Theory of orienteering. Orienteering. History of orienteering

Orienteering is a very interesting sport that supports and develops not only the physical, but also the mental state of a person. In general, orienteering is a sport in which participants, using a compass, must pass a given number of control points (CP) located on the ground. The results are determined by the shortest time to complete the distance. Orientation is carried out in different disciplines:

• trail orientation (Trail-O) – for the disabled
• sports labyrinth (Orient show) - a new spectacular type of orienteering in small areas

Officially, orienteering is carried out only in the first four disciplines. But the sports labyrinth has recently become very popular and has become a special type of orienteering.

Video about ski orienteering from the 2017 World Championships in Krasnoyarsk

An excellent motivating video story about the history and development of winter orienteering, about modern GPS technologies and Live broadcasts.

A four-minute video that will make you take up orienteering!

Interesting film about Thierry Jorghiu - summer world orienteering championships

Very good review about summer orienteering. This film tells the story of a ten-time world champion in orienteering Frenchman Thierry Jorgiou, who for 3 years in a row failed to complete his last leg of the relay in first position.

Participant groups

Orienteering can be practiced at any age, regardless of the level of physical fitness and sports qualification. In orienteering, athletes are divided into age and gender groups. Symbol a group usually consists of two components. At the beginning there is a letter indicating the gender of the participant (M and F or, respectively, D and H in the English version). This is followed by a number that determines the maximum age of an athlete allowed to participate in this group for junior groups and the minimum for veteran groups. The most junior groups- boys under 10 years old and girls under 10 years old (M, F-10), and the oldest participants perform in groups - men and women one hundred years old and older (M, F-100 and older). The group in which the main fight is conducted - M, W-21 (from 21 to 34 years old) - is also designated M, W-E (Elite), at competitions at the master of sports level. Groups can also be divided according to the skill level of the participants, for example M-21A, M-21B. The group determines the length and difficulty of the distance that the athlete will run.

Types of distances in orienteering competitions

Competitions are held across different types of distances. As in ski racing, distances are divided into several types by length: sprint, classic, long (marathon). There are also competitions for over short distances with a large number of control points, for example, even in an artificially created labyrinth on a small area. According to the start method, competitions are divided into separate start, general (mass start), handicap, relay, and one man relay.

Unique to orienteering, the distances are divided according to the order in which the checkpoints are passed:

• given direction– the participant must check in at all checkpoints in the order indicated on the map (on the map, checkpoints are connected by lines indicating the order of passage from start to finish)
• optionally– on the map given to the participant there are many checkpoints, as well as the start and finish locations. The participant must check in at a certain number of checkpoints (the number usually depends on age group). The athlete himself chooses which way he will take the CP. The shortest path will not always be the fastest. It is also necessary to take into account the terrain and terrain.
• marked route– the participant is given a map on which only the starting location is indicated. The athlete rides along a distance marked with flags. Distances of different lengths are marked with flags of different colors. There are checkpoints along the route. The participant must, firstly, check in at the checkpoint, and secondly, mark the location of the checkpoint on the map by making a puncture at the desired point with a specially prepared needle. For incorrect punctures, the participant is awarded penalty minutes (or laps) added to his time. The winner is not the one who runs the distance the fastest, but the one who also knows where he is running and correctly marks the location of the checkpoint. This type of competition is usually used in winter on skis.
• thread– usually used for training. The map shows a path (the so-called “thread”) along which the athlete must run. There are checkpoints located on the ground. The athlete must check in at the checkpoint and mark its location on the map.

Also, orienteering competitions are divided according to the time of the competition: day and night, one-day and multi-day. Night orienteering is usually carried out for adult athletes, because... is enough extreme view sports Due to limited visibility, there is a high risk of getting lost or injured. But there is more than enough adrenaline and emotions after such competitions.

Marking at checkpoints

At each checkpoint there is a white and orange “prism” and a means of marking the participant - a colored pencil, a puncher or, increasingly, an electronic marking station. When marking with a pencil or composter, the participant must make a mark in the required box on his paper card at each checkpoint. When checking electronically, the participant is given an electronic chip before the start (if the participant does not have his own chip). At each checkpoint there is an electronic marking station, to which the participant must attach his chip and wait for the sound signal signaling the mark. These marks are evidence that the athlete has passed all checkpoints.

Composter marking in winter

Electronic mark

Sportident electronic marking station

Chips for Sportident electronic marking

With electronic marking, at the finish the participant must make a final mark, which will record his finishing time. After this, the participant must place his chip on the reading station and wait for the sound signal. The station transmits information about the mark to the judge's computer, where the information is processed (presence of all marks, correctness of the distance, speed, time). Immediately after reading the information, the participant receives “ split» – a printout of the list of control points passed by him, indicating the time and speed of the athlete at each segment of the distance (from control point to control point). After the end of the competition, the splits of all participants are also printed and posted in electronic form, for example, on our website. This allows you to analyze who walked the distance and how, in which segments he was in the lead, and where he lagged behind or did not choose at all a good option or simply got lost (“flying”).

The service is installed on our website. We upload splits of participants and distances there. And the participants can then draw their options for completing the distance there. Or even download your route from your GPS device. All this helps to more clearly analyze all the mistakes and the balance of power of the participants.

Recently, non-contact electronic marking has also begun to be used at international competitions. A special electronic chip is attached to the participant’s leg, similar to what is used in cross-country skiing. The participant simply needs to drive next to the reading device at the checkpoint to record the mark.

History of orienteering

Orienteering originated in the Scandinavian countries. The first competitions in summer and ski orienteering date back to the 1890s. Bicycle orienteering and Trail-O are very young sports, they originated in the late 1980s. On May 21, 1961, the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) was created, which was recognized in 1977 by the International Olympic Committee. 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the IOF.

In November 1999, the national Orienteering Federation of Russia was formed, which is a full member of the International Federation IOF.

Despite the fact that ski orienteering is a fairly popular sport, it has not been accepted into the family for several decades Olympic events sports At the same time, they refer to the fact that orienteering is poorly distributed outside of Europe and that this sport is very technically difficult to present beautifully to the public.

Sports with orienteering elements

In addition to orienteering itself, there are several sports in which orienteering is an integral part of the competition. These types include:

Orienteering is a sport in which participants, using a compass and a sports map, must find control points (CP) located on the ground. Results in orienteering are determined, as a rule, by the time it takes to complete the distance (sometimes including penalty time) or by the number of points scored.

Orienteering competitions are held in different groups, which can be formed both according to age (both small children and 80-year-old veterans are engaged in it) and according to the skill level of the participants. The complexity of the distance and its length are determined by the principle based on the fact that to successfully complete the competition route, it would require equally the ability to navigate and physical fitness athlete. Competitions take place in all weather conditions: rain, heat or snowstorm.

Orienteering classes develop in athletes many useful skills and abilities, such as speed, memory and attention, as well as physical qualities: endurance, coordination, flexibility.

Types of orienteering:

Orienteering by running
Running orienteering competitions are held in most disciplines: set direction (“ZN”), optional (“VO”), rogaining (“RG”) and even on a marked course (“MT”). World running orienteering championships are also held.

Ski orienteering
Ski orienteering competitions are held in the following disciplines: in a given direction, on a marked route, or in a combination of these types (Orientathlon, Ski-O-thlon).
For competitions in a given direction, a special map is used, on which ski tracks are marked. World championships are held in ski orienteering.

Bicycle orienteering
Bicycle orienteering competitions are held in the following disciplines: a given direction, on a marked route, by choice or a combination of these types. The map shows the types of roads in relation to the speed of cycling.

Orientation along the trails
Participants in trail orienteering competitions complete distances in a given sequence, consisting of points at which several prisms are located within sight. Athletes must determine and record which of these prisms on the ground corresponds to a given legend and is indicated on the map.

History of orienteering:

The first orienteering competition was held on October 31, 1897 sports club Tjalve near Oslo (Norway).

The first modern orienteering competitions in their current form were held in 1918. Major Ernst Killander, President of the Stockholm Amateur Sports Association, decided to use the countryside environment for this new sport based on his military experience. He came up with a cross-country competition where people not only ran, but also had to find and choose their own routes using a map and compass. By 1934, orienteering as a sport was already in Switzerland, the USSR and Hungary. Even before the Second World War, annual national championships for men and women began to be held in Sweden, Norway and Finland. In 1946 the Scandinavian Orienteering Committee was created. Opens were held in the Stockholm area in 1960. international competitions, in which seven countries have already participated. On May 21, 1961, the International Orienteering Federation was founded at a congress in Copenhagen.

The first members of the federation were 10 European countries - Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Germany, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany.

Today, various orienteering competitions are held all over the world, both local and global.

To effectively teach orienteering techniques, we first define a list of those knowledge, skills and abilities, the mastery of which will make it possible to consider that the student has mastered the initial stage and can move forward.

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1. Knowledge of conventional signs.
2. Getting used to the forest and orientation.
3. Understanding the diagram, map.
4. Determining cardinal directions without a compass, orienting a map.
5. Determination of azimuth to a landmark.
6. Measuring distance on the map, monitoring distance on the ground.
7. Orientation along individual paths.
8. Orientation from path to path, shortcuts from path to path.
9. Folding card, tracking with thumb.
10. Reading the terrain.

Exercises for teaching knowledge, skills and abilities

1. Conventional signs (hereinafter referred to as CS) of orienteering maps are certainly one of the most important knowledge, without which an athlete is like a student trying to understand what is written in a book without knowing the letters. To study ultrasound, you can use the following exercises:

1.1.Explain the US table - compare the graphic image with real objects.

1.2. Make a “lotto” out of the US: draw symbols on the plates, write the name on the “barrels” - take the name out of the bag, the one who has this US on the table closes the cell, everything else is like in lotto.

1.3. Distribute sports cards, the task is to redraw the KZ in groups:
a) hydrography,
b) vegetation,
c) relief,
d) rocks and stones,
e) artificial structures.

1.4. On identical maps, give the task to find at speed the smallest or largest clearing, the same lake, the same swamp, count the number of micropits and other point landmarks, name the signs oriented along the magnetic meridian line.

1.5. “Travel” on the map along the line of the magnetic meridian or arbitrarily - we call it US, students name the object or vice versa.

1.6. A relay race in which we hang checkpoints (hereinafter referred to as CP) on the turning line with a reference point instead of a number; the participants hand over cards on which they write the name of the reference point.

1.7. “Dictation” - the trainer verbally describes the path, the students draw a diagram using ultrasound.

1.8. Five symbols are drawn on the card, one of which does not correspond to the group, for example, four point symbols, one linear symbol; students must identify the symbol that does not correspond.

2. Getting used to the forest, to orienteering - this skill is necessary to overcome the natural fear of an unfamiliar forest and for children to get used to the process of orienteering.

2.1. Jogging in a group with a coach along a marked route; along the route, near landmarks, hang signs with a picture of an ultrasound.

2.2. Run first in a group, then one at a time along a marked route, mark on the card the encountered checkpoints or some, for example, those on which the ultrasonic group “relief” is depicted.

2.3. In the classroom, in the gym or on the schoolyard, equip up to 20 control points; the task is to mark all control points in order, mark the control point with ultrasonic hydrography. The same with the relay race.

2.4. The coach verbally describes the path of movement from the map, the students follow the maps, control is carried out at the control point - the students show where they are.

2.5. Using a map with a drawn “thread,” students verbally describe what they “see” around them: “I’m walking along a path, on the left I see a microhole twenty meters away,” etc.

2.6. The trainer schematically draws fragments from the map in an enlarged image, the students look for the corresponding places on the map, an option is pieces of the distance.

3. Understanding a diagram, a map - a skill necessary to understand a sports map - what it is, how it is created, how it is used in orienteering.

3.1. The task is to draw a map of your hand, name your fingers on the map and in reality.

3.2. Drawing a map of the desk, placing the objects on it yourself is the beginning of scaling.

3.3. Having placed several objects on the field, give the task to draw a map.

3.4. Together with the group, make a map of the classroom, gym, school yard, and take turns setting distances from the control point.

3.5. Compare maps and maps of geographical, land management, forest management, urban, etc. Review aerial photographs.

3.6. “Mosaic” - cut the map into pieces, for beginners into large fragments, for more experienced ones into small ones, the task is to fold the map, against the clock or in a relay race.

4. Determining the cardinal directions - this skill is necessary primarily for maintaining safety during orienteering; inexperienced orienteers in the forest sometimes lose orientation, the compass can get lost or broken, it cannot exist at all. Orienting the map is necessary for successful navigation - the main skills are: the “north” of the map must coincide with the direction to the north, the map must be read “from yourself”.

4.1. Learn to determine the direction north by trees, anthills, the sun, and the stars.

4.2. On a sheet of paper in a box, draw a north-south line, mark the start and conduct a dictation on the directions and number of movement cells. For example: “three cells to the north, two cells to the northwest,” etc.

4.3. Students are divided into two teams, the coach indicates the direction to the north, calls one participant each and shows the direction - whoever names it first earns a point for the team.

4.4. In the gym, we draw cells and a route on the floor, a “map” on their hands - participants walk along the route and, when changing the direction of movement, turn the map, following the principle of reading “from themselves”.

4.5. On the ground, during a walk or cross-country, a group on command moves in a certain direction with distance control, for example, to the northeast 200 meters, then the coach changes the direction and distance.

4.6. “Dictation” of movement on the map, students change the position of the map with each change of direction in order to read “from themselves”

5. Determining the azimuth to a landmark - this skill includes the skill of using a compass, not only determining the azimuth, but also controlling the direction in motion.

5.1. Studying the compass, learning to determine the azimuth to a landmark, the azimuth to the checkpoint on the map.

5.2. Each student has maps with the distance and a compass; while performing physical exercises, on command, everyone takes the azimuth to the next checkpoint and shows the coach the direction of movement.

5.3. On the terrain around the start we place checkpoints at different distances, the task is to use azimuth to find all the checkpoints in turn, returning to the start after each execution.

5.4. On the ground, we set a closed distance on a “white” map (a sheet of paper with a distance without conventional signs, with a direction to the north), everyone covers the distance in azimuth, taking into account the indicated scale.

5.5. On a sunny day, students determine the azimuth to the control point using a compass, but find the control point by leaving the compass at the start - they use it to maintain the direction of the shadow from the trees. It is carried out both on a “white” and on a regular card.

6. Measuring the distance on the map, converting to meters taking into account the scale, controlling the distance on the ground - the orienteer must use the map to accurately determine the distance to the landmark that he must cover and control the distance traveled on the ground.

6.1. Draw lines of varying lengths on a card, first straight, then curved - the task is to measure the length of the lines in millimeters, convert to meters at different map scales, write down the answer on the cards. Take measurements by eye, checking yourself with a ruler.

6.2. At the coach’s command, students write segments of various lengths in their notebooks: in centimeters, in millimeters, in meters at such and such a scale.

6.3. The trainer describes the movement on the map indicating the distance in meters, then indicating the distance in centimeters on a scale different from that of the students.

6.4. Measure 100 meters in different areas (on the road, in a field, in a forest, in a swamp, etc.), count steps with one foot (only left or only right) while running at competitive speed - the so-called pairs of steps, remember for everyone their indicators.

6.5. During cross-country training, measure the distance traveled by counting pairs of steps, control it using a map or mutually.

6.6. During the cross-country, use your eye to determine the distance to the landmark and control it by counting pairs of steps.

6.7. Place the CP at the training distance on linear landmarks (at a distance of up to 10 meters from them), indicating on each the distance to the next.

6.8. Students walk the distance according to a verbal description, for example: along the path 200 meters, turn southwest, walk 160 meters along the azimuth 195 degrees, walk down the stream 250 meters, etc.

7. Orientation along individual paths - the task at this stage is to teach a beginner not just to run around the area, but to move along a distance while constantly reading the map.

7.1. Place a checkpoint on a familiar area on 2-3 paths - at forks, at the intersection with clearings, streams, near noticeable, unambiguous landmarks, run in a group, mark the location of the checkpoint on the map, at the next training, give the task to independently run the same route and mark the checkpoint (change the location of the checkpoint), then give a map with other checkpoints on the same route - the task is to find the checkpoint yourself.

7.2. Draw a “thread” on the map along the paths, set checkpoints at landmarks, students run along the paths, trying to stick to the drawn line, and mark the location of all checkpoints on the map.

8. Orientation from path to path - this skill continues the development of the orienteer’s thinking and is a stage towards constant orientation.

8.1. Running along a marked distance, moving from path to path along the markings.

8.2. Run along a path with a checkpoint at the transition from trail to trail, at the checkpoint there is an arrow indicating the direction of the transition, on the second path there is also a checkpoint.

8.3. Running in a group along the paths, taking checkpoints from landmarks on the trail; checkpoints are not very far from the trails.

8.4. Independent setting of checkpoints, first at forks in trails, at intersections of trails with clearings, with streams, then at point or area landmarks not far from the trails.

9. Folding the card, tracking with your thumb - when folding the card, it is necessary to retain maximum information while making it easy to work with the card (large working area - the card is torn, it is inconvenient to work with it, small working area - you may not see important information).

9.1. During the discussion of distances in the audience, follow the folding of the map, tracking the movement with the thumb (the thumb should be at the place on the map where the athlete decided to this moment, or last time).

9.2. During a cross-country race in pairs, one tells the second, looking at the map while running, his optimal option for moving along the distance, the second controls the movement on the map, folding the map and accompaniment with the thumb of the first participant, changing roles from time to time.

10. Reading the terrain - a lot of checkpoints are placed on the terrain, so it is very important to read the terrain correctly, in addition, when moving along the distance, the terrain is used almost all the time as a reference point.

10.1. Draw several profiles and contours of vertices on cards; the task is to find drawings of contours corresponding to the profile.

10.2. Determine by the pattern of contour lines which hill is the highest, the lowest, which steep slope, what a gentle slope.

10.3. For 5-6 descriptions, select appropriate profiles and a contour pattern, for example: a) a hill 15 meters high with one peak in the middle, b) with two peaks equal in height, etc.

10.4. On the map, color the relief protrusions in red, and blue – the hollows and depressions.

10.5. On a map with small and medium relief, draw circles with a diameter of 3-4 centimeters, mark the “sun” with a dot inside the circle, the task is to draw shadows from the “sun” inside the circle with a pencil.

10.6. Take a map with a distance and a blank sheet of paper, the task is to draw a profile along the cross-section of the relief along a straight line connecting the control point, respecting the scale and cross-section of the relief.

10.7. On the map with the distance, find and draw with a pencil the path with the least (greatest) climb between the two checkpoints.

Terrain orienteering is one of the youngest sports in our country, which is last years is gaining increasing popularity among young people. In this sport, working with a map and compass is regulated in a very short time, a matter of minutes and seconds. Orienteering is a fast-paced, emotional type of cross-country across unfamiliar terrain associated with a specific physical activity, cunning tactics and numerous technical techniques. The competition environment is to some extent reminiscent of the situation in which a scout operating behind enemy lines finds himself.

You must be able to quickly navigate in constantly changing conditions. Independence in decision making in these conditions plays a paramount role. And, of course, the speed with which these decisions are made is of great importance. These qualities are difficult to develop in regular practical topography classes. They are only acquired in orienteering competitions.

The military-applied significance of this sport was the main reason for its inclusion in the “Ready to Defend the Motherland” complex as one of the elective sports. No stadiums are required for orienteering competitions, Sport halls and sites, expensive equipment and inventory. Arena for this very interesting looking Any area of ​​forest can serve as a sport, even a city park, the dimensions of which must be at least 3X3 km. These competitions can be held day and night, winter and summer, spring and autumn, on foot and skis, on boats and bicycles, on motorcycles and cars.

Where did this type of competition originate? What is its future?

Norway is considered the official homeland of orienteering, where the Turnferening sports society organized its first competition back in 1897. In subsequent years, the Swedes and Finns took the initiative in the development of this sport. In Sweden in 1938* the world's first national federation was organized - the Union of Orienteering Sports. In the rest of the Scandinavian countries, running with a map and compass gained recognition in the 30s of this century, and national governing bodies were created only after the Second World War. During these same years, the Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and Danish unions united to form the Nordic Orienteering Council (NORD). After this, residents of European countries began to get involved in orienteering: Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Romania. The rules of competition in each country differed significantly from each other, and in order to develop uniform provisions, the International Conference of Socialist Countries was convened in Budapest in 1958. A year later, at the initiative of the Swedish Federation, a meeting was held with the participation of representatives of all countries of the European continent that cultivate orienteering. As a result, in 1961, the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) was created, which included 10 countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Sweden and Switzerland. At subsequent congresses, which were held every two years, the following countries were accepted into the federation: Austria, Poland, England, Belgium, Canada and Japan.

In addition to these 16 countries, there is information about orienteering competitions in countries such as the USA, France, Chile, Israel, Yugoslavia, Romania, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Luxembourg and Cameroon.

The International Orienteering Federation has organized three world championships, in which only European countries have so far taken part. The results of the world championships showed the significant superiority of Scandinavian athletes.

We have orienteering is just beginning to take its first steps. On December 28, 1967, the Presidium of the Central Council of Tourism of the All-Russian Central Council of Trade Unions adopted a resolution in which it obliged all its organizations to establish close contact with DOSAAF committees and assist them in preparing and conducting terrain orienteering competitions.

Nowadays there is practically no republic, region, or city where orienteering competitions are not held. The strongest teams annually participate in all-Union championships, zonal competitions and match meetings.

What skills must an athlete have in order to take part in orienteering competitions? First of all, the basis for success in competitions is perfect orienteering technique, then correct tactics, excellent physical qualities and, as always, high moral preparation. The athlete must master practical orienteering skills, which include:

— measuring distances (on the ground and on the map);

- mastery of a compass and movement in azimuth;

— reading the map;

— “map memory” and observation skills;

— comparison of the map with the terrain;

— choosing a rational route.

What types of competitions are used for high-speed orienteering? The rules provide for three such types: orientation in a given direction, orientation along a marking route and orientation by choice.

The essence of orientation in a given direction is that participants must, in the shortest possible time, find on the ground a certain number of control points (CP), marked on the map and designated by serial numbers. The results of the competition are determined by the time spent by the athlete to complete the distance. The order of passing the checkpoint is specified on the map and must be strictly followed. Hence the name of the competition - orienteering in a given direction. A participant who violates the procedure for passing the checkpoint is removed from the competition.

Competitions are held in the following way. Participants start one at a time, with an interval of usually one minute. From the start to the card issuing point (K), the participant runs along the marked distance. The length of this section ranges from 100 to 500 m. At the map issuing point, the participant receives a topographic map of the area at a scale of 1:25,000 (or 1:50,000), on which he must mark the location of the checkpoint and the finish, using the sample map displayed here. Checkpoints are indicated on the map by a circle with a dot, precisely indicating their location on the ground. The Arabic numeral written next to the circle indicates the checkpoint number. The finish is usually combined with the start, and the distance most often has the shape of a closed ring. According to the rules, the length of the distance for boys 19-21 years old can range from 6 to 12 km with 4-10 control points. This distance is obtained by measuring on a map (in a straight line) from point to point. In reality, the athlete runs a much longer distance, even if he makes no mistakes.

On the ground, the control point is a red and white fabric sign in the shape of a prism or cylinder, equipped with a plate with the checkpoint number. There is also a judge-controller here who keeps a record of the athletes who have found this control in the checkpoint protocol. paragraph, the participant number and the astronomical time of passing this point are recorded. The participant, having arrived at the checkpoint, makes a mark on his card with a rubber stamp suspended from this prism.

Checkpoints are placed near landmarks available both on the ground and on the map. Such landmarks (“anchors”) can be clearings or clearings in a forest, a lake or swamp, a confluence of streams or a fork in a ravine, a hill or a hole, etc. When studying the map during a competition, the athlete must think through the most rational path from one checkpoint to another , which is not always the shortest, since there are several options for avoiding obstacles (right, left), or using good roads and noticeable landmarks, etc.

To ensure that the competition does not continue indefinitely, a control time is established, which varies depending on the age and training of the participants and other factors. For recruits of military age, the control time is determined at the rate of 20 minutes per kilometer of distance. A participant who exceeds the control time is removed from the competition.

The second type of competition is called orienteering on a marked route. These competitions are most often held in winter. In summer they are organized mainly for beginners, since in these conditions the possibility of getting lost is unlikely.

The essence of this competition is that participants must cover a distance marked like a ski course. On the route, in places unknown to the athletes, checkpoints are installed. The guides receive a map on which only the map issuing point (start) and finish are marked. The route is not shown on the map. The athlete must run a marked distance, determine his location and all the checkpoints encountered on his way and put their location on his map, piercing it with a needle at the appropriate points. The results of the competition are determined by the time it takes to complete the distance plus a penalty time for inaccurately marking the location of the checkpoint on the map. For an error of 1 mm when making a puncture on the card from the true position of the gearbox, a 1 m penalty time is awarded.

The peculiarity of this type of competition in comparison with the previous one is that the orienteer must monitor the map and the terrain throughout the entire run, constantly compare them and know his location at any given moment (otherwise he must pay attention to the running speed).

Next view competitions - orientation optionally. At the start, the athlete receives a map with checkpoints marked on it. Next to each of them there is a number indicating the number of points that the one who finds this CP receives.

The essence of this type of competition is to choose the route with the most points and meet it within a certain time. The choice of checkpoints and the order of passing them are arbitrary, but going to the same checkpoint twice is counted only once. This type of competition requires the competitors to have many abilities. Here you need to choose one route from many options, the one that will bring the most points. At the same time, participant must realistically assess his strength, otherwise if he is late to the finish line, he will be fined (depending on the time of delay, a certain part of the points will be deducted).

In this type of competition, to achieve success, it is not enough to have a good command of orienteering techniques; you must learn to choose a route. When solving the route problem, the participant must take into account not only the speed of movement, but also the reliability of the chosen option, in which the possibility of going astray will be minimal. Choosing a route athlete experiences internal contradictions: on the one hand, he understands that before setting off, he must choose the most profitable route; on the other hand, time and his opponent are pushing him. For a novice orienteer, the latter considerations most often take precedence, as a result of which he accepts the first option that comes to mind. Having chosen a route on the map, the athlete must be able to implement it, that is, not go astray. This is where orienteering technique, the ability to quickly compare a map with the terrain, good command of a compass and skills in quick and precise measurement distances

All these types sports competitions are individual, but for any of them team competitions - relay races - can also be organized. The tasks for the participants are the same, but the distance is divided into stages, and athletes of one team take turns performing a common task.

These are the main types of orienteering today using a map and compass.

For orienteering, special topographic maps are used and special compasses are used to determine azimuths. On maps intended for competitions, the following are removed: a coordinate grid; names of settlements, rivers, tracts, peaks; there are no characteristics of forests, roads, bridges; numerical elevation marks, contour marks, etc. Map is performed only in black and white, which impoverishes it and complicates its reading. To make it easier to determine the azimuth, such a map indicates not the geographic meridian, but the magnetic one (to simplify the calculations of the magnetic azimuth). Instead of Adrianov's compass, athletes are allowed to use special compasses, the needle of which rotates not in the air, but in a liquid environment. Thanks to this, the compass needle almost does not fluctuate even when running, which increases the accuracy and reliability of azimuth passage and helps to gain time.

The athlete is allowed to have a tablet - a rectangle cut out of plywood or thick cardboard measuring 20 X 25 cm to secure the card. It is usually attached with adhesive tape or two rubber rings. A compass is placed in the corner of the tablet. In rainy weather, use a tablet made of transparent material, celluloid, plexiglass, or cover it with plastic film. IN winter conditions when the competitor's hands are full ski poles, the tablet is attached to the athlete’s belt.

Basic concepts in orienteering
To be good navigate in unfamiliar terrain, know where you are, be able to choose the best path and get to the intended goal, you need to regularly practice with a map and compass, train your visual memory and observation. Let's look at the main "secrets" that help you move quickly and confidently through unfamiliar terrain.

Conventional signs
Learning the secrets of orienteering begins with studying and memorizing conventional signs. More than 100 symbols are used to depict terrain, designate orientation objects, characterize visibility and movement conditions on sports maps. To “read” a map, you need to learn the symbols - the alphabet of the map. The symbols of sports cards are very visual and for the most part resemble the shape of the objects they depict (top or side view).

Sports card -
a reader for orientation, with its help you can imagine the nature and features of the area. The sports map, through symbols, gives the shape and contours of built-up areas, the location of individual buildings, fences, canopies, feeding troughs, wells, bridges, etc. All communication routes are shown on the map. Conventional signs of roads and trails show where and in what direction they pass, along which of them you can reach your intended goal, bypassing rivers and ravines lost in the thick of the forest. From the map you can determine the relief, see where the forest, clearings, clearings, clearings, lakes, streams are located, but for this you need to learn to “read” the map, using a set of conventional signs to be able to create a picture of the surrounding nature. In addition to the exact relative position of objects, a sports map allows you to determine distances. To do this, it is enough to measure it on the map knowing the scale of the map.

Map orientation
Finding yourself in an unfamiliar area, first of all you need to orient the map: it is installed so that the north-south lines on the map have the same direction as the compass arrow. The top of the map should be in the same direction as the north end of the compass needle points. After orienting the map, all objects depicted on it will be in full accordance with the terrain objects. After this, you can begin to “read” the map - compare the terrain with the map and the map with the terrain.

"Reading" the card
The ability to quickly read and understand a map correctly is a complex technical skill. They read the map only in an oriented position and only along the way, i.e. in the direction of movement. Movement "on the thumb" - thumb the left hand holding the map is directed along the line of movement, and the nail records the location of the orienteer at the moment - significantly facilitates the process of reading the map, especially for beginners. When reading a map, all landmarks are divided into point, linear and area. Point objects include objects depicted by non-scale symbols (stones, holes, springs, groups of trees, etc.). Linear landmarks - roads, paths, clearings, ditches, boundaries of forests and clearings, ravines, gullies - have a length greater than their width. Area landmarks - pond, lake, clearings, clearings, forest, large hills, valleys, slopes. Point and linear landmarks are easier to perceive, since for the most part they require perception on a plane. It is impossible to perceive the terrain without developing three-dimensional thinking; it is most difficult when reading a map.

Movement along a chain of landmarks
By adhering to reliable and easily identifiable landmarks on the ground, you can get to your intended goal. With this method of movement, orientation techniques are needed: comparing the map with the terrain, using a compass and measuring distances. The main requirement of such a movement is the connection of the map with the terrain. Losing your orientation (your location) can cause many unpleasant moments: you will have to find a new reliable landmark and “get attached” to the map. To prevent this from happening, when implementing a path along a chain of landmarks, it is necessary to constantly monitor the direction of the linear ones using a compass. In this case, there will be no mistakes or “slips” onto the wrong path, which can be marked on the ground with landmarks similar to those chosen for movement.

Choosing a path
The most difficult, but at the same time the most exciting problem in orienteering is choosing a path. The ability to choose a path, a chain of reference points - the main one technical technique, which must be mastered in order to be called an orienteer. The choice of path is influenced by many subjective and objective factors, but the most important thing is the ability to identify and remember reference landmarks, which, as a rule, include large linear and areal landmarks and particularly prominent point ones. Reference landmarks are determined from the map, and reaching them does not require large physical expenditures or high-precision orienteering techniques. Reference landmarks located across the movement are called inhibitory, along the chosen path and behind the goal of movement - limiting. Correctly selected reference landmarks eliminate frequent reference to the map when moving, reduce the time it takes to read it, make it easier to memorize the map, provide quick location control, and allow you to use “rough” orientation without fear of making a mistake. Which path should you take? It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer, and it is impossible to compile a complete list of examples for training. It can be direct - along the azimuth, roundabout - along a chain of landmarks, or, as is more often the case, combined. The shortest path in a straight line is not always the best. Often the movement occurs in a roundabout way. When choosing a path, there are two opposing factors at play: reliability and time.
The starting point is indicated by a red triangle. The red and blue lines are the movement options for two athletes. Shortest way in distance is not always fast in time.

"Secrets" of the orienteer.
1. Do not exceed the speed of movement. Each person, depending on his physical and technical training there is a “critical” speed. If it is exceeded, fatigue quickly sets in, the clarity of map reading disappears, orienteering technique deteriorates, and even control over the direction of movement is lost.
2. Before leaving your standing point, you need to ask yourself the question: “What is the reference point for the next checkpoint?” and answer it - determine the landmark from which the exit to the goal of the movement will be made, and establish the path to it on the map.
3. If you didn’t manage to get to the checkpoint on the first try, then you don’t need to rush from side to side, you need to carefully examine the area around you and check the legend (pictogram) of the checkpoint. If you are sure that the “binding” was taken correctly, you need to repeat the approach. If a mistake was made, then you need to go to a new binding and make an approach from it.
4. Having made a mistake and lost time, there is no need to try to make up for lost time by speeding up the orientation process. We must remember about the “critical” speed.
5. When solving indicative problems, there is no need to be distracted from calm and patient reflection, or not to listen to the advice of passers-by, spectators and rivals.
Ten steps to success at a distance / A. Glushko /
(Some tips on how an athlete should act at a distance)
1. Orient the map using a compass or surrounding objects, and determine your location.
2. Look at which checkpoint you will take, its number and on what landmark this point is located.
3. Look from which point (landmark) it is more convenient to enter the checkpoint.
4. Choose a path of movement and outline intermediate reference points (landmarks).
5. Try to remember all this.
6. Now you can run through the intended bindings all the way to the checkpoint.
7. Having seen the checkpoint, look in which box on the card you will make a mark, prepare the card for marking in advance.
8. Look in which direction you will run next.
9. Directly at the checkpoint, check its number and quickly make a mark in the required box on the participant’s card.
10. Move away from the checkpoint in the right direction.
11.See point 1.
Don't pay attention to your opponents and outside controls.
Opponents can make mistakes or be cunning, and by running to all the checkpoints you can only lose your location.
Try to run evenly without sudden accelerations or stops.
Advice from N. Dovzhenko
I am not imposing any of these tips; if you like it, use it.
In general, each orienteer must have his own system of tactical and technical skills.
It is better to carry a compass and map in your left hand. Right hand free for grabbing trees on descents, knocking off branches, etc.
Electronic cards are exceptions; they are much more convenient to carry in your right hand.
The compass must be on the map at all times.
The compass needle should, if possible, be located on the meridian or on a parallel edge of the map, then even the slightest deviation is immediately visible.
If the command post is at the very top of the hillock, then you don’t need to read anything special. You run to the highest point of the hill and that’s it. It’s better to run uphill not with long steps, as you get tired faster, but with short, but frequent steps. After a good hill, it is better to run 15-20 m easier, without pushing, in order to “feel lightness in your legs”, and then “fall” further.
The first thing you should know about the next CP is its legend. Hence, it is necessary to look not for the control point, but for the landmark on which the control point stands. And in general, the more you know about the checkpoint area, the easier (faster) it is to search for it.
On very “slippery” checkpoints (such as a micro-hole in a green patch, far from roads), it is better to approach at low speed and, if possible, have a rear anchor.
Predict situations. The method of thinking should not be like “what kind of ditch is this, oh, here it is,” but “hey, that’s right, a ditch!” You should already be waiting for landmarks, that is, completely control your movement.
Small, unimportant guidelines don't need to be read, let them out.

Most often, mistakes are made either at the beginning of the competition, usually due to poor concentration, or at the end, due to the fact that the running pace is so high that the athlete is no longer able to think. Other reasons include unconscious complacency, undervaluing tasks, and weakening focus. This usually happens after successfully passing several sections of the route in a row. And finally, rivals influence, especially those who want to “catch on”. Here a lot depends on the ability to ignore competitors.
Diagram of the causes of errors at a distance:
Subjective reasons
1. Planning errors:
a) lack of a plan
b) bad plan:
-bad option ways
-bad way to navigate
2. Runtime errors:
a) the technical reception was not completed
b) inaccurate execution of the technique
3. Other errors (fatigue, influence of other participants, etc.)
Objective reasons
1. Cartographic errors:
a) inaccurate map,
b) poor readability,
c) errors in design
2. Errors on the course, inaccurate or unsuitable gearbox, etc.
The difference between the will of track and field athletes, skiers and the will of orienteers is also that when the former lose hope, mood and the desire to “endure”, the loss in time is expressed in just a few seconds or minutes. When the orienteer loses will and concentration, the waste of time becomes enormous. But at the same time, the orienteer does not know what his opponents have “lost,” and perhaps not everything is lost, especially in team wrestling.
To the question: “What do you think about after a well-taken CP?” - the answers followed: “That the next control point should be “taken” is also good”; “What a great fellow I am”; "I don't think about anything." To the question: “What do you think about after you missed the checkpoint?” - the following answers followed: “That the next checkpoint needs to be “taken” well”; "What a fool I am"; "I don't think about anything."
Which athlete should be taken as a standard? Everyone perceives their micro-victories and micro-failures in their own way. However, it is clear that during the distance you cannot indulge in emotions, uncontrollably scold yourself or be complacent. It is unlikely that insults addressed to the head of the course after an unsuccessfully completed stage will be of any use. Emotions can be educated and trained, just like physical or technical preparedness. You need to learn to subordinate your nerves and will to the goal of achieving the highest sports results in any situation.

Orientation for beginners (in English, but clearly)