Both of these type of events use colour coded courses. The colour coding of courses is related to ability providing a suitable entry point to orienteering and progression for all ages and abilities. When arriving at an event simply visit the enquiries desk, as entries are taken on the day, and mention you are new to the sport.
Local and District are the most common types of orienteering events in Britain. There will be at least one event within reasonable travelling distance in most parts of Britain on Sunday mornings. The orienteering season runs from September to June but there often local events available during the summer.
COLOUR CODED COURSES EXPLAINED
Colour Coded courses are graded according to Technical Difficulty with TD1 being very easy and TD5 very difficult.
| Colour | Level | Description | Length |
| White | TD1 | Very easy all on paths, mostly used by 6-10 year olds and family groups | 1.0-1.5 km |
| Yellow | TD2 | Uses simple linear features (paths, walls, streams etc), mainly under 12's and families | 1.5-2.5 km |
| Orange | TD3 | Progressing to basic use of the compass and route choice, ideal for novice orienteers | 2.5-3.5 km |
| Red | TD3 | Similar technically to an orange course but longer, used by beginners wanting a longer run | 3.5-7.5 km |
| Light Green | TD4 | The technical ability requirements begin to increase, crossing terrain using simple contours and 'point' features. Ideal for improvers | 2.5-3.5 km |
| Green | TD5 | Technically difficult using contour features, 'point' features. Used mostly by experienced under 18's and adults wanting short but challenging course | 2.5-5.0 km |
| Blue | TD5 | Technically difficult but a longer and more physically demanding course in comparison to green. The distances are more varied between controls | 5.0-7.5 km |
| Brown | TD5 | Physically demanding and technically difficult. For experienced adults only | 7.5-10.0 km |
CHOOSING A LOCAL AND DISTRICT EVENT
A youngster would be expected to start on either the White or Yellow courses, whilst an adult novice would begin with either the Yellow or Orange course depending on his or her confidence. A competitor's progression can then be made either towards longer courses with the navigation remaining relatively simple, or on to technically difficult courses up to the appropriate length for his or her fitness.
COLOUR CODED AWARDS
There is an award scheme associated with these courses. Colour coded awards are made for good performance at District Events.
A competitor qualifies for a Colour Coded Award by achieving the Colour Coded Standard for that colour course on three separate occasions. Pairs can qualify for Colour Coded Awards on the White, Yellow and Orange courses.
A White Colour Coded Standard is achieved by anyone who successfully completes the White course. The Colour Coded Standard for courses other than White is calculated using whichever of the following two methods gives the larger number of qualifiers:
- The time that is achieved by at least 50% of those who started the course, which includes those who retire or are disqualified. Each pair or group on Yellow and Orange courses (if any) should be treated as a single starter.
- 150% of the winner's time
OR
The Controller may extend the qualifying time if there are reasonable circumstances to do so, but may not reduce it. The Colour Coded Standard time for each course is usually calculated and displayed the final results.
How to claim your Colour Coded Award
To claim your Colour Coded Award you must achieve the Colour Coded Standard in three separate events.
The award is a sew-on badge with a background colour appropriate to the colour of the award made. These can be sewn onto O-tops and worn with pride, with the ultimate objective of collecting enough awards to put a Russian general to shame!
SMOC members can claim their awards by sending their details together with the details of the three qualifying events (event name, event date, and organising club) to the Membership Secretary.