Orienteering Rules Pertaining to Fairness, Conduct and Equipment
Fairness
Prior investigation of the competition area is forbidden.
All persons who take part at an orienteering event
(competitors, organizers, team managers and so on) shall demonstrate a high
degree of fairness, a sporting attitude, a spirit of comradeship and honesty.
It is forbidden to obtain outside help or
collaborate in running or navigation except in a non-competitive class.
A competitor shall not seek to obtain unfair
advantage over fellow competitors, nor intentionally run with or behind other
competitors during the event in order to profit from their skill.
The competitor is obliged to show respect for
other competitors, leaders, land owners or administrators, officials,
journalists, spectators, and others as well as residents of the competition
terrain and areas.
Competitors for whom the preponderance of the evidence shows that they
have intentionally broken these Rules causing a course to be voided may be
disqualified by the jury from the current event as well as future USOF events
for a period of up to two years.
Equipment and aids
So long as the particular conditions in the area (i.e. danger of infection)
do not necessitate otherwise, choice of clothing shall be up to the individual.
It is strongly recommended that the competitor's legs are completely covered.
The organizers may require competitors to wear identifying numbers on a bib
on the chest and/or the back. The competitor must not conceal any information on
the bib.
During the competition only a compass and the map
provided by the organizer may be used for navigation. (and watches are ok)
Personal aids not used directly for navigation are permitted. (e.g.
magnifying glass, flashlight, cane, eyeglasses)
The use of any navigation aid other than a compass
is prohibited. (e.g. transport, electronic apparatus, radio, pedometer,
altimeter, GPS, .....)
Conduct during the event
The competitors shall move in the terrain as
silently as possible and neither by shouting nor by sign give help or do harm to
other competitors, nor intentionally draw their attention.
It is the duty of each competitor to help anyone
who is injured.
Competitors should carry a whistle. Three blows of the whistle indicate
that assistance is needed.
Care will be taken when running along or crossing traffic routes.
Sections marked as required routes on the course must be followed by the
competitor.
Once competitors cross the finish line, their competition is over, and they
shall not return to the competition area without permission from the organizer.
Competitors who do not finish (DNF) must report to the finish and return
their control card and map. They shall in no way attempt to influence the
competition or other competitors. They shall not discuss the course
or competition area with other competitors who have not yet gone out on their
course.
Competitors shall not drink from water jugs in such a way that they
contaminate the water others must use, and they shall not waste the water. Each
competitor shall avoid using more than 8oz of water at any one refreshment control unless they need additional water to drink.
Out of bounds areas
It is forbidden to cause damage in the competition terrain. The competitors
are solely responsible for their damage.
The competitor shall not enter the following areas except when specific
permission is included in the Event Information:
Yards and gardens;
Sown land and land with growing or standing crops
Limited access highways or fenced railways
Areas marked "out of bounds"
In consideration of nature conservation, the land
owners, and others, the crossing of fences and ditches, as well as passing
across forest plantations, shall occur in such a way that no damage is
done. Barriers and gates opened by the competitor shall be closed by same.