Coaching Qualifications
 
Safeguarding – Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sports (CWPS)

The 1st January saw the launch of Lochaber 2021 with entries coming in from across the UK with those keen to take advantage of the early entry prices. This year more than ever we look forward to welcoming you to a spectacular part of the country and we are excited to be able to offer excellent programme of orienteering events between 1st and 7th August. More details about Lochaber 2021 are available on the Scottish 6 Days website. Get excited and get planning your trip for the 23rd Scottish 6 Days multi-day holiday event. It promises to be a highlight in the orienteering calendar this year!

We are excited to be advertising for the position of Regional Development Officer with a remit to support clubs, partnerships and projects in the East Region. The RDO role is crucial to our ongoing commitment to the development of clubs, support of volunteers within the sport and to increase the profile of orienteering. The RDO will work within our highly committed staff team, working in collaboration and partnership to achieve our development objectives.

The position of Director of Welfare is crucial to our ongoing development as an organisation and as a sport. The Director position will oversee the implementation of the SOA’s equality, diversity and safeguarding policies, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer who is the Lead Safeguarding Officer for the organisation. They will look to advance our practises and research in these areas. 

In light of the First Minister’s announcement that mainland Scotland has been placed in extended Level 4 ‘stay at home’ restrictions we are required to publish new guidance to reflect these significant changes effective from 8th January 2021.

Orienteering in Level 4 – Stay at Home: All club organised activities, coaching and events have been suspended until further notice.

Travel restrictions: To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. When taking part in sport, exercise or recreation participants should at all times follow Scottish Government ‘stay at home’ guidance.

Meeting other people: A maximum of 2 people from up to 2 separate households (12 years or over) can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or recreation purposes if 2m physical distancing is maintained, before, during and after the activity.

Members are still permitted to enjoy orienteering as part of their daily exercise and we encourage the use of permanent courses and MapRunF*.

We recognise this winter ‘lockdown’ is likely to have a significant impact on our clubs and members, please make sure you keep connected and do reach out for support if you require it.

You can download the guidance in PDF format below:

In light of Scottish Government’s announcement that the Scottish mainland will move to level 4 on 26th December for a period of 3 weeks. The SOA guidance published on the 7th December remains in place however the SOA have today published a clarification on the orienteering events and activities permitted in level 4.

We ask all members and clubs to comply with Scottish Government guidelines at all times, ensure they know the travel restrictions in place and follow SOA guidance set out to allow orienteering to continue. We are fortunate that orienteering in many forms is permitted in level 4, please stay local, stay active and stay safe this festive season. We must protect the reputation of the sport and also respect everyone enjoying the outdoor spaces available.

While we recognise that orienteering does not stop over the festive season, the Scottish Orienteering ‘office’ will be shut between 22nd December and 5th January with most of the staff using annual leave to extend their holiday after a busy year.

A note to all clubs and members to say that the SOA guidance published on 7th December will remain in place until 5th January.

As we come to the final few weeks of 2020 and we begin to reflect on all that has been achieved we again extend our sincere thanks to the countless hours of volunteers up and down the country who have made orienteering possible during the most challenging of years.

One of our core volunteers has been our President, Richard Oxlade. Due to other commitments, including his role to stage a successful Lochaber 2021 with the Scottish 6Day Company Richard has tendered his resignation for the position of President. We need some volunteers to step forward to allow us to continue to progress towards our ambitions as a SGB. We seek individuals with enthusiasm to see the sport succeed to please consider coming to work directly with the SOA to deliver on our ambitions in 2021 and beyond as we look ahead to WOC2024.

The Jim Doig Medal 2019 for meritrious performance by a Scottish junior orienteer has been awarded to Megan Keith.

The Scottish Orienteering 6-Day Event Company are pleased to announce that the new website www.scottish6days.com is now live!  Plus, there is more good news afoot! Lochaber 2021 to be hosted 1st-7th August will be the 23rd staging of the hugely popular Scottish 6 Days. Bring in the New Year by getting your entries into this fantastic event. Entries open on 1st January 2021!!!