British Orienteering

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.

Grade C Controller

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:

  • Be able to Control a level D or C event

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

Grade B Controller

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 Controller

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.