Orienteering/Videos/Etiquette

The Presenter approaches a large feature (eg. boulder, termie) slowing down to check her control description. Without stopping, she rounds the feature, confident that the flag will be on the other side.

PRESENTER (V/O)

I’ve nearly finished my second orienteering competition. For the last few controls I’ve been practicing my control flow – approaching the control smoothly and leaving in the right direction, while starting to plan my next route.

On the other side of the feature, she punches and quickly heads off toward her last control.

PRESENTER (V/O)

At my first competition, I learned that GPS navigational aids – like my iPhone - are not allowed in orienteering competitions. But there are a number of other basic rules that should also be observed.

CUT TO Presenter arriving at a marked fence crossing. She stops.

PRESENTER (to camera)

Orienteering competitions are often held on private land, and organizers need the permission of landowners in order to gain access. It’s important to use marked fence crossings, such as this (CLOSE UP on map) that help to protect the landowners’ property.

She crosses the fence and heads off.

SCREEN SHOT of a map showing an out of bounds area.

PRESENTER (V/O)

Areas that are out of bounds on the map are shown with this symbol.

(circle)

Failing to observe an out-of-bounds area could jeopardize future use of the map, and anyone found to have crossed an out-of-bounds area will be disqualified from the competition.

CUT TO Presenter jogging to her final control, running up the finish chute and dibbing on the finish line, where she gets a few cheers from both the Elite and Instructor.

PRESENTER (to camera)

My second orienteering event - finished! And it’s not even dark yet.

She heads to the tent to download.

CUT TO Presenter shaking hands with the Elite and the Instructor at the drinks, who hand her a cup of water.

PRESENTER

So I have to ask you, are there any other rules that I should know about?

ELITE

You should never grab someone’s map!

PRESENTER

Does that really happen?

ELITE (ad-lib…)

In bigger competitions, yes, when someone comes to a control that’s not theirs, and you’re punching, they might grab your map to work out where they are.

PRESENTER

I’d be tempted to punch them in that case.

INSTRUCTOR

(laughs)

That’s not allowed either.

PRESENTER

So no physical violence of any sort?

ELITE

Unfortunately, no.

PRESENTER

Anything else?

INSTRUCTOR

Well, you’re not supposed to talk to other competitors or ask for help, unless you’re seriously injured.

PRESENTER

So strictly speaking I should be disqualified?

INSTRUCTOR (ad-lib…)

Well, no, there are different rules for novice orienteers and young kids often have their parents or another adult shadow them on a course, so if they do come unstuck there’s a safety net.

PRESENTER

And why if I am seriously injured?

INSTRUCTOR (ad-lib…)

We strongly recommend that you carry a whistle in your pocket, which you can blow on to attract attention. Anyone who hears a whistle blast – or a call for help – is required to abandon their course and assist you. And vice versa, of course.

PRESENTER

Right. Anything else?

INSTRUCTOR

No dogs.

PRESENTER

Really? I can’t bring my dog along for a run?

INSTRUCTOR (ad-lib…)

Generally no, particularly on private land or State forests. Very rarely dogs are OK, but only if it’s some kind of public park that allows dog, and the event information will generally specify that.

PRESENTER

OK, got it.

ELITE

No standing at the control and shouting ‘it’s over here!’

PRESENTER

People do that?

ELITE

More often that you’d think.

They continue to chat, their voices fading out over a long pan (or a montage) around the event, picking up competitors of all ages finishing, discussing courses, kids on a strong course etc.