The appointment process for the initial 4 members of the committee ( the association representatives) is now on-going and nominations for the next stage of appointments are being sought from any member, club, association, committee, or staff.

Those nominations from associations that are not appointed in the first round of appointments will automatically be moved forward for consideration in the second stage appointments.

Nominations for the second round of appointments are required by 12 February 2012 and should be emailed to Mike Hamilton.

I appreciate this is a short and challenging period in which to make nominations however we do wish to establish the committee as quickly as possible.

Further information about the Committee Appointment process can be found here.

The following documents will help with the nomination process:

• Events and Competitions Committee terms of reference for member nominations
• Events and Competitions Committee member nomination form

Mike Hamilton, Chief Executive

Scottish Orienteering Association 

Regional Development Officer, Grampian Region

Salary: £18000 - £20000, depending on experience

Duration: 2 Years

The Scottish Orienteering Association is seeking to appoint a highly motivated person as a Regional Development Officer who is able to work both independently and in collaboration with clubs.  The position will focus on working with, and building on the success of, the three local clubs – Grampian Orienteering Club based in Aberdeen City, Mar Orienteering Club based in Aberdeenshire, and Moravian Orienteering Club based in Morayshire – to develop the sport of orienteering in Grampian Region through a series of development projects of mutual benefit to the local community and the clubs, with the ultimate objective of increasing participation in the sport and club membership.

 Further information on this post, including details on how to apply, can be downloaded from the Scottish Orienteering Association website at http://www.scottish-orienteering.org/soa/page/regional-development-officer-vacancy/ .  The Closing Date for applications is 12^th February 2012.  Letters of reference will be sought from two referees for those applicants invited to interview.  It is expected that interviews will be held within approximately two weeks after the closing date for applications, probably in Aviemore or Aberdeen.

 The Scottish Orienteering Association is an equal opportunities employer and aims to provide a discrimination-free working environment. We are committed to an action plan and policy in line with the Equality Act 2010, which ensures that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic.

 Item posted by Janine White

I am pleased to announce that Buff are generously supporting the 2012 Jk and the 2012 British Championships. Buff are providing customised Buffs for the events which will be a great prize and memento.

Buff have an excellent range of products to suit all ages. Please take a look at their website.

Item posted by Caroline Povey

British Orienteering has now launched two new incentives schemes; The Navigation Challenge and the Racing Challenge. The incentive schemes have been devised by the Development Committee and will run alongside the existing Badge and Championship Scheme. The new incentive schemes are aimed at newcomers.

The Navigation Challenge:

Members will be able to claim a Navigation Challenge certificate after successfully completing 3 colour coded courses at the same Technical Difficulty (TD) standard. The Incentive schemes will be ‘star’ based e.g. 1 star for TD 1 up to 5 Star for TD 5.  

The Racing Challenge

Members will be eligible for a Racing Challenge certificate after successfully completing 3 colour coded courses (of the same TD) within the following times:

• Gold Award. Participants time < Course Length (KM) x 12.5mins
• Silver Award. Participants time < Course Length (KM) x 15mins
• Bronze Award. Participants time < Course Length (KM) x 20mins

Receiving your Certificate

The results uploaded into the British Orienteering website will determine when a participant has completed a course. When the system recognises that a member has completed three courses at the same TD standard and/or at the designated speed, the member will be eligible for a certificate. Results from 1 January 2012 will be eligible for the new incentives scheme, therefore it is unlikely that any member has achieved the desired results at this time.

The certificates will be automated and be made available for the member to download and print via the member login on the website. If we hold the email address of the member they will be automatically notified.

Club Chairs and Club Membership Secretaries will also be able to download a report via their member login to see who in their club has successfully achieved a Navigation or Racing Challenge certificate and acknowledge their success as they deem appropriate.

Club Support

In order for the scheme to be a success, clubs will need to upload Level D events into the Results system. We appreciate that this is an added workload for already busy volunteers, so we are happy for Clubs to nominate additional people to have access to the Results system.

If your Club would like to nominate additional Club Results Secretaries please email info@britishorienteering.org.ukor telephone 01629 734042.

Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

Feedback

If you have any questions about the scheme please email feedback@britishorienteering.org.uk

Caroline Povey, Marketing Manager on behalf of Development Committee

We are delighted to announce that Jackie Newton has accepted the position of National Talent Development Coach for British Orienteering and that she will take up the position from 1^stMarch 2012.

Jackie has proven experience in the development and implementation of athlete and coach mentoring programmes.  Jackie is a qualified UKCC Level 3 Endurance Coach and has started on the orienteering coaching pathway, having completed the UKCC level 1.  Additionally she is currently studying part time for a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Coaching Studies and has a wealth of experience in coaching and team managing with UK Athletics.  Her sporting achievements range from representing Great Britain at marathon distance to steering Great Britain’s U23 Cross Country team to success at the recent 2011 European Cross Country Championships.  Jackie is also a member of MDOC and is currently an active Community Orienteering Coach.

The main purpose of the National Talent Development Coach position is to coordinate and develop British Orienteering’s Talent Development programme and this will encompass the physical and technical coordination and delivery to our identified athletes, their clubs, personal coaches and parents/ guardians.

Jackie stated ‘I am thrilled to accept the position of Talent Development Coach and am looking forward to working with the gifted athletes and their coaches on the Talent Development Programme.  I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support and guide them with their personal development plans as they continue on their journey towards their full potential.  I aim to help each athlete with their physical, technical and psychological preparation through regular contact in their own environment, at training camps and competitions and through email.’

Item posted by Sarah Hague

Unfortunately a small number of membership cards have been printed with the incorrect age class. Please be assured that we are aware of this problem and information will be available as soon as possible.

To work out your correct age class for 2012 please refer to this conversion chart.

For example:

Year of birth is 1966

2012-1966 = 46

According to the conversion chart, you are therefore an M/W45

The age classes are correct on the British Orienteering database and therefore in the data provided to online entry providers.

Many thanks

British Orienteering Membership Team