GAOC events require online pre-registration. Online registration for each event opens on the Monday evening before the event.

Here's what you need to know about the registration form:

The base registration fee starts at $7 for members and $10 for non-members. If you're going out as a small group of up to 5 people as one entry, the base fee for the entire group is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. (Small groups going out on the same course as one entry should register as a group on one registration form, and should enter each person's name in the area provided on the form. Each group member will receive a map.) Rental timing sticks cost an additional $3. Here are a few examples:

In addition to the map fee, the park may charge a usage fee. GAOC does not collect these usage fees. The park generally has self-serve boxes set up in the parking lots and the usage fees are usually $5.

Personal Information

If you're going out in a group, add everyone's name next to the word group, as in the sample above.  But probably the most important piece of information we need from you in this section is your car description & tag number. Why? We have to make sure that everyone who when out on a course came back in from the course. So if you're out for over 3 hours, we can double check before we start our search by checking the parking lot for your car.

Course

If this is your first time Orienteering, even if you have prior map reading experience, we recommend that you do the White level course. This course is designed for beginners, is set along well-defined trails or linear features, and is typically 2.5km or less.

Here is a short description of the courses we typically offer at local meets:

Signed Waiver

Everyone who participates in an event must have a signed waiver on file. Waivers are to be signed online using the GAOC membership form and are valid for one year after signing. (Associate memberships, the option near the bottom of the membership form, are free.) Please read the waiver -- we're obligated to let you know what the risks are associated with orienteering -- then sign it. If you're not 18 years old, you'll need an adult to sign for you. 

What's Next

Beginner Instruction is offered at most meets and usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Make sure you check in first because you'll need your map. 

You must check in at the Start before you begin your course. The Starter records every name, course, and start time to keep a record of who goes out in the woods. That way if someone gets lost or injured, we can initiate a search and rescue.  

The object of orienteering is to locate all the checkpoints in order, in the shortest amount of time. The game is easy and fun and best of all there are only a few rules:

1. Navigate to each control in sequential order

2. Punch in the correct square on your punch card

3. Do not move or mess with the controls 

4. Do not ask for or give assistance, unless someone says they are lost or injured.

5. Do not follow other competitors

6. Return to the finish area within 3 hours, regardless of whether you finished the course or not, or by 3pm whichever comes first

Congratulations! You've just finished your first orienteering course. Now don't forget to check back in at the Start/Finish area so a meet official can record your finish time and mark that you've come in from the course. 

Give the meet officials some time to calculate your finish time or check back on our website later to see how you did. If you found all of the controls with no problems, consider going out on a Yellow course the next time you Orienteer. If you had some problems or need some additional help, ask the Registrar or any of our members to help you out.