British Orienteering Ranking List - Introduction for New Members

This page gives a brief introduction to the British Orienteering's Ranking List web pages and is primarily for the benefit of new members.

The Ranking System is a fully automated method of calculating ranking points based on the results from major orienteering events. All members aged 20+ are eligible for inclusion in the Ranking List and will normally be included automatically after competing successfully at a qualifying event. Points are allocated at each event you compete in and your total points in a class is the aggregate from your best six events.

BOF Membership Number

If you would like to appear in the ranking list you need to make sure that your BOF membership number is specified on your entry form. If you omit your membership number then no points will be allocated to you. The membership list used by the ranking system is automatically updated as each event is submitted so new members should appear in the list following their first event. See also changing membership number below.

Qualifying Events

The events which qualify for inclusion in the ranking list are generally C3 events and events of equivalent or higher standard. Specifically these are Regional, National, JK, British and Scottish Orienteering Championships, British Night Championships, UK and World Cup. District and Local events are not included.

Calculation of Points

Points are calculated according to a pre-defined scheme which is describe in full elsewhere. Briefly, in each class the scheme awards 1000 for an average performance, more points for better than average and less for worse than average. Typically the range of points awarded for a large class of 100 or so runners is 600-1300. The average points awarded depends on the average standard of the runners taking part.

Class Totals

Your total score in a class is the sum of your best six individual scores in the class over the past 12 months. Points are not transferrable between classes so if you compete in more than one class you will get a separate total for each class. Thus when you change age class you start again from scratch.

Ranking List Display

You can view the ranking list as a single file containing all the classes arranged in aphabetical order or you can select a class which is then displayed in a separate page. An advantage of the latter method is that you can have both the event list and class list on the screen at the same time. The event list page allows you to select an individual class or to inspect the calculational details from any event. The calculational details gives sufficient information as to how the scores were calculated for you to check your own score. Scores are not allocated to some people but the reason is always given.

Masters Cup Competition

The Masters Cup Competition is for all ages classes 35+ and uses the Ranking List scores from the events of national status and above. It is an annual competition unlike the Ranking List which rolls on continuously.

Special Services

A number of special services are available by filling in the request form on the appropriate web page. You can obtain a list of all your personal scores. This list is not limited to your best 6 but includes all events from the past year and includes all classes in which you compete. You can also obtain a list of total scores for all the members of your club. Viewing the submitted results file from an event is not permitted but you may request details about your own entry in the file so you can check whether for example your BOF membership number has been entered correctly. The results file is the responsibility of the event organiser who needs to be informed of any errors you may find.

Changing Membership Number

Sometimes a person's membership number changes e.g. when changing family status. If the Ranking System is not informed otherwise, different BOF membership numbers would be treated as different people. However, you would probably want your scores from your old and new BOF membership numbers to be amalgamated, so any changes of membership number are automatically passed on to the Ranking System. But occasionally a change fails to get through and you end up as two separate people. If this happens to you, you need to get in touch with Mike Cumpstey who will be able to fix it for you.

The Person Responsible for This Page

Mike Cumpstey