The South Central Orienteering Association (SCOA) is made of the clubs in the region covering Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, southern Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, South Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. SCOA pools the resources of the region’s clubs in order to provide coaching for juniors, training for officials, co‑ordinate fixtures, organise our largest events, and generally support orienteering within the region.
The following topics from last Thursday’s meeting may be of interest:-
Covid-19 and the return to orienteering
- So long as Government policy allows, British Orienteering has announced that orienteering can commence on Monday 29th March 2021
- Wessex have announced that they plan to hold a SW Orienteering League event at Rushmore Estate (Tollard Royal) on 11th April and TVOC will stage the Southern Championships at Hambledon (near Marlow) on 23rd May
- The Forestry Commission continues to restrict access to 30 competitors per event
Orienteering Foundation
The Orienteering Foundation, a charity that promotes and supports orienteering, is looking for an ambassador from the SCOA region. Further details can be found here. If you are interested, please contact Ian Moran.
Talent Squad (15-18 year olds)
Is to be split into three to cover Scotland, the North and South. It is hoped that this will also provide an opportunity to expand the squad.
Coaching
- Safeguarding - Coaches are now required to attend a safeguarding course. These are currently free up to the end of March, but there are limited spaces. The cost per course after 1st April is £16.99
- The overnight junior coaching session planned to take place at Burley, in conjunction with the November Classic will not take place this year due to the pandemic, but it is hoped that it will be possible to run the session in 2022.
JK Surplus
Both the TVOC and SOC bids for funding have been approved; well done Helen Wheelwright who was behind the SOC bid. The aim of the SOC bid is to encourage more juniors into the sport and offer a Hampshire youth league to motivate and encourage young people in the area to take part in orienteering. The funding will help support and recruit an addition level 2 coach with support from a further four people who will be on hand to help with schools development. The funding will also pay for some additional training equipment.
SCOA Committee
- The current chair of SCOA is due to stand down at this year’s AGM and a successor is required. A Treasurer is also needed. If anyone would like further information about either post, please contact Ian Moran