where I live! The rest of the week 40 repetitions – that is 80 minutes of includes a high volume of running and This is the first major International event Physical Training with interval training! alternative training, such as spinning of the year where most of the world’s and cycling. I use a heart rate monitor elite compete. It is always held in the Since moving to Denmark I have a lot during this period to ensure that same region of Denmark, just north of Jamie Stevenson reverted to more traditional intervals I train at the right intensity and get the – partly due to the opportunity to train right balance between intensive and Copenhagen and on the same weekend together with good runners from my moderate training. The running is a mix - the last one in March. local athletics club. When I run with the of road, path and terrain and includes There is no escaping the fact that club the usual session is 6 times 1 km some orienteering training. Plenty The GB Junior and Start squad were there on tour orienteering is a running sport. on roads or forest trails. I run as fast as of rest is required after the toughest and many of the seniors were competing for their I can, and we take 1-2 minutes rest. training days each week, and some foreign clubs. The weekend consists of a night, long Once you have achieved a certain I usually cover the distance between weeks are planned as rest weeks with a and relay race. The relay race is the most prestigious in 2:55 and 3:10 depending on the lower total volume. and the one to win. technical level and cut out the conditions. Sometimes we run 3 times big navigational mistakes it is 2 km during the winter. My PB for Race Speed Period Several GB athletes secured a podium position, the 10 km on the roads is 31:31 and my KEY SESSION: Tempo run e.g. 10 km best of which was the junior women who won the necessary to improve your strength ambition this year is to bring it down on undulating forest trails in 33 – 35 Gold in the W18 Relay. The team of Anne Edwards, and speed trough the terrain. towards 30 minutes. minutes. Hollie Orr and Emily Benham all had fantastic runs to take the honours over some very strong During the last 6 – 8 weeks before a The British team has also fortunate to competition. Anne Edwards also secured a Silver championship I focus on race speed. get training advice from Fiona Lothian, a medal in the W18E class in the long race whilst Tempo runs on forest trails and hilly sports physiologist who works with UK team mate Rebecca Roberts secured the Bronze pace runs, help me to get used to Sport. Fiona coached Heather Monro in W20E. Other podium places were secured in the high pace and lactic acid for extended during 2005, when Heather won the relays by Jamie Stevenson running for his Danish periods. I try to really accelerate off the bronze medal in the sprint distance at club Farum Tisvilde in 2nd place and Matt Speake tops of the hills. Orienteering training Tough physical training requires time and energy. In Sweden I worked part the World Championships in Japan. running for his Swedish club OK Tisaren in 3rd. at race pace, in relevant terrain, is also time thanks to the training grant I received as part of the lottery funded Since then Fiona has held lectures and important here. I spent a lot of time World Class Programme. I prioritized my physical training so that I often developed training schedules for the Anne Edwards comments about the event, “Having doing technique training at full speed trained hardest during the morning when I was freshest. I taught business British squad. One of the areas where seen photos from previous Spring Cups, I went fully up to the World Championships in English and conversation classes to adults in the afternoon and evening. she has suggested we can improve prepared for a few feet of snow! It turned out to be Denmark. The British team will also have It was all very relaxed and civilized! I had a lot of time for training and was is periodisation of our training. This pretty mild; warmer, in fact, than the Junior Squad’s a training camp near Kiev just before the able to run in the terrain in daylight almost every day. Of course in the means focussing on different types of recent ‘Warm Weather Training’ in Portugal! What World Championships this year and this winter there was a lot of snow and I spent many hours on cross country training at different times of the season. with the time difference, the night event, and the will help to polish both our physical and skis which gave me an excellent fitness background. Specifically it meant building up a clocks changing, it made for a packed weekend. base of good strength and running technical skills. In Denmark I have had full time employment as a teacher so I seldom technique, then laying an aerobic A good tool for any orienteer who The terrain was similar to some southern English have time to fit in a hard or long session before work. However, I am foundation before topping things off wants to improve their fitness and move areas; undulating, mainly runnable and sometimes fortunate to be able to run or cycle to work and I try to get some of my with speed endurance and lactate through the terrain faster, is a training tricky. The event was really well-organised, with basic training here. I have also used training on a spinning bike and tolerance. diary. I started keeping a training diary commentary, a TracTrac screen to follow the aquajogging in the pool to replace the extra background training that I got in 1992 when I was 17, using pencil progress of the top relay teams through the forest, from cross country skiing in Sweden. A busy schedule means I have to be Strength Period and paper. At first I used the British and frequently updated results. The races were really very organised and disciplined to fit in my training. KEY SESSION: 10 reps x 10 seconds Squad training diary, designed by Rob enjoyable, too, except maybe the killer up-hill run-ins hill sprint, 10 reps x 30 seconds hill Bloor in the 1980s. I believe Ultrasport which were visible to spectators from a few hundred Without doubt the most important part of my physical training during sprint still sell this diary and I know that team metres away! the past years has been hard interval training. We have various training mate Jon Duncan still uses it and fills I trained hill intervals on 1 – 2 times advice in the GB team during the last 8 years and I have learnt a lot it in religiously. Many runners like to The atmosphere was brilliant, with loads of different per week during January and February about different types of interval training. I worked with Peter Foxdal, the personalise their training diaries: I have countries’ tents and great spectator opportunities. 2006. I ran on roads or hard packed Swedish physiologist during 1999 – 2003, and trained according to his also designed my own training diary and Overall it was an amazing experience, the highlight gravel trails and focussed on speed, principles. In short his philosophy is based on a lot of intervals all year photocopied it to make a booklet during for me being the GB team winning the W18 relay!” strength and technique. I also included round. The interval sessions are often very long with relatively little rest. some years. During the last few years running technique drills and strength This means that you work hard, below your absolute maximum, but close I have used an Excel spreadsheet to training with free weights. The rest of to your threshold during the whole session. Peter developed a variety of keep track of my training. There are the week included a moderate volume advanced treadmill tests, and measured oxygen consumption and blood a variety of professional and amateur of running training and plenty of rest to lactate to evaluate each period of training and make suggestions for the programmes and spreadsheets, compensate for the intensive strength next. and some of them allow you to add training and high speed intervals. information from a heart rate monitor I did a lot of my interval training during this period on small paths and in Aerobic Capacity Period automatically. How much detail and the terrain, often with a map in my hand. During the winter I hit the roads information you choose to record in a and hard-packed gravel trails in the forest where the snowploughs had KEY SESSION: 6 – 8 reps x 3 minutes training diary is very individual. Even a scraped a flat surface in the snow and ice. I usually ran intervals on my long hill interval with 2 – 3 minutes rest. simple diary can be a motivating factor own during this period and I certainly learnt about the loneliness of the In this period I run intervals 1 – 2 and allows you to track your progress, long distance runner on some of my longest and toughest sessions. times per week. Intervals are often on and learn from your mistakes. My favourite session during this period was 3 minutes fast running with a treadmill, with a steep gradient, at 1 minute rest and I would repeat this 10 to 15 times. I also used 90 absolute maximum intensity e.g. 95% of Credit: springcup.dk

18 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 19 ELITE NEWS The GB team for The Danish island of Bornholm off the Swedish coast in the Baltic Sea was the venue for the 2007 Nordic Open the European Championships. The Nordic Nations have teams of 10M +10W Preparing Youth Champs has in both the 20 and 21 classes but there is an invitation to others been selected. to send smaller teams, so a British Team of 4 men and 4 women for the World They are: travelled to this, the first International of the season. It would Nordic be a good opportunity for the athletes to gauge the progress Mikey Hopkins of their winter’s training and with the change in the World Cup Champs - Michael Noblett format this event was also the only opportunity for a Nation Ralph Street Championships “head to head” relay before the World Championships. Ukraine David Abrams

For the British Team challenges in addition to the days. Britain has the option to R1 Tom Beasant The first race was the Sprint of the day with an 11th place under pressure to perform at athletes’ preparing new terrain and maps. The let 9 + 9 runners take part in in and around the village of in 16.26 just under a minute the front of the field and again races are being held in the city these races and this will allow Gudhejm in the north of the behind the winner. Graham was in contention throughout Hazel Wright for the World of Kiev so much of the travelling a larger pool of athletes to get island. The course comprised is now a Sprint specialist the course returning to hand Championships (WOC) will be done on public transport opportunities at this level. Jo Halliday long legs across the intricate according to Clive Allen; the over to Jamie Stevenson just 9

the season is just - including the impressive soviet Alice Butt road and path network of the Danish commentator. seconds down on the leading style underground system, and The UK Cup final is combined Anwen Darlington fishing village, interspersed team. Up against some of warming up. Many of the way of life is quite different with the World Championships with short legs through At the head of the field the the World’s best runners selection races, which will be the runners ran at the from other European nations. In The competition this open grass and bare rock Swede Jonas Pilblad split Jamie returned in 6th place, held in Scotland. This allows not the Swiss Gold medal winner Tio Mila relay in Sweden order to properly prepare for all year takes place in Eger, headlands as well as some achieving the Men’s team goal. these challenges the team will only the selectors to see who is Mattias Merz and the bronze at the end of April for in the Bukk Mountains forest. A cold wind and clear be making two trips to Kiev prior on form but also for the athletes blue skies greeted the runners medal winner Mattias Muller. The Middle race was held in Hungary. Eger’s a their club teams (mostly to the races. The first trip at the to have a focused race geared as they assembled by the on the most rocky and The Relay was staged at Ro foreign) and then some end of May gives some of the towards the races in Ukraine. So beautiful city famous for harbour for the start. detailed terrain of the week, athletes the chance to get used although the races are in Britain its wine and forested Plantage in the middle of the Paradisbakkerne. A lack have competed at the Island. The goal for the British to how the whole experience they will be made as much as hillsides. These hillsides The British interest was in the of recent practice on such Teams for the Relay was to Nordic Championships will be as success comes not possible like the real thing and will be where hundreds of senior classes. Helen Winskill technically challenging courses in Denmark. just from great orienteering but will use the expertise that the returning to international duty build on the foundation of resulted in a disappointing youngsters from all over the French World Cup Relay how the team copes with all staff gained from experiences in eight months after the birth of day for the British Team. Europe will compete in at the end of 2006. It was The Nordic Championships the other hassles that come Ukraine. Izzy was the first British starter Everyone made some small the 16 and 18 age classes clear from studying the maps will be the only chance for with big races. The staff will be and ended the day as the mistakes, Jon Duncan losing 4 before the race that there our runners to compete in an focussing on reducing these Once the team is finalised this for the title of European highest women finisher in 21st minutes just 500m before the would be lots of opportunities international relay prior to WOC differences as much as possible. group will then take a final trip Youth Champion. position with a time of 18.58. finish. Simone Niggli took the for fast running through now that the World Cup series Imagine trying to figure out to the Ukraine prior to the event Helen Bridle was 3 seconds Women’s title just 3 seconds open forest as well as the has radically changed. So four which underground train to take to really hone their preparation Great Britain uses behind in 23rd place. Rachael ahead of Minna Kauppi. likely more difficult gaffled men and four women have the in order to get to the start when based on the actual races Elder, who was having a brief this competition as controls in the slow run low The Long Race was held opportunity to run sprint, relay (3 you want to be there prior to they will run - so those doing break from writing up her a preparation camp visibility plantations. After the on the hottest day of the only), middle and classic races your run when everything is in the sprint will run as much as PhD, ended the day in a very for producing JWOC disappointment of the Sprint, Championships, both Jon on four consecutive days which Cyrillic script? possible on sprint maps at respectable 27th position a attendees in 2008 and Pippa Whitehouse led off for Duncan and Jamie Stevenson is a tough schedule but a great the right scale. This requires further 17 seconds down. the Women, despite a small had strong top 20 runs opportunity to see where they In June runners get the chance some clever preparation as beyond. All athletes Helena Jansson of Sweden wobble on one of the tricky but the run of the day was are and how their preparation to run in the new World Cup simultaneously athletes may be selected have shown real won the race in 17.19 from green controls Pippa returned awarded to Helen Winskill for WOC is going and of course style races which are now doing sessions on 3 scales of potential to be members the Fins of Minna Kaupi and after the first leg in 6th place for her 17th position, a clear to do well. (See Nordics article) tagged onto existing major maps and 2-3 different areas, of that JWOC team in Heli Jukkola. Clear favourite just 2 minutes down on the sign that she has returned to events. This series kicks off with with different styles of planning Gothenberg next year. Simone Niggli blew a clear 45 fastest time. Helen Winskill ran International Competition at This year the World a sprint race before the Jukola depending on the discipline. It second lead at number 9 to her usual ‘own steady race’ to the same position she left, Championships are in Ukraine, relay in Finland and is followed is also a chance for the runners Eger is close to Miskolc, finish in 25th place. send Helen Bridle out only 4 a great platform for August. which provides the team and by races at the O Festivalen and staff to gel as a team so that they can face the ups and where JWOC was held minutes down on the leading Minna Kaupi completed a staff with a couple of interesting in Norway and the Swedish 5 In the men’s race Scott downs of the races together in 2001. The terrains for teams. Helen however had a full set of Individual Silver Fraser started the British and support and understand disastrous start and dropped Medals in the Women’s race, EYOC will be pretty similar challenge and despite each other better. Positive 8 minutes at the first control again just behind Simone so coaches Jason Inman being disappointed with his team dynamics don’t make a from which it was not possible Niggli. Matthius Merz took the and Toni O’Donovan run finished 38th. Graham champion but they certainly to recover. men’s race from the last start will be drawing from Gristwood was the British star allow focus on the right things position. In the men’s race Graham and prevent energy being the information already Gristwood led the team away The Nordics provided a good wasted unnecessarily. When gathered from earlier feeling confident from his set of courses on excellent margins are so small and the JWOC files to ensure previous day’s performance; well mapped terrain; the difference in places are minute the team perform at their this confidence was justified Danes can be justifiably every small thing that the team best. in that he led the field through satisfied in putting on a great can do build towards having the the spectator controls and Championship so soon after edge counts – and that’s what Read more about EYOC handed over to Jon Duncan hosting WOC. the team strives to do. just 3 seconds down on the by visiting the official fastest time in the front of the Derek Allison Dave Peel website at: leading pack. Jon went out Head Coach www.eyoc2007eger.hu

20 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 21 ANTI-DOPING JWOC Down Under

For the first time ever JWOC is being held outside of Europe. This year’s event will see the GB team in Australia! The event centre will be the city of Dubbo in the state of New South Wales (NSW), about 450km west of Sydney.

Given that all the areas and maps Pine and Wattle with runnability have never been used before, mostly fast to very fast through it may prove to be the fairest open forest. The undergrowth ANTI-DOPING NEWS competition yet. With most teams in some sections of the forest Mike Hamilton is the Lead Anti-Doping Officer for British Orienteering. having to travel halfway round restricts visibility and runnability the world to get there and terrain through a concentration of British Orienteering runs an Level 2 is the National level What does ‘in & out of What is a TUE? like nothing found in most of scrubby bushes, young Cypress active anti-doping policy. Our and is controlled by UK Sport. competition’ mean? A TUE is a Therapeutic Use Europe all the competitors will be Pine, fallen timber and rocky current policy has been agreed The remainder of the GB squad In competition testing means Exemption. Sometimes you equally challenged by this unique ground. The extensive rocky with UK Sport’s Drug Free Sport athletes, both senior and junior, what it says, testing carried may need to take a banned competition. ground is a major feature of the Directorate who are recognised are on this list. These athletes out at the conclusion of substance for a legitimate area and reduces runnability in by the IOF as our authority on are subject to testing at any a competition. For British medical condition. If you have The GB team, led by Jason many sections of the area to anti-doping matters. However, time in or out of competition. Orienteering this means that been prescribed a prohibited Inman (Head Coach), Gareth slow run (as if it were light green). the IOF and UK Sport both Athletes must obtain a TUE if all ‘in competition’ testing will substance, you should first Candy (Team Manager) and Jane Granite rock is strewn throughout signed up in 2004 to work with taking banned medication under be carried out on elite courses check with your doctor to Ashbrooke (Physiotherapist) will the area and presents many the World Anti-Doping Agency prescription. with a number of athletes being see if there are any permitted fly out en masse on the 29th June boulders (some towering over 6 (WADA) and it is the WADA selected. This is usually confined alternative treatments or in preparation for competitions metres), rockfaces, bare surface regulations that are be enforced. Level 3 is the elite level and to the seeded positions, say medications. If this is not beginning the 8th July. The rock and rocky ground. Many anyone running on an elite the last ten to twenty starters possible, you will need to advantage we have over all other clearings also occur throughout If you would like a copy of course, a World Ranking Event for men and women although apply for a Therapeutic Use European teams this year is that the area.” the British Orienteering Anti- or who is a selected international ‘targeted selection’ is allowed. Exemption (TUE) using the Gareth is an Ozzie and has just Doping guidelines or a UK Sport representative (eg Foot-O, MBO, However, if there are only a few correct application forms. All joined the GB staff from coaching ‘Drug-Free Sport Advice Card’ Trail-O or Ski-O), is liable to be runners, any athlete could well athletes included in levels 1 to 4 the Oz team. His knowledge and The GB JWOC – please contact the National tested in competition. There be asked to provide a sample. above must submit a TUE where experience will be put to great use team will be: Office. is no requirement for out of necessary. in the team’s preparation for this competition testing. Athletes Out of competition testing event. Rhodri Buffett Does this affect me? must obtain a TUE if taking means that the testing team Are the medications on Duncan Coombs If you are a member of the GB banned medication under could turn up on your doorstep the Prohibited or Banned The organisers have given us Hector Haines Squad at any level, run the elite prescription. at any time although this substances list? some details about the nature of Joe Mercer courses in the UK, compete for normally means at a training If you are in doubt check it out. the terrain and it’s proving to be John Rocke World Ranking Points overseas Level 4 is for Start Athletes. camp for athletes not at Level This can be done online using unique which will really challenge Douglas Tullie or be selected to represent GB Although juniors under 16 will 1. A certain number of out of the drug information database at all competitors. Here’s what the in World ‘closed events’ it will not normally be tested either competition tests are allocated www.didglobal.com official page has to say: Reserve: Iain Embrey affect you, so read on. in or out of competition we to Orienteering by WADA and are signed up to the ‘Start UK Sport and can be carried out 100%Me web site is UK “The area is dominated by Anne Edwards There are four levels: Clean, Stay Clean‘ programme. at any time. All athletes included Sport’s anti doping web site: complex granite outcrops. Tessa Hill Accordingly all junior athletes in out of competition testing will www.100percentme.co.uk Many of the higher hills support Hollie Orr Level 1 is the International selected for the Start Squad will be briefed separately as to their spectacular granite formations with Rebecca Roberts level and is controlled directly have anti doping workshops responsibilities. See also British Orienteering grand views of the countryside. by WADA through the IOF. A and will be required to obtain Anti-Doping for more The terrain varies from flat and More can be found on the official group nominated by the British TUEs if they are taking banned Test Results information on TUE http://www. undulating to very steep. Generally website: www.JWOC2007. Orienteering Performance medication under prescription. The Lead Anti Doping Officer britishorienteering.org.uk/asp/ broader hillsides with many orienteering.asn.au Director will be on this list. They Any junior under 16 that is is notified of test results by UK makepage.asp?PID=DOPING gullies and saddles predominate must report their whereabouts selected for testing will only Sport or the IOF and will notify throughout the area, although Wish the team luck by emailing at all times to the IOF and they be tested with the express athletes as to their test results. WADA website: some complex contour details [email protected] are subject to testing at any time permission of their parents or British Orienteering has not had www.wada-ama.org occur in some sections.” either in or out of competition. guardian and under strict and a positive test to date. Jason Inman Athletes must obtain a TUE if agreed supervision. The UK Sport web site includes “The forest is made up of native taking banned medication under an overview of anti doping: trees, mainly Eucalypts, Cypress prescription. http://www.uksport.gov.uk/ pages/drug_free_sport/

22 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 23 ADVICE UPDATE Mountain Bike Orienteering

Promoting Mountain Bike clubs with legal and practical understanding of the events. TCA also organise insurance Orienteering for MBO events; note that the existing British Be Mountain Bike Orienteering (MBO) is Orienteering insurance does not cover MBO. MBO currently promoted by The Trail Cyclist Association (TCA). The TCA and British European MBO Orienteering both want to raise the profile How will we promote MBO? Aware of MBO and have joined forces to promote • MBO events will appear in the British Championships The GBR team of ten riders for the second Mountain Bike Orienteering at World and Orienteering Fixture list. European Championships was selected Club level. • Awareness of MBO will be raised after a weekend of racing in April in the with members, clubs, Council and of Ticks Both bodies see the benefits of working Management Committee North East at Hamsterley & Chopwell Woods. The event takes place in Florence together, TCA would like to see MBO events • International MBO events will be supported by British Orienteering through; Orienteerers are among a from the 4th – 9th June. organised on a wider scale and British Orienteering recognise that MBO is attractive MBO information from IOF, marketing, kit, key group of outdoor sports to a wide range of people, including existing anti doping (education, testing, policy & enthusiasts that risk contracting Men Women Andy Conn Janine Inman members and newcomers. In reality there procedures) a tick-borne disease due the Mark Hayman Liz Bridge are a multitude of reasons why British • Information sheets/packs will be made amount of time they spend in rural Research by Tick Alert reveals that 50 per cent HOW TO REMOVE A TICK Killian Lomas Sarah Bayliss Orienteering is keen to work closely with available for clubs and event organisers areas both here and abroad. Ticks of outdoor enthusiasts plan to visit at least one Ian Nixon TCA and MBO but fundamentally British • British Orienteering and TCA will work Grasp the tick firmly and as close to your skin destination in 2007 where TBE is endemic. But James Taylor Junior Orienteering recognises the excellent together to ensure appropriate insurance can survive up to 1,500 metres as possible. In a steady motion, pull the tick’s while a per cent had heard of the disease only Phil Winskill Emily Benham work being done by TCA and would like cover is provided for MBO events above sea level and the terrain body away directly outwards without jerking or 1 in 5 sought protection on previous travels to support the expansion of MBO across • Workshops for mappers/planners etc will for orienteering – hills, moorland twisting. and two-thirds didn’t know they needed to the UK. For further information about MBO be organised and woodland – is a primary Leading the GB team on ‘home soil’ will take precautions. be Italian based Mark Hayman the current please see the Spring edition of Focus. habitat. They are second only to DIY TICK CHECK Further information about the TCA please British Long Champion. Mark secured his visit www.trailquest.co.uk mosquitoes for carrying disease to Professor Michael Kunze, of the Medical 1. Check clothing for ticks on a frequent basis. selection with some strong performances The legal and practical humans and changes in farming University Vienna, Austria and a leading expert 2. Check all of your body for ticks. It may be in races in Italy, notably with his win at the practices and global warming in the prevention of TBE, said: “Every contact helpful to have someone else inspect your Italian Championships. Andy Conn hopes limitations of MBO mean there are more ticks in the with grass or bushes in these countries is back or other areas which are difficult to to improve on his previous championship The International Orienteering Federation countryside in many parts of the potentially dangerous. Travellers from non- see. Be sure to include: results and has been preparing by (IOF) overseas World MBO events like the World Champs and a series of UK and Europe. endemic countries such as the UK are hardly • Parts that bend (back of knee, between continuing his ‘adventure’ on the continent aware of the potential risks of TBE when fingers and toes, underarms). living in Vienna and training on the job as a World Ranking events and British The tick season starts in March and ends in journeying into an endemic country.” • Pressure points where clothing presses cycle courier. This enables him to access Orienteering is the body recognised November. Ticks live in the soil and emerge to against skin (underwear elastic, belts, neck). most of the major European races and by IOF to oversee and climb tall grass, shrubs, bushes and low level Wendy Fox, chair of tick disease charity • Other common areas (belly button, around train in the Czech Republic for this years promote them. Therefore, tree branches up to a height of 20cm-70cm BADA-UK said: “Because tick-borne diseases or in the ear, hairline, top of head). World Champs. Killian Lomas, James all international MBO is the in search of a blood host. They attach when can produce a bewildering variety of signs • If you are by yourself, use a mirror. Taylor and Phil Winskill have been the responsibility of British people or animals brush past and look for an and symptoms, they are difficult to diagnose. strongest riders so far on the domestic Orienteering although they have been happy for TCA area of soft skin to insert their feeding organ Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed and WHERE CAN YOU GET IMMUNISED? scene guaranteeing selection and have and suck blood, which is when disease is difficult to see. Their bites are painless and all produced quality international rides at to run it on behalf of transmitted. many people are unaware that they have been To date, there has never been a case of Tick previous championships. New to the team British Orienteering. bitten. This is why it is very important to take Borne Encephalitis in Great Britain so the is Ian Nixon an undoubted raw talent to vaccination is currently not available on the Ticks can attach themselves almost anywhere the correct precautions when visiting tick MTBO racing, and a former GB Junior Foot Developing on the body, but prefer creases like the armpit, habitats. The number of cases of tick-borne NHS. You either go to your local GP or visit a Orienteer, who deserved his selection after groin and back of the knee. Victims do not feel disease has been rising for some years now travel clinic eg Masta Travel Clinics (who work impressing with a fast ride at the Cannock MBO with the bite because the tick also injects a toxin and much more needs to be done to make with Tick Alert). Costs will vary - but should Chase season opener despite a mispunch! British that anaesthetises the bite area. people in Britain aware of them.” be no more than £50-£65 per injection. Masta Travel Clinic charge £63 per injection (Feb 07). Janine Inman (nee Hensman) leads the Orienteering The primary illnesses to be aware of are Lyme HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST TICK women with her experience of two relay Foot-O clubs HOW MANY VACCINATIONS DO I disease in the UK and Tick Borne Encephalitis BITES podiums from two World Championships, TCA would (TBE), which is potentially fatal and currently NEED? and hopes to improve on her best individual • Use an insect repellent that is effective like to develop endemic in 27 countries in mainland Europe, performance of 20th. New to the team are against ticks The vaccination regime consists of a minimum MBO within an increase of 11 on 2006. These include two established Foot Orienteers who have • Avoid wearing shorts in rural and wooded course of two injections: the second injection; the normal many established and new destinations for recently taken up MTBO racing - Sarah areas, tuck trousers into socks, or cover one to three months after the first, will give orienteering outdoor activities and adventure sports. Bayliss a Welsh International and Liz all exposed skin with protective clothing effective cover for a period of one year. club Bridge a former GB Junior International. (though not always practical in summer) environment. There are The world’s experts on TBE say there are over Completing the team is a rising star of the • Inspect your skin for ticks and remove as A third injection 9-12 months after the first examples such as EBOR and 10,000 cases in endemic countries every year. W18 Start Squad, Emily Benham. Emily will soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers will give effective cover for 3-5 years, and a Walton Chasers OC where Here in the UK, the Health Protection Agency compete in the European Youth races and • Avoid unpasteurised milk which may also booster every three years thereafter, if needed, MBO is already integrated to is warning of an increased risk from ticks hopes to ride strongly enough to figure in be infected with the TBE virus in endemic will continue the cover. some extent. TCA would like to during spring and summer, having confirmed the womens relay team. regions work with British Orienteering that the number of reported Lyme disease to expand on this. TCA have cases rose from 292 in 2003 to 684 in 2006. You can follow all the action at the considerable experience of Some estimates put the level of Lyme disease For further information about ticks and vaccinations visit event website: putting on events and can cases in the UK as high as 2,000. www.masta-travel-health.com/tickalert. http://www.ecmtbo2007.org/ support British Orienteering Why do you coach? By Keith Marsden White Rose A simple enough question but after weeks of thought no simple answer comes to mind. Let’s start by getting some things out of the way – a couple of possible reasons that can be dismissed immediately. ‘It’s for the money’ – well no. As Derek Allison would say the only way to end up with a small fortune from coaching is to start with a large one. ‘It’s for the goodies’ Not much of that either Weekend – although you could use some of your fortune to acquire some. SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN MARCH 2007, A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT So why? Wouldn’t it be nice to say burgeon into a World Class CHANGES HAS BEEN MADE it’s all about altruism? ‘It’s about athlete. On the other hand there working to help their full potential!’ are those who (metaphorically) jog TO THE UK CITIES CUP URBAN Of course some of it is but few of along, living on past or present ORIENTEERING SERIES FOR 2007. us are wholly altruistic. In my case glories but not able or willing to The line-up for this years’ series will now I think it’s a combination of lots develop. take the form of the following 6 races: of things – mainly I think about Would it be rewarding to be able RACE 1 - York Park Race, York - 28.05.07 being inquisitive or perhaps nosey. to say that you can identify that RACE 2 - Glasgow - 08.07.07 Something to do with trying to rare talent at 13 years old? So one RACE 3 - Scottish 6 Day Sprint Race, work out how good an athlete will of my ‘whys’ is getting the buzz Kingussie - 08.08.07 become. out of seeing someone develop. RACE 4 - Lincoln City Race - 02.09.07 Unfortunately development is RACE 5 - Warwick City Race - 06.10.07 ‘Don’t confuse achievement not a nice smooth curve. Most RACE 6 - Oxford City Race – 10.11.07 with potential’ - Dave Collins development pathways are steps Orienteering has traditionally been run in not slopes. Repetitive practice I do most of my coaching with rural areas but over the last few years urban eventually leads to the point when juniors and young adults. The orienteering has increased in popularity. The Park map reading is second nature, South East Junior Squad, in World Tour pioneered the high profile, spectator- taking a compass bearing comes common with all Regional squads, friendly format and despite the slight demise naturally. works with athletes/juniors in of the PWT recently, the format has gone from the age range of 12 to 18. In ‘Practice doesn’t make perfect, strength to strength culminating with inclusion that time they all develop. Some only perfect practice makes of the format in races at international level. It has then there is the motivation. Often, themselves. We teach the right The White Rose Weekend claims to be the provide challenge and the delightful semi- start from a low base, and with perfect’ - Vince Lombardi also grown in popularity in the UK with 2007’s JK perhaps more than we think, the way to run on a bearing or to longest established Orienteering Holiday open area of Stony Moor is both scenically encouragement develop their including an urban sprint race on the traditional ‘penny will drop’ in a junior and they judge distance such that in future training day. Now the UK has its own Urban weekend in the UK, and now in its 36th year, delightful and full of technical interest. The will realise ‘hey, I can do this’. In the athlete can tell whether they Orienteering series, co-ordinated by it is still going strong. This years White Rose West side of Newton Dale, Newton Bank some kids they will jog along without did it correctly. So the pleasure www.nopesport.com, to see who will be the king Weekend looks set to be a very attractive and and Stony Moor provide the best technical Improve your this light coming on – in others it comes when an athlete returns and queen of the urban jungle! varied series of orienteering events. Boasting orienteering in the area and (most) courses will come on in time for it to make from the forest and doesn’t say five events in three days, the weekend near will maximise use of this wonderful terrain. the difference. That’s why I coach ‘OK’ or ‘alright’ to the perennial To take part in the series you simply enter Pickering at the end of August includes a Orienteering in 2 days – to try to turn on light bulbs early question ‘how did it go?’ Instead the Men/Women open or 21E class for each night score event on the Saturday evening enough for it to make a difference. they are able to analyse what they particular race and you are automatically and a mountain bike race on the Monday did. Clearly, honestly and without included. The top 3 in each race will win prizes afternoon as well as the usual fare of two ‘They call it coaching but it is excuses. That’s when you’ve been with the top 10 gaining points that count for the regional events and a team score relay. teaching. You do not just tell successful. overall series. It’s a grand prix style points system Enjoy a weekend in the glorious Peak District on a them – you show them the with 1st=12, 2nd=10, 3rd=8, 4th=7points and The two regional events are lined up for 2-day “Improvers’ Course”, coached by English reasons’ - Vince Lombardi And then there’s the pleasure that a point less for every place below that, simple! Saturday and Sunday and the overall winners international Orienteer and British Orienteering comes from providing fun. Actually The person with the most points…wins! The race after the two days will win the White Rose licensed coach Andy Hemsted. For a number of years Susan and I’m not sure I like the word ‘fun’ days are not just open to the elites however, with Trophy. A new competition will also be I have coached at the summer - I prefer the word enjoyment. open races being organised along side. available this year with an informal night score Develop and sharpen your “O” skills in both woodland British Orienteering Coaching Enjoyment comes from working Thanks to generous support from our headline event on the Saturday evening in Pickering and moorland terrains. Learn how to “spike” the camp at Lagganlia OEC near hard, being successful not sponsor, Footwear manufacturers INOV8, we Forest. Although there will be just one score control first time, every time. Aviemore. Aimed at the best 14 necessarily by winning but simply have some of the biggest prizes on offer in the course, prizes are on offer to runners in up to Dates: Sat 6th & Sun 7th October, 2007 year olds, for many it is the first by being better than last time. UK up for grabs in this series which is sure to ten competitive classes. time they have had to fend for That’s where my enjoyment comes entice you all to take up the challenge of trying to The new event website at Cost: only £59.95* themselves for any prolonged in – seeing them improve and at become the UK Cities Cup Champion. We have For the third year running, there will be a www.whiteroseweekend.org.uk provides a period. At this stage it’s all about the same time enjoying it. also teamed up with Rock and Run, EmitUK, Team score on the Monday morning, then wealth of information about the weekend, This course is open to British Orienteering members teaching. Orienteering is an odd and Oentries.com and British Orienteering has on Monday afternoon, a mountain bike score the races and campsite, as well as many of all levels of ability. The cost includes all coaching, sport. Which other sport do you ‘All coaching is, is taking a endorsed the series. With some superb venues, event will provide a great end to a great other ideas for non-O activities in the North maps and other teaching material plus information on send the athlete away from the player where he can’t take hopefully some big-name athletes, exciting urban weekend. The website provides details York Moors and accommodation options. accommodation/travel if required. *It does not include coach, so that the coach cannot himself” Bill McCartney racing and some top prizes up for grabs, The UK of bike hire shops in the area, so foot-O This year an 11 acre grass meadow has accommodation. Numbers will be limited in order to see how they are performing and Cities Cup promises to be a high-octane, high competitors can take part in the MTBO race been booked for the exclusive campsite and maintain a good coach to student ratio, so early is not close enough to understand Perhaps the only way for you spectator-friendly race series! even if they don’t have their bike with them! assembly, in a secluded location between booking is recommended. why the athlete is doing well or to find out the answer to “Why Newton on Rawcliffe and Stape. Entries are For more details and to keep to date with badly? So what do you do? people coach?” is to try coaching Pickering Forest is one of the best parts of already being received, and the cut-off date results, news and overall standings visit the For further details or a booking form contact: yourself. the North Riding Forest Park for orienteering. for lowest price entries is 4th June. UK cities cup website: Ian Parfitt on 01629 823212 What we try to do at Lagganlia The intricate mixed forest of Scarfhill Rigg and talents and with application And citiescup.nopesport.com [email protected] is to help juniors to coach Raindale, North and West of Newton Dale will Bill Griffiths

26 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 27 EVENT OFFICIALS NEWSLETTER BY BARRY ELKINGTON

MAP CHECKING What you should know Having written in the last newsletter about this subject, Chris Bradford (Newcastle and to tackle a course. TrailTrail OO Tyneside Orienteers) raised a number of questions about the statement that the days of teams selected having to check every single map to ensure that it hadn’t missed a spot colour, or even the How well do you know Simply click on Document course overprint, really are over. His e-mail, plus a number of other incidents, has led me to the symbols that mappers Library/Rules and think more about the issue. use when they produce Guidelines/Mapping an orienteering map? Standards.

At least one final printed map from each on the map, and make no allowance for jump to conclusions - except for the obvious What is the difference You can also download course does need a very careful check height climb. They are intended as a guide one that these controls must have been on between a small ISSOM2007, the when the maps return from the printers to as course lengths will vary according to features fairly close together.” depression and a pit? relatively new ensure the course and control descriptions, the physical and technical difficulty of the Now the Planner can always argue that it is as printed, are correct. But beyond that terrain. For easy areas the course lengths the competitor’s responsibility to check their specification for Sprint the problems that could occur depend on will be towards the top end of the range. For control codes, but it is also the Planner’s Other symbols are not ”O”. This specification is whether maps are litho or laser printed. difficult or more physical areas the course responsibility to ensure that avoidable always understood by the significantly different from A litho printed map can still have a colour lengths will be towards the bottom end of problems, including disqualifications, are orienteer. Some maps ISOM2000 and should wholly or partially missing, or even be the range. However Planners should not go removed / minimised wherever possible. show crags with tags be studied if you are rotated between prints (as demonstrated outside these. and others just as black intending to try sprint”O”. with some very interesting contours on Somewhere in some old British Orienteering one map at the JK). A laser printed map The Ratios are there as a more accurate way literature is the suggestion that grouping lines. Not all rivers and will not have this problem as all the colours to calculate the required lengths, especially similarly numbered controls together is a ponds are surrounded by Also available on the are printed at once, but could have faded when results from previous events are good idea to help the Planner. Anyone still black lines - what is the IOF website, is the colours, or only part of the map printed. available to use as a basis, as they take in possession of the offending document significance? booklet of the IOF control height climb into account as well. However should rip it up and burn it. Having adjacent descriptions. Well worth In the past the bagging process would have these should still result in courses within the controls with codes such as 137, 157 and picked up most of these problems. However Minimum - Maximum length range. If you 187 has probably led to more unnecessary When a path or track downloading to allow you the introduction of waterproof maps has get the appropriate course lengths based disqualifications over the years than anything crosses a stream, how to feel smug at assembly, removed this step from the system, so, on the ratios, and within the ranges stated, else. Orienteering is not about tricking the do mappers show the explaining or choosing Vivien in action at a Trail O Event in addition to checking one map of each then the times that most competitors take competitor to mis-punch, so Planners, bridge? Mappers define not to explain, the new course in detail, Planners should also find to complete the course should look after please allocate control numbers to controls Dave will be joined by John the time to quickly scan through all the maps paths and path junctions (2004) symbols to your themselves. such that similar / consecutive / easily as distinct or indistinct; fellow competitors. Crosby and Dick Keighley for obvious problems. confused numbers are nowhere near each (the next two placed in the would you recognise the If, despite all the checking, a competitor other. It not only makes life much easier for competition) all three have does end up with a faulty map and spots the competitor, but also for yourself and difference as you run While pointing you at previous experience of Trail this close to the start then they should the Controller as checking them is much through the forest? useful web sites, there is O in Ukraine which could be return to the start, point out the problem less prone to error. one that gives the current an advantage. to the start officials, and politely request a The runnability in the variations to magnetic new start time with a sufficient interval to EVENT REFUNDS In July a team of six, The policy of entry refunds when a forest is shown by shades north for any UK site, just including Vivien Mullett will re-compose themselves. As the problem of green and with green enter the grid reference. is clearly the fault of the event they are competitor realises that they cannot run travel to the Bordeaux area entitled to do this, and the start team at some point before the event is at the vertical lines. These We have come across for the European Trail O should be prepared to offer an alternative Organiser’s discretion, but Organisers are screens are defined some orienteering maps Dave Gittus won Gold at last years Championships. Vivien has start time. (At events with non-punching encouraged to state what their policy on precisely, indicating the where the adjustment is World Champs come to Trail O through starts there would have to be a means to refunds is. This is usually the case for large degree that any orienteer incorrect and one case other sports for disabled events like the Scottish 6 Day, but rarely The Trail O Selector’s for and has had to learn to read communicate to the download team the Credit: Paul Furness, will be slowed if they where the maps north new start time). If the competitor only spots done at Regional Events. the World Trail Orienteering our special maps and interpret the problem half way round the course then choose a route through has not changed since a Championships agree on an terrain as well as negotiate unfortunately they must accept that despite Photograph - In runnable woodland such as The default is that there is no refund even if that part of the terrain. map was produced 20 unchanged team to travel to at times rough and steep everyone’s best efforts a faulty map does Bentley Wood, scene of the 2007 FCC Final, an entry is cancelled before the event’s main years ago. Kiev after a highly technical courses in her electric chair, occasionally make it through the system. courses will be at the high end of the range. closing date. However a map for the course All these symbols and competition in Northern often with assistance. Around 9.6km for the Brown, 7.0 km Blue, concerned should be supplied on request. If Ireland, held in excellent 4.8 km Green. an Organiser has stated a policy different to their use are defined The website below gives conditions and attended by The rest of the team, John COLOUR CODED GUIDELINE in the International the variation from the OS CONFUSION the above then clearly this would then apply. a dozen enthusiasts from the and Margaret Crosby, The Colour Coded Event Guideline ADJACENT CONTROL CODES Specification for grid: mainland. Dave Gittus, pre Dave Gittus, Dick Keighley contains a table which has a number of Another item was brought to my attention Contributions to this newsletter are Orienteering Maps selected to defend his title, and Peter Roberts all look pieces of information to help the Planner by the following e-mail : “ Browsing through always welcome. Any contributions, (ISOM2000) issued by www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/ proved his ability by getting all forward to the forested sand get the course lengths right. One column the Colour Coded results I was struck by comments or questions should be the IOF. This is available gifs/gma_calc.html controls correct and making dunes and no doubt some the number of DSQs where the codes were quick decisions at the time of the local wine with their contains the ‘Minimum - Maximum lengths’ sent to: consecutive - six different sets in fact (138 to download from the IOF controls, the memory of his international friends. of the courses. Another column gives [email protected] ‘Approximate Course Length Ratios’. for 139; 139 for 138; 164 for 163; 149 for website: gold medal by 2 seconds The ‘Minimum - Maximum lengths are the 150; 159 for 160; 135 for 136 and even Colin Spears imprinted! Anne Braggins absolute lengths of the courses as measured 142 for 143 on the Orange). I don’t want to www.orienteering.org Chairman Map Group [email protected]

28 Orienteering Focus - Summer 2007 29 Badge awards to Mid April 2007 Congratulations to the following orienteers who have recently claimed their awards. British Orienteering

Please note that year flashes Gold Silver have been withdrawn, as there Addresses and Contacts were not enough claimants. W10 Katrina Hemingway WCOC JW1 Angharad Lloyd KSODA Junior ageless class flashes Siobhan Bird RAFO, Miranda Leaf HH JW5S Bethany Schorah DEE JW3 (eg JW1) are not available at JW4 Susan Ford HOC, Lucy Nell RAFO, Charlotte Ward HALO JM4 Jonathan Cronk WAOC National Office: Useful Addresses: Development Team - England: M35 Simon Holford SAX present, but age flashes (eg W55 Juliette Butcher NOR M40 Perry Mole SOS M12) are still available while 8a Stancliffe House, Whitworth Road, Darley British Orienteering Website: Development Manager: JM1 Daniel Figg HH, William Parkinson NOC M65 Ernie Williams LEI stocks last. Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2HJ. e-mail:[email protected] Hilary Palmer JM3 Daniel Richardson RAFO, James Wood RAFO Office hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm. Badge Claims: Chris Boycott, Tel: 0115 9820651 JM4 Alex Roberts HOC, Taylor Savidge RAFO • Woven cloth badge £1.50 Tel: 01629 734042 (24hr. answerphone) 13 Dawlish Avenue, Stafford, ST17 0EU e-mail: [email protected] M14/JM4 Graham Hemingway WCOC • Certificate £0.50 Fax: 01629 733769. Tel: 01785 612825 EA (Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Essex): Bronze e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Helen Errington JM5M Patrick Hoey RAFO, Charles Nell RAFO, Alex Roberts HOC W35 Dawn Figg HH, Jillian • Age (e.g. M60) flash £0.40 Hon. Records Officer: Terry Dooris, 14 Tel: 01727 842 88 M40 Keith Ellis BKO Holford SAX Sovereign Court, 9 Wareham Road, South e-mail: [email protected] M60 John Duffield CHIG National Office Staff: Croydon CR2 6LP Tel: 0208 649 7002 EA (Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk): Trail Orienteering: Anne Braggins, Michael Chopping Chief Executive: 90 High Street, Meldreth, Royston, Herts, SG8 Tel: 01553 841 669 Awards are available on receipt of, all relevant details, the The Equality Standard - A Mike Hamilton 6LB Tel: 01763 260333 e-mail: [email protected] appropriate fee (cheque made payable to British Orienteering e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] EM: Pauline Olivant Federation) and an appropriate SAE (22x16 cm for certificates). Executive Officer, Admin: The National Orienteering Centre Tel: 0115 9872083 Framework for Sport. Amy Sarkies c/o Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore, Inverness-shire e-mail: [email protected] Please send to: e-mail: [email protected] PH22 1QU Tel: 01479 861374 NE: Vacant Chris Boycott, 13 Dawlish Avenue, Stafford, ST17 0EU International & Coaching Programmes e-mail: [email protected] NW: Sarah Watkins British Orienteering is currently to equality and that commitment Director: Derek Allison, British Schools’ Orienteering Association Tel: 01524 844915 Details required: working towards the Equality is communicated to all staff and Newton Hall Farm, Newton in Cartmel, Membership Secretary: e-mail: [email protected] a) Full name and age class of claimant. Standard for Sport (the Standard). volunteers. Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JJ. Peter Bylett, 55 Bruce Road, Kidderminster, SE (Hertfordshire & N. London): This is a framework and vehicle for Tel/Fax: 01539 531167. Worcs, DY10 2TY Tel: 01562 631561 Helen Errington b) The names and dates of the 3 events, which must be within a 2-year Preliminary -The organisation has time span. Back claims are possible if I have the relevant records, as a lot of old widening access and increasing e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01727 842 883 to prove that it is clear about what records are NOT available on the Internet. As I only get about 20% of event results it the participation and involvement Marketing Manager: Trail Cyclists. Association: e-mail: [email protected] it needs to do to achieve equality, Caroline Povey helps me if you can send photocopies of relevant results. in sport and physical activity from John Houlihan, 98 Main St, Menston, Ilkley, West SE (Kent, Surrey, Sussex & S. London): it understands the issues and e-mail: [email protected] c) Position and time of claimant in each event. under-represented individuals, Yorkshire LS29 6HY Christine Robinson barriers faced by under-represented International Programme Manager: d) British Orienteering number and Club of claimant. groups and communities, especially Tel: 01943 876393 Tel: 020 8255 7176 groups in sport and has a robust Hilary Bloor e-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected] e) The standard being claimed. women and girls, ethnic minority equality action plan which all staff, e-mail: [email protected] SC: Denise Harper groups and disabled people. volunteers and key stakeholders Start and Junior Potential Manager: Tel: 0118 9482934 The Standard will assist British Gareth Candy Hon. Officers: understand. e-mail: [email protected] Orienteering in developing equality- e-mail: [email protected] Chairman: Neil Cameron, Chestnut House, SW: Celia Watkinson proofed policies, structures and Intermediate - The organisation Coaching Programme Manager: Gannaway Lane, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8DA Tel: 0117 9688627 processes and is required in order has to prove that it is increasing Vicky Thornton Tel: 01684 294791 (before 10pm) e-mail: [email protected] to maintain partnership funding. opportunities for participation and e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] WM: Tony Callow involvement by a diverse range of Accounts Manager: Vice Chairman: Peter Christopher, Tel: 01743 884219 The Standard is a collaboration people including representation on Jannette Blunden Brackendale, Brook Lane, Brocton, e-mail: [email protected] of the four Home Country Sports its own leadership, staff, board and e-mail: [email protected] Stafford ST17 0TZ YH: Colin Best Office Administrator: e-mail:[email protected] Councils and UK Sport, and is senior volunteers. All internal policies Tel: 0114 2302621 Nicole McKenna Vice Chairman: Lyn West, Grove Hill House, supported by the CCPR, the pay due regard to diversity. e-mail: [email protected] Women’s Sports Foundation, the e-mail: [email protected] Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DX. Tel: 01206 322905 email:[email protected] English Federation of Disability Advanced - The organisation has Treasurer: Jenny Peel, 20 Riverdale Road, Sport and Sporting Equals. to prove that leadership and staff, Development Team – N. Ireland: Sheffield, S10 3FB Tel: 0114 2663169 including coaches and officials as Councillors: Progress through the Standard e-mail: [email protected] Helen Baxter well as participants, are offered a is a mandatory condition within Chris James, Dalcross, The Manse Lane, Tel: 028 9263 9841 the national funding agreements fair and equal opportunity and are Gorsley, Ross-On-Wye Herefordshire e-mail: [email protected] involving Sport England, national reflective of the community the HR9 7SJ. Tel: 01989 720122 Committee Chairmen: governing bodies (NGBs) of sport organisation serves. Equality is e-mail: [email protected] Ed Nicholas, Edinburgh University Sports Union, Council, Management and Development: and national and regional sports central to the way an organisation Development Team - Scotland: 48 The Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ Neil Cameron, Chestnut House, Gannaway Lane, organisations in England. For those carries out all of its work. All affiliated organisations and clubs are able to Tel: 07725 912593 Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8DA Tel: 01684 294791 Hilary Quick NGBs with a UK wide remit, which e-mail: [email protected] (before 10pm) Tel: 01467 629022 engage and develop participants, British Orienteering is one of, UK John Morris, South House, The Street, e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] coaches, officials and administrators Sport has linked the achievement Clapham, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3UU. Coaching: Keith Marsden, 24 Glen Way, of each level within the Standard from under-represented groups. Tel: 01903 871286 Watford, Herts, WD17 3JL with models of good governance as In order to make progress through e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Development Team - Wales: Roger Hargreaves, 7 Coldrose Court, Truro, Event Operations: Lyn West, Grove Hill House, outlined in Investing in Change. the Equality Standard, a Framework Cornwall, TR1 2LE. Tel: 01872 277320 Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DX. Tel: 01206 322905 North Wales: Mair Tomos for Sport, British Orienteering has to The Standard has four levels e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01286 830 142 of achievement: Foundation, provide, for each level, a portfolio of International: Dave Harrison, Maunsell House, e-mail: [email protected] Preliminary, intermediate and evidence of its achievements. Home Farm, Hopton, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, South West Wales: Kay Seward DE4 4DF Tel: 01629 540779 Tel: 01554 771807 Advanced. An Equality Action Plan is available WEBSITE: www.britishorienteering.org.uk e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Foundation - The organisation on the British Orienteering website has to prove that it is committed – your views on it are welcome.

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