We’re getting ready for the annual Orienteering Schools League and we need assistance from experienced orienteers. You’ll see after the event listing when your club is planning the courses – but you can volunteer to help at any of the events.
This year we’re aiming to put more of the school teachers on starts and registration (we had a good bunch of teachers learning the ropes last year) so that more experienced orienteers can be out in the field. The big issues, especially early in the League, are students that haven’t yet got the hang of orienteering. They follow each other (regardless of course) and they grid search for controls. They run around with maps in their hands but don’t look at them… It really helps a lot to give them assistance on site. They’ve got it a bit more figured by the 4th event and only the top ranked individuals make the Final.
It’s actually helluva good fun helping out in the field. You can’t believe what they get up to! And when they get it… that’s when I really get a kick out of coaching. Very satisfying.
We especially need people for the Charter College training event (21 Jan). Timothy Chambers has drawn the map and he has done the planning. At this training event we’re totally focused on coaching and getting the participants ready for the League. We’re hoping for a good bunch of newcomers.
The events run on MONDAY afternoons from late January and all through February. First starts are around 14h30 and they’re all in by 16h30 as they’ve got to return to their schools.
- 21 January – Charter College, PRE-OSL TRAINING EVENT
- 28 January – #1 Zoo Lake (WITSOC)
- 4 February – #2 Heronbridge (RACO)
- 11 February – #3 Delta Park (AR CLUB)
- 18 February – #4 Summit College (RACO)
- 25 February – FINAL Kloofendal (ROC)
If you are available to assist, please drop me an email and let me know what dates you can make it.
Lisa
o4schools@orienteering.co.za