COMPETITION RULES
FOR
NEW ZEALAND ORIENTEERING FEDERATION (NZOF)
FOOT ORIENTEERING EVENTS

CONTENTS

1. Definitions
2. General provisions
3. Event programme
4. Event applications
5. Classes
6. Participation
7. Costs
8. Information about the event
9. Entries
10. Travel and transport
11. Training and model event
12. Starting order and heat allocation
13. Team officials’ meeting
14. Terrain
15. Maps
16. Courses
17. Restricted areas and routes
18. Control descriptions
19. Control set-up and equipment
20. Control cards and marking devices
21. Equipment
22. Start
23. Finish and time-keeping
24. Results
25. Prizes
26. Fair play
27. Complaints
28. Protests
29. Jury
30. Appeals
31. Event control
32. Event reports
33. Advertising and sponsorship
34. Media service

• Appendix 1: Markings on the map
• Appendix 2: Duties of the Controller, Planner and Co-ordinator
• Appendix 3: Principles for course planning (reprinted from IOF Rules)
• Appendix 4: Suggested course combinations
• Appendix 5: Procedures for events
• Appendix 6: NZOF Badge Award Scheme
• Appendix 7: Information requirements for events
• Appendix 8: NZ specific symbols for maps and control descriptions.

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Orienteering is a sport in which the competitors visit a number of points marked on the ground, controls, in the shortest possible time aided by map and compass. The term competitor means an individual of either sex or a team, as appropriate.

1.2 Types of orienteering competition may be distinguished by:

• the mode of movement:
• on foot
• on skis
• on bicycle
• other modes
• the time of the competition:
• day - (The first start shall be at least 1 hour after sunrise, and the last start at least 150% of the expected winning time before sunset
• night – (The first start shall be at least 1 hour after sunset)
• the nature of the competition:
• individual - (the individual performs independently)
• relay - (two or more team members run consecutive individual races)
• team - (two or more individuals collaborate)
• the way of determining the competition result:
• single-race competition (the result of one single race is the final result)
• multi-race competition (the combined results of two or more races, held during one day or several days, form the final result)
• qualification race competition (the competitors qualify for a final race through one or more qualification races in which they may be allocated to different heats. The competition’s result is that of the final only. There may be A- and B-finals and so on, with the placed competitors of the B-final placed after the placed competitors of the A-final and so on)
• the order in which controls are to be visited:
• in a specific order (the sequence is prescribed)
• in no specific order (the competitor is free to choose the order)
• the length of the race:
• classic distance
• short distance
• other distances

1.3 DNS denotes did not start

DNF denotes did not finish. This is when a competitor has one or more clips missing from the control card, or the control card has been lost.

DSQ denotes disqualified. This is when a competitor has made an incorrect or unidentifiable clip, or visited the controls in the wrong order.

1.4 An event embraces all aspects of an orienteering meeting including organisational matters such as start draws, team officials’ meetings and ceremonies. An event, eg. the New Zealand Orienteering Championships, may include more than one competition such as Classic, Short-O and Relay competitions.

1.5 A competition may consist of more than one race eg Short-O, or a series of races with times or points totalled to arrive at a winner.

1.6 The organiser is the person, persons or club arranging the event.

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2. GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.1 Events are classified as International, A level, B level and C level (refer below). These rules apply primarily to A and B level events. For International events, in instances of difference between the IOF and NZOF Rules, the IOF Rules, or the rules particular to the event, take precedence.

Clubs are encouraged to run events at the highest, or a higher, level if possible. Conversely, events may be run at a lower level if unavoidable. National and International events must always be A level events.

INTERNATIONAL events include APOC, ANZ Challenge and IOF events

A LEVEL events must meet certain criteria set out in these rules e.g. the appointment of an NZOF approved Controller, pre-marked maps etc., thus ensuring the highest standard of course setting and organisation. Normally A level events will include the following:

National Individual Classic Championships
National Individual Short-O Championships
National Interclub Relay Championships
National Secondary Schools Championships

Auckland Individual Classic Championships
Central District Individual Classic Championships
South Island Individual Classic Championships
Wellington Individual Classic Championships

NZOF Trials shall be run in accordance with A level events as closely as possible.

B LEVEL events have less strict criteria although pre-marked maps and a high standard are still expected. Normally B level events will include the following:

Supporting events run in conjunction with A level events
Canterbury Individual Championships
North Island Individual Championships
Otago Individual Championships
Southland Individual Championships
Long Weekend and other multi-day events
ANZAC Weekend
Miscellaneous events such as NZ Masters Games, Katoa Po All night relays, etc

C LEVEL events are other events of local significance e.g. OY’s and low key multi-days. For such events these rules constitute guidelines only, and local rules and practices may apply.

BADGE EVENTS - The National Classic and Short-O Championships, and any Classic distance individual competition granted A level status are automatically conferred Badge event status.

Competitors are awarded badge credits as per the NZOF badge award scheme (refer Appendix 7. For the National Secondary Schools Championships competitors aged 19 years and over are excluded for badge calculation purposes. [Badge status is usually awarded along the lines of 1,2 or 3-day event, one badge credit only; 4-day event, two badge credits maximum; Multiple day events have badge credits either for specific days or from one result from combined days]

2.2 These rules shall be binding on all competitors, team officials and other persons connected with the organisation or in contact with the competitors. The NZOF Technical Committee shall supervise the application of the rules.

2.3 Sporting fairness shall be the guiding principle in the interpretation of these rules by competitors, organisers and the jury.

2.4 In relays the rules for individual events are valid, unless otherwise stated.

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3. EVENT PROGRAMME

3.1 The NZOF Technical Committee shall be responsible for arranging the fixtures list of A and B level events, confirming this with the NZOF Management Committee, then publicising the list by 31 August of the previous year.

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4. EVENT APPLICATIONS

4.1 Clubs must apply to hold events to the NZOF Technical Committee by 31 July of the previous year.

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5. CLASSES

5.1 Competitors are divided into classes according to their sex and age. Women may compete in men’s classes.

5.2 Competitors aged 20 or younger are eligible to run in each class up to the end of the calendar year in which they reach the given age. They are entitled to compete in older classes up to and including 21.

5.3 Competitors aged 21 or older are eligible to run in each class from the beginning of the calendar year in which they reach the designated age. They are entitled to compete in younger classes down to and including 21.

5.4 The main competition classes are called W21 and M21, for women and men respectively. All age groups of competitors are eligible to enter the 21 year age class.

5.5 Classes

Men                    Women
M-12                   W-12
M-14                   W-14
M-16                   W-16
M-18                   W-18
M-20                   W-20
M21 (Open Class)       W21 (Open Class)
M35-                   W35-
M40-                   W40-
M45-                   W45-
M50-                   W50-
M55-                   W55-
M60-                   W60-
M65-                   W65-
M70-                   W70-
M75-                   W75-
M80-                   W80-
M85-                   W85-
M90-                   W90-

5.6 These classes may further be subdivided on skill into E (Elite for 21 age class only), A, B & C categories which indicate degree of difficulty.

5.7 National Interclub Relay classes - The National Interclub Relays will be contested between Club based teams in the following classes.

                                                Difficulty   Win time
Mixed Long
Leg 1 Open                                      Orange       35 mins
Leg 2 No M18A-M50A, No W20A-W35A, No E classes  Orange       20 mins
Leg 3 No M21E, M21AL, M20A, M35A, W21E          Orange       25 mins

Mixed Short
Leg 1 No M21A -35A, No E classes                Orange       30 mins
Leg 2 No M16+, No W16+                          White        15 mins
Leg 3 No M18A -50A, No W18A-40A, No E classes   Yellow       20 mins

5.8 Relay Eligibility

The following rules apply to the National Interclub Relay Championships but they shall be seen as a guide for other relay events

• Except as allowed below competitors may only run officially for the club through which they affiliated to NZOF in that year. If a competitor is a member of another club, they may run officially for this club if they have approval from the club through which they affiliated.
• Any club which has fewer than 30 affiliated members of NZOF may for the purpose of the relays, form an amalgamation with another club, or clubs, in a similar situation. This will be done through an official request to the Co-ordinators by the secretaries of both clubs. Joint teams of orienteers affiliated to NZOF through these clubs will be regarded as official and the team shall be known as the "X-Y team" with X and Y being the names of the amalgamated clubs.
• Any club with fewer than 9 individual entries at the event may similarly form an amalgamation with another club as described above. (This is mainly intended to cover the case of South Island clubs when the event is in the North Island and vice versa)
• Orienteers must be NZ citizens or permanent residents [as defined by the NZ Immigration Service] to be eligible to run officially in a NZ club team.

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6. PARTICIPATION

6.1 Competitors participate at their own risk.

6.2 Entries to A level competitions shall be from persons affiliated to NZOF or an IOF member organisation, or who pay a one-event participation levy fixed by the NZOF council. In the case of a multi-day event, a one-event levy must be paid for each separate competition entered. This rule does not apply to the National Secondary School Championships.  (Amended April 2003)

6.3 NZ championship titles may only be held by individual members of NZOF-affiliated clubs who are also NZ citizens or permanent residents [as defined by the NZ Immigration Service]. Payment of a one-event participation levy does not grant eligibility. (Amended April 2003)

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7. COSTS

7.1 The costs of organising an event are the responsibility of the organiser. To cover the costs of the competition(s), the organiser may charge an entry fee. This fee shall be kept as low as possible.

7.2 Each individual competitor is responsible for paying the entry fee as specified. The time limit for paying the entry fee shall not be earlier than 6 weeks prior to the event.

7.3 Late entries may be charged an additional fee.

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8. INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT

8.1 Information shall be supplied in writing, or electronically if desired by both individual competitor and organiser.

8.2 Preliminary information and Entry form shall be made available to NZOF Technical Committee and club Secretaries at least 8 weeks prior to the closing date for entries and shall include:

• Event status (eg A level for day 1, B level for days 2 and 3)
• Date of event and general locality.
• Nature of terrain.
• Map scale and contour interval
• Approximate length of courses and classes on each.
• Range of start times.
• Method of entry for the event.
• Entry fee and details of any late entry penalties.
• Details regarding single event affiliation. (A level events only) [Persons not affiliated to the NZOF, or other National orienteering body, through their Club, must pay a single event levy equal to 50% of the annual NZOF levy for each day of the event]
• Opportunities for training.
• Name, address and telephone number for enquiries.
• Name of Planner, Controller and Co-ordinator.
• Information on any team competition.
• Embargoed areas.
• Facilities for those with young children.
• Multi-day result calculations and awards.
• Any other unusual information related to the event.

8.3 Final Information shall be received by all entrants not later than 5 days before the start of the event and shall include:

• Administrative information, e.g. directions to the event centre, parking, distance to starting areas, registration procedures.
• A timetable, including course closure times.
• Nature of terrain.
• Further map details, e.g. special symbols or interpretation.
• Opportunities for training.
• Course lengths, amount of climb.
• Special conditions, e.g. landowners requirements, hazards, out of bounds.
• Controller, Course Planner, Protest Jury and their Clubs.
• Start times of all competitors.
• Colour of streamers marking dangerous areas or marked routes.
• Special rules, eg wearing numbers, carrying whistles.
• Any unusual aspects of start or finish procedures, particularly for relays.
• Facilities at the event eg creche, food for sale etc.
• Details of classes combined.
• Safety bearing.

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9. ENTRIES

9.1 A competitor may only officially enter one class in any one competition. If any two or more races of an event count together as one competition, a competitor may only officially enter one class in that competition.

9.2 The organisers may exclude competitors or teams from starting if their entry fee is not paid and no agreement has been reached about payment.

9.3 Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the organisers.

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10. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT (A level events only)

10.1 The use of official transport to a competition site may be declared mandatory by the organisers.

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11. TRAINING AND MODEL EVENT

11.1 [Prior to the first competition of an event, the organisers may put on a model event to demonstrate the terrain type, map quality, control features and the set-up of the controls, refreshment points and marked routes]

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12. STARTING ORDER AND HEAT ALLOCATION

12.1 In an interval start, the competitors start singly at equal start intervals. In a mass start, all competitors in a class start simultaneously; in relays this usually applies only to the team members running the first leg. In a chasing start, the competitors start singly at start times and intervals determined by their previous results.

12.2 The start list shall be published in the final information (refer rule 8.3) except where there is a qualification race competition or a chasing start, when the start list shall be published as soon as practicable, but at least one hour before the first start. Where it is clear to all competitors how to work out their own start time, there is no requirement to publish a start list. [eg "Your start time in the afternoon is 1pm plus your running time in the morning"]

12.3 The start draw shall be carried out in such a way that competitors of the same class start in blocks. Exceptions may be made for officials and parents of young children.

12.4 For an interval start, competitors from the same Club shall not start consecutively where at all possible. If they are drawn to start consecutively, the next competitor shall be inserted between them.

12.5 Unofficial competitors stall start at least 30 minutes before, or after, official competitors.

12.6 The race Controller shall ensure the fairness of the start draw.

12.7 Providing that fairness is maintained, organisers may restrict start times (e.g. Run 21Es after other classes have finished, or start NZ v Australian team members before others in the same class).

12.8 When an interval start is used, competitors on the same course shall be set off with start intervals of at least 3 minutes for classic competitions and at least 2 minutes for short distance competitions. [it is recommended that 21E class are started at double these intervals]

12.9 A chasing start (start times depend on previous results) may be used. [It is recommended that chasing starts shall not be used in areas of high visibility where following may occur]

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13. TEAM OFFICIALS’ MEETING

[Blank]

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14. TERRAIN

14.1 The terrain shall be suitable for setting competitive orienteering courses.

14.2 The competition terrain shall not have been used for orienteering for as long as possible prior to the competition, so that no competitor has an unfair advantage.

14.3 The competition terrain shall be embargoed as soon as it is decided. The organisers shall give notice of the embargoed areas to the NZOF Technical Committee, all Clubs, NZ Orienteering magazine and all newsletter editors.

14.4 Permission for access into embargoed terrain shall be obtained from the organisers if needed.

14.5 Any rights of nature conservation, forestry, hunting, etc in the area shall be respected.

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15. MAPS

15.1 Maps, course markings and additional overprinting shall be drawn and printed according to the IOF International Specification for Orienteering Maps. Deviations shall be approved by the NZOF Technical Committee.

15.2 Easily crossable fences and power lines may be omitted for red and orange difficulty courses but must be shown for yellow and white difficulty courses.[eg. deer fences and fences with outrigger wires are not considered easily crossable] A legend of all map symbols used must be available for all orange, yellow and white competitors, preferably on the map.

15.3 The map scale shall be given in numbers on the map and as a linear representation.

15.4 The map scale for red and orange courses shall be 1:15,000 or 1:10,000. [1:15,000 scale is recommended for classic distance competitions in 21E classes and 1:10,000 scale is recommended for age classes 45 and above]

15.5 The map scale for White and Yellow courses shall be no greater than 1:10000 scale with 1:7500 or less recommended.

15.6 Competitors shall be accurately informed of any errors on the map or changes which have occurred since the map was printed (eg. by marking them on the maps, or by including general facts applying to the map in the final event information).

15.7 Competitors shall be told of any condition of the terrain which may affect the competition and which is not apparent from the map. The information shall be displayed at least one hour before the first start.

15.8 The maps for Elite classes, and if possible, also those for the other classes shall not be unreasonably larger than is required by an orienteer on that course. [It is recommended that if maps of different sizes are produced for various classes, to ensure fairness for all competitors in the future, a subsequent full copy of the map or the cut ends etc. shall be made available to those competitors not receiving the full map]

15.9 The map shall be printed on good, and if possible water resistant paper (80-120 g/m²). All maps shall be enclosed by bags of at least 70 micron thickness.

15.10 Examples of any previously used orienteering map of the competition area must be displayed on the day of the competition.

15.11 The NZOF and its member clubs shall have the right to reproduce the event maps with courses in their official magazines without having to pay a fee to the organiser.

15.12 Pre-marked maps shall be used for A and B level events.

15.13 Recommendations for events using Master maps:

• Adequate shelter with reasonable lighting must be provided for the maps, and a firm surface provided for the competitor to copy on.
• The position of any master maps shall not be more than 200 m from the timed start. They shall be located such that competitors leaving them are not visible to those waiting to start, and are unlikely to return past the timed start on their way to the first control.
• Map corrections shall be situated prominently and sufficient copies available at least 1 hour before the first start times. Map corrections shall be marked in some colour contrasting with the map and shall contain a written indication of the type of correction. The total number of corrections shall be stated and each correction numbered consecutively. Map corrections shall appear on all master maps and shall not be used as control sites.
• When there are master maps for more than one course, they shall be clearly distinguishable to the approaching competitors. Sufficient maps of each course shall be provided so that no competitor shall be delayed.
• A control description sheet shall be attached to each master map.
• It is recommended that a pre-start be allowed for marking maps providing it is fair to all competitors. A suggested pre-start time is not less than 3 mins and a multiple of the start interval. For small events competitors may be allowed to mark maps with no set time until starting. This allows for accuracy of map marking.

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16. COURSES

16.1 The IOF Principles for Course Planning (see Appendix 3) shall be followed.

16.2 The standard of red courses shall be worthy of an orienteering event. The navigational skill, concentration and running ability of the competitors shall be tested. Courses shall call upon a range of different orienteering techniques. Courses for short distance shall require, in particular, a high level of concentration throughout the course, detailed map reading and frequent decision making. Courses for classic distance shall require route choice.

16.3 The standard of orange courses shall provide enjoyment for the average competitor.

16.4 The standard of yellow and white courses shall provide success and encouragement for the least able competitor.

16.5 The course lengths shall be given as the length of the straight line from the start via the controls to the finish deviating for, and only for, physically impassable obstructions (high fences, lakes, impassable cliffs etc.), prohibited areas and marked routes.

16.6 The total climb shall be given as the climb in metres along the shortest sensible route. [If possible the total climb of a course shall not exceed 4% of the length of the shortest sensible route]

16.7 In relay classes where all legs have the same difficulty, forking legs shall be used in such a way that all teams complete all leg variations. This requires that the forks begin and end at controls that are common to more than one leg. Relay classes where legs have different difficulty are for developing orienteers and it is not necessary or possible to satisfy the above. Lengths of alternative legs shall be as close as possible.

16.8 Unless expressly allowed otherwise, the order in which the controls shall be visited shall be indicated. The competitors shall adhere to this order, and the organisers shall check that they do so if there is any possibility they may benefit from visiting the controls in a different order.

16.9 The following colour labels shall be used to denote the technical difficulty:

WHITE COURSE
Courses must follow drawn linear features (tracks, fences, streams, distinct vegetation boundaries, etc.). A control site must be placed at every decision point (eg. a turning point, a track junction or a change in the type of linear feature - from following a track to following a stream). All control markers must be visible from the approach side. Where the course has to deviate from the handrail feature (e.g. to cross through a forest block), the route must be marked all the way until a new handrail feature is reached. The Start Triangle shall be on a linear feature. If no such feature is available, then there must be a taped route all the way from the start to a linear feature (ie. the first control). Compass use is limited to map orientation only. No route choice is offered. Doglegs are permitted.
Used for: M/W-10, M/W-12B

YELLOW COURSE
Control sites must be on or near (<50 m) drawn linear features (tracks, fences, streams, distinct vegetation boundaries, etc) but preferably not at turning points. This gives the opportunity to follow handrails or to cut across country (i.e. limited route choice). Control sites shall be visible from the approach side by any reasonable route. Compass use is limited to rough directional navigation. Contour recognition is not required for navigation but simple contour features may be used for control sites. Doglegs are permitted.
Used for: M/W12-A, M/W-14B, adult C classes

ORANGE COURSE
Course shall have route choice with prominent attack points near the control sites and/or catching features less than 100 m behind. Control sites may be fairly small point features and the control markers need not necessarily be visible from the attack point. Exit from the control shall not be the same as the entry (doglegs are not permitted). Simple navigation by contours and rough compass with limited distance estimation required. Use of a chain of prominent features as "stepping stones" is encouraged.
Used for: M/W14-A, M/W-18-20B, adult B classes

RED COURSE
Navigation shall be as difficult as possible with small contour and point features as preferred control sites (no obvious attack points, no handrails etc.). Control sites shall be placed in areas rich in detail. Route choice shall be an important element in most legs. Doglegs are not permitted. Note: It may be impossible to set RED courses on some maps.
Used for: all other A classes including and above M/W16-A (includes both long and short courses), Elite classes.

16.10 Course lengths are given below in terms of target times. For classes 18 and over the target times are for the top NZ competitor (whether they attend or not. For classes 16 and under the median NZ competitor shall take the time given below.

16.11 Target times in single-day events shall be:-

Class          Target Times in Minutes

M–12           35 median time
M-14A          50 median time
M-16A          60 median time
M-18A          60
M-20A          70
M21E (open)    105
M21A (open)    80
M35A-          70
M40A-          65
M45A-          60
M50A-          55
M55A-          50
M60A-          45
M65A-          45
M70A-          45
M75A-          45
M80A-          45
M85A-          45
M90A-          45

W-12           35 median time
W-14A          50 median time
W-16A          55 median time
W-18A          55
W-20A          60
W21E (open)    75
W21A (open)    65
W35A-          60
W40A-          60
W45A-          55
W50A-          50
W55A-          45
W60A-          40
W65A-          40
W70A-          40
W75A-          40
W80A-          40
W85A-          40
W90A-          40

Short A Classes may be offered for all or some classes at 75% of the corresponding A class target times.

B Classes may be offered in all age groups (except M/W-12) at 75% of the corresponding A class target times (approximately 65% of A class distance) and of the technical difficulty prescribed in rule 16.9.

C Classes may be offered in all age groups (except M/W-14) at 55% of the corresponding A class target times (approximately 45% of A class distance) and of the technical difficulty prescribed in rule 16.9.

Course/Class combinations - refer Appendix 4 for recommended Course/Class combinations

Multi-day Events shall be designed for 70-90% of the single-day times, depending on the number of days and rest opportunities (this does not apply to A level competitions or Short-O competitions). The percentage does not need to be the same each day, but it shall be stated in advance. [It is recommended that for 2 day events the 1^st day is 100% and the 2^nd day 90%. For the 3^rd and more days without a rest day the distance is 70%. The intent of the rule is that times at the lower end of the range are only required when there are many event days with no rest days]

Short Orienteering Events where one race is run in a day, shall be designed such that the win time for each race shall be no greater than 60% of the single day times. Where two short distance races are run in one day they shall be designed for no more than 40% of the single day times for each race. But regardless of what is chosen for other classes, M and W21E shall have a single race in a day designed for a 30 minute winning time.

Night Events shall be designed for no more than 75% of the single-day times.

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17. RESTRICTED AREAS AND ROUTES

17.1 Rules set by the NZOF or organising club to protect the environment and any related instructions from the organisers shall be strictly observed by all persons connected with the event.

17.2 Out-of-bounds or dangerous areas, forbidden routes, line features that shall not be crossed, etc shall be described in the information and marked on the map. If necessary, they shall also be marked on the ground. Competitors may not enter, follow or cross such areas, routes or features.

17.3 Compulsory routes, crossing points and passages shall be marked clearly on the map and on the ground. Competitors shall follow the entire length of any marked section of their course.

17.4 The organisers shall, where practical, erect notices and mark off areas to ensure that no unauthorised persons enter the competition area.

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18. CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS

18.1 The precise location of the controls shall be defined by control descriptions.

18.2 The control descriptions shall be in the form of symbols and in accordance with the IOF Control Descriptions. Both IOF symbols and English written descriptions must be given for age classes 16 and under and for B and C classes.

18.3 A copy of the control descriptions shall be attached to the competitor's map.

18.4 Control descriptions shall be made available at least one hour before the first start time, with the exception of relays. For relay events a list of all control descriptions used, not indicating the sequence of controls within each course, shall be displayed at least one hour before the first start time.

18.5 Refreshment controls shall be marked as such in the control descriptions, or shown on the map as applicable.

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19. CONTROL SET-UP AND EQUIPMENT

19.1 The control point given on the map shall be clearly marked on the ground and be equipped to enable the competitors to prove their passage.

19.2 Each control shall be marked by a control flag consisting of three squares 30 x 30 cm arranged in a triangular form. Each square shall be divided diagonally, one half being white and the other orange (PMS 165). At least two of the faces shall have the upper half white. For night events a control may have in addition a red light, the flag may be lit from inside, or it may have a reflector attached.

19.3 The flag shall be hung at the feature indicated on the map in accordance with the control description. The flag shall be visible to competitors when they can see the described position.

19.4 A control shall be sited and the flag shall be hung so that the presence of a person punching does not significantly help nearby competitors to find the control.

19.5 Each control shall be identified with a code number, which shall be fixed to the control so that a competitor using the marking device can clearly read the code. Numbers less than 31 and numbers easily confused (eg. 66, 68, 86, 89, 98, 99) may not be used. The figures shall be black, between 5 and 10 cm in height and have a line thickness of 5 to 10 mm. [IOF rules require the background colour to the black lettering to be white. Codes that complied with the 1997 NZOF rules are acceptable until 31 December 2003]

19.6 To prove the passage of the competitors, there shall be a sufficient number of marking devices in the immediate vicinity of each flag.

19.7 [It is recommended that a control may be visited by no more than 60 competitors per hour in forest and 30 per hour in open land. Water controls and special controls such as for turning etc may be visited by more]

19.8 Water shall be provided at the finish, and on the courses at least every 30 minutes, based on the winner's speed. Disposable cups must be provided.
[It is recommended that water be available at the start especially if the start is at some distance from the event centre]

19.9 No controls shall be on map errors or hand drawn map corrections.

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20. CONTROL CARDS AND MARKING DEVICES

20.1 When a non-electronic system is used, competitors are allowed to prepare the control card, eg. by writing on it, by reinforcing it or by putting it into a bag, but not by cutting-off parts of the control card.

20.2 The control cards shall be handed out at least one hour before the first start. In relays, the control cards may be included on the maps and not handed out separately in advance.

20.3 When electronic systems are used the relevant rules of "Competition Rules for IOF Foot orienteering events" shall apply.

20.4 Competitors shall be responsible for marking their own card at each control using the marking device provided. Competitors are responsible for correct marking, even if at some controls the marking is made by an event official.

20.5 The organisers have the right to have the control card checked by officials at appointed controls and/or to mark the card.

20.6 The marking must be clearly identifiable and shall show that all controls have been visited.

20.7 A competitor with a control mark missing shall not be placed, unless it can be established with certainty, by an official, that it is not the competitor’s fault (eg a broken punch)

20.8 When systems with visible punch marks are used, at least a part of the marking must be in the appropriate box for this control or in an empty reserve box on the control card. When an incorrect clip has been made, the correct clip must be made in a reserve box on the card (or the highest numbered empty box if designated reserve boxes do not appear). Clipping shall then continue in the correct sequence. One mistake per competitor is acceptable (ie. not having at least a part of the marking in the correct box) provided all markings can be identified clearly. Clipping the wrong control and then clipping the right control in the reserve box is not considered a mistake. A competitor who attempts to gain advantage by inaccurate marking may be disqualified.

20.9 Competitors who lose their control card, or omit a control, shall be shown as DNF (did not finish)

20.10 Competitors who have made an incorrect or unidentifiable clip, or visited controls in the wrong order, shall be shown as DSQ (disqualified)

20.11 The Controller shall confirm all instances of DNF’d and DSQ’d control cards.

20.12 All control cards must be kept by the organisers for at least two weeks after the issue of the official results to allow for any appeals (refer rule 30)

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21. EQUIPMENT

21.1 During the competition the only navigational aids that competitors may use are the map, control descriptions provided by the organisers, and a compass.

21.2 Telecommunication equipment may be used in the competition area only with the permission of the organisers.

21.3 Competitors may be required to wear numbers, provided by the organisers, on the chest.

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22. START

22.1 In individual competitions, the start is normally an interval start. In relay competitions, the start is normally a mass start.

22.2 In qualification race competitions, the first start in the final race shall be at least 3½ hours after the last start in the qualification races.

22.3 The start may be organised with a pre-start, situated at one edge of the warm-up area, before the time start. If there is a pre-start, a clock showing the competition time to team officials and competitors shall be displayed there, and the competitors’ names shall be called or displayed. Only starting competitors and media representatives guided by the organisers, are allowed beyond the pre-start.

22.4 At the start, a clock showing the competition time to the competitors shall be displayed. If there is no pre-start, competitors’ names shall be called or displayed.

22.5 The start shall be organised so that later competitors and other persons cannot see the map, courses, route choices or the direction to the first control. If necessary, there shall be a marked route from the time start to the point where orienteering begins.

22.6 Competitors shall receive their maps after the time start, either at the start or a map issue point.

22.7 The competitor is responsible for taking the right map. The competitor’s start number, or name, or course, shall be indicated on the map so as to be visible to the competitor before they start.

22.8 The point where orienteering begins shall be shown on the map with the start triangle and, if it is not at the time start, marked in the terrain by a control flag but no marking device. Competitors must pass within touching distance of the control flag.

22.9 Competitors who are late for their start shall be permitted to start. The organisers will determine at which time they may start, considering the possible influence on other competitors. They shall be timed as if they had started at their original start time. Competitors who are late for their start for reasons other than their own fault may ask that their actual start time be recorded and the controller will decide whether this amended start time will stand.

22.10 Where possible the start point for young children shall not be too far away from registration, or the finish, to allow parents with split starts the opportunity to escort their young children to the start.

22.11 The changeover between the members of each relay team takes place by touch. The changeover may be organised so that the incoming team member collects the map of the outgoing team member and hands it over as the changeover touch.

22.12 In the relay changeover area, outgoing team members shall have some advance warning of the arrival of their preceding team members.

22.13 Correct and timely relay changeover is the responsibility of the competitors, even when the organisers arrange an advanced warning of incoming teams.

22.14 With the approval of the Controller the organisers may arrange mass starts for the later legs for relay teams that have not yet changed over.

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23. FINISH AND TIME-KEEPING

23.1 The competition ends for a competitor when crossing the finishing line.

23.2 The run-in to the finish line shall be bounded by tape or rope. The last 20 m shall be straight. The finish line shall be at least 3 m wide and shall be at right angles to the direction of the run-in. The exact position of the finish line shall be obvious to approaching competitors. [It is recommended that the approach to the finish shall be marked by a funnel consisting of two suitable tapes or ropes along the run-in narrowing at the actual finish line. Any funnelling to keep competitors in single file shall commence after the finish line.]

23.3 When a competitor has crossed the finish line, the competitor shall hand in the control card and, if so required by the organisers, the competition map.

23.4 The finishing time shall be measured when the competitor's chest crosses the finish line. Times shall be rounded down to whole seconds. Times shall be given in hours, minutes and seconds or in minutes and seconds only.

23.5 Two independent time keeping systems, a primary and a secondary, shall be used. [The secondary means may take the form of watches synchronised with the finish clock]

23.6 Whenever possible, there shall be a first-aid post at the finish with a person trained in First Aid or a Doctor in attendance.

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24. RESULTS

24.1 Provisional results shall be announced and displayed in the finish area, or assembly area, during the competition.

24.2 Every competitor shall be given an official results list within 4 weeks. [It is recommended that entrants that did not start shall also receive their competition maps.] Official results shall show course lengths, climb, badge credits if applicable, and will include all competitors whether they completed the course or not. Official results shall also be sent to the NZOF Technical Committee and the NZOF Statistician (refer rule 32).

24.3 Results lists shall be in written form, or electronically if agreed by both individual competitor and organisers.

24.4 In relays, the results shall include the competitors' names in running order and times for their legs as well as the course combinations that each ran.

24.5 If an interval start is used, two or more competitors having the same time shall be given the same placing in the results list. The position(s) following the tie shall remain vacant.

24.6 If a mass start or chasing start is used, the placings are determined by the order in which the competitors finish. In relays this will be the team member running the last relay leg.

24.7 In relays where there are mass starts for later legs, the sum of the individual times of the team members shall determine the placings of the teams that have taken part in such mass starts.

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25. PRIZES

25.1 [It is recommended that the organisers arrange a suitable award ceremony.]

25.2 Awards for men's and women's classes shall be comparable.

25.3 If two or more competitors have the same placing, they shall each receive the appropriate medal and/or certificate.

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26. FAIR PLAY

26.1 All persons taking part in an orienteering event shall behave with fairness and honesty. They shall have a sporting attitude and a spirit of friendship. Competitors shall show respect for each other, for officials, journalists, spectators and the inhabitants of the competition area. The competitors shall be as quiet as possible in the terrain.

26.2 Except in the case of an accident or an obviously distressed competitor, wilfully obtaining assistance from other competitors or providing assistance to other competitors during a competition is forbidden. It is the duty of all competitors to help injured competitors.

26.3 Doping is forbidden. Competitors must undergo testing procedures as required by the Sport Drug Policy of the NZOF.

26.4 The Organiser, with the consent of the Controller, may decide to publish the venue of the competition in advance. If the venue is not made public, all officials shall maintain strict secrecy about the competition area and terrain. All officials shall maintain secrecy about the courses.

26.5 Any attempt to survey or train in the competition area is forbidden. Attempts to gain any information related to the courses, beyond that provided by the organisers, is forbidden before and during the competition.

26.6 The Organiser shall bar from the competition any competitor who is so well acquainted with the terrain or the map, that the competitor will have a substantial advantage over other competitors. In case of doubt, the matter shall be decided by the Controller. For the first event on a new map the fieldworkers, cartographers, planners and controllers are not eligible to run officially at that event or for any event held on that mapped area for two weeks after its first use.

26.7 Team officials, competitors, media representatives and spectators shall remain in the areas assigned to them.

26.8 Control officials shall neither disturb nor detain any competitor, nor supply any information whatsoever. They shall remain quiet, wear inconspicuous clothing and shall not help competitors approaching controls. This also applies to all other persons in the terrain, eg. media representatives.

26.9 Having crossed the finish line, a competitor may not re-enter the competition terrain without the permission of the Controller. A competitor who retires shall announce this at the finish immediately and hand in the map and control card. That competitor shall in no way influence the competition nor help other competitors.

26.10 A competitor who breaks any rule, or who benefits from the breaking of any rule, may be disqualified.

26.11 Non-competitors who break any rule are liable to disciplinary action under the NZOF constitution.

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27. COMPLAINTS

27.1 A complaint may be placed regarding infringements of these rules or the organiser’s directions.

27.2 Complaints may be made by event or team officials, competitors or anybody else connected with the event.

27.3 A complaint shall be made in writing to the Controller as soon as possible, but within 60 minutes of the competitor affected finishing . A complaint is adjudicated by the Controller. The Controllers decision on a complaint shall be advised to the complainant, and displayed on the results board, as soon as possible, but in any case within 60 minutes.

27.4 The Controller shall deal with all complaints in a manner that they feel is necessary to ensure the fairest result for competitors.

27.5 If a complaint, regarding an element of a course is upheld, only the class containing the protestor(s) shall be invalidated.

27.6 There is no fee for a complaint.

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28. PROTESTS

28.1 A protest may be made against the Controller’s decision regarding a complaint.

28.2 Protests may be made by team officials, competitors or event officials.

28.3 Any protest shall be made in writing to the Controller within 60 minutes of the Controllers decision about a complaint being advised to the complainant and displayed on the result board.

28.4 A fee equal to the entry fee for that day for the class in question shall accompany any protest. This fee shall be returned if the protest is upheld. The fee may also be returned if the Jury believe the protest was soundly based but of insufficient weight to justify upholding the protest.

28.5 If a protest, regarding an element of a course is upheld, only the class containing the protestor(s) shall be invalidated.

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29. JURY

29.1 A jury shall be appointed to rule on protests.

29.2 The Jury shall deal with all protests in a manner that they feel is necessary to ensure the fairest result for competitors.

29.3 The jury panel shall consist of the race Controller and 3 out of a panel of 5 Controllers from clubs other than that organising the event.

29.4 The names and clubs of all jury panel members shall be published in the final event information. For A level events the jury must be selected from the list of Controllers as approved by the NZOF Technical Committee.

29.5 The Chairman of the Jury shall be the race Controller. The Chairman shall attend Jury meetings but shall have no vote.

29.6 The race Controller shall select the final panel of 3 others to ensure that people on the same course, or with a family association to the protestor, do not become involved in the protest.

29.7 If the race Controller is not able to fill the jury from the published panel of 5, due to jury members declaring themselves prejudiced or unable to fulfil their task, the race Controller shall nominate a substitute. For A level events the substitute must be selected from the list of Controllers as approved by the NZOF Technical Committee. For other events the substitute shall be an experienced orienteer without a personal interest in the protest.

29.8 The jury is competent to rule only if all members are present. In urgent cases preliminary decisions may be taken if a majority of the jury members agree on the decision.

29.9 The Jury shall meet as soon as possible after receipt of a protest.

29.10 The decision of the Jury must be made on the day of the competition concerned and the decision of the Jury is final.

29.11 The Jury must prepare a written report for the Controller and the NZOF Technical Committee stating precisely why the protest was upheld or was unsuccessful. The organisers must publish both the protest and Jury's report in the results booklet.

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30. APPEALS

30.1 A competitor who finds themselves DSQ’d or DNF’d on receiving final results has the right of appeal. The race Controller shall reconvene (not necessarily physically) the Jury, if necessary up to one week from the receipt of the official event results, to settle an appeal.

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31. EVENT CONTROL

31.1 The following qualifications are required for Controllers:

• IOF events – IOF controller accreditation.
• Other International events - NZOF A* grade controller or IOF controller.
• A level events – NZOF A* grade controller or IOF controller.
• B level events – No requirement [it is recommended that NZOF A, B* and B grade Controllers be used to gain experience for promotion to A* grade.]
• C level events – [it is recommended that unlisted Controllers be used to gain experience for promotion.]

[A* grade controller denotes approved NZOF controller. A, B* and B grade controllers denotes various lesser categories of controller qualification]

31.2 The Controller shall ensure that rules are followed in accordance with the guiding principle of sporting fairness and that mistakes are avoided. The Controller has the authority to require adjustments to be made if they deem them necessary to satisfy the requirements of the event. Refer to Appendix 2 for duties of the Controller

31.3 The Controller shall work in close collaboration with the organisers, and shall be given all relevant information. All official information sent out shall be approved by the Controller.

31.4 The Controller shall have the deciding voice in all matters pertaining to fairness. If an insoluble difference of opinion arises, the NZOF Technical Committee shall be consulted.

31.5 The Controller shall be present during the competition. In exceptional cases, the NZOF Technical Committee may give permission for someone well versed in the matter to take their place.

31.6 [It is strongly recommended that the Controller not be directly involved with the fieldwork of the map to be used.]

31.7 [It is strongly recommended that a Controller does not control more than one day of a multi-day event]

31.8 For large events the Controller may be assisted by a "Technical Adviser" or "Overall Controller"

A Technical Advisor shall be an NZOF approved Controller who will assist, particularly in areas that need to be consistent over all days of a multi-day event such as:

• the suitability of the terrain
• the quality of any new mapping
• the systems to be used for error control
• approval of preliminary and final event information before issue
• assistance during the event for any problems

All this must be achieved in such a way that it is clear the responsibility remains with the Controller for the day concerned.

An Overall Controller shall be an NZOF approved Controller who performs similar duties to a "Technical Adviser", but with a greater degree of double-checking which will only be justified for a very significant event. The Overall Controller accepts final responsibility for everything. While the division of work between Overall Controller and the Controllers for individual days is up to the Overall Controller, the Overall Controller must be careful to delegate enough to avoid being over-committed, while still retaining an overall view.

31.9 Any payments to cover the Controller's expenses shall be agreed between the event organisers and the Controller and shall be paid by the organising Club(s).

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32. EVENT REPORTS

32.1 A short report shall be sent by the Co-ordinator to the NZOF Technical Committee within 4 weeks of the event. The minimum the report shall contain is results lists, one copy of each course and the details of any protests.

32.2 A copy of the results shall be sent to the NZOF statistician (refer Appendix 7 for details of NZOF Statisticians requirements)

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33. ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP

33.1 Advertising of tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, is not permitted.

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34. MEDIA SERVICE

34.1 The Co-ordinator shall make every effort to maximise media coverage as long as this does not jeopardise the fairness of the event.

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APPENDIX 1

MARKINGS ON THE MAP

The following are extracted from the International Specification for Orienteering Maps 1990. Dimensions given are for maps at 1:15,000 scale. [It is recommended that for 1:10,000 scale maps the dimensions be increased by up to 50%]

Symbols for the Indication of the Courses

The competition map shall be marked as follows:-

1. The start or map issue point (if not at the start) is shown by an equilateral triangle (side 7mm) which points in the direction of the first control.
2. The control by a circle (5-6mm diameter) [the smaller size is recommended only on maps of 1:15,000 scale.]
3. The finish by two concentric circles (5 and 7mm diameter)
4. A marked route by dashed lines.
5. A crossing point by )( where the two outward curved lines are 3mm long and 0.6mm apart.
6. The centre of any triangle or circle shows the precise control site, but it shall not be itself marked.
7. The controls shall be numbered to give the prescribed sequence. The figures shall be printed to be read from the south.
8. Except where there is a marked route or out of bounds areas, the triangle and circles shall be connected by straight lines in numerical order.
9. The control circles and connecting lines shall be interrupted if they obscure important features on the map.
10. Out of bounds areas, dangerous areas and forbidden routes shall be overprinted in accordance with the latest edition of the IOF Mapping Specification.
11. The courses and overprinting shall be in Violet (PMS PURPLE). The line thickness shall conform with the IOF Mapping Specification. (0.35mm at 1,15,000 scale)

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APPENDIX 2

DUTIES

CONTROLLER
(see also Section 31 Event Control)

1. To supervise the general organisation of the event and make sure the Rules are adhered to and infringements are brought before the Jury. The Controller shall be the non-voting Chairman of the Jury.
2. To approve all official information sent out.
3. To approve the venue and the terrain for the event.
4. To check the quality of the map and supervise any updating or re-mapping which may be required.
5. To check the event organisation and assess the suitability of the proposed accommodation, food, transport, programme, budget and training possibilities.
6. To advise the course planner and to ensure the courses will be ready in good time.
7. To approve the courses after assessing their quality, including degree of difficulty, control siting and equipment, chance factors and map correctness. [It is recommended that controllers run sufficient courses to ensure that lengths are appropriate.]
8. To check that the control descriptions correctly describe the control sites.
9. To approve start times and ensure they comply with rules 12.3 – 12.5 and maintain the principle of fairness.
10. To check the suitability of the start area, map issue point, controls and finish, and to ensure that on the day of the event they are correctly positioned.
11. To assess the reliability and accuracy of the time-keeping and results producing systems.
12. To check any course splitting method and course combinations.
13. To assess arrangements and facilities for the media.
14. To assess arrangements and facilities for doping tests if necessary.
15. To ensure the safety of all competitors by:
    1. preventing competitors without suitable clothing or equipment from starting (e.g. in bad weather).
    2. matching finishers with starters and initiating and controlling any search and rescue operation.
    3. planning for and controlling the rescue of any disabled competitor.

PLANNER

As a minimum, the following tasks shall be carried out by the Planner:

1. Planning of courses. Controllers must see the maps with adequate time to make changes and corrections.
2. Preparation of control descriptions.
3. With secrecy, supply the coding of respective control clip patterns to the Controller.
4. Preparation of the competition maps (master maps if not an A level and B level event.
5. Planning of start and finish in consultation with the Co-ordinator.
6. Selection of drink stations, and placing of drinks at same on the competition day.
7. Placing of controls and card marking devices.
8. Complete liaison with the Controller.
9. Complete liaison with the Co-ordinator, supplying all details on length, climb and number of controls on each course and other such information as is required to be published.
10. Organisation of collection of control markers and other equipment in the event area, removal of any rubbish at control or master map sites.

CO-ORDINATOR

The Co-ordinator is responsible for facilities up to the start point, and from the finish line. This includes:

1. Advertising and preliminary information (with Controller approval)
2. Final competitor information (with Controller approval)
3. Entries
4. Liaison with Planner, Controller and landowners
5. Overall responsibility for the smooth running of the event including:
1. Signposting.
2. Layout of reception, start and finish and parking.
3. Allocation and supervision of all officials and their duties.
4. Supplying the necessary equipment or ensuring that officials are in possession of the required items.
5. Displaying necessary information.
6. Displaying provisional results.
7. Publishing and postings of official results.
8. Ensuring necessary maps, reports, results etc are sent to the NZOF Technical Committee and the NZOF Statistician (refer rule 32).

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APPENDIX 3

PRINCIPLES FOR COURSE PLANNING

1. Introduction
   1.1 Purpose
   1.2 Application of these principles
   
2. Basic principles
   2.1 Definition of orienteering
   2.2 Aim of good course planning
   2.3 Course planner’s golden rules
   
3. The orienteering course
   3.1 Terrain
   3.2 Definition of an orienteering course
   3.3 The start
   3.4 The course legs
   3.5 The controls
   3.6 The finish
   3.7 The elements of map reading
   3.8 Route choices
   3.9 The degree of difficulty
   3.10 Competition types
   3.11 What the course planner should aim
   
4. The course planner

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

These principles aims to establish a common standard for the planning of foot orienteering courses in order to ensure fairness in competition and to safeguard the unique character of the sport of orienteering.

1.2 Application of these principles

Courses in all international foot orienteering events must be planned in accordance with these principles. They should also serve as general guidelines for the planning of other competitive orienteering events. The term ‘orienteering’ is used throughout to refer specifically to ‘orienteering on foot’.

2. Basic principles

2.1 Definition of orienteering

Orienteering is a sport in which competitors visit a number of points marked on the ground, controls, in the shortest possible time aided only by map and compass. Orienteering on foot may be characterised as running navigation.

2.2 Aim of good course planning

The aim of course planning is to offer competitors courses correctly designed for their expected abilities. Results must reflect the competitors’ technical and physical ability.

2.3 Course planner’s golden rules

The course planner must keep the following principles in mind:

• the unique character of foot orienteering as running navigation
• the fairness of the competition
• competitor enjoyment
• the protection of wildlife and the environment
• the needs of the media and spectators

2.3.1 Unique character

Every sport has its own character. The unique character of orienteering is to find and follow the best route through unknown terrain against the clock. This demands orienteering skills: accurate map reading, route choice evaluation, compass handling, concentration under stress, quick decision making, running in natural terrain, etc.

2.3.2 Fairness

Fairness is a basic requirement in competitive sport. Unless the greatest care is taken at each step of course planning and course setting, luck can easily become significant in orienteering competitions. The course planner must consider all such factors to ensure that the contest is fair and that all competitors face the same conditions on every part of the course.

2.3.3 Competitor enjoyment

The popularity of orienteering can only be enhanced if competitors are satisfied with the courses they are given. Careful course planning is therefore necessary to ensure that courses are appropriate in terms of length, physical and technical difficulty, control siting, etc. In this respect it is particularly important that each course is suitable for the competitors doing that course.

2.3.4 Wildlife and the environment

The environment is sensitive: wildlife may be disturbed and the ground as well as the vegetation may suffer from overuse. The environment also includes people living in the competition area, walls, fences, cultivated land, buildings and other constructions, etc.

It is usually possible to find ways to avoid interference with the most sensitive areas without damage. Experience and research have shown that even large events can be organised in sensitive areas without permanent damage if the correct precautions are taken and the courses are well planned.

It is very important that the course planner ensures that there is access to the chosen terrain and that any sensitive areas in the terrain are discovered in advance.

2.3.5 Media and spectators

The need to give a good public image of the sport of orienteering should be a permanent concern for a course planner. The course planner should endeavour to offer spectators and the press the possibility to follow as closely as possible the progress of a competition without compromising sporting fairness.

3. The orienteering course

3.1 Terrain

The terrain must be chosen so that it can offer fair competition to all competitors. To safeguard the character of the sport, the terrain should be runnable and suitable for testing the orienteering skills of the competitors.

3.2 Definition of an orienteering course

An orienteering course is defined by the start, the controls, and the finish. Between these points, which are given precise locations in the terrain and correspondingly on the map, are the course legs over which the competitor must orienteer.

3.3 The start

The start area should be so situated and organised that:

• there is a warm up area
• waiting competitors cannot see route choices made by those who have started

The point from which orienteering on the first leg begins is marked in the terrain by a control flag with no marking device and on the map by a triangle.

The competitors should be faced with orienteering problems right from the start.

3.4. The course legs

3.4.1 Good legs

The course legs are the most important elements of an orienteering course and will largely determine its quality.

Good legs offer competitors interesting map-reading problems and lead them through good terrain with possibilities for alternative individual routes.

Within the same course different types of legs should be offered, some of them based on intense map-reading and others containing more easily run route choices. There should also be variations with regard to leg length and difficulty to force the competitor to use a range of orienteering techniques and running speeds. The course planner should also endeavour to give changes in general direction for consecutive legs as this forces the competitors to reorient themselves frequently.

It is preferable for a course to have a few very good legs joined by short links designed to enhance the legs rather than a larger number of even but lesser quality legs.

3.4.2 Fairness of legs

No leg should contain route choices giving any advantage or disadvantage which cannot be foreseen from the map by a competitor under competitive conditions.

Legs which encourage competitors to cross forbidden or dangerous areas must be avoided.

3.5 The controls

3.5.1 Control sites

Controls are placed at features in the terrain that are marked on the map. These must be visited by the competitors in the given order, if the order is specified, but following their own route choices. This demands careful planning and checking to ensure fairness. It is particularly important that the map portrays the ground accurately in the vicinity of the controls, and that the direction and distances from all possible angles of approach are correct.

Controls must not be sited on small features visible only from a short distance if there are no other supporting features on the map.

Controls must not be sited where the visibility of the control flag for competitors coming from different directions cannot be evaluated from the map or control description.

3.5.2 The function of the controls

The main function of a control is to mark the beginning and end of an orienteering leg.

Sometimes controls with other specific purposes need to be used as, for example, to funnel competitors around dangerous or out of bounds areas.

Controls can also serve as refreshment, press and spectator points.

3.5.3 The control flag

The control equipment must be in accordance with the rules for IOF events.

As far as possible, a control flag should be placed in such a manner that competitors first see it only when they have reached the described control feature. For fairness, the visibility of the control should be the same whether or not there is a competitor at the control site. On no account should the control flag be hidden: when competitors reaches the control they should not have to search for the flag.

3.5.4 Fairness of control sites

It is necessary to choose control sites with great care and notably to avoid the ‘acute angle’ effect where incoming competitors can be led into the control by outgoing runners.

3.5.5 Proximity of controls

Controls on different courses placed too close to one another can mislead runners who have navigated correctly to the control site. Only when the control features are distinctly different in the terrain as well as on the map, should controls be placed closer than 100 metres.

3.5.6 The control description

The position of the control with respect to the feature shown on the map is defined by the control description.

The exact control feature on the ground, and the point marked on the map, must be indisputable. Controls which cannot be clearly and easily defined by the IOF control symbols are usually not suitable and should be avoided.

3.6 The finish

At least the last part of the route to the finish line should be a compulsory marked route.

3.7 The elements of map-reading

On a good orienteering course, competitors are forced to concentrate on navigation throughout the race. Sections requiring no map-reading or attention to navigation should be avoided unless they result from particularly good route choices.

3.8 Route choices

Alternative routes force competitors to use the map to assess the terrain and to draw conclusions from it. Route choices make competitors think independently and will split up the field, thus minimising ‘following’.

3.9 The degree of difficulty

For any terrain and map, a course planner can plan courses with a wide range of difficulty. The degree of difficulty of the legs can be varied by making them follow line features more or less closely.

Competitors should be able to assess the degree of difficulty of the approach to a control from the information available on the map, and so choose the appropriate technique.

Attention should be paid to the competitors’ expected skill, experience and ability to read or understand the fine detail of the map. It is particularly important to get the level of difficulty right when planning courses for novices and children.

3.10 Competition types

Course planning must account for specific requirements of the type of competition considered. For instance, course planning for short distance orienteering must call on detailed map reading and on a high degree of concentration throughout the entire course. Course planning for relay competitions should consider the need for spectators to be able to follow closely the progress of the competition.

3.11 What the course planner should aim for

3.11.1 Know the terrain

The course planner should be fully acquainted with the terrain before he or she plans to use any control or leg.

The planner should also be aware that on the day of the competition the conditions regarding map and terrain could be different from those which exist at the time the courses are planned.

3.11.2 Get the degree of difficulty right

It is very easy to make courses for novices and children too difficult. The course planner should be careful not to estimate the difficulty just on his or her own skill at navigating or on his or her walking speed when surveying the area.

3.11.3 Use fair control sites

The desire to make the best possible legs often leads a planner to use unsuitable control sites.

Competitors seldom notice any difference between a good and a superb leg, but they will immediately notice if a control leads to unpredictable loss of time due to a hidden control site or flag, ambiguity, a misleading control description etc.

3.11.4 Placing controls sufficiently far apart

Even though the controls have code numbers they should not be so close to each other as to mislead competitors who navigate correctly to the control site on their course.

3.11.5 Avoid over-complicating the route choices

The planner may see route choices which will never be taken and thereby may waste time by constructing intricate problems, whereas the competitors may take a ‘next best’ route, thus saving time on route planning.

3.11.6 Courses that are physically not too demanding

Courses should be set so that normally fit competitors can run over most of the course set for their level of ability.

4. The course planner

The person responsible for course planning must have an understanding and appreciation of the qualities of a good course gained from personal experience. He or she must also be familiar with the theory of course planning and appreciate the special requirements of different classes and different types of competition.

The course planner must be able to assess, on site, the various factors which can affect the competition, such as the conditions of the terrain, the quality of the map, the presence of participants and spectators, etc.

The course planner is responsible for the courses and the running of the competition between the start and the finish line. The course planner’s work must be checked by the Controller. This is essential because of the numerous opportunities for error which could have serious consequences.

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APPENDIX 4

RECOMMENDED COURSE/CLASS COMBINATIONS

These recommendations are put forward as a guide for Clubs and are strongly recommended but not mandatory.

The course/class combinations are:

13 Course format for between 350 and 500 competitors.

12 Course format for between 200 and 350 competitors; if more are expected, see the 13 course format

10 Course format for up to 200 competitors; if more are expected, see the 12 course format

7 Course format. (The Technical Committee recognises that there are many differences between regions, and this will only ever be a model to start from).

How to use the Tables

• Calculate the course length for the top New Zealand M21E to take 105 minutes (or less if it's a multi-day). Only you can do that as you know the terrain. Look at km-rates for a variety of other events, and decide where your terrain fits in.
• Apply the percentage to get the lengths of the other courses. Don't go overboard to get an exact match, but we believe these figures are the best possible estimate.
• Check the likely numbers on each course by factoring the 'load' column up or down to give your estimated total. If for example you are using the 10 course combination but expect 150 competitors, multiply the load column by 0.75 (150/200) Decide what to do if any course has a lot of competitors (refer rule 19.7)
• Note that in rougher and very steep terrain, running times for M65, W 60 and plus grades will increase markedly in proportion to those of younger grades. Allowance should be made for this in calculating course lengths. (Added April 2003)

   

Note that M/W-12 are neither A nor B.  (Amendments shown in red and dated.)

12 Course Combination (events 200-350 people)

Course	Men	Women	Relative length	Load (350)	Difficulty
1	M21E (open)		100%	15	Red
2	M-20A M21A (open) M35-A	W21E (open)	60%	31	Red
3	M-18A M40-A M45-A		47%	44	Red
4	M50-A M21AS (open)	W-20A W21A (open) W35-A W40-A	41%	68	Red
5	M55-A M60-A M40-AS	W45-A W-18A W50-A	33%	67	Red
6	M65-A	W55-A W21AS (open) W-40AS	27% (04/03)	31	Red
7	M70-A M75-A	W60-A W65-A	18%	12	Red
8	M-16A M21B (open)		35%	14	Orange
9	M-20B M40-B	W-16A W21B (open)	29%	15	Orange
10	M50-B	W-20B W40-B W50-B	23%	10	Orange
11	M-14A M-16B M21C (open)	W-14A W-16B W21C (open)	3.5-4.5km	16	Yellow
12	M-12 M-14B	W-12 W-14B	2-3km	27	White
				350

(Amendments shown in red and dated.)

10 Course Combination (events under 200 people)

Course	Men	Women	Relative Length	Load (200)	Difficulty
1	M21E (open)		100%	9	Red
2	M-20A M21A (open)	W21E (open)	60%	18	Red
3	M-18A M40-A		47%	25	Red
4	M50-A M21AS (open)	W-18A W-20A W21A (open) W40-A	38%	55	Red
5	M60-A M40-AS	W50-A W21AS (open) W40-AS	32% (04/03)	40	Red
6	M70-A	W60-A	18%	7	Red
7	M-16A M21B (open)		35%	8	Orange
8	M-20B M40-B	W-16A W21B (open) W-20B W40-B	29%	14	Orange
9	M-14A M-16B M21C (open)	W-14A W-16B W21C (open)	3.5-4.5km	9	Yellow
10	M-12 M-14B	W-12 W-14B	2-3km	15	White
				200

(Amendments shown in red and dated.)

7 Course Combination (no elites)

Course	Men	Women	Relative Length	Load (200)	Difficulty
1	M-18A M21A (open) M40-A		60%	52	Red
2	M50-A M21AS (open)	W-18A W21A (open) W40-A	38%	55	Red
3	M60-A M40AS	W50-A W60-A W21AS W40-AS	27%	47	Red
4	M-16A M21B (open)		35%	8	Orange
5	M40-B	W-16A W21B W40-B	29%	14	Orange
6	M-14A M-16B M21C (open)	W-14A W-16B W21C (open)	3.5-4.5km	9	Yellow
7	M-12 M-14B	W-12 W-14B	2-3km	15	White
				200

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APPENDIX 5

PROCEDURES FOR EVENTS

The following is a list of procedures previously listed in the NZOF Rules for Orienteering Events together with some useful suggestions.

BEFORE 31 JULY OF YEAR PRECEDING THE EVENT

Apply for event on the "Application for event/Badge status" form filling out as much detail as possible at that time. [Form available from the NZOF Technical Committee] At this stage the application is to be able to hold an event at that date.

AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT

If successful resubmit the "Application for event/Badge status" form completing details not known previously. These details are generally the Co-ordinator’s, Controller’s and Planner’s names. At this stage the application is checked to ensure that the map scales, Controller etc are suitable for the event. The earlier the NZOF Technical Committee can receive a completed form, the earlier the details may be approved. NZOF Technical Committee approve all applications they see fit, and then these must be ratified by the NZOF Management Committee.

3-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT

After approval of the Controller etc from the NZOF Technical Committee, entry forms may be prepared. Entry forms must be available at least 8 weeks before the closing date of entries and a copy must be sent to the NZOF Technical Committee. A standard entry form is available on the NZOF Web page or from the NZOF Technical Committee. Refer NZOF rule 8.2 for details of items that must appear on entry forms.

2-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT

• For A level events send all entries names in alphabetical order sorted by Club to the NZOF Treasurer for checking of NZOF affiliations.
• Work out the start draw allowing time for the Controller to check this
• Select the Protest Jury

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT

Assemble the programme. This must be in the competitor’s hands no later than 5 days before the event. Refer rule 8.3 for items that must appear.

GENERAL

All maps must be pre-marked and in 70 micron thick plastic bags. Control descriptions must be attached to maps. Allow to print at least one spare map of each course to send to the NZOF Technical Committee, see below.

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE EVENT

• Calculate badge credits (A level classic distance events together with National Short-O Championships only) to show in the results book. (refer Appendix 6).
• Within 4 weeks official results shall be sent to all individuals who participated, and to the NZOF Statistician. The results shall include all competitors and the number of DNS, DSQ and DNF (refer definitions for abbreviations) in each class. (refer Appendix 7 for the requirements of the NZOF Statistician).
• The Co-ordinator shall send a short report to the NZOF Technical Committee within 4 weeks of the event. The minimum the report shall contain is results lists, one copy of each course and the decisions regarding protests.
• The Protest Jury must prepare a written report for the NZOF Technical Committee saying precisely why any protest was upheld or was unsuccessful. The organising committee shall publish both the protest and Jury's report in the results booklet.

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APPENDIX 6

NZOF BADGE AWARD SCHEME

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1 To recognise the achievement of a consistent Orienteering standard relative to one's peers.

1.2 To provide an ongoing incentive to improve Orienteering skills especially for juniors.

2. BADGE AWARD

2.1 The Orienteering award showing the NZOF logo shall be called a GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE or IRON badge as appropriate and is awarded when an Orienteer has qualified. The badge is awarded on application.

2.2 The class in which the badge is earned shall be engraved on the badge.

3. ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Any member of an association or body affiliated with the NZOF or IOF shall be eligible.

4. QUALIFICATION FOR A BADGE

4.1 An Orienteer shall qualify when 3 credits have been earned within a three year period.

4.2 A badge credit shall be earned by bettering the cut-off time or points for the appropriate credit standard.

4.3 Base Standard Calculation:

• All calculations are taken from a Base Standard (either using Base Time or Base Points).
• The Base Time (when total time is used) or Base Points (when a points system is used in a multiday event) are taken to be the average of the first two NZ citizens or permanent residents, except when there are less than 5 competitors. When there are 3 or 4 competitors, the winner's time or points is taken as the Base Time or Points respectively. (Thus overseas entrants are not excluded from the scheme but the qualifying standard is set by NZOF competitors).
• Fewer than three finishers in a class means only iron credits can be awarded unless:
1. The next higher class is on the same course in which case the higher class Base Time or Points can be used for calculating credits for the lower class.(eg M35 is higher than M40, W18 is higher than W16)
2. The M12 and W12 classes run the same course in which case the M12 Base Time or Points can be used for calculating credits for the W12 class when the W12 class does not have enough participants or vice versa.

4.4 Credit Calculations:

The cut-off times or points for the appropriate credit standards shall be calculated in each class according to the following formula.

When Total Time is used:

GOLD CREDIT      Time within Base Time plus 12.5%
SILVER CREDIT    Time within Base Time plus 25.0%
BRONZE CREDIT    Time within Base Time plus 37.5%
IRON CREDIT      By sucessfully finishing

When Points System is used:

GOLD CREDIT       Points greater than Base Points * 100/112.5
SILVER CREDIT     Points greater than Base Points * 100/125.0
BRONZE CREDIT     Points greater than Base Points * 100/137.5
IRON CREDIT       By sucessfully finishing

4.5 Clarifications:

• When time is used calculations are to the nearest second.
• Points will be calculated using a system approved by the NZOF Technical Committee.
• The values of the credits must be equal to or higher than the value of the badge. (eg a bronze credit can be used to obtain an iron badge or a bronze badge but not a silver or gold).
• All credits must be obtained in the same class. (E and A classes, A and A Short classes are considered to be different)
• When only one class is offered without a letter classification it shall be regarded as A class.
• In multiday events where times are used for the final results then the total times of the competitors will be used to calculate the cut-off standards.
• In multiday events where a points system is used the final aggregate points will be used to calculate the cut-off standards.
• Any competitor taking longer than the interval between the last start time and course closure is ineligible for badge credits

5. EVENTS CARRYING BADGE CREDIT ACCREDITATION

As specified in the NZOF Rules.

6. ADMINISTRATION

6.1 The NZOF Statistician shall report to the NZOF Management Committee and be responsible for maintaining records of accredited badge event results, ensuring badge credit cut-off time and points calculations are correct, keeping correct and complete administrative records, ensuring that updated lists of badge award recipients are published every year.

6.2 Each club organising a badge event shall provide the NZOF Statistician with complete results lists and course length details as soon as possible after events and comply with the information requirements as written in Appendix 7 of the NZOF Rules.

7. FINANCE

Badge costs involve manufacture and engraving of badges and administration of the Scheme. The Scheme is subsidised by the NZOF out of event levies.

8. VARIATION OF THESE RULES

These rules may only be varied by approval of the NZOF management committee, recorded in committee minutes, and advertised in an NZOF newsletter following such approval.

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APPENDIX 7

INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EVENTS

Each club is required to give full details and results as soon as possible after the event to the NZOF Statistician to ensure that the National Results database and Ranking Lists are kept up to date.

The results should be sent to the Statistician in a digital file format via a floppy or email.

The digital results file should contain:

1. Event Description (what type of event).
2. Event Date(s).
3. Host Club(s).
4. Location(s).
5. List of Organisers (Co-ordinators, Planners, Controllers, )
6. Map Name(s) and Map Scale(s).
7. Course/Class combinations.
8. Course Details (Course/Distances/Climb combinations).
9. Results List:
   Format for results record:
   CLASS, COURSE, POSITION, FIRSTNAME, SURNAME, CLUB, RESULT, CREDIT

Notes:

• Other optional fields are the fields RESULT1 to RESULT12 which would contain intermediate times and/or points and/or multi-day results.
• The field delimiter used should be a comma and fields may optionally be enclosed in double quotes.
• Standard abbreviations for the fields CLUB, CLASS, CREDIT shown below should be adhered to. This will ensure that badge statistics and ranking lists will be generated quickly and correctly.
• All first names should be in full. No initials allowed. Nicknames or aliases should not be used.
• The CLUB field should always be filled unless the competitor is unofficial.
• The RESULT field should be in decimal form. (eg 91.37 not 91:37 or 1:31:37).
• The only allowable abbreviations in the RESULT field are:
• DNF - Did not finish
• DSQ - Disqualified
• DNS - Did not start
• The POSITION field should contain the finishing order for official competitors. The abbreviation UNOF can be placed in this field to indicate that the competitor is unofficial.
• The abbreviation UNOF should NOT be placed in either the NAME or RESULT field.
• In a multi-day event where only one badge credit is given for the whole event, day results can be placed in the RESULTS1 to RESULT12 fields.
• In a multi-day event where a badge credit is given for each day then separate file results should be given for each day.
• The results should be sorted by COURSE, CLASS and POSITION.

Abbreviations for Credits:

Code  Description

G     Gold Credit
S     Silver Credit
B     Bronze Credit
I     Iron Credit

Abbreviations for Classes:

The word SHORT should not appear for a class (eg M21AS instead of M21A SHORT)

Class Description

UNOF  UNOFFICIAL
M12   MEN'S -12
M14A  MEN'S -14A
M14B  MEN’S -14B
M16A  MEN'S -16A
M16B  MEN'S -16B
M18A  MEN'S -18A
M20A  MEN'S -20A
M20B  MEN'S –20B
M21A  MEN'S 21A
M21AS MEN'S 21A SHORT
M21B  MEN'S 21B
M21C  MEN'S 21C
M21E  MEN'S ELITE
M35A  MEN'S 35-A
M35B  MEN'S 35-B
M40A  MEN'S 40-A
M40AS MEN'S 40-A SHORT
M40B  MEN'S 40-B
M45A  MEN'S 45-A
M45B  MEN'S 45-B
M50A  MEN'S 50-A
M50B  MEN'S 50-B
M55A  MEN'S 55-A
M55B  MEN'S 55-B
M60A  MEN'S 60-A
M65A  MEN'S 65-A
M70A  MEN'S 70-A
M75A  MEN'S 75-A
MREC  MEN'S RECREATIONAL

W12   WOMEN'S -12
W14A  WOMEN'S -14A
W14B  WOMEN'S -14B
W16A  WOMEN'S -16A
W16B  WOMEN'S -16B
W18A  WOMEN'S -18A
W20A  WOMEN'S -20A
W20B  WOMEN'S -20B
W21A  WOMEN'S 21A
W21AS WOMEN'S 21A SHORT
W21B  WOMEN'S 21B
W21C  WOMEN'S 21C
W21E  WOMEN'S ELITE
W35A  WOMEN'S 35-A
W35B  WOMEN'S 35-B
W40A  WOMEN'S 40-A
W40AS WOMEN'S 40A- SHORT
W40B  WOMEN'S 40-B
W45A  WOMEN'S 45-A
W45B  WOMEN'S 45-B
W50A  WOMEN'S 50-A
W50B  WOMEN'S 50-B
W55A  WOMEN'S 55-A
W60A  WOMEN'S 60-A
W65A  WOMEN'S 65-A
W70A  WOMEN’S 70-A
WREC  WOMEN'S RECREATIONAL

Abbreviations for New Zealand Clubs:

Code City         Name

AU   AUCKLAND     AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY
A    AUCKLAND     AUCKLAND
CM   AUCKLAND     COUNTIES-MANUKAU
CU   CHRISTCHURCH CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY
D    DUNEDIN      DUNEDIN
EG   TARANAKI     EGMONT
H    HAMILTON     HAMILTON
HB   HAWKES BAY   HAWKES BAY
HV   HUTT VALLEY  HUTT VALLEY
KH   KAPITI       KAPITI HAVOC
M    MARLBOROUGH  MARLBOROUGH
NW   AUCKLAND     NORTH WEST
NZL  NEW ZEALAND
OU   DUNEDIN      OTAGO UNIVERSITY
P    TOKOROA      PINELANDS
PAPO CHRISTCHURCH PENINSULA & PLAINS
R    CENTRAL DISTRICTS ROTORUA
RK   MANAWATU     RED KIWIS
S    SOUTHLAND    SOUTHLAND
T    CENTRAL DISTRICTS TAUPO
TOPS NELSON       TOP OF THE SOUTH
VU   WELLINGTON   VICTORIA UNIVERSITY WELLINGTON
W    WELLINGTON   WELLINGTON
WACO AUCKLAND     WAIKATO & AUCKLAND CAMPUS ORIENTEERS
WAI  MASTERTON    WAIRARAPA
WHO  WHANGAREI    WHANGAREI ORIENTEERING CLUB

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APPENDIX 8

NZ SPECIFIC SYMBOLS FOR MAPS AND CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS.

SYMBOLS FOR MAPS

Distinct tree/group of trees - Green circle (IOF symbol No 418)

Log/stump/rootstock/dead tree - Green cross (IOF symbol No 419)

Man made object – Black cross (IOF symbol No 542)

Water trough – Blue circle (IOF symbol No 312 but increased in size by 10%)

Water tank (large enclosed) – Black circle (IOF symbol No 541)

SYMBOLS FOR CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS

Log or stump or rootstock

Water trough

Boulder cluster *

Passable rockface *

Gate or crossing point (eg stile)

* same as Australian Symbols

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