IOF Control Descriptions

Australian Edition

The control description list for an orienteering course contains the following information:

Class (or classes)
Course length in metres
Total climb in metres
Descriptions of individual controls -- including the start -- in sequence
Length and nature of any marked route during the course and from the last control to the finish

Sample Control Description List

A typical control description list is shown below. Course entrants are given the "clue sheet" shown on the left. What it means is shown on the right -- but the meaning in words is not given to the entrant. (For VE and E courses, the entrant is given the control description list in words.)

The course is for class M21E. Course length is 12,300m with 270m climb. (M21E is the class for open -- any age -- elite orienteers. This is a long course with a lot of climb!)

What it all means

The list is in several columns. Each column has a special significance:

Column A is a sequence number. Column B has the control code -- when you locate the correct control, you will see this number written on the top. Columns C through to H are explained below.