The training event held at Krugersdorp High School on Monday afternoon was a superb warm-up for the 2014 Orienteering Schools League (OSL). Krugersdorp High has been involved with OSL for a few years now and they jump in to get involved with every event. It was our pleasure to bring this training event to their school and we thank them for opening their school to us.
Although a number of orienteers from last year’s League came through to get in a little pre-League practice, they were certainly outnumbered by newcomers from Krugersdorp, Randpark, Charter College, Helpmekaar, St David’s, Summit College, Fourways and, for the first time, Brescia House.
We’ve placed a bunch of photos on the Orienteering School League Facebook page from this training event.
Lisa’s orienteering tip #1: Use common sense
I enjoy walking around the area during events looking for ‘lost’ students to assist… I aim to guide them in what to look for, to keep track of where they are, to recognise features around them and to successfully navigate from one control to the next. Something distinctly lacking (each year) is common sense. Here’s an example of one (of many) conversations that I had out there on Monday.
Me: “Wait, wait, wait… let me help you.”
I run towards the puzzled-looking orienteer.
Me: “OK, which control are you going to now?”
Learner: “Number 2”
Me: “Looking at your map, is the control near buildings or on a field?”
Learner: “Buildings.”
Me: “Is it near the fence around the school or in the middle of the property?”
Learner: “Near the fence.”
Me: “Where are we standing now?”
Learner: “On a field.”
Me: “Are we in the middle of the school property or near the fence?”
Learner: “Middle of the property.”
Me: “Is the fence close to us?” (I’m pointing to the fence, which is just visible in the distance)
Learner: “No.”
Me: “So, do you think that we’re anywhere near Control 2?”
Learner: “No.”
Me: “OK, let’s look at where we are now and what is around us so that we can find number 2.”
A dictionary definition says that common sense is “sound practical judgement that is independent of specialised knowledge, training, or the like“. Thus, if you’re looking for a control next to the perimeter fence and surrounded by buildings then looking for it on a field in the middle of the property is not quite going to yield results. The same applies to running towards a clearly-visible control located on a post in the middle of the field… when the map shows that your control is located on the edge of the field next to the road.
I’d really like to see more reasoning next week at the first League event. It is far better to go slower and to really think about what you’re looking for and what you’re seeing, especially when you’re new to this. As your navigation improves, then you can speed up. You’re not going to become an expert after your first event (or even after years!) but I can guarantee that you’ll improve with every event.
I’ve included a bunch of links below – for participants and parents (and teachers).
I look forward to see you next Monday at the first OSL event – Wits Education Campus (and below there’s a FREE ENTRY voucher for the Urban Series event on Sunday morning).
Until then,
Lisa
o4schools@orienteering.co.za
P.S. By way of introduction to new parents and participants… I’ve been orienteering for 15 years and I’ve been involved on and off with the schools league for a good eight years (very involved the past three years). I manage the school orienteering development programme. Last year I completed my British Orienteering Federation Level 2 coaching qualification. I’m also involved in adventure racing, where I fulfill the role of navigator (the World’s best adventure racing navigators have an orienteering background!) and I’ve taught map reading and navigation skills to around 900 adults over the past 12 years. I thrive on ultra-distance off-road running races – some of which require navigation skills. My favourite type of orienteering is rogaining (big distance, long duration, orienteering-type races). I’ve done two 24-hour events; one in Estonia and one in Ireland. I think GPS and Tom-Tom are swear words… Yes, I have a map book in my car *grin*
Get your hands on these…
- The event sheet for the first OSL event at Wits Education Campus – Monday, 3 February 2014
- Info document about the whole 2014 Orienteering Schools League (especially for parents and teachers)
- Indemnity form (Parents, if you haven’t filled it in yet, please do so. Students, please give this signed form to your teacher.)
- Last year we were very unlucky with storms often on Monday afternoons. To keep us all safe out in the open we’ve bought a lightning-detection device.
- If you’ve got a gap on Sunday mornings here and there, consider taking part – all family members – in the Urban Series. First event is on Sunday, 2 February 2014 at Jeppe Boys. There are nine events between now and early June.