Frequently Asked Questions

Orienteering is an outdoor adventure sport that exercises the mind and body. The aim is to navigate between checkpoints (the controls) marked on a special orienteering map. There is no set route, so the challenge lies in choosing the best path between controls. In competitive orienteering, the goal is to complete the course in the quickest time. Orienteering can take place across a range of terrain, such as in forests, parks and urban areas.

Attendance varies depending on the level of the event. Entries will normally close prior to the event. Below are attendance estimations based on the type of event.

• Local level – 25 - 200
• Regional – 50 – 500
• National – 250 - 1000
• British Championships – 500-2500

All affiliated clubs are covered under British Orienteering’s public liability insurance when the event is officially registered. Organisers will provide you proof of insurance during the permissions process.

No additional insurance is required by the landowner for the event to proceed.

Yes, British Orienteering require formal permission to be evidenced in writing. It may be a formal signed contract with clubs and association, or it may be a copy letter sent to a landowner confirming their consent.

Orienteering is a low impact sport. Participants spread out across the terrain and choose their own route, which minimises wear. Courses are also planned to avoid sensitive areas highlighted by landowners.

Out of Bounds areas can be clearly marked and respected. Any stock walls and fences that can only be crossed at pre-agreed or permanent crossing points are also clearly marked on the map for participants.

Events are covered by British Orienteering insurance, so in the unlikely event of damage, the organiser will report and resolve it.

Competitors carry a map, an electronic timing device (a dibber), and a control description sheet.

The course will be set out with the control boxes and flags. See an example, here.

Upon landowner permission, clubs may wish to set up a tent for registrations and result downloads. At larger events, organisers may also use reusable tape or string to channel competitors at the start and finish.

Temporary bins and toilets may be required in the event assembly for competitors.

No, it is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure nothing is left behind. Any temporary structures must be taken down, and all litter removed. Rubbish must be bagged and disposed of as agreed with the landowner.

Yes, as the landowner you can restrict access to parts of your land that must go untouched. This will be marked with a special hashing on the map, and in some cases a marshal may be placed at a boundary if planners think confusion could occur.

An event will normally last for one day at any site. The amount of time required at your site will likely depend on the size and scale of the competition. Please ask the organiser for a timeline of the event to outline arrangements.

For Local and Regional Events, courses are likely to be open for participants to take part over a 3 or 4 hour window. Set up is likely to be around 2 hours prior to the event and 1 hour after the event. For larger events the event duration can extend to 6 hours, with additional time needed for set up/take down.

Competitors will only use gates marked as part of the course. If gates are required to always stay shut, competitors will be briefed to ensure this. British Orienteering Environmental Policy, section (3.4) advises competitors to close any gates they open, and report any open gates at the finish.

If livestock is present and you permit access, competitors will be briefed to proceed with caution and ensure gates are closed behind them.

Event organisers will ensure that a marshal is positioned at any road crossings which are deemed to be heavy with traffic or dangerous. When courses are planned for junior competitors, additional thought and care is taken over routes.

Event organisers may cancel an event if the weather poses a safety risk, such as heavy snowfall, strong winds or flooding. Organisers will consult with landowners and communicate any changes promptly.