Courses and Learning Opportunities
This page contains the full list of the wide range of outdoor, practical orienteering training courses we offer – there’s a course for everyone. If you are interested in training or help on a specific topic and it’s not listed below, please get in touch with Judy Bell, SOA Coaching and Volunteer Officer who would be happy to help.
Course Dates
There are provisional dates for some of the courses in the Upcoming Courses Calendar however many of these courses are run on request to suit demand. If the course you are interested in isn’t currently displayed in the Upcoming Courses Calendar either get in touch with Judy (Coaching and Volunteering Officer) or complete the form below to register interest in any course and we’ll get back in touch with you.
Courses
Courses for Event Officials
The organiser, planner and control are the key volunteers responsible for the safe and fair delivery of a competition. Scottish Orienteering offer a range of courses and workshops to support their development and encourage new volunteers to take on the role.
Event Organisers
Every orienteering event, no matter how big or small, requires an organiser to coordinate all the logistical, administrative, and safety elements of the event to ensure it runs smoothly. To support members taking on this role there are various courses available.
Organising Demystified
An introduction to organising and the roles and responsibilities of the organiser – designed to remove the stress of the unknown for new organisers.
| Course Content | To provide an introduction to organising a local event To discuss the roles of the organiser and tasks they need to consider before the event, during the event and after the event |
| Format | Group activities and discussion |
| Intended For | Anyone considering taking on a role of event organiser |
| Duration/Delivery | 3 hours Can be delivered as an in person workshop or 2 online evening sessions |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for all SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | None |
Organisers Workshop
An extension from “Organising Demystified” aimed at those who have organised local events before but are stepping up to regional and national events.
| Course Content | An introduction to organising regional and national events considering organisation of volunteers and regulations for larger events. |
| Format | Group activities and discussion |
| Intended For | Anyone considering taking on a role of event organiser |
| Duration/Delivery | Can be delivered as an in person workshop or online evening sessions |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for all SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | None |
Planners
The course planner designs and sets the navigational challenges. Workshops are offered to assist new planners to create fair, safe, and engaging courses tailored to different age groups and skill levels using course planning software. Additional workshops on specific aspects of planning can also be arranged on request.
Planners Workshop
A series of interactive workshops designed to introduce the orienteering step system and the issues to consider when planning courses at different technical difficulties.
| Course Content | An introduction to event roles and the role of the planner; planning aims, rules and standards; common problems and practicalities |
| Format | Tutor led workshops with practical activities |
| Intended For | People with orienteering experience, who have little or no experience of course planning |
| Duration/Delivery | 3 online sessions delivered by experienced planners |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | Experience of participating in orienteering. Adequate knowledge of course planning software. |
Condes Workshop
An introduction to using Condes Course Planning Software.
| Course Content | All the basics of how to use Condes, plus the main things you need to know in order to produce a full event file. |
| Format | Tutor led workshops with practical activities OR self-pace tutorial using downloadable document |
| Intended For | Orienteers with an understanding of how to plan courses |
| Duration/Delivery | Can be delivered as a tutor led online or in-person workshop 2-4 hours; tutor led OR self-pace tutorial using downloadable document |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | Knowledge of how to plan courses, competence on computer. Condes software needs to be installed – it only works on Windows, not on Apple machines. |
Advanced Condes Workshop
A peer led workshop for the user of Condes Course Planning Software who wants to extend their skills, or share their knowledge, on using Condes for more challenging scenarios such as relays or events with multiple map files or scales.
| Course Content | Advanced techniques with topics including gaffling for relays, making alterations to the map for coaching activities, using multiple maps and/or multiple scales. Topics can be influenced by participants needs |
| Format | Peer led workshop |
| Intended For | Anyone with a good level of familiarity with course planning and with Condes |
| Duration/Delivery | Online or in-person workshop 2-4 hour |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | Good level of familiarity with basic use of Condes. Participants will also be encouraged to share their own expertise. |
Controllers
It is the role of a controller to act as an independent quality consultant and safety officer who represents the interests of the competitors to ensure the competition is fair, safe, and run to the required standards. To become recognised as licensed controller by British Orienteering there are various requirements which must be met. This includes completing an appropriate training course.
Grade C Controllers
This course provides a practical introduction to controlling with lots of discussion and support and provides a great introduction to the role. Controlling is an incredibly important but satisfying role – helping to ensure the competitor gets the best experience possible and being part of the team delivering great events. There is also the enjoyment of time in the forest with no competition pressure. Thinking about routes, control sites, map quality whilst appreciating the compromises will also help further develop your own orienteering skills.
| Course Content | Roles of event officials particularly the role of controller, application of BOF Rules, technical & inter-personal aspects, practical exercises |
| Format | Discussions and practical excercises |
| Intended For | Experienced orienteers wishing to become qualified as a Controller |
| Duration/Delivery | 1 day in person course |
| Assessment | Assessed through participation and written application |
| Cost | £20-25 per person, which is usually paid by the club |
| Pre-Requisites | Experience of organising and planning can be completed before or after attendance at this training; applicants must be at least 18 years of age, though because of the people management aspects of the role we recommend that candidates should be at least 25 years of age. |
The course is the first stage towards becoming a Grade C controller. In addition to attending the course, the requirements for obtaining the Grace C controller license are:
- Have organised a competition registered with British Orienteering within the previous 10 years.
- Have planned a minimum of 3 events, with at least one at Level C, and at least one within the previous 5 years.
- Completion of an Event Safety & Welfare Workshop.
- Be appointed to the Grade by Scottish Orienteering
Grade B Controllers
For Level C Controllers looking to upgrade their skills to face the challenges of controlling at Level B events
| Course Content | Update & refresher of Rules, consideration of additional factors involved in Level B events |
| Format | Discussions and practical excercises |
| Intended For | People with experience as a Grade C Controller |
| Duration/Delivery | 1 day in person course (6 hours) |
| Assessment | Assessed through participation and written application |
| Cost | £20-25 per person, which is usually paid by the club |
| Pre-Requisites | Recent experience as Grade C Controller |
The course is the first stage towards becoming a Grade B controller. In addition to attending the course, the requirements for obtaining the Grace B controller license are:
- Successfully controlled a minimum of 2 events at Level C within the previous 8 years (one within 4 years).
- Successfully planned or co-planned at least one event at Level B within the previous 10 years.
- Successfully organised or co-organised at least one event at Level C within the previous 10 years.
- Completed a British Orienteering Controller Grade B course.
- Be appointed to the Grade by Scottish Orienteering.
Safety and Welfare
As discussed in the Safeguarding, Protection & Welfare pages the Scottish Orienteering community wants everyone to stay safe, feel welcome and have fun while taking part in orienteering. Courses are available to help support this.
Child Welfare and Protection in Sport
All adults in regulated work, delivering or leading sporting activities for children and young people are required to undertake this course. The training will provide you with the appropriate knowledge of child wellbeing and protection to identify and respond to concerns that may arise in your role working with children and young people.
These courses are offered by a range of Sports National Governing bodies and links to apply for the courses are given below. Scottish Orienteering can facilitate and organise a course if there is a significant need.
| Delivery | The course is delivered as 2 modules: Module 1: eLearning module introduces you to the basic theory, knowledge and practice which underpins child wellbeing and protection in sport. On average it should take up to one hour (longer for some people) to complete the module and you MUST complete this module before attending Module 2. Module 2: A 3 hour face-to-face training course (either face to face or online) lead by one of sportscotland’s approved tutors. Learners must complete both modules to gain the qualification and receive their certificate. |
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| Further Information | Sport Scotland Information on Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport Training (CWPS) | ||||
| Cost | £20 | ||||
| List of Available Courses | Sport Scotland Wellbeing and Protection in Sport Course listings | ||||
| Intended for | All coaches, club members and committee members involved in any way with children and vulnerable people | ||||
| Format | eLearning self study module followed by 3 hour workshop. The workshops are normally delivered online and participants must have camera and speakers on. | ||||
This qualification must be renewed every 3 years. If your qualification is about to expire, and you haven’t previously renewed it, you can go through the Sport Scotland CWPS Renewal Award. This provides an opportunity to advance your learning in CWPS, by giving access to renewal modules in various topics. Instead of just repeating CWPS training after 3 years (i.e completing module 1 & 2), the learner can renew their certificate for another 3 years by completing a series of eLearning. This learning is then valid for another 3 years and it is only then that the learner must complete the whole CWPS training again.
To achieve the Renewal award, learners must complete Module 1 of CWPS plus two other modules of their choice. This equates to approximately 3 hours of learning and should be completed within 3 months of their CWPS training expiring.
The topics covered in the renewal award are:
- Child mental health and wellbeing
- Safeguarding in a digital world
- Common issues in safeguarding (scenario learning)
- Introduction to inclusive practice
Full details about the Renewal Award and how to self register for it are available at the Sport Scotland Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport Renewal Award
Note that 3 years after the renewal process you must retake the full CWPS course.
Event Safety Workshop
An essential course for everyone involved with planning and organising events and coaching activities, providing an overview of safety requirements and issues that may arise and consider the mitigation and management of risks.
| Course Content | To provide anyone involved with planning and organising events or coaching activities with an overview of safety requirements and issues that may arise in staging an orienteering event/activity. To explain risk management and means of controlling risks at acceptable levels To inform participants of the relevant British Orienteering procedures and documents and their whereabouts. |
| Format | Group activities and discussion |
| Intended For | All Event Officials (Controller, Planner, Organiser) and all coaches |
| Duration/Delivery | 3 hours Can be delivered as an in person workshop or an online evening session |
| Assessment | None |
| Cost | Free for all SOA Members |
| Pre-Requisites | None |
First Aid Courses
Scottish Orienteering can help facilitate the organisation of First Aid Courses for clubs or groups of individuals looking to undertake appropriate First Aid Qualifications. Please contact us for details.
Courses for Young Members
You’re never too young to start getting involved with planning, organising and coaching!
Scottish Orienteering Young Leader
A highly practical one day course for young people aged 14 – 17 who want to assist qualified coaches or teachers in providing orienteering within a school, youth organisation or club environment.
The training will provide the skills and awareness to assist a suitably qualified adult working in a safe, enclosed area
| Course Content | Introduction to the basic skills of orienteering Games and activities to teach and develop skills Practical coaching tips and skills |
| Intended for | Young people aged 14-17 who want to be able to assist at school or club sessions |
| Delivery | One day, tutor led practical workshop |
| Assessment | Not assessed |
| Cost | Free to SOA members |
Young Planners Workshops
A practical introduction to planning courses for juniors who are interested in planning their first courses
| Course Content | A series of workshops for juniors who have no planning experience or have just started to do some planning and want to know more. Workshop 1: Optional Condes/Purple Pen workshop to ensure that learners are familiar with the basics of using either Condes or Purple Pen. Workshop 2: Introduction to the role of the planner. Fun orienteering courses, planning TD 1 and 2 courses Workshop 3: Extending to TD 3 courses. Common mistakes and learning from others There will be a planning exercise to complete between each workshop date. |
| Intended for | Young people who want to take their first steps in planning. |
| Delivery | 3 online sessions each of 1.5 hours |
| Assessment | Not assessed |
| Cost | Free to SOA members |
Courses to Improve your Orienteering Skills
Scottish Orienteering offers courses for complete beginners to introduce them to the sport. Individual clubs generally provide coaching opportunities for their members to improve their skills but please contact us if you would like to find out more about tailored courses for improvers.
Learn to Orienteer
A one day workshop for complete beginners to orienteering to gain the skills and confidence to navigate with a map. It is aimed at people with no prior knowledge – just a sense of adventure! The physical activity is at the level you choose and no special equipment is required.
The course will provide you will the skills and experience to
- Understand an orienteering map
- Techniques to navigate a course on a map
- Basic compass skills
Courses have previously been run in Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen and more dates/locations will be published shortly. Sign up for these courses is usually via Eventbrite
Improve Your Orienteering
Courses can be arranged for orienteers seeking to improve their skills and tailored to their needs. These would generally be full day or weekend courses. The sessions would be run by qualified, licensed coaches and cost would depend on the numbers interested in participating.
Learning to Teach Orienteering in Schools/Clubs
Introducing Orienteering
The Introducing Orienteering course equips you with the skills and confidence to deliver orienteering. Designed for teachers, outdoor educators, youth leaders or anyone working with young people, this practical course enables you to provide engaging orienteering sessions in both indoor and outdoor settings.
| Course Outcomes | By the end of the course you will: • understand what orienteering is, and how to introduce and use the basic skills • understand how to build progression into your programme • appreciate how to link orienteering with your working environment • have experience of setting up and leading games, activities and orienteering courses • know how to access further competitions, information and support |
| Format | A practical day of hands-on day of activities, games and exercises |
| Intended For | Designed for teachers, outdoor educators, youth leaders or anyone working with young people No prior experience of orienteering required |
| Duration/Delivery | 1 day in person course (6 hours) or can be delivered as 2 sessions each of 3 hours. Can be delivered at a venue of your choice |
| Resources | Comprehensive set of ready-to-use resources for every learner |
| Cost | Course costs £225 for up to 10 learners |