Eco-Endurance Challenge

Rules & Regulations

(Updated April 2010)

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 Challenge
The Eco-Endurance Challenge is an endurance wilderness navigational challenge. Participants can choose one of four challenges:
i. Search and Rescue Challenge (8 or 24 hour)
ii. Public Competitive Challenge (8 or 24 hour)
iii. Recreational Challenge (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 set of three ribbons. 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.

Recreational, SAR and Armed Forces 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 again on 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.

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: Search and Rescue 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 Ground Search and Rescue Team.

Challenge II: Public Competitive Challenge
Teams will consist of two members. The two members must be the same two 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 in all challenges must remain within normal speaking and visual distance throughout the entire event.

24-Hour Challenges
All teams registered for the 24-hour Challenges (I, II, III & IV) must have at least one member over age 18 years.

E. Registration
Registration is limited to 450 persons. To be considered a registered team a completed entry form, waiver and payment in full are required. Deadline for registration is April 15th, 2010. Registrations after April 15th, 2010 will be accepted at the recommendation of the Meet Director. No registration is complete without full payment.

Registration fees are refundable upon notification until March 1st, 2010. Team members and names may be changed until April 15th 2010. All participants must sign a waiver of responsibility on the morning of the event.

The starting location of the challenge will be released 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 unadjusted topographical map. 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). 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

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