FAQs

1. Who may participate in the NJROTC Area TWO Orienteering Championship?

The championship is open to all NJROTC Area TWO units. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to the event capacity established in the LOI.

2. How many cadets may a school enter?

There is no maximum number of competitors a school may enter in any competition category, subject to the overall event capacity.

3. What competition divisions and courses are offered?

The championship offers Varsity, Junior Varsity, Intermediate, and Beginner divisions/courses, plus the Salty Dog category for NJROTC instructors. See the Competition Divisions and Courses section of the LOI for eligibility.

4. Who is eligible for each competition division?

Varsity and Junior Varsity are open to eligible NJROTC cadets in grades 8–12. Intermediate is for NS-1 cadets. The Beginner White Course is open to any registered competitor. Instructor competitors participate in the Salty Dog category.

5. Can a cadet compete on more than one course?

No. A cadet may participate on only one competition course.

6. Is the Beginner (White) Course included in team scoring?

No. White Course competitors compete for individual recognition only and do not establish a team score or contribute toward the Overall Championship.

7. What is the Salty Dog competition?

The Salty Dog competition is an individual competition category exclusively for NJROTC instructors. It is conducted on the Brown Course.

9. How is a division team score calculated?

A team score is established using the three lowest individual scores from competitors representing the same NJROTC unit within that competition division. A minimum of three official finishers is required.

10. How are Green and Brown combined for Varsity scoring?

Varsity scoring combines performances from the Green (Male) and Brown (Female) courses. Weighted scoring is applied in accordance with Orienteering USA Interscholastic Rules to equate male and female performances for Varsity team scoring.

11. Does Junior Varsity contribute to the Overall Championship?

Yes. Junior Varsity is one of the two divisions that contributes Championship Points toward the Overall Championship.

12. Does Intermediate contribute to the Overall Championship?

No. Intermediate team scores do not contribute to Overall Championship standings.

13. What does a school need to qualify for the Overall Championship?

A school must establish both a valid Varsity Team Score and a valid Junior Varsity Team Score. Schools without both required scores are not eligible for the Overall Championship Trophy.

14. How are Overall Championship points awarded?

Overall Championship standings are determined by combining Championship Points earned in Varsity and Junior Varsity. 

15. Where and when is check-in?

Check-in is conducted at the championship site during the designated check-in period published in the Sequence of Events. Each participating school must check in before its competitors begin competition.

16. Must an NJROTC instructor be present for check-in?

Yes. A school may not check in or participate in the championship without an NJROTC instructor from that school present.

17. What should competitors expect during the start procedure?

Competitors proceed through the designated holding and start areas before their assigned start time. Officials verify competitor information and E-punch identification, and the competitor receives the appropriate map at the start line.

18. When may a competitor look at the competition map?

The competitor may not view the map until the assigned start time. The map is issued at the start line and may be viewed when the competitor's start time begins.

19. What happens if a competitor is late for the assigned start time?

A competitor who arrives late is already on the clock and will be started at the first available opportunity. A delay may occur depending on start-area operations.

20. What is an E-punch/finger stick?

An E-punch, commonly called a finger stick, is the electronic timing and control-recording device used by competitors. Competitors use it at controls and at the finish, then report to the Download Station so the recorded results can be read.

21. What happens if a competitor misses a control or punches out of sequence?

A competitor must visit all required controls in numerical order. A missing control or control punched out of sequence results in an invalid course result.

22. What happens if a competitor exceeds the course time limit?

The competitor is recorded as Did Not Finish (DNF) and must report immediately to the Finish/Download Station.

23. Why must competitors report to the Download Station even if they do not finish?

All competitors must have their E-punch downloaded so officials can record the competitor's course status and verify the electronic record.

24. May competitors help one another on the course?

No. Orienteering is an individual competition. Competitors may not ask for, accept, or provide assistance in locating controls or navigating the course, except when responding to an emergency.

25. Are cell phones, GPS units, or two-way radios permitted?

Electronic navigation and communication devices are not permitted during competition, except for devices authorized by the event rules.

26. May instructors assist competitors while they are on the course?

No. Instructors are responsible for supervision but may not provide assistance to competitors while they are on the course or on the clock.

27. Are parents and spectators permitted?

Yes. Parents, advisors, and friends may attend as spectators, but they must not interfere with the conduct of the competition or assist competitors while they are competing.

28. Is Green Lane Park available for practice before the championship?

No. Effective upon publication of the LOI, Green Lane Park is off limits to participating NJROTC cadets, instructors, and coaches until completion of the championship.

29. Will championship shirts be available?

Official championship apparel may be available for advance online purchase before the event and, subject to availability, for purchase or pickup at the championship. Ordering information is detailed in the event LOI.

30. When and how will awards be presented?

The host school will conduct the NJROTC Area TWO Awards Ceremony after competition results have been tabulated. Team and individual awards are described in the Awards section of the LOI. Awards that cannot be collected at the event may be shipped only when the receiving school agrees to pay the applicable shipping costs.

Required Documents

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