Discussion: NAOL

Now would be a good time to discuss/suggest dates, rules, format, etc. for a new inter-region or inter-country North American Orienteering League. Perhaps the inter-regional approach (NY, Boston, SF, GHO, etc.) is a way to begin - expand the # of regions if the interest is there.

I think greg's proposition is a good starting point. we're cool with hosting it labor day.

Guys, I am working on version flyer for this meet, and I will need some help from Vlad and Eric on issues like making it an A-meet, and submitting an official bid for so called US Open Champs. I send an e-mail to Paul Reagan, but have not heart from him back – he is a busy man.

In my personal opinion - this could be team trials and a NYC- Boston (-Toronto?) mach, but I do not have man power or will to organize a full blown A-meet – it will kill a good idea in technicalities of dealing with massive paperwork and other issues connected with organizing an A-meet (I downloaded and read USOF rules of competition) and most of it does not have anything to do with orienteering as a sport (real athletic activity).

Here is proposed program for this time – Saturday, May 24, 2003 - Sprint (Team Trials and Guests) (Starts around 13:00-14:00) – short start intervals – 1 min – just like at WOC
Sunday, May 25, 2003 – Classic (Team Trial and Guests) - Starts between (10:00 and 12:00) -normal start intervals. US Team meeting around 14:30
Monday, May 26, 2003 – Relays(with forking) (Everybody is invited if they put together a legitimate team) - I propose mixed: 2 men 1 women teams (3 legs) – Total time shell be ~ 1hr 30min to 2hrs, starts around 10:00AM. Awards around noon

Greg

WOC Medium Course start interval is 2 minutes. (IOF 12.15).
I think Greg should just make sure the controls are out in the woods, and me and possibly Eric will take care of the A-meet sanctioning. I'll work with the sanctioning application (e-mail me, Greg, I don't have your new e-mail). There is really not much in USOF Rules beyond making sure that the controls are in the (right) woods that would make extra work for an event to be an A meet. There is no paperwork (well, that is taken by anyone seriously, anyway) beyond the sanctioning application

Hi guys!

Sounds like a great idea! But when I read the discussion it seems to be "just another event". Why should all the best go to this event? For fun? ( Fun is important but will not be enough to gather everyone.)
What about money! A check to the winner!

Greg, when you say "sprint" in your proposeal, do you mean an actual sprint or what WOC people refer to as "medium" now? I definitely think there should be a medium course, rather than (or in addition to) a sprint, as the other day of the team trials.

Rich,almost each time I heard that somebody proposed that a money prize to be offered as a better way to atract more competitive people to events where the organizers only were trying to put on a good meet but also have the satisfaction that their efforst will be regognized by a variety of orienteers,including the top notch ones,what I have seen happening was that most of the time somebody who's position would be vital in the outcame of the event would say that it is not possible to have money prizes at a official meet and the main reason was that who ever would accept a money prize will loose their amateur athlete status.To tell you the truth I never understod what that has to do with orienteering but I know that I still am competitive and I would accept a money prize even if after that people would have to call me a "pro". I am not verry well documented on the issue but my opinion is that in conjunction with what people trying to get started with this discution the money prize will only atract more of the top orienteers.

Cash prizes are currently explicitly allowed under USOF Rules. The policy was changed several years ago. The Rules on Robin's web page may not reflect this change.

Some clarifications and further dvelopment of my previous add to this discussion.

My main concern is that this cannot be just another event. It must be clear, and agreed, what are the purpose and objectives for this event. Here I can find e.g.:
- Event between major orientering cities/areas
- Attract the elite
- WOC "look-a-like"
other can be:
-qualification for e.g. National team or World Cup
- others .....

Next step is How shall the purpose and objectives be fulfilled?
-Good map and terrain, (if possible new map and area)
-Well known course setter, with good reputation
-Exposed to media
-Prize, could be money but money doesn't necesarilly be cash or check it can also be a free two week training camp in Scandinavia. Why not have training camp in Sweden during en of April beginning of May 2004, used as preparation for the WOC, combine this with participation in 10-Mila. This could be prize for let's say top three men and women