British Orienteering

Planners

Planners are able to plan orienteering courses designed to meet the needs of the orienteers who will participate in an event. Learn more about their role on this page. 

The planner’s responsibilities include:

  • Planning courses in accordance with the guidelines
  • Choosing control sites
  • Determining the shape and length of the courses
  • Ensuring the course will challenge the participants and differentiate between them
  • Preparing draft control descriptions
  • Placing controls

Support Documents

Please see the Mapping and Planning section of the Event Officials Handbook.

Training

 There are two levels of training available:

  • Level D & C
  • Level B - Currently under review

Level C Planner

If you wish to become a Level C Planner you will be required to attend a short course which will be organised by a club, group of clubs or associations.

As a Level C Planner you will:

  • Be able to plan a Level D or C event
  • Understand the techniques required to plan at this level and the potential pitfalls that should be guarded against. 

Pre-Course knowledge you require includes:

You will also be required to complete a short Questionnaire prior to attending the course.

On the conclusion of the course you will be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the role of the planner
  • Knowledge of the roles of the controller and organiser
  • The mechanisms involved in planning
  • The ability to:
    • Determine the technical difficulty of legs
    • Determine the technical difficulty of courses
    • Layout Start / finish
    • Tape control sites
    • Draft Control Description sheets
    • Check maps and produce map corrections
    • Hang controls
    • Produce an event timetable