Western
Night League Guidelines
2005/6
1. All WNL events will be a score event, usually of
sixty minutes duration. Each event shall have the same entry fee. For
2005/6 season this has been set at £4 seniors, £1 juniors.
2. The total points available should come to a total
in the range 500 to 600, with each control worth no more than 50 points, and
penalty points will be applied at one penalty point for each 6 seconds or part
thereof a competitor exceeds the allotted time. If any competitors visit all the
controls their score will have added to it one point for each 6 seconds his
time is less than the allotted time.
3. Start times should run from night fall and will
normally be allocated at
least one minute intervals. So that organisers can expect to pack
up promptly, no competitor should expect to be able to start later than one
hour after the first start time. Courses should close approximately
80 minutes after the last start time which should be advertised.
4. Organisers should plan between twenty and thirty
controls, at least six of which should be planned to form a yellow standard
course. Remember that night-time orienteering does make all controls more
difficult. These yellow standard controls MUST be sited on line features, and
should form a logical course for NOVICES. Some high-valued controls should be
available near to the start/finish area
5. The controls for novices referred to in 4. above carry reflective tapes, together with those other
controls for which reflectors are deemed appropriate, at the organiser’s
discretion. To encourage novices, the WNL intend to have a small stock of
headlamps/batteries for hiring purposes to novices.
6. Experience has shown that it is beneficial to
have a controller for all of these events. On the day, organisers will find
that they do need at least one other person to help with
registration/start/finish. 1000 Handicap points are available for each of up to
2 nominated Officials for each event.
7. The league will be based on competitors’ best
six events. This number may be amended for a future season, at the pre-season
meeting.
8. At each event, the organiser will give to each
competitor, a details sheet which will contain at least the following minimum
information:
event duration
penalty points system
control descriptions in both large and small formats
suitable for wrist holders.
points value of each control
information as to which controls form the yellow standard
course
information as to which controls if any have reflective tape
all relevant safety information, (see also section
12.)
nominated pub for after-event relaxation, bore-o etc.
details of the type of punching, electronic or otherwise.
information as to how to get results.
9. If an event requires a map-exchange,
consideration must be made as to whether the proposed system for this is fair.
The novices course should be on the first map, and as much information on part
2 of the course should be available before the start.
Examples of other factors to be considered are:
should competitors have finished
the first map before taking the second
should competitors be able to have
both maps at the same time
10.Results. Organisers are recommended to use an Excel
Spreadsheet created by Ian Fleming to input controls visited and time penalties
(+ or -), together with the points value of each control. This forms the basic result sheet, and a
sheet to use by the Organiser is provided before the event The Organiser should
return this to Ian Fleming (with any comments) so that the Handicapping
calculations can be carried out. These are subsequently forwarded to
It is in everyone’s interest
that results should go out within a week or well before the next WNL event.
Results can usefully appear on other club websites.
11. Pub of Night.
Whilst not part of the
competition, it is normal for the organiser to select a local pub for winding
down purposes. In selecting such a pub organiser should consider
1/ If juniors
under 18 would be welcome,
2/ If food is available at the likely finish times,
3/ If we would be likely to be welcome there,
and give the operator some idea on numbers. This is difficult but a
minimum of about 6 and a maximum of about 16, would be usual.
12. Safety.
Whilst competitors run at
their own risk, weather and lighting conditions can make WNL events subject to
greater risks. ALL Organisers are required do a safety audit prior to the event
and ensure that all competitors have adequate equipment and reserve lighting.
Organisers should not only be aware of the clubs search and rescue procedures
but be in a position to implement them if necessary. This involves the
Officials having adequate reserve lighting. It is recommended that the last
starters be asked to stay in the assembly area after their runs until the last
finisher returns, so that appropriate search facilities can be implemented if
necessary.
Safety bearings for lost
competitors should always be provided, and competitors should be able to
satisfy the organisers that they have suitable back up equipment for the likely
climatic conditions. Whistles must always be carried.
If you have any doubts
regarding safety, please seek advice from more experienced club colleagues
and/or regular WNL competitors.