Table of contents

Wilderness Scramble Checklist


This page contains information for organizing a BAOC Wilderness Scramble. This information should be considered as additions or alternatives to The Checklist for regular orienteering events. Also, be sure to reference the Electronic Punching Guide.

Standard Event Schedule

8:00–8:30 AM Event center setup
8:45–9:15 AM Registration/Check In
9:15–9:25 AM Map distribution and pre-race instructions
9:25–9:35 AM Route planning clinic for beginners
9:50 AM Collect intention sheets; final pre-race instructions
10:00 AM Mass start
1:00 PM Course closes
1:30 PM Award ceremony
1:45 PM Start control pickup and event center teardown

Event Day Flow

Event Setup

(8:00–8:30) Must be complete before 8:45.

Check In

(8:45–9:15)

Pre-Race Meeting

(9:15)

Once all teams are registered, gather all participants.

Route Planning Clinic

(9:30)

Have a team of 3–4 volunteers to provide short clinics (10 minutes) for first-time participants.

Mass Start

(9:50–10:00)

Regroup all participants 10 minutes prior to the race.

During the Race

(10:00–1:00)

Finish Line

(~12:00–1:30)

Refreshments

(~12:00–1:30)

A designated refreshments volunteer should be available from 12:30–1:30 to restock and maintain cleanliness of the refreshments table.

Award Ceremony

(1:30–1:45)

Begin Cleanup and Control Pickup

(1:45–4:00)

The Rules

  1. Competitors must compete in teams with 1–6 members.
  2. 45 minutes prior to the start of competition, each team is provided with a copy of the race map. This is a topographic map that shows the locations of 30 or more checkpoints in the competition terrain. The checkpoints are marked with small red, magenta, or purple “control circles”.
  3. Teams will have 20–30 minutes to plan their expected route and return an “intention sheet” to the meet organizers. The intention sheet shows which checkpoints they will attempt to find, and in what order. This intention sheet is collected for safety purposes, but is non-binding. Teams are free to change their plans during the competition.
  4. The competition begins with a mass start. Once the competition begins, each team has three hours to find as many checkpoints as possible. Each checkpoint is worth 1 point. The team that scores the most points wins. Ties are broken based on which team returns to the Finish first.
  5. Checkpoints are marked in the terrain using traditional orange and white orienteering bags. (Reflective tape should be added for night competitions.) The bag should be clearly visible (not hidden), and located in the exact center of the control circle (within about 5 m). Teams prove they have found a checkpoint by using a pin-punch or SPORTident timing box that is attached to the control marker.
  6. During the competition, all team members must stay within aural and visual contact. Each team must carry a whistle for emergency signaling purposes. Teams are encouraged, but not required, to carry compass, water, small first aid kit, and cell phone.
  7. Teams must conclude their race and return to the Finish within the 3-hour time limit. Every minute (and fraction) late results in the loss of 1 point.
  8. All teams must agree to put safety first, and are expected to stop their race if they encounter others who are in need of emergency help.
  9. Award categories are recognized for the following categories:
  • Best Overall Team
  • Best All-Male Team
  • Best All-Female Team
  • Best Mixed Team
  • Best Family Team (at least one member under 16)
  • Best Masters Team (all members over 45+)
  • Best Youth Team (all members under 16)

Volunteer Requirements

Competitors tend to arrive in big waves, so DO NOT UNDERSTAFF.

Course Setting Guidelines


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