Course Controller: Check Another Team's Course

Each group acts as controller, the official who checks the course setter's work at a meet: they get a course with three hidden errors, check it on paper and on the ground, and write a report. It builds critical analysis of a course and respectful communication.

How to play

1. Explain the role and the checklist: control where the map says, unique codes, correct numbering, minimum distance between controls, safe legs (5 min).
2. Paper check of the course received (7 min).
3. Field check on foot, control by control (12 min).
4. Report and corrections on the map with a marker (6 min).
5. Each group takes one minute to present the errors found and how they'd fix them (5 min).

Rules

• Check on foot without moving markers; corrections go on the map.
• Describe each error with facts: what, where and why it's a problem.
• Nobody enters off-limits areas to check a leg.
• The group stays together.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: check on paper and rate the accessibility of each leg with the group.
• Autistic students: the code-checking role with the checklist, a concrete, orderly task.
• Students with reading difficulties: a checklist with icons.

Learning goals

• Analyze a course using objective criteria.
• Communicate errors respectfully and usefully.
• Understand what makes a course fair and safe.

Equipment for a class of 25

• schoolyard maps: 8
• orienteering markers: 24
• checklists: 8
• markers: 8

Teacher tip

Works best after a course-setting lesson. Prepare four courses with different errors (shifted control, repeated code, a leg through an off-limits area, two controls two meters apart) and make copies.

More main activities for High School