CATI / Intro format

 

Come And Try It / Introductory events are intended mainly to encourage newcomers to try “bush” orienteering but give members a run too, in particular those with limited experience who might like to practice technique, shadow each other etc.

They would be  good times to bring friends.

 

The emphasis should be on helpfulness and a relaxed attitude.  This can be done by making participation easy for all, organisers and runners, with simple organisation and few courses.

 

It is important to have plenty of helpful instructors, who will also follow up newcomers on return from a course and encourage them to stay and chat.This will be easier if you remember to have the Finish AT the Assembly area.

Try to offer “Guided courses” at all levels. 

 

Courses

Just three line courses should be set, to the usual technical standards.

Controllers may not be available but the organising clubs should at least have the armchair courses checked by an experienced member.

This would be an opportunity for novice setters to be mentored at having a try, when expectations are not high.

 

Easy standard:  2 – 3 Km.

 

Moderate standard: 3 – 4 Km. 
(Note not “Medium”)

 

Hard standard:  5 - 6 Km.

Would be better called Long at Jorgenson and Whiteman Parks, where it’s difficult to set a Hard course.          

At Greenmount, North Ledge and South Ledge, discourage inexperienced orienteers from attampting Hard courses  

Allow Only experienced orienteers to make up longer courses from available controls, as there was nearly a search at a bush “scatter” event last year when the intended route of lost novices was unknown.

 

Administration

 

Keep it simple, eg like the ORLOP events in the summer.

 

You don’t need to use etags, the computer, or even keep times unless you want to. People wanting a time can do it themselves or use clocks at the start and Finish.

Do use record registration times, so as to recognise overdue participants.  Use Registration cards for safety

Punch cards can be displayed with times if wanted.  Don’t check punch marks until later, if at all.

 

Have members welcome newcomers at the finish and discuss their experiences.

Have follow-up literature readily available: eg Event programs, “How to…” leaflets, Membership forms etc.

 

Get names of participants to the web site and West Australian promptly, with times if recorded.

Tell the next team about any ideas you had.