British Orienteering events are categorised in a 4 tier system, so check the flyer for each event to see what’s on offer.
Level D encompass the wide range of events that Clubs in the UK wish to put on in order to provide opportunities for participants to orienteer at a venue near to them and at relatively low cost. Events are aimed at providing local competition and increasing participation. They may offer a full range of colour coded courses, varying in length and difficulty, with courses suitable for newcomers to the sport as well as for more experienced orienteers. Times are usually 10.30am -12.30pm. Usually entry on the day only, but check the website as you may be able to pre-enter.
Level C provide opportunities for participants seeking competition at a wider variety of venues and against a varied group of competitors but without wishing to travel great distances. Often the event counts towards the West Midlands League. Can be either entry on the day or online entry or possibly both. Usually a colour coded range of courses.
Level B provide opportunities for more experienced competitors seeking a wider variety of terrain, challenging courses and competition, and who are prepared to travel longer distances for this. Large-scale event offering a range of courses, either graded according to gender and age, or by colour coding. Times are usually 10.30am –12.30pm. Courses are usually pre-entry only (via club’s website), though limited entry on the day (EOD) may be offered.
Level A are British Orienteering’s most prestigious events intended to provide opportunities for competitors to take part in the ultimate orienteering challenges in the UK, and support a programme of Major Competitions. Large-scale National Event, including Championships with courses planned according to age and gender. Pre-entry only for national event courses. Some entry on the day colour coded courses may also be available.
Evening/Night Events – Small-scale events offering courses to run in the dark, for experienced orienteers only, with headlights. Times depend on the time of sunset, but are normally 1830-1930.
Score Event – Time limited event (usually about 1 hour) to visit as many controls as possible within the time limit. Controls may be collected in any order. Difficult controls may be worth more points than easy controls. Penalty points for being late.
Long Orienteering (Long-O) – A Long Distance Foot Orienteering event. Distances between controls are significantly greater than normal orienteering courses and there is often a larger element of route choice between the controls with less emphasis on fine navigation near the control.
MTBO – Mountain Bike Orienteering
There are several different forms of mountain bike orienteering, either fixed order or time limited. The mountain bike must go to the control site.