Scottish Orienteering relies on the skills of the volunteer members to plan the courses we all enjoy participating in. More planners = healthy options for clubs. Join the movement.

Following the First Minister’s announcement last Thursday we felt it was important to clarify that ‘organised sport’ is exempt from the new 6 people from 2 households guidelines which came into effect on Monday 14th September. Therefore we have been given approval from sportscotland to continue with our SOA Guidelines published on 26th August which permit local and regional events as well as club activities.

Today we launch an important support service for those affected and effected by the Covid pandemic. We recognise the impact the virus can have on our social connectedness and want to form a support network within orienteering for those that may wish to share, learn and gain support. If you have experienced Covid and are struggling with the long term impacts, please do get in touch with our volunteer-led SOA Support Network (support@scottish-orienteering.org )

Ahead of our EGM on Friday 25th September we are publishing our 2019 Audited Accounts. On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank Ben Hartman our Finance Director for his time and expertise and extend our thanks Brian Miller, our Independent Auditor.

Great news! We can now process PVG online application forms for new members to join the scheme and for existing members to update their records. We hope this simplifies the process for volunteers within orienteering to become PVG Scheme members and ensure we safeguard our sport.

The Board of Directors wishes Stephen Moffatt all the best as he takes on a new professional role. Stephen has been a valued member of the Board bringing his experience from British Triathlon and sharing his learning. We are now actively seeking a new Director of Welfare to ensure orienteering is a safe, welcoming and inclusive sport for all.

We welcome expressions of interest from our members or from outwith the sport to bring an alternative perspective and experience to the role of Director of Welfare.

Last week we welcomed back Fran Britain from furlough. Fran has returned to her as administrator for the SOA one day a week at the moment and will focus on communicating with our new members who have joined SOA during lockdown.

Resources Now Available and Feedback Sought!

In response to a demand from clubs, the SOA staff team has been pulling together a range of resources to help support clubs with their operational activities. The resulting Club Toolkit is now available here.

While orienteering is permitted to resume events and club activities, many sports are still awaiting the opportunity to fully re-start. As a member of the Scottish Sports Governing Bodies Forum, we share this collective message from the sport sector.

Ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections, Scottish Orienteering supports the draft ‘Manifesto for the Outdoors’ alongside several of the most influential voices in Scottish outdoor recreation.