Hello, my name is Amy McCafferty and I am excited to be getting the chance to gain volunteer experience with Scottish Orienteering as part of my degree programme at Stirling University. I am in my fourth year studying BA (Hons) Sports Studies and have taken the opportunity to do a workplace placement focusing on Safeguarding in sport. I am looking forward to learning and working with Scottish Orienteering.

With many restrictions in place in 2020 and lockdown to start 2021, ScotJos have used this opportunity to host a series of workshops (remotely). Recently we had a sports psychology presentation, Alban Dickson and Chris Hartley have done some work with us in the past (during the Scottish Spring weekend in Fife in April 2019). We felt it would be good to further expand the idea of sports psychology to the juniors as a way of helping them to improve their ability to handle stressful situations and critical races.

Denise Martin is facilitating a fascinating panel discussion as part of the British Orienteering Coaching Conference of 2021. We have had great engagement so far from Scottish based coaches and we hope more of you will join this discussion. All details of how to sign up below.

Coaching Qualifications
 
Safeguarding – Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sports (CWPS)

The 1st January saw the launch of Lochaber 2021 with entries coming in from across the UK with those keen to take advantage of the early entry prices. This year more than ever we look forward to welcoming you to a spectacular part of the country and we are excited to be able to offer excellent programme of orienteering events between 1st and 7th August. More details about Lochaber 2021 are available on the Scottish 6 Days website. Get excited and get planning your trip for the 23rd Scottish 6 Days multi-day holiday event. It promises to be a highlight in the orienteering calendar this year!

We are excited to be advertising for the position of Regional Development Officer with a remit to support clubs, partnerships and projects in the East Region. The RDO role is crucial to our ongoing commitment to the development of clubs, support of volunteers within the sport and to increase the profile of orienteering. The RDO will work within our highly committed staff team, working in collaboration and partnership to achieve our development objectives.

The position of Director of Welfare is crucial to our ongoing development as an organisation and as a sport. The Director position will oversee the implementation of the SOA’s equality, diversity and safeguarding policies, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer who is the Lead Safeguarding Officer for the organisation. They will look to advance our practises and research in these areas. 

In light of the First Minister’s announcement that mainland Scotland has been placed in extended Level 4 ‘stay at home’ restrictions we are required to publish new guidance to reflect these significant changes effective from 8th January 2021.

Orienteering in Level 4 – Stay at Home: All club organised activities, coaching and events have been suspended until further notice.

Travel restrictions: To minimise the risk of spreading the virus, you must stay at home as much as possible. When taking part in sport, exercise or recreation participants should at all times follow Scottish Government ‘stay at home’ guidance.

Meeting other people: A maximum of 2 people from up to 2 separate households (12 years or over) can meet outdoors for sport, exercise or recreation purposes if 2m physical distancing is maintained, before, during and after the activity.

Members are still permitted to enjoy orienteering as part of their daily exercise and we encourage the use of permanent courses and MapRunF*.

We recognise this winter ‘lockdown’ is likely to have a significant impact on our clubs and members, please make sure you keep connected and do reach out for support if you require it.

You can download the guidance in PDF format below: