Discussion: All worth dicussing

"Where do I get my map" is one of the most frequent questions I recall at the epunch table because its the last place someone goes before being sent off to fend for themselves. So maybe some white and yellow maps could be kept there. You probably still need maps at start, and keeping all courses in both places would probably be too much work.
Opening registration at 11 has some things going for it in reducing helper load and making it easier on those that need to set up. Maybe helpers can still go out early (as a benefit, or to allow for two shifts of helpers).
More help at epunch table would always be welcome (answering questions, organizing lines), but at most of our local events seems like a luxury. If the registration window was shortened, though, the help would become more critical.

I agree that you probably want to keep the maps in one place, but why not hand them all out at registration. You pay your "map fee", you get your map. It de-emphasizes the competitive part of it. Now maybe the club wants to keep that aspect, the competitive part, but I think it should be a deliberate choice and not just because that's the way we always do it. (I'm as competitive as the next person so my immediate reaction is you have to give them out at the start, but on reflection, if it turned out that getting the map at registration made a big difference to how enjoyable the experience was for newcomers, I'd be willing to change.)

As for the others, there will be pros and cons for any idea - again, just want to make sure we are doing what we are doing for reasons other than we've always done it that way. Maybe the way we've always done it is best for us, but we should periodically think about it.

Sounds good to me.

I've been wondering also, if having one course with a pre-published map (maybe online) wouldn't encourage trail runners and others to feel more inclined to run.
Yes, it's extra controls probably. Easier to "market" on running sites, etc.
I'll put in on my "to try" list for this year..... MNOC willing.

Personally, I am strongly against handing maps out prior to the start, even for White and Yellow. A big part of orienteering is navigating on the clock, yes even for beginners. If you can plan your whole course out before starting, you might as well just do a trail run.

In Norway they give out the maps for the kids' (and beginner?) courses in the club packets, or at least well before the start. This way the parents or coaches can help the kids with the symbols and possible route choices, etc., before they go out. I think it's a great idea for the kids and for beginners. Most of the challenge, especially at that level, is executing properly, and they will have a lot more fun doing it if they aren't stumped.

At some of the casual weeknight meets you register, pay, and get your map all at once. Start yourself remotely. Some people look at their maps in advance, some people don't. It doesn't seem to make much of a difference in the results. You still have to run the routes and find the controls. Obviously not an option for a competitive meet but it seems to work fine for low key events.