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Last update 28 Oct 2019
When

If you're not a member already go to our Join Us page to view the different grades of membership application form.

An overview of the different events and leagues:

Throughout the year, Harlequins and neighbouring clubs will stage events on Saturday or Sunday. Most of these will be friendly, relatively low-key (level D and level C) events which you usually enter by choosing a colour-coded course. Mixed in among these will be a smaller number of more high-profile (level B and occasionally level A) events which will have more facilities and many more competitors. HOC often has a club tent at these so that club members can shelter from the elements and chat with each other. Events at level B and A usually demand entry in advance and courses are organised by age category. However, you are free to enter whichever course you like. For more information about colour courses and age categories, look at the British Orienteering website. Most of these events will be traditional forest/woodland events; however there are a growing number of Urban events which now have a very enthusiastic following.

A selection of the Saturday and Sunday events are designated to comprise the West Midlands League (WML). This is a club competition where you score points both as an individual and also for your club. The rules are on the West Midlands Orienteering Association (WMOA) website.

Clubs also stage low-key events on midweek evenings - these are often run from a car park. In the summer these are called, predictably, Summer Evening Events (SEEs) which may be in parks, woodland or urban estates. In the winter two types of event are run; Night Street events around towns and housing estates and Winter Evening Events (WEEs) in woodland. Of course for these latter two you do need a good torch. Within HOC, these events are organised into their own leagues of the same name.

Additionally there are championship events and team events dotted throughout the year, and around the country. These include: British Championships (individuals and relays), British Sprint and Middle Championships, British Night Championships, Harvester Night Relays, West Midlands Relays. The CompassSport Cup is a prestigious inter-club event where every club runner can make a difference.

Throughout the year many orienteers also attend multi-day events. HOC often tries to arrange a club hut or communal campsite so that members can share experiences and lifts. These events begin at Easter with the annual JK (Jan Kellestrom trophy) over 4 days. At May bank holiday the 3-day SinS (Springtime in Shropshire) alternates with the Tamar Triple in Devon/Cornwall. Then at the start of the summer break is the bi-annual Scottish Six Days (S6D), alternating with Croeso (Wales) or the Lakes, which run over 5 days every 4 years. Then at August bank holiday is the 3-day White Rose in Yorkshire.

Club Kit

HOC has a range of club clothing which is available from Kerstin Mitchell (email address in your contacts book). These include: smart short sleeve orienteering shirts, club hoodies, long sleeve thermals, club jackets and matching sport trousers.

Improving your skills

Talk to the Membership Secretary who will seek a buddy or point you in the direction of any coaching opportunities. Alternatively check out these recommended books:

 


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