Main Helpers

Registration

Prepare reserved dibbers

Direct people as needed to start

Greeters

Responsibilities

• Try to say something to everyone. If a recognised orienteer, "Hi. Start is over there" is enough. If you don't recognise them "Have you done this before?" or "Have you hired a dibber?" work. Genuine beginners need a few minutes explaining the map, the importance of downloading, that you need to go S 1 2 ... F etc.

• Even better for encouraging re-attendance is if the greeter is still there when the newcomer finishes, to ask how it went, and give them a "Join us" business card

• Spend spare moments encouraging parents of Youth League entrants to have a go themselves.

• People can enter online up to 11:00 on the morning while there are maps available. It can be done on a phone in 5 minutes or so, even if they have no SI entries ID.

• Spend spare moments engaging passers-by with explanations, flyers, and "join us" cards.

Start

Preparation

You need -2 and -1 boxes, either tapes between tent pegs, or (much simpler) just use 6 of the yellow stakes. Entering -2 you do check, -2 has blank maps, -1 has start notices. 

Now we are using SIAC-enabled controls, the sequence is as follows. All need to be appropriately spaced:

• SIAC battery test (can be back near registration if it's easier)

• Clear

• Maps for White, Yellow - close enough so that the person doing Check can issue them

• Check should be hand-held to ensure everyone does

• SIAC test. Try to leave a little space around this. Anyone within 0.5m or so will be continually beeping

• Start control(s). Try to have the start kite on the start control. Even 20m away can cause newcomers to wonder why this kite has no control box.

• Other maps. Generally place those for longer courses farther away so that fast runners can get off without falling over slower runners

Set up the clock so that you have 1 minute interval beeps. It has full instructions.

Competitor process

Watch for anyone who is unsure, and explain to them what will happen until the point where they are under way.

Allow runners to start at one minute intervals on each course. If queues build up, use half-minute intervals for the affected courses. 

The *only* things you need to say on the start line are:

• Have you read the notices?

• Any post-print additions to the start notices (but it's usually best to write those down anyway)

• Don't forget to punch start and finish. Note - check first: for larger events and proably all events soon, we will be using flyby finishes because the finish is radio-enabled.

• You may say "Enjoy your run" or something equally cheery

Ensure all runners clear, check, and don't start without punching the start control.

Clear-up

When the last runner has started take the start and check boxes to the SI team to allow missing-competitor checking. If you can waylay a finisher to do that while you're taking the start down, so much the better.

Finish

Have a smile for everyone. Note that you are often the first to know if runners have any serious issues - or injuries!

With newcomers, talk through with them how it went, what they could have done better, give them gentle guidance. The most important thing is that they enjoyed it and don't feel too bad about their performance.

If there's anything that might lead to a complaint eg "that control was in the wrong place" refer to organiser. If the planner or controller is on the finish they can triage these issues.

If people find their course too easy, club policy is to allow them a second run free of charge, provided there are maps available and it's not too late. They should talk with the download team, they need to download first anyway.

SI team

If the SI coordinator is not present, a suitably-experienced on-the-day team leader will be appointed well in advance. The detailed instructions are here, but close liaison with the SI coordinator is essential.

Tasks that other SI team members carry out include:

Data entry

With full pre-entry, there should be no need for regular data entry. There is the occasional correction eg people using a different dibber.

If people have entered recently (after about 6 the evening before) and need a hire dibber, you need to assign them. Grab one from the box, Find Entry with their name and enter the dibber number.

Download

Use the "Automatic, manual on error or mispunch" mode.

• if no error, just say "well done" and retrieve hired dibbers where prompted

• if error, discuss whether the mispunch is valid. You can force a printout of splits. If the competitor is convinced that they punched the control but it's not on their splits, refer to the organiser. BO rules are clear that it's the competitor's responsibility to check for the flash and the beep, but organisers may wish to be a little more lenient for Local events and ask the SI team leader to reinstate runners.

• Occasionally, details will need to be corrected (wrong dibber used, misspelt names ...) using the Modify Entry function

Return hired dibbers to the appropriate boxes and check for any missing.

SI team leader will maintain the missing runners list when start or check boxes have been downloaded. If there is reason to believe runners have finished but not downloaded, a safety check can also use the Finish box(es).

First Aiders

You will know who you are - you need to be certificated having attended an appropriate course covering outdoor first aid. You may have an appropriate qualification from your job or another of your activities.

For Organisers, a list of current HH certified First Aiders is available.  Please contact the Chair or Events Coordinator for an up-to-date list.

The Organiser should send you a copy of the risk assessment and a set of contact phone numbers. If not, make sure you get them from the organiser as soon as you can on arrival on the day.

There will also be a copy of the risk assessment and the all controls map with the SI team. The risk assessment tells you the postcode to use for emergency services, any details of access points for emergency vehicles, the nearest A&E or Urgent Care Centre*, and any particular hazards in the area. You may need the all controls map if another runner returns saying there is a casualty near control n.

*Before sending people to A&E, current NHS advice is to dial 111 for triage.

Make sure you know where the first aid kit is kept. Again, this is usually in the SI tent. For most Saturday events we use a small bag with basic first aid items. Your training will have told you which are appropriate to apply yourself and which you can offer to casualties. For some events in more remote / rougher terrain or in more adverse weather, we have a larger rucksack including sleeping bag etc . Ask the Organiser if there is a defibrillator nearby.

If there is a casualty, you should fill in an Accident Report Form. The simplest way is to download one to your phone ahead of time. It's available from the BOF website, currently under Get Involved > Organising and Planning Events > Resource Library. Give it to the Events Coordinator to send to BOF.

PPE (mask, gloves, apron) is provided in the first aid kit. Please use it as needed and dispose of it after use.