Event Competition Rules
Events registered with British Orienteering are governed by the Rules of Orienteering. Additionally, many competitions are regulated by separate Competition Rules, which give competitors and event official’s information about what to expect from that competition.
Access the relevant information you require regarding our rules below.
A Change Sheet at the beginning of the documents provides a brief description of changes.
Rules of Orienteering
This DRAFT version of the Rules is provided to help officials prepare for events that will take place early in 2025. A summary of the changes is given at the beginning of the document. A vertical line in the left margin highlights text changes. The existing Rules continue to apply until 31st Dec 2024. Any comments on the draft may be sent to rules@britishorienteering.org.uk before Sunday 15th Dec 2024.
DRAFT British Orienteering Rules and Appendices Intended to become Effective 1st January 2025
British Orienteering Rules and Appendices Effective 1st January 2024
Competition Rules
Other, useful documents
Rule Change Process
All rule changes or waiver requests should be sent to Chair of the Rules Group with the subject line titled 'BOF Rule change/ Waiver Request'
Protests and Complaints
As a competitor, if you feel that the Rules are not being followed there is a procedure to follow.
Any complaint should initially be discussed with the Event Organiser, using the standard Complaints/Protests form. When approaching the Organiser or any other event official you should bear in mind that they are volunteers who have given their valuable time to lay on the event, often under circumstances which are not ideal.
If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily then a protest can be lodged with the Controller who will, if necessary, convene a Jury.