Every SDO event requires a team of dedicated volunteers. These roles include: 

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Early Coordination Roles

Event Director (ED): Responsible for the overall success of the event, including recruiting and coordinating volunteers. Other responsibilities include: ​

• Applying for permits (where necessary)

• Working with CS to select the event format and build the competition details

• Coordinate event day logistics

• Bring a few snacks (optional)​

Despite its centrality, this role doesn't require advanced orienteering expertise!

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Course Setter (CS): Responsible for developing all event courses, including any necessary map updates. They will publish course details in the weeks before the event. The CS must arrange for the procurement of controls and stands and their placement before the beginning of the event, often with the help of additional volunteers. For more information, look at this Course Setting Workshop.

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Sportident System Manager: Responsible for uploading all courses and participants into the computer software used to manage each event.

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Day of Event Roles

HQ Setup: This person arrives a bit early to help set up the banners, registration table, start chute, and snacks. Their job is done before the event begins, so they can run as they usually would. 

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Starts: This role is responsible for checking people in at the start, making sure they have the correct map, and then sending them on their way. For events with assigned start times, having a second person to manage these slots is preferable. This person usually does their run at the very end of the start window.​

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Clinician: An experienced and patient orienteer who can walk beginners through a quick, casual workshop on the basics of the sport before sending them on their first course. Beginners Clinic Guide 

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HQ Cleanup: This person stays a little late to help pick up the banners, registration table, and start chute. Their job is done after the event ends, so they can run as usual. 

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Control Pickup: These hardy souls add a couple of extra kilometers to their workout to help pick up controls after the competition window has closed. ​

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Day of Event Roles for Large Events

For our larger events, including the annual Anza-Borrego Desert Orienteering Festival, additional volunteer roles are available, including: 

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• Snack-Master: Keep people fed, hydrated, and happy

• Parking helpers

• Social coordinators

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Importantly, all volunteers receive registration credit to allow them to participate in the event at no charge (or a reduced rate for Anza-Borrego). 

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