Webinars
Our webinars are a great opportunity for you to learn more about how you can develop your Clubs, inspiring you to continue to drive development and aim to equip our members with all they need to know to continue to help our sport thrive.
All sessions are free to attend and take place online. Register your place via the relevant sign up forms provided below.
Subjects will be vary and be delivered by many different guests. Some will draw on the experience of members from across the country, showing examples of successful club projects. In others we will hear from people outside of orienteering which will support your individual or club needs.
If you are unable to attend a Webinar, shortly afterwards we will upload the presenter slides and a recording of the session onto this page.
All our sessions and other videos are also available on British Orienteerings YouTube channel.
Upcoming webinars
We have now announced the dates for our 2025 Development Conference
Click on the tabs below to register your place on the upcoming sessions, or read our announcement for a full breakdown of the relevant sessions.
Session 1 - What it takes to be an Elite Orienteer
On Thursday 9th January at 7pm, join Pippa Archer, British Orienteering’s Head of Performance for an in-depth look at the journey to becoming an elite orienteer. This session will explore a number of the essential components of success from training the body and mind, to work-life balance, injury prevention and all things in between.
Session 2 - Building the Future of your Club using Innovative Marketing Techniques
On Monday 13th January at 7pm, join British Orienteering's Marketing & Comms Lead, Alex Welch for a look into our New Year marketing campaign and how members, cubs and assocations can support this - and learn more about scheduling social media content, as well as a new social media platform we'll be launching!
Session 3 - Environmental Risk Assessments - Workshop
On Thursday 16th January at 7pm, British Orienteering's Access & Environments Officer, Emma Monkman, in this Workshop session discussing all things Access, Environment, and focusing on the importance of Environmental Risk Assessments.
Session 4 - The Impact of Come & Try it Events on your Local Community
On Tuesday 21st January at 7pm, British Orienteering’s Partnerships Manager Kay Hawke, will discuss how to increase your outreach in your local community and make activities easy to understand and attend for newcomers.
Session 5 - OCAD - Current app development and possible work steps before exporting print PDF's
On Thursday 23rd January at 7pm, our friends at OCAD, discuss update on the current app development, and take a look at possible work steps before the preparation of print PDF's, like checking the map legibility, optimize the file size or creating layouts.
Session 6 - Soft Skills for Effective Coaches
In the world of sports coaching, technical proficiency and tactical acumen have long been the focal points of success. Coaches were primarily judged by their ability to fine-tune athletes’ skills and devise winning strategies. However, the paradigm is shifting, and a growing realisation is emerging that softer skills play a critical role in creating better athletes.
On Monday 27th January at 7pm, presented by Scottish Orienteering Association's Suzanne Robins-Bird
Session 7 - Find Your Way - Project Review
On Tuesday 28th January at 7pm, British Orienteering’s Kay Hawke will provide a summary of the recently ended three-year Find Your Way project and discuss the understandings and learnings we can take from this successful project to drive our sport forward.
Session 8 - The British Orienteering Insurance Policy
On Thursday 30th January at 7pm
This session will provide an overview of the insurance cover in place and answer questions from club members to support their understanding of what is covered.
The session will be delivered by Amanda Wynne-Jones DipCII AMInstLM, Associate Director, Sport and Entertainment at Howden Insurance Brokers Limited who provide the British Orienteering Insurance cover.
Session 9 - 2025 Safeguarding Update - NSPCC
Date - To be Confirmed
This is an opportunity for clubs to look at this area of their governance to ensure there is a sure foundation for the club to be a safe place for its members, presented by the NSPCC.
Session 10 - British Orienteering Recognised Delivery Partner Scheme – supporting orienteering in schools
On Thursday 6th February at 7pm,
The Recognised Delivery Partner Scheme aims to provide assurances to the school’s sector that the orienteering provision being offered is of good quality and safe, and that the organisations promote the sport positively to work in the best interests of the sport.
Find out how our 4 pilot Delivery Partners operate and the products that they use support Schools. Each of our pilot Delivery Partners will deliver a presentation followed by a short Q & A session
Cross-Curricular Orienteering
Enrich Education
The Orienteering Company
The Outdoor Classroom
Session 11 - Menopause - Embracing Life's Transitions Your Way (by Revive Active)
On Friday 7th February at 7pm
20% of the UK’s population are menopausal at any one time. So, you’d think we’d know more about this transitional time of life. Learn more about the meno journey and how to embrace it with positivity - YOUR WAY - with Nicola Sainty from Revive Active.
Find out how British Orienteering Members have got on with supportive supplementation, why retailers are sitting up and paying attention and why the conversation still needs be normalised. Be part of the conversation and have your say… and fellas, this webinar is for you too, so come along and join in.
How do the sessions work?
After you've registered, you'll receive a confirmation email with the link you need to follow at the time of the session. Simply click the link at the right time and you're there.
Each session will be unique to the subject discussed. However, for each one, you'll be able to ask questions throughout through the question or chat functions. In some cases, you'll be able to raise your hand and verbally ask a question. Short polls and multiple choice questions may also feature, providing you with the opportunity to play your part at the click of a button.
How can you get involved?
Should you have a subject you'd like to hear about or would be interested in contributing too or delivering a session, please contact Joe Fermor Worrell.
Previous webinars and recordings
Missed any of our webinars and want to catch up? Click on the relevant year below and access available recordings of sessions.
Back to basics: Putting the 'thinking' component back into orienteering
This session was delivered by Rachel Collins. Designed to make you more consciously aware of how you can start ‘thinking’ your way around a course, including mindset and focus.
Monday 28 October
Major Events 2 – Event Commentary, 2025 Rule Changes, Getting Controls Right, and Elite Processes & Course Planning
Monday 21 October
The second of our two Major Events sessions discussed some more aspects that underpin our Major Events.
Katherine, Helen, and Ian shared how an effective commentary can be exciting and energising for your event by lifting the lid on how you can achieve this. Katherine and the GPProjects team, who have been doing this a long time and know the sorts of things that work well (and most of the pitfalls), will walk you through aspects that can make a big difference like control choice, arena layout and prize giving. Attendees can take the opportunity to understand what is involved, and have any burning questions addressed.
Alan Wallis takes you through the likely upcoming rule changes, ahead of their implementation in the updated rules, set to come into effect on 1st January 2025.
Neil Crickmore covers some of the main reasons why controls end up misplaced, and the steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of problems. This is a demanding area for event officials, alongside having an accurate and suitable map, and producing appropriate courses, and this session will offer six key reasons that could cause controls to end up being placed inaccurately.
Nick Lightfoot’s session gives a brief overview of the technical and mental challenges of orienteering, and how elite-level orienteers overcome them. This understanding can help with planning challenging, but fair courses for Major Events, as well as the use of route analysis tools offering a more objective assessment of technical difficulty for Orienteers.
Major Events Review, Competition Rule Changes, Delivering Large Sprint Races, and Safety Update
Monday 14 October
Presenters: Alan Rosen, Graeme Ackland, Barry Elkington and Tim O’Donoghue
The first of our two Major Events sessions will see Alan Rosen, Graeme Ackland, Barry Elkington and Tim O’Donoghue discussing a range of aspects that underpin our Major Events.
Alan provided a review of the nine major events in 2024, providing reflection and thoughts, and learnings to take forward for future events. Graeme discussed how planning a sprint differs from planning in a forest. Barry provided a summary of the updates to the Competition Rules (British Championships, JK, etc.) that will come into effect for 2025, as well as plans for how future updates to the Competition Rules will be managed. Finally, Tim provided a safety update, identifying and controlling significant risks, from the early stages of planning and organising through to delivery and any reporting required.
New features of the British Orienteering website, local partnerships and welcoming newcomers
Monday 1 July
Presenters: Alex Welch & Kay Hawke
A short introduction to the newly redesigned British Orienteering website, including an overview of all the marketing and promotional resources members can now access and modify. Then gain some quick tips for making newcomers welcome, and keeping them coming back for more, as well as exploring how partnerships can help widen your club’s reach for recruiting new members. With the upcoming World Orienteering Championships, this is an excellent time for all clubs to prepare for new, wider interest in our sport.
Nutrients To Fuel & Sustain Your Body & Your Race (by Revive Active)
Monday 24 June
This 45-minute session was presented by Nicola Sainty from Revive Active. Nicole touches on vital nutrients & nutrition required across all ages of orienteers. So whether you are a junior orienteer, preparing for your next competition as a member of the GB squad, or a senior orienteer; come and learn more about energy and fuelling your body pre, during and post races.
Forestry England - an introduction to the new Connections system for permissions
Monday 18 March
Forestry England join us to guide members through their new centralised permissions system, and take questions.
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Major Events Webinar 1: Recent Level A events, revised Rules and Control Descriptions
5 February 2024
Learn more about the lessons learnt from 2022 and 2023 Major Events, what is different about the 2024 Rules and Appendices and using the 2024 IOF Control descriptions in this webinar delivered by Alan Rosen, David May and Barry Elkington.
Watch the Recording
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Major Events Webinar 2: Planning for older competitors, running (even) better Level A events
12 February 2024
Discover more about Level A planning for older competitors, Controlling, Organising and Planning: best practice, and quick wins to improve Level A Events in this webinar delivered by Alan Rosen, Neil Crickmore and Simon Errington.
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Major Events Webinar 3: Running a WRE event, some Jury scenarios, topics raised by attendees
19 February 2024
Want to learn more about having World Ranking Event (WRE) status and becoming an IOF Event Adviser? Listen in to this webinar delivered by Alan Rosen and Julie and Ronan Cleary.
A Club for Everyone Webinar Workshop
27 November 2023
This workshop, delivered by John Mills, Sports Structures, equips clubs and organisations with tools that will help them to become more welcoming, friendly, accessible and inclusive which will benefit everyone. This approach not only helps groups of people who find it hard to engage but also helps clubs and organisations generally to attract and retain more participants and volunteers.
There is no recording available of this webinar.
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The Winning Formula - From DISTRACTION to DISCIPLINE - Laying the Foundations
2 October 2023
Rachel Collins from Meadow Wellbeing delivers a workshop series unique to orienteering by combining her knowledge of Sport Psychology and tools from Therapeutic Coaching. Participants will be provided with information and the necessary skills to narrow their focus to just navigation whilst orienteering. Allowing you to produce a race you can be satisfied with!
The presentation is found here.
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Volunteer Experience webinar workshop
25 September 2023
This workshop equips clubs and organisations with tools that will help them to become more welcoming, friendly, accessible and inclusive which will benefit everyone. This approach not only helps groups of people who find it hard to engage but also helps clubs and organisations generally to attract and retain more participants and volunteers.
Due to this session being hosted by Club Matters, we are unable to share the recording of this session.
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Club Legal Structures
22 May 2023
Gain information into what might be best for your club needs, with regard to it's legal set up.
Due to this session being hosted by Club Matters, we are unable to share the recording of this session.
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Access – The current environment
15 May 2023
Emma Monkham delivers a discussion session about the current challenges and successes when gaining permissions for events. There are also updates on negotiations with Forestry England and our major event (JK2023) ecological assessment.
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The Importance of Strength and Conditioning for the older orienteer
17 April 2023
This webinar explains why strength and conditioning is important as you get older. As part of the Webinar, Dr Sarah Rollins demonstatrated a typical programme and demonstrate the exercises to equip and support us in our own personal training, allowing the older orienteer to thrive.
The session looked at how to:
- Develop strength, balance and control for orienteering and running
- Reduce muscle and joint aches and pains as we age
- Restore strength to a muscle or lower limb after previous injury
- Potentially reduce the risk of falls (only potentially, because if you move faster (because you can), you may be more likely to fall!
Here is also a transcript along with stills of the presentation - thank you Jim Butterworth for doing this and making it available.
Here is a link to Dr Rollins suggested exercise programme - remember tailor to your ability.
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A question of Access
5 April 2023
The freedom to roam gives everyone the chance to get out walking, connect with nature and explore the beautiful outdoors. It gives us all the right to walk in nature without fear of trespassing.
But, right now, it only covers 8% of England. And it is not equally distributed.
The Ramblers are calling for the freedom to roam to be expanded to cover woodland, watersides and more grassland. This would have a huge impact. Woodland alone would more than double the coverage of the freedom to roam in England as we discover in this webinar.
The presentation is found here.
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Marketing and Communications for your Club
20 March 2023
Guidance on how to increase your reach via social media, community promotion and appealing to different groups.
Information on how to improve how you communicate your events, training and club to local audiences. Hear from leading clubs in this area, British Orienteering’s new Communications Officer, Alex Welsh and get hints and tips on how to engage participants new and existing.
Click here for a copy of the presentation.
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Safeguarding
27 February 2023
The Safeguarding webinar is aimed at all club welfare officers, coaches and those involved in supporting our clubs at training sessions, activities, and events. The webinar was delivered by Peter Brooke, British Orienteering Lead Safeguarding Officer.
Also covered was the profile of safeguarding within clubs and an overview of the processes we follow in the case of the raising of a concern/ incident.
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The British Orienteering Insurance Policy
30 January 2023
The session was delivered by Amanda Wynne-Jones DipCII AMInstLM, Associate Director, Sport and Entertainment at Howden Insurance Brokers Limited who provide the British Orienteering Insurance cover. Amanda provided an overview of the insurance cover in place and answered questions from club members to support their understanding of what is covered.
This session is appropriate for any British Orienteering Club official, mapper or member who is interested in the personal and club insurance cover provided.
For the presentation slides click here.
An updated Q&A document will be provided in due course.
| Coaching Journeys Research Project 2022 | Session Overview |
|---|---|
Session 1 - Journeys into orienteering coaching (18/10/2022) Dr Thomas Leeder Lecturer in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy at the University of East Anglia | The aim of this first session is to introduce a collaborative research project between British Orienteering and the University of East Anglia, entitled 'Understanding the coaching journeys and biographical learning of British Orienteering coaches'. Following an introduction to the project, this first session will begin to share data related to how and why coaching journeys in orienteering commence, with a specific focus on the role of previous athletic experiences and the development of a coaching philosophy. To view a recording of the session click here. For the presentation slides click here. |
Session 2 - The holistic nature of orienteering coaching (17/11/2022) Dr Thomas Leeder Lecturer in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy at the University of East Anglia | During this second session, the manner in which wider life experiences structures coaching, in addition to how coaching influences wider life will be discussed. The session will highlight how individuals learn from and for orienteering coaching, while also outlining the reasons why coaching journeys end or transition and evolve into different roles. To view a recording of the session click here. For the presentation slides click here. |
Session 3 - Coach education and development for orienteer coaches (13/12/2022) Dr Thomas Leeder, Lecturer in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy at the University of East Anglia | This final session will focus explicitly on the learning and development of orienteering coaches. The role of critical incidents on coach learning will be discussed, while positive perspectives and critiques of British Orienteering's current coach education provision will be outlined. Finally, recommendations from orienteering coaches to enhance current courses are presented. To view the recording of the session click here. For the presentation sliides click here. |
| Development Conference 2022 | Session Overview |
|---|---|
Engaging and retaining young people Presenter: Fran Loots, Scottish Orienteering Association Monday 10 January | The workshop will explore the various pathways that can be used to engage and retain juniors and young people including: Non-performance-based approaches such as club coaching, STAR awards, area teams, juniors planning and organising workshops and opportunities, Young Leaders Award. Attendee discussion ideas can be found in the files attached: |
Creating a whole club experience Presenter: Pauline Tryner, SYO Thursday 13 January | In this session we will be looking at what makes a successful club which is more than just putting on quality events. |
Retaining beginner orienteers Presenter: Neil Cameron, The Orienteering Foundation Monday 17 January | Neil will present the key points from the Orienteering Foundation’s newcomer retention project, including Good Practice recommendations; results from a survey of club websites’ beginner/newcomer content; and the findings of three “mystery visits” made by beginners to club events. |
Supporting club development through the employment of a Club Development Officer Presenters: Andrew Evans, The Orienteering Foundation and Caroline Mackenzie and Mary Fleming, Cleveland Orienteering Klub Tuesday 18 January | Andrew would like to explain the help the Orienteering Foundation can offer to support club development; an example of this is the employment of a Club Development Officer (CDO). We will look at CLOK as a case study, Caroline will explain how the club came about shaping a plan and recruiting a CDO, and Mary will set out the ideas and programmes she has recently been involved with. |
Access and Permissions – An Ecologist and Landowner’s Perspective Presenters: Leanne Sargeant and Richard Burke, Forestry England Wednesday 19 January | This session will allow clubs the opportunity to look at and understand the land and access issues from the perspective of a landowner and ecologist; in particular the special qualities of the New Forest. It will also look at how Forestry England is planning on managing recreation in the future which will hopefully advise clubs on future event applications. |
WOC 2024 Development Opportunities Presenter: Sarah Dunn, Scottish Orienteering Association Monday 24 January | The workshop will explore ideas for using WOC 2024 as a platform around which to create some specific lead-in opportunities for new participation in orienteering, especially for young people and in a sprint (urban park) setting. Feedback and input will be sought from clubs and members in relation to some specific ideas that will be outlined ahead of the workshop. |
Women’s Sporting Journeys Presenter: Hannah Sprake, Sports Marketing Surveys Thursday 27 January | Hannah wishes to share with you the ‘Women’s Sporting Journeys: How to keep women engaged in sport throughout their lives’ report. With a specific focus on Orienteering, we will look at how women’s experiences change through their life stages and identify opportunities to help more women enjoy a longer and more connected sporting journey. |
Safeguarding Presenter: Peter Brooke, British Orienteering Tuesday 1 February | This is an opportunity for clubs to look at this area of their governance to ensure there is a sure foundation for the club to be a safe place for its members. |
Engaging and retaining young people - Additional Session Presenter: Fran Loots, Scottish Orienteering Association Wednesday 2 February | The workshop will explore the various pathways that can be used to engage and retain juniors and young people including: Non-performance-based approaches such as club coaching, STAR awards, area teams, juniors planning and organising workshops and opportunities, Young Leaders Award. |
| Title & link | Session overview |
|---|---|
Mapping Webinar - Part 2: An Introduction to surveying and creating base maps Tuesday 4 May 2021 | This webinar is aimed at beginner mappers. The main content of this session introduces the various products and packages available for you to create base maps. It provides an introduction to setting up a map, from selecting the area to generating a base map as well as the basics of contours and georeferencing. Martin Hore (SUFFOC), Simon Starkey (LEI), Ben Mitchell (SBOC) and John Moody (Kerno) all present and share their knowledge and skills using different mapping software, providing an an overview of creating base maps using Open Orienteering Mapper and OCAD. QGIS and LiDAR are also demonstrated and other sources discussed. |
Mapping Webinar – Part 1: Background Basics Tues 20 April 2021 | For beginner mappers and those interested in learning about mapping this session brings you some background basics to Orienteering mapping including what makes a good orienteering map, the methodology of updating/improving an exisiting map and practical demonstrations and exercises. Martin Bagness (WAROC) and Ian Cooper (SYO) present the content and were also joined by experienced mapper panellists David Olivant (NOC), Rod Postlethwaite (WRE) and chair of map group Terry Smith (SOC). Getting Started with Orienteering Mapping – An Introduction Orienteering Mapping – An Introduction to Generalisation |
| Title & link | Session overview |
|---|
| Sharing return to Orienteering club experiences | From experiences of returning to traditional events to virtual leagues - hear about club experiences and get the latest National picture from British Orienteering. We heard from a selection of club speakers including Jon Eaton (WCOC), Colin Dickson (BAOC), Jason Falconer (WSX), Phill Batts (CLOK), Martyn Roome (SROC). DVO example not featured on the eve is also below. |
Saturday 1st August 2020 | This years AGM took place virtually due to the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19. |
Q&A on the Back to Orienteering guidance. Tuesday 21st July 2020 | This session outlines the key points resulting from the published guidance for each nation and took live questions. We hope this session provides the confidence and practical understanding to support clubs as they continue to move forward in planning their return to local level event delivery. |
Entries, Booking & Contactless payment systems. Tuesday 23rd June 2020 | This session provides a recap of fully integrated entry with payment systems - Fabian, SI, Eventrac etc followed by some excellent examples of individual club booking systems from CLOK, POTOC & HH. An overview of the most common contactless card payment systems - Izettle vs Sumup vs Square is provided along with a helpful experience of using iZettle from SLOW. LVO also provide a helpful iZettle user guide handout. |
Introduction to the UsynligO Virtual App Monday 15th July 2020 | Simon Bailey from BOK demonstrates how the UsynligO app can be used to set up virtual courses, the practicalities and functions of the platform as well as taking questions. |
Q&A on the next steps of the Back to Orienteering plan Tuesday 9th June 2020 | Join British Orienteering CEO Peter Hart and the Development team to discuss the Back to Orienteering action plan. Peter and the team answered your questions live and heard your thoughts for how local events and the sport may look when local events and activities resume. |
Bitesize Webinar session | In this recorded session, Pat discusses using OCAD with MapRun. Pat provides support for users of the MapRun App on using OCAD maps/exporting courses. |
Bitesize Webinar session | In this recorded session, Pat follows up his earlier Map Run webinar by explaining the local administration role associated with Map Run. |
| Open Orienteering Map Tuesday 19th May 2020 | This session sees Oliver O'Brien demonstrating how to use Open Orienteering Map, the practicalities and functions of the platform as well as relating its use for creating virtual Orienteering and it's more familiar use in urban/ street orienteering. |
| How to use the MapRun app for virtual courses Tuesday 12th May 2020 | In this webinar Pat demonstrates how the app can be used to set up virtual courses, the practicalities and functions of the platform as well as taking questions and answers. |
| Using Routegadget to set up virtual courses Thursday 8th May 2020 | In this webinar, Simon demonstrates how to use Routegadget to set up virtual courses (without SI results), the practicalities and functions of the platform as well as an taking questions to provide further insight into its practicalities. |
| Getting to know Routegadget Thursday 5th March | Simon Errington from Hertfordshire Orienteering Club (HH) presents all about Routegadget. Showing you the basics through to some more advanced techniques. |
| Title & link | Session overview |
|---|---|
| Delivering participant focused events Thursday 27th June 2019 | This session drew on current insight to better understanding what makes an excellent experience for participants at local and regional events. Led by Martin Chester, author of 'Getting Active Outdoors' and former Director of Training at Plas y Brenin, the session looked at the specific needs and expectations of different participant groups. The webinar shared what has been successful in this area and highlight practical ways that events can be adapted and tailored. This webinar will provide support for those planning and delivering club events and looking for different ways to put the participant at the heart of this process. |
| Growing your clubs volunteers 23rd May 2019 | This session looked at what clubs can do to help increase the numbers of volunteers within your club. Alongside recruitment, there was dicussion looking at how you can both sustain and develop your volunteers. Jenny Betteridge, Strategic Lead for Volunteer at Sport England joined the session to providing excellent insight, knowledge and experience away from Orienteering which clubs can look to adapt within the sport. |
| Attracting and retaining juniors 25th April 2019 | This webinar shared one club’s experience of planning and implementing a new junior programme. SARUM started a successful new junior club in 2017, offering a fun and enjoyable programme for local families. Club members recounted how they planned the project, acquired the funding, recruited and retained the families. There is also an interview with a mother about her family’s experiences with orienteering as part of a busy life. |
| Coaching newcomers 28th March 2019 | This session shared DVO's experience of running parks series and introducing new families and individuals to our sport. What needs to be in place at the first event and how you might develop this to encourage newcomers into mainstream orienteering and club activities. |
| Communication social media v traditional methods 14th March 2019 | This session discussed the different methods clubs have used to promote themselves and their events. Utilising the experiences of TVOC, there is advice on avenues to try, how to get there and discussing just what it is the club want to achieve and get out of any promotion. |
| Planning focus 28th February 2019 | The session looks at planning, from where to begin, tips and advice as you move forward creating your event. Barry Elkington will lead the session. Barry is an extremely experienced and highly regarded planner. The session is for everyone who is looking to start planning and for those who are experienced and are looking to give advice to others, continue their learning and share ideas. |
To revisit our pilot webinars from 2018, follow the links below;
| Coaching for mixed abilities | Planning for light green courses | Developing your club |
All our sessions and other videos are also available on British Orienteerings YouTube channel.