2008 Archive

A number of videos from the Australia-New Zealand Orienteering Test Series on the North Island in February are available online. So if you want to reminisce, or see what all the fuss was about, check them out.

Some of the other videos:

Waikato University:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya0Keqpz2As&feature=related

Aramiro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA3GXKNgums&feature=related

Hedley Rd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXsiUA59XXo&feature=related

Stillwater:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzKMN5QLwm8&feature=related

2008 – the inaugural National MTB-O Series

This year’s mountain bike orienteering schedule will focus on three rounds of the National MTB-O Series – one in Victoria in April, the second in Queensland in late September, and the third in ACT in November.

The format will include sprint, middle and long distance races. Four divisions – M21E, W21E, M17-20E, W17-20E – will contest 8 races over the 3-round series. In addition to the youth and senior classes, all junior and masters classes will be contested during these events.

With the 2008 MTB WOC and the inaugural MTB JWOC staged at the same time in Ostroda Poland from August 24th to August 31st, Round 1 in Victoria will be the primary Selection Trials for Poland.

With all three existing mtb-o trophies comfortably lodged in Victoria again, 2008 will see the Victorian Nuggets try for the “double” – best elite foot and mtb-o orienteers in Australia.

Rules    The existing rules successfully used in the NOL foot-o competition will generally apply in the National MTB-O Series.

Individual Competition

Individual scoring in M21E, W21E, M17-20E, and W17-20E divisions will be the same as in the foot NOL. The table sets out how points can be scored in each of the 8 races.

Placing             Points               Placing             Points
1st                     30                     14th                   12
2nd                   27                     15th                   11
3rd                     24                     16th                  10
4th                     22                     17th                     9
5th                     21                     18th                     8
6th                    20                     19th                      7
7th                     19                     20th                     6
8th                     18                     21st                     5
9th                     17                     22nd                    4
10th                   16                     23rd                     3
11th                   15                     24th                     2
12th                   14                     25th                     1
13th                   13                     26th or below      0

In each age class the best five (5) results over the eight races for the year will be counted. There is no limit to the number of state competitors who may enter and score points in M21E, W21E, M17-20E and W17-20E.

Team Competition

The seven state-based teams in the competition are: Canberra Cockatoos, NSW Stingers, Queensland Cyclones, Southern Arrows, Tasmanian Foresters, Victorian Nuggets and Western Nomads.

Since 2008 is the first year of the competition, only the top two (2) rider’s times from a state in each of the age classes will be summed. If only one state rider has recorded a time, they are ranked based on that result alone. After each event, points from each of the four divisions will be summed to give the National League Team Scores.

Placing             Points
1st                     9
2nd                    7
3rd                     5
4th                     4
5th                     3
6th                     2
7th                     1

Blake Gordon

Review and revision of curricula

Orienteering Australia is seeking expressions of interest from an appropriately skilled person or persons to review and revise two curricula:

·       Coaching Level 2

·       Officiating Level 1

Copies of the curricula, which expired in March 2007, are in the Operational Manual.

The review and revision would be undertaken using Australian Sports Commission (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and National Officiating Accreditation Scheme) guidelines, as the final documents require ASC approval.  The tasks would not be completed until the documents were approved by the ASC

The person Orienteering Australia is seeking would have experience in writing curricula or would be able to demonstrate an ability to complete the task.  Orienteering Australia is seeking to have both curricula revised and approved by the Australian Sports Commission by 30 September 2008.  Interested persons may submit proposals for completing the review of either or both curricula.

For further information contact Bob Mouatt, President on 0412 312 376 or atoa_president@netspeed.com.au

Expressions of interest outlining experience and providing a quote in terms of price (incl GST if applicable) and a lead time to complete the task(s) should be submitted to

Orienteering Australia Inc.

PO Box 284, Mitchell BC ACT 2911

orienteering@netspeed.com.au
Expressions of interest close 20 March 2008.

Manager, Coaching & Officiating Development

Orienteering Australia is seeking an enthusiastic and effective communication oriented person to manage the development of our coaching and officiating development programs.

Selection Criteria. You will have high level communication skills, the ability to meet critical deadlines, possess high level organisational skills, well developed inter-personal skills, the capacity to maintain and develop curricula and a passion for the development of coaching as an integral component of the development of Australian orienteering at all competition levels.

Duties. Your duties will include; managing coach development for Orienteering Australia, overseeing the development and maintenance of curricula for the accreditation of Coaches and Officials under the ASC National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS), being the OA Liaison Officer with the Australian Sports Commission on Coaching and Officiating matters and acting as the Executive Officer of the Coaching Committee of Orienteering Australia.

Remuneration. A salary of $9,120 pa, plus WorkCover insurance and a 9% Superannuation Guarantee contribution is offered for this 0.2 full-time position to be worked on a flexible basis, or $6,080 pa, plus WorkCover insurance and a 9% Superannuation Guarantee contribution if the undertaking of curricula development is excluded.

Initial Appointment. The initial appointment will be from 1 May 2008 to 30 June 2009, with the possibility of a two-year extension subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The ASC review of quadrennial funding will be undertaken in the first half of 2009.

A copy of the position description and associated information can be obtained from Job Description MCOD Feb 08.pdf

For further information contact Mike Dowling, Director High Performance on (03) 6244 7173 oroa_highperformance@netspeeed.com.au

Applications addressing the selection criteria should be submitted to

Orienteering Australia Inc.

PO Box 284, Mitchell BC ACT 2911

orienteering@netspeed.com.au
Applications close 31 March 2008.

2008 – the inaugural National MTB-O Series

This year the mtb-o schedule will focus on three rounds of the inaugural National MTB-O Series – one in Victoria (Selection Trial for MTB WOC) in April, the second in Queensland (National Championships) in late September, and the third in ACT in November.

The format will include sprint, middle and long distance races.

Four divisions – M21E, W21E, M17-20E, W17-20E – will contest 8 races over the 3-round series. In addition to the youth and senior classes, all junior and masters classes will be contested during these events.

With the 2008 MTB WOC and the inaugural MTB JWOC staged at the same time in Ostroda Poland from August 24th to August 31st , Round 1 in Victoria will be the primary Selection Trials for Poland.

Rules The existing rules successfully used in the NOL foot-o competition will generally apply in the National MTB-O Series. Individual Competition Individual scoring in M21E, W21E, M17-20E, and W17-20E divisions will be the same as in the foot NOL. The table sets out how points can be scored in each of the 8 races.

In each age class the best five (5) results over the eight races for the year will be counted. There is no limit to the number of state competitors who may enter and score points in M21E, W21E, M17-20E and W17-20E.

Team Competition The seven state-based teams in the competition are: Canberra Cockatoos, NSW Stingers, Queensland Cyclones, Southern Arrows, Tasmanian Foresters, Victorian Nuggets and Western Nomads. Since 2008 is the first year of the competition, only the top two (2) rider’s times from a state in each of the age classes will be summed. If only one state rider has recorded a time, they are ranked based on that result alone. After each event, points from each of the four divisions will be summed to give the National League Team Scores.

If you wish to compete any or all of the 8 events, contact your state manager/representative for information on training days and competition information. For series details, profiles of the riders and online entry forms, go to the OA website and click on the National Series icon. Of course all current foot-o state team members are eligible and encouraged to ride in any of the 8 events – great cross training for adventure racers too.

Blake Gordon

2009 National MTB-O Series – Call for State/Club Applicants

Orienteering Australia is calling for state/club applicants to host a round of the 2009 National Mountain Bike Series.

The 2009 Series will consist of 3 rounds. Plans for Round 2 have been set consisting of

• the 2009 Australian MTB-O Championships on the June long weekend (7-9 June) in South Australia at venues within 1 hour drive of  Mt Gambier. This event will host two World Ranking Events (Middle and Long-Distance) and a Sprint-Distance Championship.

OA would like applications for two rounds, the first one also serving as the MTB WOC and MTB JWOC Selection Trials

• a weekend in March or April (Middle, Sprint, Long)
• a weekend in October/November (Middle, Sprint, Long)

Guidelines for National MTB-O Series races can be found athttp://dev.orienteering.asn.au/index.php/operation-manual/
Applications should be sent to OA Manager High Performance by April 30, 2008.

Rob Preston
Manager, High Performance
Orienteering Australia|P.O. Box 284, Mitchell BC ACT 2911
Email oa_headcoach&netspeed.com.au  (replace the & with a @ when sending applications)

Selection trial maps are there (Under High Performance) – download and study so you are on an equal footing with others.
Also you’ll find 8 maps which the Polish organisers have now just released as being relevant maps.  I suggest you download them, plan courses on them, put on your toilet door for pondering over.
Selection policy for the team also is up.  A little explanation here.
It is likely that we will take 8 riders.  This could be any combination of men and women elites and juniors.  Could be 6 men and 2 women; 5 Men +3 W, or 5M, 2 W + 1 J etc.
More will be selected if the standard is high enough.
So just ride hard and fast and put the results on the board- that is what you can control.

MARCH 8 & 9 ACCOMODATION: Castlemaine Central Cabin & Van Pk 
150 metres south of traffic lights.   Daylesford was full with a “chill out” festival, but Castlemaine is central anyway.  Training will be at the following locations:
Sat – Creswick, then Daylesford.    Sun – daylesford, then Castlemaine.   Monday – Maryborough.
Exact meeting places will be published by end of Feb.
Several cabins booked.  I will only need final committment for training days etc about a week before.   However, if anyone else is looking for a bed (and hasnt already told me), please email me by Feb 24th, as other cabins will likely fill up.

APRIL 16-19th ACCOMODATION: Welcome Stranger Holiday (caravan) Park. 
Cnr Walter St and Scott Pde, East Ballarat. 3 km East of PO.
I have booked 3 cabins for individuals who have replied so far. This is on the basis of 4 to a cabin and everyone getting their own bed.  ie  No sharing of double beds!  I can book more.
Some will be arriving for the Wed night, which is ok.
Good numbers attending the training days, which will especially help those from outer states acclimatise to the vic areas and mapping.
Welcome Stranger has a website showing cabin layouts etc.
This is the same place that we stayed in for the 2004 Worlds, and is on the east side of Ballarat, on the way you come in from Melbourne.  Very close (rideable) to Nerrina (one race venue) and also to Canadian, where some of the training will be held.  Has a function room that we can use for meetings etc and they said that they will find a bike storage area.
There are at least 6 caravan parks in Ballarat, so bring directions with you!

Vic riders – Thor Egerton and her partner Jon would very much like to hear from anyone who can give them a lift to the April races. They will be in Melbourne from Thursday night, would like to train on the Friday and need to fly back out at 9.00pm on Sunday. Of course we would be happy to cover all the petrol costs if it saves us hiring a car.  ‎t.egerton@shrs.uq.edu.au

Here and there
-Susanne Casanova paired up with SA foot orienteer Zoe Radford to place 3rd female in the Katmandu Adventure Race in Melbourne on Feb 9th.
– Emma Colson, who finished 2nd in the recent women’s national xc mtbiking champs at Stromlo, in probably the strongest field ever, is a “young” 40 years of age.

Fundraising
I have designed a generic orienteering design based around contours and kangaroos.
I intend to get 120 of these printed off on a cool tec polo shirt, and these can be sold at the foot O Easter 3 days and other events and raise us a profit.
Dont panic, this is a much better design and shirt than my WOC team shirt last year! (That was a rush) More later.

Training book
“Performance cycling, ” (2005) by david Morris
This is an excellent book on physical training.

MTBO Training Camps

National Coach Kay Haarsma has organised two Mountain Bike Orienteering training camps. These training camps are targeted at any Orienteer or mountain biker interested in being considered for selection in the national team to compete at MTBO World Championships either in 2008 or especially for younger riders in 2009 or 2010.

The first camp will be held in Victoria from March 8 to 10.

Locations are:

March 8 – Creswick and Daylesford
March 9 – Daylesford and Castlemaine
March 10 – Maryborough

There will be morning and afternoon exercises with riders able to join for a single session, a day or all three days

The second camp will be held to coincide with the Victorian Championships and National Selection Trials from April 17 to 18 near Ballarat.

Attend the training camp and put what you learn to good use at the Victorian Championships and first ever MTBO National Series event on April 19-20.  Victorian Championship Venues are Ballarat (Nerrina) for sprint and middle distance and Newstead for the long distance.

Accommodation centre for the April Ballarat camp and races is the Welcome Stranger Caravan Park, corner of  Walter St and Scott Pde, East Ballarat, approximately 3 Km east of Ballarat PO.

Those who wish to attend the training camps should contact Kay Haarsma atkayhaarsma@hotmail.com  leaving your name, contact details and what days you are interested in.

Deadline for registration for the training camp on 8-10 March is 1 March, and for the training camp on 17-18 April, 7 April (to allow time for map printing). Map costs will payable on the day.

Entry details for the Victorian Championships and MTBO National League events are  available by following the links at http://www.vicmtbo.com/

James Lithgow

Level 2 COACHING WORKSHOP

A L2 Coaching Workshop is being held in Canberra on Thursday and Friday March 27 and 28 – immediately prior to the post-Easter Canberra NOL events.  The workshop is aimed at L1 coaches who wish to progress to L2 but will also be open to any aspiring L1 coaches.  Further details will be released soon.  For any more information and to express interest in attending, please email the Manager, Coaching and Officiating Development, Bert Elson atoa_accreditation@netspeed.com.au

For those wondering what on earth to do with the 2nd weekend of March in 2008 now the Polaris Challenge event is not on, Mountain Devils have stepped into the breach. We’re going to run a 6 hour Enduro event at the infamous Sunny Corner, west of Lithgow, on Sunday 9th March.