1. The Towers, Lismore May 2nd 2016
IOC Relays 2016
The Towers, Lismore
May 2nd 2016

2. Results Winning Time Recommended Time Open Premier 105:14 96:00
Women’s Open
118:37 H6
106:27
H12
105:30
H18
97:24
89:00
J48
65:03
68:00
J36
52:53
42:00

3. Overview of Non Finishers
Of the 170 starters there were 9 DNFs
4 np’s and 5 mp’s
Of the 2 np’s two retired early and two others missed the last control just before the finish
The 5 mp’s were at 5 different controls

4. Issues
Controls were placed at 2 similar features within 60m of each other on two separate occasions – single trees and knolls. There was one mis-punch at each set.
Verbal appeal made regarding one of these MPs. Appeal rejected. No further appeal was made for a jury to be formed.
SI unit and flag for a control (Tree), adjacent (15m?) the boundary earthwall of the wood, was placed on the boundary wall due to the very recent erection of an electric fence. Competitors were not told beforehand.

5. Further Issues!
One competitor strongly questioned the position of a ‘transition’ control (Veg Change corner).
Control descriptions fell short of IOF specifications

6. Significant Controlling Lapses
Controls on similar features less than 60m should not have happened. Controller at fault
The adjusted placement of control on earthwall boundary near the intended position should have been communicated to the relevant competitors

7. Recommendations
Mapping, permissions, planning, agreed courses should all be finalised at least 2 months before the competition
For a multi-day promotion at different locations the Planner, Organiser and Controller for each day should only be directly involved in competition day only
It helps if both Planner and Controller have the same version of Ocad – difficult to view Ocad 12 relay files in Ocad 9
To achieve the recommended leading team time of 96mins in the senior courses an individual winning time of 30min is suggested
Stick to randomising courses (as recommended in the IOA guidelines) unless very familiar with forking or gaffling
The 24 month embargo restricts the use of areas (Parks, etc) very suited to relay running – parking, assembly and pleasant terrain

8. Finally
Despite the technical errors a very enjoyable relay competition with an excellent atmosphere at assembly
Overall results did not seem to be significantly affected by any problems that arose
Great credit is due to the Wat O team for promoting a very demanding 4 day championship