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Returning to Orienteering

British Orienteering will continue to monitor the situation and work together with associations, clubs and volunteers to resume orienteering events and activities as soon as it is safe to do so. We would like to thank every one of our associations, clubs and members for your support, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the sport soon.

We understand that this has been, and continues to be, an incredibly tough time for everyone. In these circumstances, it’s natural that we all feel the desire to start orienteering again and to enjoy the freedom of racing through forests, hills and urban areas.

We believe that restarting orienteering after this hiatus will be a long and gradual process. The consequences of this unprecedented global health crisis will be long-lasting and potentially unpredictable. We do not yet know what form the release of lockdown will take, but it may vary between different nations or regions of the UK.

The approach we take will be led at all times by the guidance issued by the relevant government authorities.

Getting orienteering going again will present a new set of challenges for our sport, and we will likely need to make some compromises on the form and standard of competition.

We are aware that the situation can change quickly and have not addressed issues such as masks, protective equipment or over 70’s participation as these are not covered under government guidance.

British Orienteering has been working on a draft consultation document looking at the potential requirements and phased return to the sport once the current government guidance is relaxed and welcome feedback from members.

Please find a copy of this draft consultation document here below.

Responses should be sent directly to Peter.Hart@britishorienteering.org.uk

We will also be contacting as many Club Chairs as possible over the next seven days to receive soft feedback. Ideally could you please send your feedback by Thursday, 7 May 2020.

Finally, I would emphasize that we all should be following government guidelines in respect of exercise and non-essential travel. We will continue to review the different government agencies guidelines and react accordingly in conjunction with the appropriate Association.

Stay safe and I look forward to hearing your suggestions on the consultation.

 

Peter Hart
Chief Executive Officer
British Orienteering

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