Bulletin 3
WRC2015 Competition info
The rules
The competition follows the official IRF rules (1), complemented by additional guidance by the organizers. The rules are available for reading at the INFO board.
Additional obligatory rules
B5. No littering. The race area is partly in Urho Kekkonen national park (2) - all littering and leaving trash is strictly forbidden. There are no trash bins in the race area - therefore all trash and waste have to be carried back to the competition center. (Dictated by the rules of National park)
B7. The only orienteering equipment, which are allowed during the race, are a compass, a watch and the official competition map. The watch must not have GPS functions or be able to connect to a GPS device.
B8 and B12. All computers including smartphones and software/apps as well as help of support team are forbidden in route planning, the route planning must be done in designated competitor camping area. Only competitors are allowed to enter designated competitor camping area after 9.00 on Saturday.
B12. All outside help is strictly forbidden during the route planning and the race!
B13. Mobile phones and all performance monitors like GPS trackers (offline), heart rate monitors and other computer based devices have to be sealed in a bag provided by the organizers. The unbroken seal has to be presented when arriving to finish. A broken seal will cause penalty as stated in the rules.
Online GPS trackers, except the ones distributed by organizers, are strictly forbidden and the use of them will lead to the disqualification of the team.
B14. No caches. As an exception to official IRF rules, all caches are forbidden. This means you cannot drop packs, food or equipment temporarily (to pick up later) for even a short part of the course. Competitors must carry all the equipment all the time that they take from the competition center. (Dictated by the rules of National park)
To camping area competitors are allowed to leave and pick up equipment as they will. The obligatory equipment have to be carried all the time and they may not be left behind at any moment.
The official language
The competition language is English. English language will be used in all official documentation and all communication. All material in other languages are translations only and are not official.
The jury
The members of the race jury will be published in Bulletin 5 (7.8.2015) and on the official INFO-board.
The competition time
The official competition time is displayed in the race office.
The mobile phones
The mobile phone, mentioned in the equipment list, is a obligatory equipment but it is reserved for emergency use only. Mobile phones will be sealed by race officials before the start of the race and the sealed phones have to be presented with the seal unbroken after finishing the race.
The use of the phone during the race is strictly forbidden for any reason except emergencies. The mobile phone must be capable of operating in the Finnish mobile phone network. Competitors are liable to pay for all the costs caused by the phone calls.
The competition center
Competition center is located at Suomen Latu Kiilopää fjell center (3). Road directions (4) to the competition center start from road E75, about 250 km north of the city of Rovaniemi. Follow the WRC 2015 road signs.
Car Parking
Parking is located no more than 2 km from the competition center. Please follow the guidance given by the traffic controllers.
Camping area
Competitors and support teams can camp close to the competition center free of charge between Thursday 18.00 and Monday 12.00. The camping site is clearly marked, with drinking water and toilets available.
Before and after the race, the facilities of Kiilopää fjell center (5) are available (showers, sauna, indoor WC, cafe, restaurant). The cost for use of these facilities is not included in the competition entry fee.
Registration and handing out the race materials
Registration packs will be available for collection at the competition office on Friday between 12.00 – 22.00 and Saturday 6.00 – 9.00.
The registration pack contains: Race numbers, Safety pins, SI-cards, SI-card wrist band and other competition related materials.
We recommend that you register on Friday in order to avoid the last minute rush.
As part of the registration process, competitors will need to show an identity document that contains their date of birth, e.g. a passport or and identification card.
The team is then responsible for taking good care of the provided materials. In particular, the charge for a lost SI-card is 70 €.
The competition maps and control description sheets are handed out on Saturday at 9.00.
Obligatory equipment
Each competitor must have:
- The race number – provided by the organizers – must be worn visibly on the front. The advertisements must be visible.
- SI card – provided by the organizers – must be tied and sealed around competitor's wrist
- a whistle
- a hat (Buff, cap, beanie/woolly hat)
- spare undershirt/thermal (non-cotton)
- windproof jacket (this must be of competitor's own size; single use rain jackets or ponchos are not adequate)
Each team must have:
- a waterproof pen, marker or pencil
- a first aid kit. This must contain first aid gauze (pack or two rolls), band aid and 2 meters of at least 2 cm wide sports tape.
- emergency blanket (minimum size 200 cm x 130 cm, no cuts or tears)
- mobile phone *** (turned off, sealed in a bag provided by the organizers)
***a working mobile phone capable of calling to Finnish numbers and capable of receiving SMS in the competition area (check your roaming details and note the GSM standard) in a waterproof packaged.
Dark hours
The sun sets at 21.36 and rises at 04.55 but the twilight time will cut the real dark time close to 4 hours (22.54 - 03.33).
Note that the sun will stay close to the horizon for a long time, therefore the light conditions are sensitive for clouds.
The competition timetable
Tuesday, 30.6.2015
Training area with controls opens.
Wednesday, 19.8.2015
12:00 Closing of Competition Area. Competitors and assistants are not allowed to move in the terrain.
Thursday, 20.8.2015
18.00 Event center opens
18.00 Camping area opens
Friday, 21.8.2015
12.00 Race Office opens - registration
12.00 The official WRC 2015 opening ceremony
13.00 IRF Meeting at Kiilopää
22.00 Race Office closes
Saturday, 22.8.2015
6.00 Race Office opens
9.00 Distribution of maps
11.00 SI-card clearing and sealing to wrist opens.
11.00 Electronic device sealing and checking opens.
11.15 Entry to starting area opens, entry only with cleared SI cards
11.45 Entry to starting area closes
12.00 (at noon) Start of the competition
15.00 Hash House opens
Sunday, 23.8.2015
12.00 (at noon) Finish of the 24-hour competition
12.30 Finish closes
12.00 - 15.00 After Race Meal (The meal is provided inside the restaurant. Competitors must shower before entering the restaurant)
15.00 Prize Giving Ceremony
Monday, 24.8.2015
12.00 Camping area closes
14.00 Event center closes
The race area and embargoed area (training limitations)
A large part of the competition area is in Urho Kekkonen National park. You can find more information in Urho Kekkonen National park webpage (6).
All littering and leaving trash or other material to nature is strictly forbidden and can lead to disqualification.
The highest elevation of the competition area is round 550 meters above sea level and the lowest location is little below 200 meters.
Embargoed area (Training limitation) will be published in Bulletin 5 on 7.8.2015
Moving around in the competition area is completely free until Wednesday 19.8.2015, 12.00. After this only movement along the public roads (those drivable with normal car) is allowed. Moving on tracks, paths, hiking trails and through the terrain is forbidden. The embargoed area and the limitations relate to all competitors and any support team members. The embargoed area will be actively controlled by patrols.
The embargo does not include the training map area. Moving within training map's limits is open until the race starts.
Map
The map is based on Finnish ”Peruskartta” - Basic topographical map (7) – which is very good in quality.
Some checking based on latest information (spring 2014) is adopted into the map.
The competition map scale is 1:40 000 and contour vertical interval 5 m. Competition map symbols (8) are available from Maanmittauslaitos.
The map is printed on 51x65 cm weather resistant paper. Every team member will receive a personal map.
For further information please read message from course setter. (9)
The training map (10) is for sale in the competition office at price of 10 €. The training controls will have a marker at the correct location, but there will be no SI-controls. The training can be used at any time until the start of the race.
Using other maps or geological information from other sources during the route planning and the race is forbidden.
Control descriptions
The control descriptions are handed out on a separate A4-paper. Plastic covers are available on request. The control descriptions (11) are presented in IOF format and descriptions are in English.
Intention sheet
Each team must leave one additional map with their intended route to the starting area. The team number must be marked clearly on the back side of the map. Please fold the map so that only the back side with the team number is visible, when leaving the map. This will help us find particularly intention sheets/team numbers more easily. This system will replace the need for intention sheets at the controls and will be used only in case of emergency to help locate the teams.
Route
The route consists of approximately 70 controls. The minimum distance to complete the route through all controls is estimated at 160 km. As in any rogaine, the controls can be visited in any order.
Route planning
Route planning is only allowed in the competitor camping area. The camping area is natural forest with no buildings.
Before the maps are handed out the whole camping area will be emptied from people. After the maps are handed out, only competitors with race number are allowed to enter the camping area for route planning. Support team members are not allowed in the camping area during the route planning period.
The organizers reserve the right to control this restriction by looking inside the tents. The use of computers, programs, mobile phones or apps is not allowed for route planning. Competition maps must remain inside the camping area until teams move to the race start.
There are no shelters or tents provided by the organizers at the camping area. Every team is responsible for their shelter, tents and other weather protection.
The controls
The controls will be located on objects which can be clearly navigated to and which are visible from approximately 40 meters (1mm on the map)
Controls are marked with an orange-white flag and a reflector. There is also a SI-unit at each control, to register your visit.
Control flags are located at approximately 0,7 to 1,0 m height above the ground. The value of the control is indicated by the first number of the control (32 = 3 points, 86 = 8 points etc). Numbers are shown in the map and on the SPORTident unit at the control.
Control descriptions will be given on a separate sheet of paper in symbol format (as used by the International Orienteering Federation) and written in English. You can find the translations of the symbols (IOF Control Descriptions) (12) from your national orienteering federation. You will find a link to your national orienteering federation at www.orienteering.org (13)
When using the SPORTident punching system at each control, please wait for the beep- sound which confirms that the punching has recorded and everything is OK. At the controls closest to the Event Centre, there are several SPORTident-units at each control site, which can all be used.
A modell control with SI unit is on display at the competition centre.
Punching System
WRC 2015 competition uses the SPORTident timing system. A SPORTident-card must be 'cleared' before entering the starting area.
If you lose your SPORTident-card, it is possible to receive new one from the competition office, but you will lose all the points received to that point. The controls on the lost card can be re-visited and punched again by the whole team to gain the points.
SPORTident card fastening
Please make sure the band is tight enough. The card must be fastened in such a way that it is impossible to fall off or be removed without the use of scissors. Fastening will be checked at the starting area entrance.
You will lose your place in the queue, if you need to re-attach it.
Please secure the locking clip on the wrist band. A broken band may result in disqualification.
Sealing the electronic devices
Organizers will provide each team with one sealable plastic bags with the team number. All electronic devices have to be packed into this bag.
The bags will be sealed before the race start. Breaking the seal for any other reason than in an emergency, is forbidden and risks disqualification.
The plastic bag is not watertight. Every team is responsible for waterproofing their equipment.
Online GPS tracking
Organizers will issue online GPS tracking for around 100 teams. Tracked teams are picked based on their earlier competition success and other organizer interests. GPS devices will be attached to a team's equipment by organizers. A team with an online GPS tracking is responsible for the device during the race.
During the race, the real time GPS data is available only to organizers. After the race the GPS data will be published for everyone to see in the WRC2015 web page (14).
Competitors own online GPS trackers are forbidden. Offline trackers are allowed, but have to be sealed away.
Start
The start and finish are located close to the Kiilopää fjell center (15). Teams are responsible for clearing the SPORTident-card before entering starting area. There are SPORTident clear stations for this purpose, close to the entrance of starting area.
SPORTident cards must be attached to each competitor's wrist before entering the starting area.
Between the 'SI-Card clear' and 'SI-check' , the sealing of the electronic devices will be checked. Please help to make this process as quick as possible by keeping the sealed electronic equipment visible when checking in to the start area with your SI-card.
At the entry gate of the start area, each competitor MUST punch at SPORTident check unit. Competitors failing to punch at the check, will not be considered as started.
Visiting controls
All team members must stay together, i.e. within 20 metres from each other during the whole race. Team must punch within 120 seconds at every control they wish to gain points from. If the time between the punching of the team members is more than 120 seconds no points from that control will be recoded.
The activities of the teams are monitored during the event. Competitors are not allowed to rest within 100 meters of controls. Competitors are not allowed to spoil or damage controls or any other structures built by organizer.
If the SPORTident unit is not working at a control, there is a code letter marked on the punching unit below the control number. In this case team should write down that code letter and punching time into the reserve stamping box on the map.
Water and refreshment controls
During the race there will be no serviced drinking water sources on the competition area. All the drinking supplies during this race will be based on natural water only from springs, lakes or creeks.
Recommended locations for drinking water are shown in the map. If you have any concerns about water quality, you should carry water purification tablets.
Meals during the competition
During the event, competitors can eat and drink at the hash house tent. The hash house is open from Saturday 15.00 until Sunday 13.00. There will be drinks, snacks and small eats available during the hash house opening hours. More accurate menu information will be published in Bulletin 5 on 7.8.2015
Competitors are advised to bring with them sports drinks and nutrition for consumption during the race.
Competitors and supporters are not allowed to sleep or camp at the hash house. You must go to the camping area.
Food from hash house is intended to be eaten in the hash house. Competitors are not allowed to take food with them, because of hygiene rules.
First aid
Each team must have a first aid kit (see obligatory equipment). At the Competition Office there will be first aid equipment for injuries, but not to be handed out to teams.
In case of emergency
If your team faces an emergency during the competition, you must notify the organizers of the problem immediately if further assistance is required. If the emergency is life threatening, you must first call 112, Finnish official emergency number.
If it is less of an emergency, please call the organizers at +358 50 5979 392. There is a 24 hour service at this number. Please register this number on the mobile phone which you carry with you during the race.
You may call +358 50 5979 392 also if a checkpoint has been vandalized or you come across another technical problem along the course.
Each team must leave one additional map with the intended route in the start area. This map will replace the intention sheets in the controls and will be used only in case of emergency to locate the team.
The open shelters in the area, marked into the comptition map, can be used for rest and emergency evacuation if needed.
Showers
Showers and sauna are available after the race.
Meal after competition
After the race, a meal will be served on Sunday from 12.00 until 15.00 at the Kiilopää restaurant. It is free for competitors, with the ticket received at team registration. Competitors must shower before entering the restaurant.
Prize giving ceremony
Prize giving ceremony will be held at the competition center on Sunday at 15:00
Special rules for WRC2015
Competitors are not allowed to use competition shoes indoors
Weather
Despite the WRC being so far north, the weather conditions during the competition will be quite mild. Average temperatures for mid-August have been 15-20 C daytime and 5-10 C during the night. However in clear sunny weather the top temperature can be above 25 C. On the other hand freezing night temperatures can be possible.
As part of the competition area is open tundra on the fells, there will be little or no protection against the wind. You should ensure you bring clothing appropriate for these conditions.
Animals
Wolves and bears have been seen into National Park area, but it is unlikely that they will be seen during the competition. If that does happen, stay calm and back slowly away from the animals.
Mosquitoes and other insects may be present during the competition. It depends strictly on the weather. Most of those are harmless and some might cause allergic skin reactions to some people.
There are many reindeers kept in the competition area which must be left in peace. If possible pass the reindeer from upwind so they can smell you.
Close all gates after you if they were closed and leave gates open if they were open. If you need to cross a fence do not break anything! Go under a fence, do not climb!
Bulletin 4
Will be published at 14.7.2015
Fair Play spirit. May the best team win!
Kalke ry
Links:
(1) http://www.rogaining.com/attachments/article/300/IRF%20Rules%20of%20Rogaining%202015.pdf
(2) http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/urhokekkonennationalpark/Pages/Default.aspx
(3) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html
(4) http://kansalaisen.karttapaikka.fi/linkki?scale=80000&text=Road+directions+WRC+2015&srs=EPSG%3A3067&y=7580312&x=513703&lang=en
(5) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html
(6) http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/urhokekkonennationalpark/Pages/Default.aspx
(7) http://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/maps/map-products/printed-maps-and-prints/basic-map
(8) http://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/sites/default/files/legend_bm_2014.pdf
(9) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/message-from-course-setter.html
(10) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/training.html
(11) http://orienteering.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IOF-Control-Descriptions-2004.pdf
(12) http://orienteering.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IOF-Control-Descriptions-2004.pdf
(13) www.orienteering.org
(14) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/
(15) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html
WRC2015 Competition info
The rules
The competition follows the official IRF rules (1), complemented by additional guidance by the organizers. The rules are available for reading at the INFO board.
Additional obligatory rules
B5. No littering. The race area is partly in Urho Kekkonen national park (2) - all littering and leaving trash is strictly forbidden. There are no trash bins in the race area - therefore all trash and waste have to be carried back to the competition center. (Dictated by the rules of National park)
B7. The only orienteering equipment, which are allowed during the race, are a compass, a watch and the official competition map. The watch must not have GPS functions or be able to connect to a GPS device.
B8 and B12. All computers including smartphones and software/apps as well as help of support team are forbidden in route planning, the route planning must be done in designated competitor camping area. Only competitors are allowed to enter designated competitor camping area after 9.00 on Saturday.
B12. All outside help is strictly forbidden during the route planning and the race!
B13. Mobile phones and all performance monitors like GPS trackers (offline), heart rate monitors and other computer based devices have to be sealed in a bag provided by the organizers. The unbroken seal has to be presented when arriving to finish. A broken seal will cause penalty as stated in the rules.
Online GPS trackers, except the ones distributed by organizers, are strictly forbidden and the use of them will lead to the disqualification of the team.
B14. No caches. As an exception to official IRF rules, all caches are forbidden. This means you cannot drop packs, food or equipment temporarily (to pick up later) for even a short part of the course. Competitors must carry all the equipment all the time that they take from the competition center. (Dictated by the rules of National park)
To camping area competitors are allowed to leave and pick up equipment as they will. The obligatory equipment have to be carried all the time and they may not be left behind at any moment.
The official language
The competition language is English. English language will be used in all official documentation and all communication. All material in other languages are translations only and are not official.
The jury
The members of the race jury will be published in Bulletin 5 (7.8.2015) and on the official INFO-board.
The competition time
The official competition time is displayed in the race office.
The mobile phones
The mobile phone, mentioned in the equipment list, is a obligatory equipment but it is reserved for emergency use only. Mobile phones will be sealed by race officials before the start of the race and the sealed phones have to be presented with the seal unbroken after finishing the race.
The use of the phone during the race is strictly forbidden for any reason except emergencies. The mobile phone must be capable of operating in the Finnish mobile phone network. Competitors are liable to pay for all the costs caused by the phone calls.
The competition center
Competition center is located at Suomen Latu Kiilopää fjell center (3). Road directions (4) to the competition center start from road E75, about 250 km north of the city of Rovaniemi. Follow the WRC 2015 road signs.
Car Parking
Parking is located no more than 2 km from the competition center. Please follow the guidance given by the traffic controllers.
Camping area
Competitors and support teams can camp close to the competition center free of charge between Thursday 18.00 and Monday 12.00. The camping site is clearly marked, with drinking water and toilets available.
Before and after the race, the facilities of Kiilopää fjell center (5) are available (showers, sauna, indoor WC, cafe, restaurant). The cost for use of these facilities is not included in the competition entry fee.
Registration and handing out the race materials
Registration packs will be available for collection at the competition office on Friday between 12.00 – 22.00 and Saturday 6.00 – 9.00.
The registration pack contains: Race numbers, Safety pins, SI-cards, SI-card wrist band and other competition related materials.
We recommend that you register on Friday in order to avoid the last minute rush.
As part of the registration process, competitors will need to show an identity document that contains their date of birth, e.g. a passport or and identification card.
The team is then responsible for taking good care of the provided materials. In particular, the charge for a lost SI-card is 70 €.
The competition maps and control description sheets are handed out on Saturday at 9.00.
Obligatory equipment
Each competitor must have:
- The race number – provided by the organizers – must be worn visibly on the front. The advertisements must be visible.
- SI card – provided by the organizers – must be tied and sealed around competitor's wrist
- a whistle
- a hat (Buff, cap, beanie/woolly hat)
- spare undershirt/thermal (non-cotton)
- windproof jacket (this must be of competitor's own size; single use rain jackets or ponchos are not adequate)
Each team must have:
- a waterproof pen, marker or pencil
- a first aid kit. This must contain first aid gauze (pack or two rolls), band aid and 2 meters of at least 2 cm wide sports tape.
- emergency blanket (minimum size 200 cm x 130 cm, no cuts or tears)
- mobile phone *** (turned off, sealed in a bag provided by the organizers)
***a working mobile phone capable of calling to Finnish numbers and capable of receiving SMS in the competition area (check your roaming details and note the GSM standard) in a waterproof packaged.
Dark hours
The sun sets at 21.36 and rises at 04.55 but the twilight time will cut the real dark time close to 4 hours (22.54 - 03.33).
Note that the sun will stay close to the horizon for a long time, therefore the light conditions are sensitive for clouds.
The competition timetable
Tuesday, 30.6.2015
Training area with controls opens.
Wednesday, 19.8.2015
12:00 Closing of Competition Area. Competitors and assistants are not allowed to move in the terrain.
Thursday, 20.8.2015
18.00 Event center opens
18.00 Camping area opens
Friday, 21.8.2015
12.00 Race Office opens - registration
12.00 The official WRC 2015 opening ceremony
13.00 IRF Meeting at Kiilopää
22.00 Race Office closes
Saturday, 22.8.2015
6.00 Race Office opens
9.00 Distribution of maps
11.00 SI-card clearing and sealing to wrist opens.
11.00 Electronic device sealing and checking opens.
11.15 Entry to starting area opens, entry only with cleared SI cards
11.45 Entry to starting area closes
12.00 (at noon) Start of the competition
15.00 Hash House opens
Sunday, 23.8.2015
12.00 (at noon) Finish of the 24-hour competition
12.30 Finish closes
12.00 - 15.00 After Race Meal (The meal is provided inside the restaurant. Competitors must shower before entering the restaurant)
15.00 Prize Giving Ceremony
Monday, 24.8.2015
12.00 Camping area closes
14.00 Event center closes
The race area and embargoed area (training limitations)
A large part of the competition area is in Urho Kekkonen National park. You can find more information in Urho Kekkonen National park webpage (6).
All littering and leaving trash or other material to nature is strictly forbidden and can lead to disqualification.
The highest elevation of the competition area is round 550 meters above sea level and the lowest location is little below 200 meters.
Embargoed area (Training limitation) will be published in Bulletin 5 on 7.8.2015
Moving around in the competition area is completely free until Wednesday 19.8.2015, 12.00. After this only movement along the public roads (those drivable with normal car) is allowed. Moving on tracks, paths, hiking trails and through the terrain is forbidden. The embargoed area and the limitations relate to all competitors and any support team members. The embargoed area will be actively controlled by patrols.
The embargo does not include the training map area. Moving within training map's limits is open until the race starts.
Map
The map is based on Finnish ”Peruskartta” - Basic topographical map (7) – which is very good in quality.
Some checking based on latest information (spring 2014) is adopted into the map.
The competition map scale is 1:40 000 and contour vertical interval 5 m. Competition map symbols (8) are available from Maanmittauslaitos.
The map is printed on 51x65 cm weather resistant paper. Every team member will receive a personal map.
For further information please read message from course setter. (9)
The training map (10) is for sale in the competition office at price of 10 €. The training controls will have a marker at the correct location, but there will be no SI-controls. The training can be used at any time until the start of the race.
Using other maps or geological information from other sources during the route planning and the race is forbidden.
Control descriptions
The control descriptions are handed out on a separate A4-paper. Plastic covers are available on request. The control descriptions (11) are presented in IOF format and descriptions are in English.
Intention sheet
Each team must leave one additional map with their intended route to the starting area. The team number must be marked clearly on the back side of the map. Please fold the map so that only the back side with the team number is visible, when leaving the map. This will help us find particularly intention sheets/team numbers more easily. This system will replace the need for intention sheets at the controls and will be used only in case of emergency to help locate the teams.
Route
The route consists of approximately 70 controls. The minimum distance to complete the route through all controls is estimated at 160 km. As in any rogaine, the controls can be visited in any order.
Route planning
Route planning is only allowed in the competitor camping area. The camping area is natural forest with no buildings.
Before the maps are handed out the whole camping area will be emptied from people. After the maps are handed out, only competitors with race number are allowed to enter the camping area for route planning. Support team members are not allowed in the camping area during the route planning period.
The organizers reserve the right to control this restriction by looking inside the tents. The use of computers, programs, mobile phones or apps is not allowed for route planning. Competition maps must remain inside the camping area until teams move to the race start.
There are no shelters or tents provided by the organizers at the camping area. Every team is responsible for their shelter, tents and other weather protection.
The controls
The controls will be located on objects which can be clearly navigated to and which are visible from approximately 40 meters (1mm on the map)
Controls are marked with an orange-white flag and a reflector. There is also a SI-unit at each control, to register your visit.
Control flags are located at approximately 0,7 to 1,0 m height above the ground. The value of the control is indicated by the first number of the control (32 = 3 points, 86 = 8 points etc). Numbers are shown in the map and on the SPORTident unit at the control.
Control descriptions will be given on a separate sheet of paper in symbol format (as used by the International Orienteering Federation) and written in English. You can find the translations of the symbols (IOF Control Descriptions) (12) from your national orienteering federation. You will find a link to your national orienteering federation at www.orienteering.org (13)
When using the SPORTident punching system at each control, please wait for the beep- sound which confirms that the punching has recorded and everything is OK. At the controls closest to the Event Centre, there are several SPORTident-units at each control site, which can all be used.
A modell control with SI unit is on display at the competition centre.
Punching System
WRC 2015 competition uses the SPORTident timing system. A SPORTident-card must be 'cleared' before entering the starting area.
If you lose your SPORTident-card, it is possible to receive new one from the competition office, but you will lose all the points received to that point. The controls on the lost card can be re-visited and punched again by the whole team to gain the points.
SPORTident card fastening
Please make sure the band is tight enough. The card must be fastened in such a way that it is impossible to fall off or be removed without the use of scissors. Fastening will be checked at the starting area entrance.
You will lose your place in the queue, if you need to re-attach it.
Please secure the locking clip on the wrist band. A broken band may result in disqualification.
Sealing the electronic devices
Organizers will provide each team with one sealable plastic bags with the team number. All electronic devices have to be packed into this bag.
The bags will be sealed before the race start. Breaking the seal for any other reason than in an emergency, is forbidden and risks disqualification.
The plastic bag is not watertight. Every team is responsible for waterproofing their equipment.
Online GPS tracking
Organizers will issue online GPS tracking for around 100 teams. Tracked teams are picked based on their earlier competition success and other organizer interests. GPS devices will be attached to a team's equipment by organizers. A team with an online GPS tracking is responsible for the device during the race.
During the race, the real time GPS data is available only to organizers. After the race the GPS data will be published for everyone to see in the WRC2015 web page (14).
Competitors own online GPS trackers are forbidden. Offline trackers are allowed, but have to be sealed away.
Start
The start and finish are located close to the Kiilopää fjell center (15). Teams are responsible for clearing the SPORTident-card before entering starting area. There are SPORTident clear stations for this purpose, close to the entrance of starting area.
SPORTident cards must be attached to each competitor's wrist before entering the starting area.
Between the 'SI-Card clear' and 'SI-check' , the sealing of the electronic devices will be checked. Please help to make this process as quick as possible by keeping the sealed electronic equipment visible when checking in to the start area with your SI-card.
At the entry gate of the start area, each competitor MUST punch at SPORTident check unit. Competitors failing to punch at the check, will not be considered as started.
Visiting controls
All team members must stay together, i.e. within 20 metres from each other during the whole race. Team must punch within 120 seconds at every control they wish to gain points from. If the time between the punching of the team members is more than 120 seconds no points from that control will be recoded.
The activities of the teams are monitored during the event. Competitors are not allowed to rest within 100 meters of controls. Competitors are not allowed to spoil or damage controls or any other structures built by organizer.
If the SPORTident unit is not working at a control, there is a code letter marked on the punching unit below the control number. In this case team should write down that code letter and punching time into the reserve stamping box on the map.
Water and refreshment controls
During the race there will be no serviced drinking water sources on the competition area. All the drinking supplies during this race will be based on natural water only from springs, lakes or creeks.
Recommended locations for drinking water are shown in the map. If you have any concerns about water quality, you should carry water purification tablets.
Meals during the competition
During the event, competitors can eat and drink at the hash house tent. The hash house is open from Saturday 15.00 until Sunday 13.00. There will be drinks, snacks and small eats available during the hash house opening hours. More accurate menu information will be published in Bulletin 5 on 7.8.2015
Competitors are advised to bring with them sports drinks and nutrition for consumption during the race.
Competitors and supporters are not allowed to sleep or camp at the hash house. You must go to the camping area.
Food from hash house is intended to be eaten in the hash house. Competitors are not allowed to take food with them, because of hygiene rules.
First aid
Each team must have a first aid kit (see obligatory equipment). At the Competition Office there will be first aid equipment for injuries, but not to be handed out to teams.
In case of emergency
If your team faces an emergency during the competition, you must notify the organizers of the problem immediately if further assistance is required. If the emergency is life threatening, you must first call 112, Finnish official emergency number.
If it is less of an emergency, please call the organizers at +358 50 5979 392. There is a 24 hour service at this number. Please register this number on the mobile phone which you carry with you during the race.
You may call +358 50 5979 392 also if a checkpoint has been vandalized or you come across another technical problem along the course.
Each team must leave one additional map with the intended route in the start area. This map will replace the intention sheets in the controls and will be used only in case of emergency to locate the team.
The open shelters in the area, marked into the comptition map, can be used for rest and emergency evacuation if needed.
Showers
Showers and sauna are available after the race.
Meal after competition
After the race, a meal will be served on Sunday from 12.00 until 15.00 at the Kiilopää restaurant. It is free for competitors, with the ticket received at team registration. Competitors must shower before entering the restaurant.
Prize giving ceremony
Prize giving ceremony will be held at the competition center on Sunday at 15:00
Special rules for WRC2015
Competitors are not allowed to use competition shoes indoors
Weather
Despite the WRC being so far north, the weather conditions during the competition will be quite mild. Average temperatures for mid-August have been 15-20 C daytime and 5-10 C during the night. However in clear sunny weather the top temperature can be above 25 C. On the other hand freezing night temperatures can be possible.
As part of the competition area is open tundra on the fells, there will be little or no protection against the wind. You should ensure you bring clothing appropriate for these conditions.
Animals
Wolves and bears have been seen into National Park area, but it is unlikely that they will be seen during the competition. If that does happen, stay calm and back slowly away from the animals.
Mosquitoes and other insects may be present during the competition. It depends strictly on the weather. Most of those are harmless and some might cause allergic skin reactions to some people.
There are many reindeers kept in the competition area which must be left in peace. If possible pass the reindeer from upwind so they can smell you.
Close all gates after you if they were closed and leave gates open if they were open. If you need to cross a fence do not break anything! Go under a fence, do not climb!
Bulletin 4
Will be published at 14.7.2015
Fair Play spirit. May the best team win!
Kalke ry
Links:
(1) http://www.rogaining.com/attachments/article/300/IRF%20Rules%20of%20Rogaining%202015.pdf
(2) http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/urhokekkonennationalpark/Pages/Default.aspx
(3) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html
(4) http://kansalaisen.karttapaikka.fi/linkki?scale=80000&text=Road+directions+WRC+2015&srs=EPSG%3A3067&y=7580312&x=513703&lang=en
(5) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html
(6) http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/urhokekkonennationalpark/Pages/Default.aspx
(7) http://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/en/maps/map-products/printed-maps-and-prints/basic-map
(8) http://www.maanmittauslaitos.fi/sites/default/files/legend_bm_2014.pdf
(9) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/message-from-course-setter.html
(10) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/training.html
(11) http://orienteering.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IOF-Control-Descriptions-2004.pdf
(12) http://orienteering.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/IOF-Control-Descriptions-2004.pdf
(13) www.orienteering.org
(14) http://wrc2015.rogaining.fi/
(15) http://www.kiilopaa.fi/en/home.html