Most events will be “Sport identi” or SI events using an electronic timing system. You carry this timing device with you to check your time at each control and at the finish line – it is usually worn on your finger to “punch” the controls. You can rent them at events for an additional $3 with your event fee. Some competitors may use an SI Air Card, which is a contactless timekeeping device – you don’t have to physically press a control to register that you were there. It will still beep and the lights will flash, but you don’t need to “punch” it. This saves valuable seconds for quick orienteers.
Before you start, you will need to fill out an online registration form (unless it is a pre-event). Approach the registration tent after reading the event safety instructions and paying the entry fee (see the total costs of the event here), enter your details and course on one of the laptops. You will need to complete an acknowledgment and waiver to confirm that you have read the health and safety information for the event before you can participate.
For large organized events, you and/or your team will start at a separate time from everyone else on your course. So you may be given a “start time” in advance. If not, they will probably be allocated at the start. If it is an organized event with a pre-entry, you will need to show up at the start at least five minutes before the start. For all events, there will be a countdown and you will be given any additional safety instructions and given the go-ahead to start.
Often you will follow the tape to the starting triangle on your map, then navigation starts and you follow the marked course, taking any route between the controls but in the correct number order (unless it is a rogaining or point-based event where you can choose your route).
When you reach a control, confirm that you are on the correct control number – there are other controls there that may not be on your course. You then “interrupt” or “punch” the card at each control, making sure you hear a noise and see a flash of red light. Only if the control is NOT working can you cut a frame (R1, R2, R3) on your card.
When you finish a course, ALWAYS walk to the finish line, even if you don’t complete the entire course. This is so we know you’re not lost in the woods! Then upload to the caravan to get a printout. When you download, we can determine from your device which controls you actually visited and in what order, as well as the time you spent between each control. We distribute all your intermediate times on a sheet of paper to each participant after you have uploaded the information from your Sport-ident/electronic timing chip. If you have rented a Sport-ident, you hand it over to the caravan after you have downloaded it. If you have an “MP” in your twine or results, this is a record that you missed a control on your course, so it is recorded as a “wrong stroke”, so always check control and course numbers as you complete and progress through your course.