Unit 4 – Media and Spectator Requirements

1. Unit 4 – Media and Spectator Requirements Unit purpose: To have the controller appreciate that an orienteering event is for everyone – from sponsors through to spectators – and to discuss the ways that an event should be organised to take account of that. Learning outcomes: The controller will be able to organise a Group A2 and/or Group B event to take account of the needs of competitors, spectators, sponsors and media. Content • Assembly areas • Finish layout • Spectator controls, course structure • Commentary • Results displays • Presentations • Team competitions C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

2. Assembly Area Focus of the entire event. Needs to meet the requirements of competitors, spectators, officials, sponsors and press. Consider: • Traffic flow – vehicles and people • Access for supplies, facilities, emergencies • Cables – electrics, PA • Adverse weather – heat, cold, rain, flood • Proximity to start(s), parking • “Atmosphere” C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

3. Finish position - 1 Have the Final Control and Finish Chute in the assembly field. Avoid very steep hills. Curves allow commentary to see runners both approaching and finishing. Consider spectators and club tents, flattish areas next to the Finish Chute are appreciated, a gradual downslope is ideal. Finish Chutes in the bottom of a narrow gully look good, but heavy rain may mean running in a stream. Avoid trip hazards. Make the Finish Line very clear. C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

4. Assembly Area C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

5. Finish Position - 2 Relays • Runners need to see approaching team members. • Avoid crashes. • Smooth handovers. • Clear location of Finish Line. • Consider separate finish lane for last legs. C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

6. Assembly Area C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

7. Spectator Controls Add significantly to spectator value. Increases visibility of courses to media and press. Better later on in the courses rather than earlier. Needs multiple access to terrain, can constrain course shapes. Need to be visible but protected from non runners. C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

8. Commentary Add significantly to spectator value. Increases visibility of courses to media and press. Runners need numbers. Critical: • Data • Location • Communications • Whole event, not just the commentators’ friends C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

9. Results Displays Results are why most people stay around at events. Displays need to be: • Strong and stable enough. • Quick and easy to update. • Updated regularly (every hour is too long!) • Clear and easy to read. Print result sets for press / prizegivings. C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

10. Presentations Climax of the event. May be climax of competitor’s year. Media opportunity, flags / banners / sponsors. Need to be to the point and well organised. Allow for photos away from the presentation. Loudspeaker or clear announcer. Good visibility for spectators. Consider separate presentations for juniors and/or vets with elites as a climax. C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements

11. Team Competitions Team managers / team members: More incentive to pass information on from early runners to later starters. More potential for protests. May need separate areas / shelter provided. Media interview areas? C2 course, Unit 4, Media and Spectator Requirements