Latest ONSW News
As you are all aware there is a gradual loosening of restrictions in NSW occurring: notably from this Friday groups of 10 outdoors will able to gather subject to maintaining social distancing.
We expect this is a first step and restrictions will further relax as time goes on.
At ONSW we are taking the following steps:
- Monitoring the situation for possible timing to reopen,
- For the moment we have stopped postponing or cancelling events beyond June 7. Clubs may still propose new events, or postpone or cancel existing events. We would encourage clubs to plan for success, meaning for events that are still scheduled in Eventor to plan such that they can proceed.(course setting, gaining access etc)
- We have a Working Group considering practical considerations for how to run events and training sessions in a COVID-19 world. It is aiming to issue updated guidance this week.
- Our office staff are at work and in good spirits. They are now working on special projects. All of these have interaction with clubs and members. Many of the initiatives on coaching, learning and grants should be very beneficial for clubs.
- The AGM will be held at 8.00 pm on Saturday 6th June by Zoom. It is essential that clubs and members register their interest to attend with Robert Spry including email address as we need to send Zoom invitations. We are seeking new Board members at this meeting so please nominate.
While much of this is a holding statement, it is our expectation that local events will shortly become viable in NSW and we are putting steps in place that will allow us to do this as soon as possible. We hope you are all keeping well and look forward to the restart.
The ONSW board also encourages orienteers to download the COVIDsafe app. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a press conference on April 29: "I stress again, if we want to get back to sport, then we need to download the app. It's not a mandatory requirement, but it's common sense, and Australians want to see that happen."
Orienteering NSW will hold its 2020 Annual General Meeting at 8pm on Saturday June 6, via ZOOM videoconferencing.
Orienteering Australia is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people or organisations for the provision of two school orienteering kits (one primary and one secondary) for use across the country.
The successful individual or organisation should have the experience, quality assurance and systems to ensure the kit, including proposed programs and resource materials are designed, ordered, manufactured, and delivered to the highest possible standard.
A critical element of this project is to ensure the kit reflects Orienteering Australia’s brand, that it meets the needs of all state associations, and becomes the national program for delivery by all state coaches and teachers (while also meeting health, safety and practical requirements).
All relevant application information is contained in the document links below:
The deadline for the EOI is Thu May 22.
If you have any questions or for further information, please contact Russell Blatchford via
Members have until Thursday to complete a special survey on coaching that will help OA update and revise the coaching syllabi at all levels.
OA’s Coaching Development Manager, Russell Blatchford, is seeking feedback from all orienteers aged 16+ years, on various aspects of the current coaching material content and the coaching accreditation process.
Russell is especially keen to receive responses from Orienteering Australia’s younger members (16 ~ 25).
The current coaching syllabi for levels 1-3 were last reviewed in 2017, but the style and accessibility of the material was not improved at that time. It has also been observed that the syllabus of all levels is focused exclusively on orienteering technique, when there are several other critical components of the FTEM Pathway that now need to be included.
One lucky respondent will WIN either:
- Free entry to the 2020 Australian National Long, Middle & Sprint Distance Championships (value $130), or
- Free entry to the 2021 Australian 3 Days (value $135), or
- Free entry to the 2020 NSW Xmas 5 Days (estimated value $125).
(or 2021 equivalent depending upon the status of the OA Calendar as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic)
Another five survey respondents will also win a voucher for NSW O Gear, thanks to Peter Shepherd.
