Rules

Rules & Regulations

(Updated February 2019)

To learn more about the basics of orienteering and the terminology used below, visit the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia website. Click on the ‘About’ tab and select “What is Orienteering?” for more details.

A. The Challenges
The Eco-Endurance Challenge is an endurance wilderness navigational event. Participants can choose one of four challenges:
i. Emergency Responders & SAR (8 or 24 hour)
ii. Public Competitive (8 or 24 hour)
iii. Recreational (4, 8 or 24 hour)
iv. Armed Forces (8 or 24 hour)

Participants come from a variety of backgrounds, including Search and Rescue personnel, hikers, runners, adventure racers, orienteering members, hunters, military and police and fire personnel.

B. Checkpoints
Each checkpoint (marker, control) is indicated by an orange triangular flag hung from a post or tree. With each control is a specially coded pin punch that you use to stamp the appropriate box on a distinctive punch card carried with you to prove your visit. If the wrong box on the punch card is punched, the box must be re-labeled in the field with the correct control number to get full points. A control point clue will be present at the location in case of control point theft. If the point cannot be found, a team can instead find the clue hanging on a laminated blue card. By giving the correct clue and time to the event scorer, a team may receive full points for the location. Please note, lost markers will be replaced as soon as the on-site command is notified of the missing marker. Each team gets only one punch card: losing it will mean you will not be able to measure your score at the end of your challenge. Control flags will usually be as visible as we can make them. They will not be intentionally concealed, but also normally not in view of trails, lakes or roads (to prevent theft). In addition to the terrain map, a clue sheet for the markers will be furnished (typically on the back of the map), providing more detailed information about their location. A number of points will be of a technical nature, requiring a steady bearing and accurate pacing. The value of each checkpoint will be indicated on the clue sheet.

Teams who have a member drop out may continue as long as a minimum of two members continue on the challenge. The team must return to the Event Centre or nearest Safety Shelter together and the remaining members may then continue the challenge if time permits. Points will be tabulated up until the time when the team loses a member unless the member returns with the team to the Start/Finish location and does not require transportation out from the field or Emergency Shelter location. In addition, no team is permitted to walk upon or on the shoulder of paved roads. Any team sighted using paved roads will be asked to leave the event. No swimming is permitted. Random controls on the course will be ‘manned’ by event personnel to ensure that teams stay together during the race. At these controls, team names will be checked against a master list to ensure that all participants are present when punching score cards.

C. The Organizers
Halifax Regional Search and Rescue organizes the Eco-Endurance Challenge in partnership with the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia. The organizers reserve the right to add, modify, replace or cancel venues or events at any time. The organizers reserve the right to make changes and amendments to the rules and regulations at any time. In the event that changes are made, the organizers will contact all registered teams with the updates so that they can make the appropriate adjustments to their preparations for the challenge.

D. Teams
Challenge I: Emergency Responders & SAR Challenge
Teams will consist of two to five members. The members must be the same members throughout the challenge. At least 50% of the team membership must be registered in good standing with a Police unit, EHS, Fire Department or a Ground Search and Rescue Team.

Challenge II: Public Competitive Challenge
Teams will consist of two to five members. The members must be the same members throughout the challenge.

Challenge III: Recreational Challenge
Teams will consist of two to five members. The members must be the same throughout the challenge.

Challenge IV: Armed Forces
Teams will consist of two to five members. The members must be the same throughout the challenge.

* All teams must remain within normal speaking and visual distance throughout the entire event.

Minimum age for competition
All teams registered for the 24-hour Challenges (I, II, III & IV) must have at least one member over age 18 years. Teams with all members under 18 years of age may compete at the discretion of the Meet Director, but pre-approval should be sought.

E. Registration
Registration is limited to 600 persons. To be considered a registered team, a completed entry (via Race Roster) and payment in full are required, with online waivers signed. Deadline for online registration is end of day May 1st, 2019.

Refunds for teams that have to withdraw due to illness, cancelled travel plans etc. will be given (minus the Race Roster administrative fee) until the close of registration (May 1st, 2019). After that point, no refunds are possible. Teams who wish to replace a member prior to the race, or on race day, will be permitted to do so as long as appropriate waivers are signed and any additional fees owing are paid (for example, if a SAR volunteer is replaced by a non-SAR volunteer and the SAR discount is no longer applicable).

PLEASE NOTE that within 48hrs of the start of the event, HRSAR volunteers will be on location in a remote area and may not be contactable by email or phone.

The starting location of the challenge will be released 7-10 days prior to the challenge. Only the Course Director and his team will have knowledge of the course and its exact location.

F. Pre-Challenge Briefing
There will be a mandatory pre-challenge briefing on the morning of the challenge. Details will be forwarded to team captains prior to registration.

G. The Challenge
The Eco-Endurance Challenge is an endurance wilderness navigational challenge. Within a set period of time, teams will attempt to locate as many flags as possible from those indicated on a topographical map unadjusted for magnetic north. Map reading skills are the key to doing well in any of the challenges, including:

· familiarity with a topographical map and air photo map
· familiarity with UTM grid system
· familiarity with a compass and declination

H. Timing
There will be one official challenge clock for the entire challenge. There will be a common start time for Challenges I, II , III & IV (8 hour and 24 hour options). A bonus may be issued for early completion. Penalties will be levied for late completion.

I. Team Rankings
Each control will be assigned a point value. Points earned by visiting checkpoints plus a potential early finish bonus will be the team’s score. The team with the highest score will be considered the top team. If two teams have the same point score, the team with the earliest finish time will be considered the top team.

J. Mandatory Equipment
Individuals are required to carry the following equipment:
– matches, knife, compass, whistle, watch, water container

Additional recommended equipment:
– sturdy pack, first aid supplies, sufficient water and food for the event, bug repellent, extra clothing, tissue, flashlight/headlamp, sunscreen, water purification device

K. Forbidden Equipment
Team are not permitted to carry the following equipment:
· Navigational GPS
· Maps not provided by the Organizers
· No motorized transport – foot travel only
· No supply drops prior to event
· No aid from others during event

Exceptions:
Challenge III – recreational teams are permitted Navigational GPS