Short Rogaine in Pairs: Written Plan and Points per Minute
A short pairs rogaine: with the full map, each pair writes a plan before starting and then compares what they planned with what actually happened. As in real rogaining, the first digit of a control number gives its value, and partners must stay together.
How to play
- Briefing: control values (control 34 is worth 30 points, 52 is worth 50), the rule to stay within voice contact, and the late penalty (4 min).
- Pair planning: on the planning sheet, write the control order, estimated time per leg, and the point where you'll decide whether to cut it short (8 min).
- 25-minute rogaine with a mass start; whistle at 20 minutes (25 min).
- Count points and penalties from the control card (3 min).
- Plan vs. reality: each pair marks where they strayed from the plan, why, and whether it was a good call (5 min).
Rules
- Both partners punch each control together: if only one arrives, it doesn't count.
- Stay within voice contact of your partner at all times.
- Late finishes cost 10 points per minute or part of a minute.
- Nobody leaves the marked boundary or crosses fences or out-of-bounds areas.
Variations
Easier
20 minutes and a plan with just the control order.
Standard
25 minutes with a full plan including time per leg.
Harder
30 minutes, more controls than anyone can reach, and the pair must re-plan midway on the move.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the pair works around a wheelchair user's pace, and high-value controls are placed on accessible ground.
- Injury: the pair walks and competes on points per minute, not total.
- Hearing impairment: the pair agrees on visual signals, and the time warning is a raised cone at the finish as well as the whistle.
Learning goals
- Design a route plan with time estimates.
- Make joint decisions and negotiate with a partner.
- Evaluate your own plan by comparing it with what happened.
Equipment for a class of 25
- school maps: 30
- control markers: 20
- crayons: 20
- control cards: 15
- planning sheets: 15
- pencils: 15
- stopwatches: 2
- whistle: 1
Teacher tip
Number controls in tens by value (21, 22… 41, 42…) and walk through two examples. The typical mistake is planning without time estimates; have them write minutes next to each leg, even rough ones.
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