Manitoba Orienteering Association

2013 News

Revised Orienteering Canada rules are now in effect - January 28, 2013

We wish to let you know that the Orienteering Canada Board of directors approved a revised set of rules late last year. They went into effect on January 1st, 2013 and have been posted here on the Orienteering Canada website (under the ‘resources’ heading > under “officials” or “athletes”).

We would urge any Event Director, Course Planner and Controller to become familiar with the rule changes.

Some points to note:

We have identified the rules that are competition rules and apply only to Canada Cup events and above with the symbol (CR). Any rule that is not marked with this symbol applies to all events.
Where it makes sense we have followed IOF Rules and IOF rule changes. An example of this was a decision to reduce the minimum height of control code numbers from 5 to 3 cms to allow numbers to be placed in the control unit itself. (13.3.4)
The contentious problem of uncrossable objects and forbidden to cross objects has been clarified in 15.4.2. If the event organizers wish to note that an object is forbidden to cross it must be identified with a purple symbol. Uncrossable objects can be crossed at the particpant’s own risk, as is explained in more detail in the officials manuals.
The deviation that competitors take to go round buildings on maps, must now be added to the length of the course to give a better representation. With the profusion of buildings on some sprint maps, the course length using the straight line was not a fair reflection of the distance to be covered. (10.0.3)
As you will note we have removed any verbiage with the word “may”, which does not indicate a rule, and transferred it, where appropriate, to the officials manuals.
We would welcome any suggestions for new rules or changes to existing rules. Anyone wishing to do so should note (3.0), which outlines the procedure to be used.
Lastly, in addition to the officials mentioned above, we would urge all orienteers to check out the rules, particularly (15.0), which covers the duties and responsibilities of participants.