Controllers - Training

A Controller is responsible for approving the planned courses, the control sites, the control descriptions, the control description sheets; checking everything and ensuring the technical standards are met and that the competition is fair and enjoyable.

There are three levels of training available:

Grade 3 (Local Events)

Grade 2 (Regional Events)

Grade 1 (National Events)

Training Courses

Grade 3 Controller

If you wish to become a Grade 3 Controller you will be required to attend a short course which will be organised by an association. Courses normally last for one day, but can be spread over several evenings if required, although daylight is needed for the practical exercise. Courses follow an agreed syllabus, using course materials provided by the National Office.

Courses will be organised close to a mapped area that can be used for the practical exercise and courses are generally staffed by at least two experienced controllers acting as instructors.

As a Grade 3 Controller you will:

• Be able to Control a colour-coded event at C-4 standard
• Be able to use tact and influence event officials when controlling events
• Understand the techniques required to control at this level and the potential pitfalls that should be guarded against

Pre-course knowledge you will require includes:

• British Orienteering Rules: particularly 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.6.5, 1.7.3-1.7.6, 4.3, 4.4, 5.2, 5.4,  6.6
• Appendices A, B, E and F
• Guideline A
• IOF Control descriptions 2004
• ‘Course Planning’ by G Nilsen is recommended reading.

On conclusion of the course you will be able to:

• Check initial points with the organiser (access, car parking, map, courses) and the planner (timetable, land restrictions, start and finish)
• Check the 'armchair planned' courses, be able to identify courses which infringe the rules or are of poor quality
• Prepare to check control sites
• Practically check control sites
• Produce final paperwork (final courses; course lengths and climbs; map corrections; control code and punch allocations; course description sheets; master maps / overprinted maps)
• Check arrangements with the organiser (car parking, including back-up for bad weather; safety; cancellation procedures; time keeping and back-up; sufficient officials, communications)
• Check electronic punching
• Check controls
• Use diplomacy to deal with any issues that arise

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Grade 2 Controller

If you wish to become a Grade 2 Controller you will be required to attend a short course which will be organised by an association. Courses normally last for one day, but can be spread over several evenings if required, although daylight is needed for the practical exercise. Courses follow an agreed syllabus, using course materials provided by the National Office.

Courses will be organised close to a mapped area that can be used for the practical exercise and courses are generally staffed by at least one Grade 1 Controller assisted by one or more experienced controllers.

As a Grade 2 Controller you will:

• Be able to Control a regional event at C-3 standard
• Understand the knowledge necessary to act as an Assistant Controllers at any level of event
• Be able to use tact and influence event officials when controlling events
• Understand the techniques required to control at this level and the potential pitfalls that should be guarded against

Pre-course knowledge you will require includes:

• British Orienteering Rules: all but particularly 2.4.2
• Appendices A, B, E, F and H
• Guidelines A and B
• IOF Control descriptions 2004
• ‘Course Planning’ by G Nilsen is recommended reading.

You will be required to provide evidence of the events you have controlled as part of the application process and will normally include written reports on the last two events you have controlled as a Grade 3 controller provided on the form attached to the application form.

On conclusion of the course you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the difference between controlling a colour-coded event and a regional event
• Control the planning and organisation including:

• the area
• timetable
• start and finish positions
• class combinations and course lengths
• appropriate Technical Difficulty
• fairness
• competitor flow (around the area and through controls)
• checking overprinted maps
• IOF/pictorial description sheets
• checking controls on the day
• events with more than one planner
• any potential safety problems including checks for finishers
• pre-entry and computerised results

• Determine and manage the quality of planning and provide feedback to planners
• Demonstrate the ability to influence people in a tactful manner where possible

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Grade 1 Controller

Grade 1 Controllers are appointed by the Rules Group of British Orienteering, you will be required to provide evidence of:

• Successfully controlling at least two events at regional level (C-3) within the previous eight years (one of which is within the last four years)
• Successfully plan or co-plan at least one event at regional level (C-3) after becoming a Grade 2 Controller and within the previous eight years
• Successfully organise or co-organise at least one event at regional level (C-3)
• Attendance at one or more British Orienteering Major Events Conference
• Support from your association proposing you to the Chair of Rules Group
• Grade 1 Controller Application Form

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Training Courses 2009

• Courses updated as organised

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