Beginner Instruction (Public Events)

This job includes "the public face" of OAWA; be prepared to give advice or redirect questions.

KNOW - details of courses available, registration procedures and fees, directions (and distance and walk time) to starts, times for last start, course closure, etc.

HAVE with you - Map with VE course + descriptions, demonstration control marker and punch  or e-tag (preferably on a standard stand), compass, Beginner’s booklets, Event Programs.

All instructors should wear red "I" jackets. Check with the Administrator the arrangements for timing participants - usually start times for VE course entrants are written on control cards by the Instructors.

Discourage first-timers from registering for courses other than VE (or possibly E). It is much better for them to do a VE (or just part of it) to familiarise themselves with the map, course markings, etc. Anyone can enter for a second course at no extra charge. In most cases there are no instructors at the main Start to help novices.

Good instruction consists of 3 main stages - explanation of fundamental concepts, practical demonstration, and practical supervision. At very popular events, however, there will not be enough instructors to do the second and third, so the first must be done well. Beginners must then be assured that further instruction and advice are available from the instructor in the Registration area after they complete their course, and is always available at Public events. Use your judgement, however; if there are enough instructors to allow it, accompanying beginners on their first few legs will teach them far more than simple instruction at the caravan.

Black and blue symbols for main linear (handrail) features - roads, tracks, paths, fences, powerlines, watercourses.

Black also for rock features (point out some examples if any are within sight). Yellow/white distinction. Briefly explain green and brown.

Demonstrate orientating the map using compass (if they have one), by sun direction, and by reference to linear features they can see. Emphasise that the map should be kept orientated at all times. A compass may be used to orientate the map, but novices should be discouraged from setting compass bearings (and "going straight") on VE or E courses.

Give some examples using features that can be seen and are easily identified on the map.

Start triangle, Finish, Control circles and numbers, Control descriptions.

Appearance of control markers (make sure there is one near the instruction area), Control codes, Punches, Control card.

Make sure they know that there is free route choice between controls, but that Handrail routes are the best option on novice courses.

All participants must report to the finish and return their control card even if they do not complete the course.

If beginners seem hesitant or uncertain, go part of the way with them. If there is a bit of a buildup of "customers" while you are away, just instruct a larger group.

Demonstrate map orientation and point out the correct handrail and direction for Leg 1. Don't let them move off until they have understood this, and then have done it again for themselves. Go with them to the first control if they seem uncertain.

If they appear competent, suggest the appropriate tactic for the 2nd leg, re-emphasise map orientation at all times, then send them off.

If you have accompanied them to the first control, get them to orientate the map, and select the correct handrail and direction for leg 2. If OK, suggest appropriate tactic for 3rd leg and send them off. If you are still uncertain, accompany them until they can demonstrate the correct map orientation and route selection. Whilst accompanying beginners on the course, stop regularly to point out features that are passed. After one or two such stops, get them to recognise a feature and identify it on the map.

Be friendly; introduce yourself. Wearing a name tag will help.

Give them a Beginners booklet and a program, and point out that they can pick up a membership form when

Check their map(s) to ensure they have copied the course correctly (you may need to help them whilst they are copying anyway).

Remember to mark the start time on their control card, after their course is drawn.

Part cheerfully - wish them a pleasant time.