Controllers

There are 3 levels of Controllers (Grade A, Grade B, Grade C) that have slightly different responsibilities, however Controllers are responsible for:

Ensuring the standards required for the event are delivered during the organising, planning, delivery and reviewing of the event
The event and competition rules are adhered to
Communicating with event officials using tact to influence the decisions the event officials take regarding the event
Advice to event officials with regard to the potential pitfalls that should be guarded against
Checking and advising on all aspects of the organisation of the event with the organiser and the planner
Ensuring that the risk assessment has been carried out
Ratifying the final paperwork for the event (final courses; course lengths and climbs; map corrections; control code allocations; course description sheets; overprinted maps)
Providing feedback on all aspects of the event to organisers and planner
The Event Officials handbook has information to support a controller in their role.

If you wish to become a Grade C Controller, the following must be completed:

Organisation of a British Orienteering registered event at least once in the previous10 years.
Plan 3 events, at least one at level C and one within the previous 5 years.
Attend a British Orienteering Level C controller course.
Attend an Event Safety workshop
Be appointed by the relevant Association

As a Grade C Controller you will:

Pre- Controller Level C course knowledge you will require includes:

On conclusion of the course you will understand the role of the controller in carrying out the following tasks:

Check initial points with the organiser (access, car parking, map, courses) and the planner (timetable, land restrictions, start and finish)
Ensure an initial risk assessment has been carried out and counter sign the risk assessment
Check the 'armchair planned' courses, be able to identify courses which infringe the rules or are of poor quality
Prepare to check control sites
Practically check control sites
Check final paperwork (final courses; course lengths and climbs; map corrections; control code allocations; course description sheets; overprinted maps)
Check arrangements with the organiser (car parking, including back-up for bad weather; safety; cancellation procedures; time keeping and back-up; sufficient officials, communications)
Check electronic punching
Check controls
Use diplomacy to deal with any issues that arise

If you wish to become a Grade B Controller you will be required to fulfil the following:

Controlled at least 2 level C events, one within the previous 8 years and one within 4 years.
Planned or co-planned one event at level B within the previous 10 years
Organised or co-organised one event at level C within the previous 10 years.
Attended a British Orienteering Level B controller course.
Attended an Event Safety workshop
Be appointed by the relevant Association

As a Grade B Controller you will:

Be able to Control a level D,C or B event
Understand the knowledge necessary to act as an Assistant Controller at any level of event

On conclusion of the course you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the difference between controlling a Level C and Level B event
Control the planning and organisation of a Level B event.

Grade A Controllers are appointed by British Orienteering, you will be required to provide evidence of:

Successfully controlling at least two events at level B within the previous eight years (one of which is within the last four years)
Successfully plan or co-plan at least one event at level B after becoming a Grade B Controller and within the previous eight years
Successfully organise or co-organise at least one event at level B within the previous 10 years.
Attendance at one or more British Orienteering Major Events Conference
Attendance at an Event Safety workshop
Recommendation of your appointment from the Association

All controllers are expected to maintain accreditation at the relevant level. For further information contact the National Office.