We tend to all have our aims when we enter events – we can’t all win, but often have aims like beating a clubmate or rival, finishing in less than a certain time, doing better than last time or simply just having fun in the outdoors. Preparing before the event and looking at how you performed after the event can help you to take stock and make it easier to reach goals in the future.
Scottish Orienteering are offering 2 free workshops to support participants attending the Scottish Orienteering Championships. The first will be held before the event to help you prepare and the second after the event to help you to objectively analyse how you performed.
Congratulations to Morag McLuckie (Moravian Orienteering Club) and Katja Neumann (MAR Orienteering Club) who have both successfully completed the Scottish Certification in Coaching Orienteering (SCCO) Lead Coach qualification. They are the first candidates to successfully complete this new course which is the advanced level of the Scottish Orienteering Coach Education Pathway. Both agree that it was an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience, if a little demanding! We are delighted to have them as part of the Scottish Orienteering team of coaches and look forward to hearing more about their coaching experiences.
This in-person Event Safety and Welfare (ESW) workshop is aimed at all who orienteer – whether you are a coach, a competitor, an event official (planner or organiser) or helper. It is a suitable refresher for those who have attended the course before – there are some new materials!
Delivered in person in South West Scotland in late May, this 2.5 hour workshop will cover event safety and is a prerequisite for all event officials with SOA/BOF events and licenced coaches. We will firm up on a date/venue once we know how many people wish to attend and their availability.
This workshop is free to Scottish members.
Please complete the registration form asap – the sooner we know who needs to do it and their availability, the easier it is for us to schedule.
The next coach CPD session is being held online. Dave Ellis, Orienteering Coach, UK Athletics Endurance Coach who has coached at Commonwealth Games and Olympics will look at aspects of physical preparation for orienteering including strength and conditioning. It will look at the different needs of the young orienteer, performance orienteer and older orienteer and consider what a year round training programme might look like. . Please register using the Google Form by Monday 10th Feb if you would like to attend.
A day for coaches to get together to learn from each other facilitated by our Coach Education Team.
In line with SOA strategy to provide lifelong pathways for members in the sport, the theme of this day will be bringing on youngsters at TD3 and 4 . Please bring along your ideas and an open mind to try out those of others.
The day will run from 10 am – 4 pm with a mixture of discussion and outdoor activities. Detailed joining instructions will be sent out nearer the time.
This training is free of charge. Please fill out the Google form if you wish to attend or email Suzanne with any questions.
As you all look forward to 2026 and consider what new skills you would like to develop over the year ahead, we have drawn together a list of the current coaching and volunteer training opportunities for the year ahead. To avoid disappointment, get them in your diary now!
A course combining theory and practical for juniors with some knowledge of orienteering (TD3 standard ), who are interested in helping with coaching in a club, squad, camp or school setting. This course is a fun and sociable introduction to aspects of coaching and is in 2 parts:
1.5 hours online (one evening during the week before the practical day)
A fun practical day (10am – 4pm) on Sunday 26th April 2026.
You are required to attend both parts to complete the course.
Cost:
The training is provided free of charge but you will be required to commit to a period of mentored volunteering.
Course Content:
Discussion around what to coach and how to coach orienteering; practical self and peer evaluated exercises.
Pre-requisites:
Competent orienteers at least at TD3; M/W14+
OTHER NOTES:
This course counts as a pre-requisite for the SCCO Level 5 Club Coach course.
MORE DETAIL:
This course will be held in Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore
Club coaching is a great way to introduce new participants to the sport we love or support existing members to be the best they can. Clubs are always seeking new coaches so if you have time to spare and expertise to share then come on a coaching course and find out how to get involved – it’s easier that you think!
Eight adult beginners braved some very wet and wild conditions at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, on 25th October for a Scottish Orienteering adult coaching day designed to build confidence and skills for newcomers to the sport.
The session was organised by the SOA, planned and led by Katja Neumann (MAROC) and assisted on the day by Fiona McDonald (GRAMP).Among the eight participants were two AUOC (Aberdeen University Orienteering Club) members, who were fully funded to attend as part of ongoing efforts to support student engagement in orienteering.
A Scottish Coaching Certificate in Orienteering fully accredited by the SQA, this course blends theory and practical providing the knowledge and skills to run single sessions within a framework set up by a more experienced coach.
INTENDED FOR:
Active Foundation level coaches or Young Coach Assistants interested in furthering their experience to gain a licenced coaching qualification.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Delivered mainly online over a 5 – 6 week period, this course comprises:
Four online, tutor led, interactive sessions online of 1.5 hrs each.
Exact day will be decided in consultation with learners to take other commitments into consideration.
1 full day in person practical which includes the assessment
The assessment may be split over 2 days in the winter due to lack of daylight or split into a North and South day
The first online session will be w/b 26th January 2026. All pre-course work will need to be completed prior to this date.
The pre-course work will be sent out before Christmas giving the learner a good amount of time to complete the work.
ASSESSMENT:
Written tasks and observation of practical coaching sessions by a qualified assessor. The practical assessment will take place over the weekend of 7th/8th March 2026
COURSE OUTLINE:
The focus of the Level 5: Club Coach is the single session usually progressing a skill within the session. Building on the basic skills and knowledge covered in Coaching Foundation, the course includes the theory of what and how to coach, practical exercise planning and delivery including risk management and developing yourself as a coach.
PRE-REQUISITES:
Attendance at Coaching Foundation course
Aged 17 or over
Evidence of competence at orienteering at TD4 or above
Current member of British Orienteering for insurance purposes
COST:
£170 per person, £200 non-members. sportscotland funding is now administered through SOA and may cover part of your course fee depending on your circumstances. Please consult your club treasurer if you are expecting your club to pay your fee.
