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Getting Started With Orienteering
Course Decisions
What course do I choose? There are two main types of events we offer: score and normal. In a score event everyone has the same set of controls to find within a given amount of time, with point deductions for finishing overtime. It's designed such that the best orienteers may have just enough time to visit them all. So visit what you can within the time frame, and don't be late getting back. In a normal (a.k.a. cross-country) event there are several courses to choose from based on skill level. San Diego Orienteering has put together a good guide on how the different courses are designed. Find it starting on page 25 of their course setter's guide. Former MVOC member Karen Dennis had input in creating it. The MVOC normal event courses are usually: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, and Red. For courses at the Miami Valley Jr. O Champs, refer to the Jr. O Champs rules. Orienteering USA A-Meets use a Competitive Course/Class Structure. It is for A-meets only. These are listed on the National Events Calendar. Compass Headings How to use a compass. Orienteering originated in the Scandanavian countries, and this link (currently hosted by Metal Detecting World) takes you to an internationally acclaimed illustrated guide by Norwegian Kjetil Kjernsmo! Don't worry, the pages are in English. Move in the right direction, and get training from the best! A good secondary source of info on compasses is here, though much of it is for USGS maps and not orienteering specific maps. High Technology Many of our events use electronic punching, a fun and new way to keep track of your time on the course. Take a look at our electronic punching page for all the ins and outs of its use. Do you know your map symbols? Get familiar with them. How about the clue sheet? (formally known as the Control Descriptions) Now Test your knowledge! Clothing Most importantly, Dress Appropriately for the Weather Conditions.
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