DESCRIPTION OF AN ORIENTEERING EVENT

Orienteering is a sport in which the competitor is given a topographic map of a forest marked with a course consisting of a series of checkpoints to be visited. Orienteering maps are specially prepared topographic maps showing the terrain and detail encountered in the forest. Competitors on each course are started individually at two-minute intervals and navigate a series of checkpoints to the Finish line. The winner is determined by shortest time elapsed. There are different courses scaled in length and difficulty and each day's courses are unique. Meets are open to all.

PROCEDURE: The meet organizers place checkpoints called controls at designated land or man-made features. The locations of these features are marked on the orienteering map as numbered circles. The controls are three-sided orange and white nylon markers. Each marker has a unique code and an accompanying distinctive punch. The object is to use navigational ability to take the best route to each checkpoint in numerical order, locate the control marker, punch your scorecard (called a control card) and arrive at the Finish line in the least possible time. Since there are many of these control markers in the forest at each meet, the competitors are given the marker codes for each control on their course. If the competitor does not find all his checkpoints, he is disqualified. There is usually a 3-hour time limit.

PREPARATION: The competitor should be in good health and fit enough to participate on his/her chosen course. Although the ability to run is important to finishing the course in the shortest possible time, it is not as essential as navigational ability. Before competing on his first course, the participant should receive instruction in map reading and compass use from a qualified orienteer. At every meet before the competition begins, there are orienteers who will give instruction and some helpful hints on getting started.

Each progressive course requires additional navigational abilities and better physical conditioning. These abilities are gained through practice and through instruction and advice from other orienteers. There are also good training manuals available to orienteers at all levels. Competitors on the elite Brown, Green, Red or Blue courses should have extensive orienteering experience.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: The only specialized equipment you will need is an orienteering compass. Orienteering compasses have rectangular base plates under the compass dial. If you cannot obtain one, most clubs have a few rental ones at each meet. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the season, long pants and walking or running shoes.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COURSE: The following is a description of the Courses available. 

• White -- The beginner course. Perfect for those who are unsure of themselves in the forest or have little or no topographic map experience. It is also for experienced orienteers 12 years and younger. Routes of travel are along trails, streams, and other linear features. Navigation is easy and courses are short. 
• Yellow -- The advanced beginner course is designed for experinced 13-14 year olds and for older teens and adults with some basic knowledge of map and terrain identification. Navigational problems are easy to moderate and the competitor will be near easily identifiable re-location features 
• Orange -- The intermediate course is designed for older teenagers and adults with moderate experience. On this course the competitor will spend the majority of his time off the forest's trail network and will need to use the compass extensively. Checkpoints are on major terrain features. 
• Brown/Green/Red/Blue -- The expert courses are all of the same difficulty but vary in length. The navigation is very tricky with few re-location features. These courses are designed for older teens and adults with extensive previous experience and good physical conditioning.

STRING COURSES -- These are courses for toddlers and younger children who want to experience orienteering. Parents accompany their youngsters as they follow a string from checkpoint to checkpoint. String courses are very safe and usually there is no cost for String-O.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact one of the organizers. If you enjoy orienteering and want to continue, you are invited to attend future events and to join one of the local clubs and the United States Orienteering Federation. For more information, inquire from the meet organizers or write USOF, PO Box 1444, Forest ParkGA30298.

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