Track laying
The aim of the course layout must be to create fair conditions for all participants so that the level of difficulty is adapted to the ability of the runners. Excessive demands should be avoided, especially in the beginners' area, as large search actions deprive the participants of a valuable sense of achievement. When preparing a course, proceed as follows
Choosing the terrain
Unsuitable and dangerous areas that are not suitable for beginners are excluded. The following criteria are taken into account: well-structured terrain, prominent landmarks, no wide streams, deep ditches, steep slopes, rocky ledges, thorn fields, thickets, nature reserves, no shooting or busy traffic routes. A reconnaissance of the terrain should always be carried out to avoid any negative surprises.
Determine performance requirements
The physical requirements are primarily based on the performance duration. The approximate distance can be calculated from this. The unit of measurement is given in power kilometres (Lkm), which is made up of the distance in kilometres (as the crow flies) and ten times the incline in metres. The target performance time for runners aged 17-20 years is 40-50 minutes (female participants 35-45 minutes).
Designing the orienteering course
An orienteering course consists of the start, the sections with controls and the finish. At the pre-start, the runners are channelled into the start procedure according to their start time. Between the pre-start and the start, the orienteering course is marked on the map at the control transfer point (Püst). Mistakes can be made when transferring controls, which is why it must be ensured before the start that the course has been entered correctly. The choice of sections and control locations determines the difficulty of an orienteering course. For beginner courses, the sections should be laid out in such a way that the runners can follow guidelines. Distinctive points must be determined for the location of the controls (e.g. forest corner, crossroads, bend, building, hill, pit). Every control run is a sense of achievement, which is why the following applies to beginners' courses in particular: at least one control for every 5 minutes of running time, the control markings are clearly visible and the control objects are varied. Correct timekeeping must be guaranteed at the finish.
Orienteering variants
Various factors play a role in the different forms of orienteering. The number of controls, the sequence of controls, the points per control, the time period and whether you run individually or in a group can vary.
Line run: The controls are run in numerical order using a map. The first control is marked on the orienteering map so that not all participants run in the same direction at the start.
Numbered run: Depending on the first marked control, all even or odd controls are approached using the map. Depending on the time conditions, the rule of 3 would also be an option, for example.
Star race: The start forms the centre of the race. Each control is approached individually (in a star shape) (option: clockwise or anti-clockwise). After each control, you return to the centre before running to the next control (if necessary, have the controls checked by the sports director).
Memory run: A poster with all the marked controls is displayed at the start. The participants memorise a route and try to collect the controls. Depending on how many posts the participants can memorise, they have to return to the starting position sooner or later to take another look at the map.
Fuelling station run: A poster with all the posts is displayed at the start and at some posts. After the start, each participant orientates themselves at the "petrol stations" about the control locations.
SCORE-orienteering: The aim is to collect as many points as possible within the allotted time. More difficult posts (e.g. further away or in a tricky position) score more points. Penalty points are awarded for arriving late at the finish line.