| 2008-08-21 | The IRF rogaining rules, in particular the rule B16 prescribe that there shall be an intention sheet at each checkpoint, which teams must fill in, indicating where they are heading. However, at the 8WRC we will not use intention sheets, and the rule B16 is applied in amended version, as described in Bulletins No2 and 3.
At the same time, we ask teams to submit their route plan, indicating their intended course.
This is not our 'local invention'. Route plans are a rather common requirement at international rogaines. For example, route plans were required at the 2007 Australian Rogaining Championships and 2005 North American Rogaining Championships, just to give some concrete examples.
Route plans serve some purpose. Firstly, in case of a team missing, the organizers have at least a rough idea in which corner of the terrain to start searching. (We hope this will not be necessary!) Secondly, we will get some idea, which water stations will be most visited, in order to supply more water during the event, if necessary.
Of course, we realize quite well that intented plans will seldom be 100% fulfilled and quite often teams adjust (or have to adjust) their plans during the event. But this does not render route plans useless. (After the race, it could be quite interesting to compare the route plans with the actual routes, to see how optimistic teams were about their performance!)
Finally, I shall assure you that the organizers are bound to comply with the IRF rule C12, which stipulates that during the event, the organisers shall not release any information relating to the route chosen by any team.
Best wishes,
Lauri Leppik |
