- What is Orienteering?
- I've never orienteered before. How can I learn to orienteer?
- What happens at the average regular local NEOC event? Walk me through it.
- Which course should I do on my first time out? What do the course colors mean?
- Why is there a 3-Hour Time Limit? What should I do if I don't finish the Course? Or lose my Punch Card?
- Since NEOC is run by Volunteers, how can I Help?
- Do I have to Orienteer Alone? Can we go as a Group?
- How do I Become an NEOC Member? What are the Benefits of Membership?
- What Clothing and Equipment should I bring? How about a Compass?
- What is the purpose of the control descriptions? What do all of those symbols mean?
- How do I interpret an orienteering map? What do the colors and symbols mean?
- What's a Score-O? What are the different types of orienteering?
- What's an A-Event? What are the different types of events?
- How much does it cost to Orienteer?
- Help, I've forgotten the metric system. What are the conversion factors for km and m?
- Will the event be canceled because of bad weather?
- What is a staggered start or interval start?
- How can I purchase one of your maps?
- Do you offer classes or training?
Want more information, send e-mail to NEOC.
Orienteering is a fun outdoor activity in which you run (or walk) a course in the woods, using only a map and compass to guide you. Control locations are marked on your map and your goal is to find them in the woods. This can be as competitive as you want; from a nice relaxed stroll in the woods, to making your competitors eat your dust!
It is enjoyed by kids, families, groups, individuals and is good training for adventure racers.
Also known as the "Thinking Sport": it is not always the fastest runner who wins.
2. I've never orienteered before. How can I learn to orienteer?
Getting started in orienteering is easy. Beginner Instruction is provided at all regular local NEOC events. Usually, registration/start times are from 11 AM to 1 PM, so Beginner Instruction starts at 10:00 AM. However, times are variable, so check the NEOC schedule.
Some events are not suitable for beginners and therefore instruction is not provided. In these cases, this will be mentioned in the schedule. Again, check the schedule.
When you arrive at the event, simply go to Registration and ask for Beginner Instruction. You will be taught everything you need to know to immediately go out on a course.
Instruction includes the basics of how to read and orient the map and follow trails, learning the features included on the map, such as boulders, walls, streams, cliffs, dark green, and swamp, and safety procedures such as safety bearings, carrying a whistle for safety and returning within the time limit (typically 3 hours) whether or not the course has been completed.
NEOC occasionally schedules events designed specifically for newcomers and beginners.
3. What happens at the average regular local NEOC event? Walk me through it.
If you need Beginner Instruction, ask at registration (see Question 2).
Before registering, you can check out the Master Maps to help you decide which course to run (also, see Question 4).
Go to Registration and tell them which course you will be doing. Fill out a waiver form prior to paying. To save time at event registration, print out and sign the waiver form and bring it to the event with you. You can also rent a compass at the event, if needed. For a beginner course, a compass is useful in orienting a map but is otherwise not needed. You will be given a detailed map of the area, control descriptions for your beginner course, a plastic bag for the map and a Punch Card. Fill out both parts of the Punch Card.
Using the Master Map for your course, carefully copy the course onto your map. Compare the feature on your control descriptions to the feature you are circling on your map.
Glue or tape the control descriptions to your map (if you use staples, know that the metal can interfere with your compass).
Place your map in a plastic bag (especially if it is raining, but also to protect from sweaty hands). On your Punch Card, it helps to write in the control id numbers (from the control descriptions for your course) in the boxes.
When you are ready to go out on your course, make sure you have your map, control descriptions, Punch Card, compass, a watch, a whistle and anything else you want to take (e.g. water bottle; see Question 9).
Go to the Start and hand the person your Punch Card. They will issue you a start time, take the bottom piece off your card and give you back your Punch Card. Put it where you won't lose it (if you do lose it in the woods, just punch your map and make sure to give your name at the Finish so that we know you are safely out of the woods).
While waiting for your start time, you can study the map and decide how you will get to your first control.
Then it's time to go!
Each time you reach a control, check the control ID number - to make sure it is in fact your control - before punching your Punch Card.
At the Finish, hand in your Punch Card.
For safety reasons, you must hand in your Punch Card, even if you didn't finish the course and you must not be out longer than 3 hours and must typically return by 3 P.M. The only way we know that you are safely out of the woods is if you turn in your card. Otherwise, we have to send out a search party.
4. Which course should I do on my first time out? What do the course colors mean?
Regular Orienteering courses are color coded. As a beginner, you should start with a White course. If it was really easy and you get back at least 10 min before the end of Start Times, you can try the Yellow course. To do this, you must go to the Registrar for a new control card and control descriptions. Then get a new Start Time. Remember to check in at the Finish, even if you don't complete a course. It's the only way for us to know that you are safely out of the woods.
|
Course |
Level / Age Group Classes |
Distance |
|
White (W) |
Beginner (controls located on trails) |
1-3 km |
|
Yellow (Y) |
Advanced Beginner (controls located mostly on trails) |
2-4 km |
|
Orange (O) |
Intermediate (many controls away from trails) |
3-5 km |
|
Green (G) |
Advanced (controls off trail) |
4-6 km |
|
Red (R) |
Advanced (controls off trail) |
6-8 km |
|
Blue (B) |
Advanced (controls off trail) |
8-12 km |
|
Sprint |
Advanced (short legs, quick decision-making) |
2-3 km |
5. Why is there a 3-Hour Time Limit? What should I do if I don't finish the Course? Or Lose my Punch Card?
The 3-hour time limit is for your safety. You must return to the finish before 3 hours after your start time, or before course closing time, whichever comes first. If you lose your punch card in the woods, simply punch your map instead. Even if you don't finish your course or you lose your punch card, you must check in at the Finish to let them know you are out of the woods safely. If you do not check in, or are out longer than 3 hours, we will assume you are lost or injured and we will send out a search party. Some Parks even require us to contact the Police, so please be aware of the time.
6. Since NEOC is run by Volunteers, how can I Help?
All NEOC jobs, from Event Worker, Event Director and Course Setter to Area Coordinator, President and Treasurer are performed by volunteers. So we need your help. Jobs vary widely, so there is something for everyone.
Event Workers are always needed, but it can be tough for the Event Directors and Area Coordinators to recruit enough volunteers. So please let them know if you are available.
Getting the Schedule out every season is another big challenge. It is very helpful to have volunteers step forward and offer to be Event Director or Course Setter. Want to be a Course Setter, but have no experience? No problem! An advisor can be assigned to help you.
So if you are willing to help (thank you!), talk to an NEOC Officer, Area Coordinator or even the person currently doing a job you might be interested in.
7. Do I have to Orienteer Alone? Can we go as a Group?
At regular local NEOC events, you can compete on all courses as an individual or as a group. For groups, we recommend a maximum of 3 people (if everyone wants to be involved in the navigation). Everyone in the group should have a map and a compass.
If you are the leader of a group of minors (e.g. Scouts or JROTC), please bring a signed waiver for each member of the group.
Are you bringing a large group? Give the Meet Director some advance notice so we can be sure to have enough maps printed.
8. How do I Become an NEOC Member? What are the Benefits of Membership?
Membership entitles you to (among other things):
- Free entry to NEOC local recreational meets
- Voting Rights on members of Board of Directors and amendments to Bylaws
- The NEOC Times - NEOC's Newsletter
- Members-Only Holiday Party
- Members-Only Club Library
You can submit a membership form online, via USPS mail, or at any NEOC event. The options and fees are explained here.
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9. What Clothing and Equipment should I bring? How about a Compass?
- If doing a White or Yellow course, wear whatever clothing you would normally for a trail hike or run (this is very weather dependent, so wear layers which you can remove if it gets too warm). And comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots. When you move up to Orange and above, you will be off-trail, so wear clothing that doesn't snag (and that you don't mind if it tears), shin guards/gaiters, and lightweight hiking or trail running shoes.
- Wear a watch. You must return to the start table within 3 hours or by the time courses close, whichever is earlier.
- We recommend that you carry a whistle for emergencies (3 quick blows).
- A water bottle.
- A small number of compasses are available for loan at registration. If you want to buy a compass, you can get perfectly good ones for about $10-15 at camping and sporting goods stores.
10. What is the purpose of the control descriptions? What do all of those symbols mean?
On the map, a circle is drawn around the feature where the control is located. However, this circle covers a large area, so the control description is used to give you details (clues) about the feature and the exact location of the control. For example, if the control is on a boulder, but in the circle you can see two boulders, then the control description would specify which boulder, the size of the boulder and which side of the boulder you will find the control. The control description will also list ID numbers (code) for each control; this corresponds to the number you will find attached to each control in the woods.
On White and Yellow courses, these descriptions are spelled out in English. But on control descriptions for Orange and above, you will find symbols (which are used all over the world - so no language barrier).
11. How do I interpret an orienteering map? What do the colors and symbols mean?
Each map includes a legend. The symbols and colors in the legend are the same on all orienteering maps. Orienteering maps are also aligned to Magnetic North. Most other maps are aligned to Geographic North (the North Pole), which is in a different place than Magnetic North, and this means that to use your compass a declination adjustment is required. But with Orienteering maps, there is no need for adjustments: the North on an O-Map is the same as the North indicated by the needle on your compass.
12. What's a Score-O? What are the different types of orienteering?
There can be variations on all of the following event types. Our Fun-O events are usually a Score-O with a theme (e.g. instead of being assigned point values, each control might have a playing card assigned to it, and your goal is to make up a high scoring poker hand).
- Foot-O: Regular course found at most local events. Controls must be visited in a specific order.
- Score-O: Controls are assigned a point value and can be visited in any order. Highest score within time-limit wins (usually 90 min). Points deducted if overtime.
- Trail-O:Designed for the disabled, but a challenge to all. The mental portion of the sport: from a designated location on the trail, competitors must determine which of the several controls they can see, is the one circled on their map. Not as easy as it sounds.
- Night-O:Foot-O course after sunset. Flashlights a must.
- Relay:Teams of orienteers run consecutive courses.
- Motala:A one person relay; you run the first course, get a new map, run second course, etc...
- Bike-O: Compete on mountain bike.
- Canoe-O, Kayak-O: Courses on water.
- Tri-O: a mini adventure race. A combination of 3 events (e.g. foot, bike and canoe).
- Ski-O, Snowshoe-O: When Mother Nature is nice enough to give us snow.
- String-O: For young children. Controls over a small area are linked with string or ribbon.
- Photo-O: Done in the comfort of your home. You try to figure out where on a map, the photos were taken. There is also a version that can be done in the woods.
- Extreme-O, Command-O: a Foot-O course with obstacles.
- Long Distance Events: For experienced orienteers. Goat an extra long Foot-O course; Blue Hills Traverse NEOC’s annual Goat event; Hudson Highlander HVO's annual 26.2 km Goat event; Rogaine (not related to the hair product, though you might need it if your hair falls out from frustration during the event) a large Score-O course, covering lots of territory, usually on a USGS map, with a choice of time-limits, usually 6, 12 and 24 hours, done in teams of at least 2 people.
- Training Exercises: Line-O the course is drawn as a line on your map. If you follow correctly, you will come across controls, which you then must mark on your map; Memory-O you don't carry the course drawn on a map. You have to memorize it, then do it.
13. What's an A-Event? What are the different types of events?
- Local Events (also termed B or C) are organized by a club and attended mostly by local residents.
- A-Events are also organized by a club, but the event and courses are sanctioned by the Orienteering USA (specific rules must be followed). These are attended by US and international orienteers, and may include a championship event. Pre-registration is required. These are often 2 day events. A-Events are open to all. Beginner Instruction might not be offered.
14. How much does it cost to Orienteer?
|
NEOC Member |
Non-Member |
|
|
Individual |
Free with current |
$5 (White/Yellow) |
|
Under 10 years old |
Free |
|
|
Family Maximum |
Free with current |
$15 (White/Yellow) |
|
Additional Courses |
Free |
|
|
Loaner E-punch ("finger stick") |
Free |
|
|
Loaner Compass |
Free |
|
Volunteer to help -- Meet workers orienteer for free.
Friendly reminder: If you orienteer at more than a couple of NEOC meets a year, it's cheaper to be a member! Check out the membership fees. New members who join at a meet orienteer for free that day (and the rest of of the year!).
15. Help, I've forgotten the metric system. What are the conversion factors for km and m?
1 km = 0.62 mi or 1,094 yards
1 m = 3.3 ft or 1.1 yards
16. Will the event be canceled because of bad weather?
Spring, summer, and fall events will be held rain or shine. Ski-O events may be canceled if snow conditions or road conditions (e.g., state of emergency in effect due to weather conditions) are poor. Call the NEOC Hotline (781-648-1155) for the latest information.
17. What is a staggered start or interval start?
Participants start at assigned times, usually at 2-minute intervals. Individuals or teams running different courses usually are allowed to use the same start time.
18. How can I purchase one of your maps?
NEOC only sells permanent course maps (a great way to try orienteering other than at a scheduled event). See the the list of Permanent Courses.
19. Do you offer classes or training?
NEOC members sometimes offer classes and training to schools and other youth groups, on a volunteer and paid basis. There are other commercial training providers as well. See the page of Teaching and Training links or contact Jason Tong for more information.
Thanks to Hudson Valley Orienteering (HVO) for giving NEOC permission to use some of the FAQ from their website.
