ORIENTEERING DEVELOPMENT

Ben Rattray, Director (Development)

Groups Appeal / Issues Events Fitness / health conscious Alternative to running/ walking (boring) or gyms (expensive); May be time poor (think about event(s) timing and location) Predominantly metro; Park/street areas; Shorter events; Mid-week. Day of activities/teambuilding for corporate groups Reaching the audience Through: Children; Workplace; GPs and health groups; Fitness Centres/Gyms; Media (best for newspaper advertisements?)

Environmental Outdoors types Enjoy nature; Opportunity to continually explore new areas Predominantly bush; May like mid-week training/alternative Weekends away Through: Workplace; Outdoor websites/ magazines (e.g. Outdoor magazine)

Competitive Sports

Families / all-ages May be orienteers looking for training opportunities; Cross-training tool; Training tool for adventure racers; Consider group to be time poor (close events)

Perhaps the main group for orienteering; Social aspects; Everyone takes part (trans-generational sport) Avoid clashes with other major events where possible. Consider: fun-runs; adventure races; MTB championships; Mid-week events; Street and park events; Cross-training at bush event - may want a long run, but not hard navigation Younger families limited mid-week Bush events – need to cater for all ages – different scale maps, different difficulty levels, string course, split times, etc. Weekends – may be good, although high accommodation expenses At events (fun-runs, adventure races); On sporting websites (see October edition); Orienteering means – effective e-newsletters etc

Through: Children/school; Workplace; GPs, health groups; Children’s activities (scouts etc); Media (good for newspaper advertisements?)

LAST edition (which seems like yesterday), I wrote about some of the challenges that face Orienteering reaching larger audiences. This time I will address some of those challenges and offer solutions. The solutions are by no means exhaustive, and will hopefully provoke thought that will assist overcome the challenges further. Specifically, here are my thoughts on: Growth solutions: How can we improve the product for newcomers?

Students Adventure – based sport; Mental and physical challenge; Perceived interference with social life may be an issue Mid-week – day or morning through schools programs; Younger children limited mid-week after-hours (transport issues); Bush – transport assistance through clubs/ associations, similar to Tasmania Through: Internet; School (directly or PD of teachers); Children’s activities (scouts etc); Other sports/events

The Challenges

The Challenges posed in last episode; Awareness, Knowledge and Interest, and Perceptions are largely dealt with through advertising and provision of information.

Advertising

Possibly the hardest aspect of them all. Orienteering Australia is continually investigating avenues for widespread advertising and cross-promotion with other organisations. There is however much that States, Clubs, organisers and individuals can do to assist. Advertising is about creating interest, and without knowledge of the potential market, these is little hope for success. Here are 5 potential market groups worth considering for directed marketing: • Individuals seeking to keep healthy – both mind and body • Individuals who are prepared to travel to pursue their sporting interests • Individuals who are environmentally conscious and spend time outdoors

Provision of Information

Attracting interest through advertising should be assisted by the availability of further information. While some information is provided in advertising material, the bulk can be supplied through reference within advertisements. Information should be available to address the challenges, as well as general information about the sport, what to expect at an event and event schedules. Orienteering does a reasonable (sometimes excellent) job through State and Club websites providing information on event schedules and general information, i.e. what to expect at an event, what you need to orienteer. Perhaps we can do more to address the other challenges such as expectations and perceptions identified last issue. The provision of information does not end at a website of course; some can be dispersed through newcomer packs and in crosspromotional material with other organisations. Orienteering Australia is also looking at developing an information pack for media use, as well as looking at ways of re-invigorating the information and materials provided to schools programs. The provision of information, whatever the form, is key to ensuring knowledge, interest and perceptions about the sport are optimised.

• Individuals who are involved in competitive sport • Individuals who are social covering the full range of age-classes, the old and the young (typically from 8 to 80 years old) Below are some suggestions on where and how to advertise to different subgroups.

Event location and timing

Event programming is a large issue and one that is continually debated within States, Clubs and at Orienteering Australia level. No doubt I will pick this issue up at another time, but in terms of newcomers we must consider any barrier that prevents people

from trying the sport in the first instance. Making the assumption that newcomers are time poor may not be a bad start. Consider the time and location that events are held; no doubt everyone appreciates these considerations anyway.

At the event

A number of factors within the organisers’ control will influence the experience of newcomers at events. Many of these factors are intuitive, but worth discussing. Hospitality: The friendliness and helpfulness of organisers and members is crucial. Procedures may not be intuitive to newcomers and it is important that this is considered when aiding them through registration and course selection. Selection of personnel at registration and helpers is also important. People skills range within volunteers and individuals with good people skills (patience, understanding, etc) should be utilised wherever possible. The ease of registration and following procedures: As alluded to, the initial event can be daunting. Clear information explaining the registration and course selection process is important. Clear signage of the location of this information is equally important. Signs hung high (above head height) and in large font are visible from a distance, and will assist the newcomer immensely in those initial steps to entering an event. The quality of the map and event: This is one of my pet hates – why are many of the maps close to major cities, that are used very often, afforded fairly poor mapping standards? We use them a lot, so that should be justification enough we ensure we map them well. As importantly, they are part of our “frontline product”. If we ask beginners to try Orienteering on a sub-par map we just do ourselves a disservice. Please consider the quality of the maps that we use regularly, and that newcomers are likely to participate on, not just the maps used for national events. The appropriateness of the course: Generally a regular pointto-point orienteering course will allow the simplest understanding for newcomers. Newcomers generally require navigationally easy courses. This may not dictate that they require a short course as competitors from other sports may still want a “good workout”. A compromise may be setting 2 or 3 easier courses with not too much overlap allowing those keen to run a few courses on the day. This will depend on the area and resources of the organising club.

Further information provided to newcomers – a newcomers

pack: A newcomers pack should be designed to enthuse and provide information for further participation. Everyone likes going away from an event with something to show family and friends, and the newcomer is also likely to share their experience with other non-orienteers. Information about future events and membership, as well as State newsletters are obvious candidates for a newcomers pack. Back issues of The Australian Orienteer (often held by States) may also be used as an opportunity to show newcomers a glimpse of what the sport involves at a national level. A suggestion for the contents of a newcomers pack: • General Orienteering information/website etc • Club and membership details • Event guide and major event flyer • Coaching tips • Guide to finding their results • State newsletter

• The Australian Orienteer (back issue) • Feedback form

Post event

Post-event there are a number of aspects we can do to ensure the newcomers appreciate their experience fully. Timely distribution of results (such as posting on a website) is important. If results are not up by mid-week at the latest (after a weekend event), the event will often be forgotten, and the newcomer loses the glow they feel when they see their name up in the results and can show their friends. As well as posting results online, there may be a case for sending out results, just to newcomers. Many States and some Clubs will follow-up newcomers to events. This generally involves a phone call in an effort to maintain interest, and provide further information if they are interested. Many of the potential barriers to people attending events may be overcome by strong Club support programs. I would be interested to hear details of Club support programs and this could be an area that Clubs nominate for the Club Development awards (see last page of this edition). That’s all for now. Enjoy the Summer!

Development Tips – Newcomers at the event

1. Friendly, courteous and helpful – ensure newcomers are comfortable. The first time trying anything can be confusing and intimidating. Ensure registrars and helpers have good people skills. 2. Ensure a quality experience – good courses and maps will leave a good impression. No-one likes poor quality, but for the newcomer the first impression is crucial. Ensure local (metropolitan) maps are of high quality, they are used the most, and deserve higher standards than often afforded. 3. Information and signage – ensure there is clear information for registering, choosing your course etc in an obvious place. Also ensure signage for registration location, information, start and finish are obvious. 4. Newcomer packs – give them something to go away with.

Everyone likes a reminder of an experience and to relate their experience to friends or family. Extra information is great too. Potential offerings in a newcomer pack are discussed above. 5. Take down newcomer details and follow up their experience post event as appropriate. Ask them if they are interested in joining e-newsletter distributions. If you have any tips, please email them to:

oa_development@netspeed.com.au

Good tips will be published with acknowledgements in subsequent editions.

Development Resources

Orienteering Australia is creating development resources. Everyone can access them through the Orienteering Australia website: www.orienteering.asn.au/promotion/devel/ Please take advantage of them and check regularly for updates.

Sue Neve

COMPETING in the Victorian Middle-distance Championships at Sailors Creek, Sue Neve was running strongly through open terrain thickly littered with dead branches, twigs and leaves, when she did a “Lisa Lampe” – she stepped in a hole and heard a sharp cracking sound. In excruciating pain she lay there for a while wondering what to do. Then, in true orienteering style, she struggled to her feet and started off in search of the next control. It was pretty obvious something was radically wrong with her ankle and some passing competitors eventually persuaded her to give up and go back to the assembly area where people came from all directions with ice and bandages to treat the injury. Next day, at the Long-distance Championships, Sue was seen getting around with a walking stick. Not a good look but we trust it was only temporary. By now Sue should be well on the way to recovery. Spor Australian ts Foundation

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National Badge Awards

The National Badge Scheme aims to recognise orienteers who achieve a consistent orienteering standard relative to their age-group peers and to be a fund raising activity for Australian Teams to World Championships. An orienteer can qualify for a Badge when three Badge credits have been earned within a two-year period. Badge credits can be earned at all Championship and Badge events. For further information contact: John Oliver, 68 Amaroo St, Wagga Wagga 2650 Tel: 069 226 208 ; e-mail: oliver. family@bigpond.com.au

John Sutton Rr.A M65 Gold Marc Gluskie Al.T M12 Gold Karl Bicevskis Al.T M12 Gold Stuart Lawrie Al.T M14 Silver Tom Marshall Al.T M14 Gold Bill Butler Al.T M16 Bronze Peter Kleywegt Al.T M16 Silver Nick Andrewartha Al.T M18 Gold Louis Elson Al.T M18 Gold Luke Topfer Al.T M20 Silver Nicola Marshall Al.T W10 Gold Sophie Warren Al.T W12 Silver Jessie West Al.T W12 Bronze Claire_L Butler Al.T W16 Bronze Liz Butler Al.T W16 Bronze Jane Cusick Al.T W16 Bronze Kylee Gluskie Al.T W16 Gold Lara Haas Al.T W18 Gold Sonia Lawrie Al.T W18 Gold Eleanor Haas Al.T W18 Gold Emma Warren Al.T W20 Gold Anthea Barrow Al.T W20 Silver Les Dawson Sh.N M45 Silver Les Dawson Sh.N M45 Silver Tim Dawson Sh.N M16 Silver Tim Dawson Sh.N M16 Silver Claire Dawson Sh.N W20 Bronze Dot Denham Sh.N W45 Silver Dot Denham Sh.N W45 Silver Sarah Denham Sh.N W16 Silver Sarah Denham Sh.N W16 Bronze Tim Denham Sh.N M18 Gold Tim Denham Sh.N M18 Silver Neville Fathers Sh.N M70 Bronze John Hodsdon Sh.N M65 Silver John Hodsdon Sh.N M65 Gold Val Hodsdon Sh.N W55 Gold Val Hodsdon Sh.N W55 Gold Doug Jay Sh.N M21 Silver Doug Jay Sh.N M21 Silver Chris Livingstone Sh.N M35 Silver Emily Livingstone Sh.N W14 Gold Emily Livingstone Sh.N W14 Bronze Jayde Livingstone Sh.N W18 Gold Jayde Livingstone Sh.N W18 Gold Krystal Livingstone Sh.N W14 Bronze Krystal Livingstone Sh.N W12 Gold Vicki Livingstone Sh.N W35 Bronze Vicki Livingstone Sh.N W35 Bronze Lyn Malmgron Sh.N W55 Silver Lyn Malmgron Sh.N W45 Bronze David Meyer Sh.N M-2 Gold David Meyer Sh.N M20 Gold Glenn Meyer Sh.N M21 Silver Ian Meyer Sh.N M21 Gold Ian Meyer Sh.N M21 Gold Peter Meyer Sh.N M55 Silver Peter Meyer Sh.N M55 Bronze Robert Prentice Sh.N M50 Gold Robert Prentice Sh.N M50 Gold John Russell Sh.N M45 Silver Brianne Stewart Sh.N W14 Gold Brianne Stewart Sh.N W12 Gold Garry Stewart Sh.N M45 Silver Garry Stewart Sh.N M45 Silver Lauren Stewart Sh.N W16 Silver Lauren Stewart Sh.N W16 Bronze Sandra Stewart Sh.N W45 Silver Sandra Stewart Sh.N W45 Silver Stephan Wagner Sh.N M35 Bronze Merran Warlters Sh.N W65 Gold Merran Warlters Sh.N W60 Bronze Trevor Diment Tt.S M40 Bronze Erica Diment Tt.S W40 Gold Ted Mulherin Wh.N M60 Gold Kevin Williams Wh.N M60 Gold Lynn Dabbs Wh.N W50 Gold Andy Vesey_Wells Wh.N M60 Bronze Chris Crane Wh.N M55 Bronze Elliana Hope Wr.T W14 Bronze Joyce Jones Wr.T W80 Gold Pat McGuire Wr.T W65 Gold Jess Smith Wr.T W17 Gold Mike Smith Wr.T M16 Gold Ryan Smyth Wr.T M-2 Gold Jana Vitesnikova Wr.T W18 Silver Nick Woodward Wr.T M18 Silver Nigel Dobson-Keefe Ya.S M40 Bronze Thomas Fotheringham Yas M14 Silver Zebedy Hallett Ya.S W20 Gold Doug Mcmurray Ya.S M55 Silver Peta Johannsen Ya.S W18 Bronze Shannon Nicolson Ya.S W16 Gold Nadia Velaitis Ya.S W-1 Silver Bill Chalmers Nc.N M65 Silver Bill Chalmers Nc.N M65 Bronze Carolyn Chalmers Nc.N W60 Gold Carolyn Chalmers Nc.N W60 Bronze Carolyn Chalmers Nc.N W60 Bronze Cath Chalmers Lo.W W21 Gold Cath Chalmers Lo.W W21 Gold Cath Chalmers Lo.W W21 Silver Cath Chalmers Lo.W W21 Silver Eoin Rothery Lo.W M45 Silver Nadine O’Dowd Nc.N W21 Silver Nadine O’Dowd Nc.N W21 Bronze Sean O’Dowd Nc.N M21 Silver Sean O’Dowd Nc.N M35 Bronze Maurice Patten RR.A M40 Bronze

SwissGame

In the last part of the ‘Improve Your Map Training with OCAD’ we dealt with estimating distance. We will deal with the same subject even in this part of the series, though a different type of training will help us to reach the desired skills, the so-called ‘Swiss Game’.

Swiss Game is a very popular type of orienteering training spread all over the world. The training consists in covering nearly the whole map with a piece of non-transparent foil or paper. The map is then revealed only through small sections cut in this paper, in the surroundings of the controls. Runners have to run an orienteering course through these sections, just following their compass and estimating the distance until they reach the area revealed on the map. There they have to relocate themselves, find the control and continue further on across another ‘no man’s land’ before they reach another area revealed on the map. This is one of the most difficult orienteering trainings and those who master it end up with very few challenges, which could surprise them on an ordinary orienteering course. Again with introduction of OCAD, preparation of such training becomes much faster and much more effective. Again it saves coaches hours of work they would otherwise spend cutting holes into non-transparent paper or foil with which they would cover the maps later on investing lots of effort and time into activity which still would not, in majority of cases, guarantee 100% result. This time we will show you how to easily prepare such training in OCAD 8: 1) In OCAD 8 create a new Course setting file (do not forget to select the same scale as that of the original map). In this newly created file upload the original .ocd file of the map as a template – click the ‘Template’ option in the upper Menu bar, then click open. 2) In the Object bookmark set the course using the course setting symbols in the Symbol box on the right. 3) Create a new course in the menu under the Courses bookmark using all the start, the controls and the finish. You have to name your course. 4) Then switch back into the Object bookmark and select the symbol 760.0 Background Control Description. OCAD will now switch into the Rectangular mode. In this mode, using the Rectangle symbol, cover all the areas of the map you want to remain hidden and leave the map revealed only in areas surrounding the controls (see Picture 1). 5) In the upper Menu bar, select the ‘Symbol’ option and select ‘Colors’. Here move the colour White background below the colour Purple transparent. You will do this by selecting the colour with a mouse and then clicking the Move Down button. By doing so you will be able to see the control numbers later on (see Picture 2). 6) Click the ‘File’ option in the upper Menu bar and select ‘Print’. There select the name of the course you created and which you want to get printed.

Final Tips:

• The smaller the area of the map you leave uncovered the more difficult the course, the same obviously applies to the length of individual legs.

The longer the distance between two controls, the more difficult the

‘game’ gets. • Try to avoid long legs with impassable or uncrossable barriers in the areas of the map hidden by the cover. Such legs do not help, often they disturb the athletes when they get caught somewhere from where they cannot find a way out as they can’t read the situation on the map. • Make sure the training is not too difficult. Preparing such training poses huge demands on the coaches who should thoroughly consider orienteering abilities of their trainees. Making the training too easy makes it worthless. On the other hand, when you make the course too difficult, you often discourage the trainees who may abandon it after half-way unfinished. You should do your utmost best to find the right balance. • Same as with the previous training, Swiss Game is aimed at teaching orienteers to estimate distance, keep direction, and relocate on the map, which are skills more than useful even on ordinary orienteering courses.

Jan Skrˇicˇka – Reprinted from Orienteering Today Download OCAD 8 Demo at www.ocad.com