Controlling Classic Series Events

The controller supervises and checks the work of the course setter and organiser but is not expected to personally carry out any of their tasks.

Safety

Ensure that the applicable safety policy is followed throughout the planning and running of the event.

Course Planning

The controller checks the planned courses to ensure the following:

• That the courses comply with the event’s format guidelines (length, winning time, physical and technical difficulty).
• That the courses are a fair test of orienteering skills.
• That possible routes avoid crossing any out-of-bounds, dangerous, or sensitive areas.
• That the courses comply with the OA rules.
• That drinks controls are available where needed.
• That common controls are set to avoid unfair situations.

Field Checking

The controller checks the taped control sites to ensure the following:

• That the map is fair and accurate, particularly:
  • The control sites and the surrounding features are correctly mapped.
  • Relevant attack points and route choice features are correctly mapped
• The tapes are correctly located as indicated by the map and control descriptions.
• The control descriptions are complete, accurate, and meet IOF specification. 
• For championship events, that the start is adequately concealed from the map issue point.

Final Checks and Approvals

• Approve Final Courses for Printing (2-3 weeks)
  • Ensure that the map files to be printed are final and include any course changes/map updates. 
  • Ensure that separate control descriptions are final and correct.
  • Ensure that map file comply with the guidelines in Best Practice for Purple Pen maps (link coming).
• Approve final event information, including start lists, for publication. 
• Check that the correct number of printed maps and descriptions are available and of satisfactory quality.

Event Logistics (1-2 weeks)

Transport of equipment, rostering of personnel, and external bookings are the organiser’s responsibility, however some equipment (e.g. maps, controls, water for drinking on courses, etc.) may be handled by the course setter.

The controller should confirm with both the organiser and course planner that any necessary bookings have been made, personnel allocated, and equipment planned for. This includes any access keys and phone numbers.

Checking Control Placement

After the course planner has put out controls, the controller needs to check every control site.

Ensure

• The control flag is placed correctly as indicated by the map and control descriptions.
• The control flag is placed at the appropriate height to be visible when the competitor is at the described location and is not hidden.
• The correct SI unit is at each control.
• Taped routes are sufficiently marked.

On the day

Ensure that SI units have been activated. This process also serves to confirm that there has been no late disturbance to the controls after the SI units were placed and checked. If necessary, the controller may assist personally in this process.

Ideally, the controller should have no set tasks during the event. It is the controller’s job to oversee the entire event and to confirm everything is running smoothly. At some minor events, where helpers are scarce, the controller may help the course planner or organiser with low-priority tasks.

Ensure all competitors return safely and confirm that there is no need for a search and that there are no significant injuries or incidents that require further action.

In the event of a search or other major incident, the controller may need to provide support to the organiser.

After the event

Check results to ensure that there are no outstanding issues.

Ensure control collection is done safely, and the assembly area is clean and tidy.