Classes

There are three kinds of classes available:
  1. Championship classes: competitive - the ultimate test for experienced orienteers who want to race individually, in their age group
  2. Championship classes: non-competitive - for those looking for less navigational difficulty, while still in their age class
  3. Open classes - open to everyone, regardless of age or gender. Intended for people who want to choose the course length, difficulty, and start time that suits them best, and for those who want to run in teams of two or more people.

To help you decide  which class to enter, here are the courses from the previous national championships (choose the course from the drop-down list on the right of the screen):
CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES
Championship classes are age-based and will follow Orienteering Canada's Course and Category Guidelines for Championship Events (these guidelines are updated for 2017 and have some variations to previous seasons). They are for individuals only - no teams.

Championship classes - competitive
  • Separate classes for Men & Women in the following age groups:
              10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21+, 35+, 45+, 55+, 65+, 75+, 80+, 85+
  • These classes are intended for experienced orienteers who want to race at the highest level in their age group.
  • Medals (gold, silver and bronze) will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class who are Alberta residents and who are AOA full, honourary, or group members in good standing.

Championship classes - non-competitive
  • Separate classes for Men & Women in the following age groups:
                15-16(B), 17-20(B), and 21+(B)
  • These classes are intended for orienteers who want to race in their age group, but on a shorter and less technical course.
  • Courses have significantly less navigational difficulty that the corresponding competitive age class
  • Medals are not awarded, but top three athletes are called to the podium for public recognition

Eligibility for Championship classes:
  • All ages are as of December 31, 2017
  • All participants must be members of a recognized orienteering club (memberships available online).
  • All championship classes are open to all competitors of the appropriate age / gender.

OPEN CLASSES
Open classes are "age-less" and are open to everyone, regardless of age or gender.
These classes are open to individuals and also to teams of two or more (see below).
These classes are intended for people who want to choose the course length and course difficulty that suits them best.
As there is no assigned start time for anyone at this event, participants can start when they are ready. 
The open classes are categorized in terms of race format, technical difficulty and length. 
  • Beginner (Beg): Point-to-point. TD1 or TD2. Short length
  • Intermediate (Int): Point-to-point. TD3. Medium length.
  • Advanced (Adv): Point-to-point. TD4 or TD5. Medium length.
  • Expert (Exp):  Point-to-point. TD5. Long length.
  • Sport (Sport): Score-O. TD2, TD3 or TD4. Long length.

Race Format:
  • Point-to-point: All controls must be visited in the order shown on the map. Fastest time wins.
  • Score-O: Controls can be visited in any order. Controls are worth 10 points each that add up to a total score depending on how many controls are visited. There is a time limit and point penalties (5 points/minute or part minute) for finishing late. The winner is the runner with the most points!  Time limits: Sprint: 25 minutes, Middle: 45 minutes, Long: 75 minutes.

Technical Difficulty:
  • TD1: Very easy. All controls on man-made "handrails", such as paths, fences, powerlines.
  • TD2: Easy. All controls on natural or man-made handrails, including streams, edge of clearings, etc
  • TD3: Controls on large features close to handrails.
  • TD4: Controls on large features in the forest.
  • TD5: Controls on small features in the forest, rugged terrain.

Length:
  • Short: Around 2 to 3 km for Middle and Long. 1 to 2 km for Sprint. 
  • Medium: Around 3 to 5 km for Middle and Long. 1.5 to 2.5 km for Sprint. 
  • Long: Around 6 to 9 km for Middle and Long. 2 to 4 km for Sprint. 

Teams
  • Teams of two, three or four are welcome and can compete in the Sport or Beginner classes. 
  • Team members each pay the fee for their age. 
  • Teams require just one SI Card. 
  • All team members must belong to a recognized provincial/territorial association. 
  • The “team leader” should register online; members of the team register and pay their fees on the day.
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Eligibility for Open classes: