British Orienteering organises the Badge Scheme to enable competitors’ achievements to be recognised across the country. They are a level of recognition above the BO Navigational and Racing Challenges, aimed at regular orienteers.
The National Badge Scheme recognises four levels of achievement: Championship, Gold, Silver and Bronze. To be awarded a badge you need to compete in at least three National or Area level Championship Events in a calendar year – see the list below.
| Badge Scheme Qualifying Events |
|---|
| British Long and Middle distance Orienteering Championships |
| British Sprint Orienteering Championships (A Finals only) |
| British Night Championships |
| Jan Kjellström Sprint and Individual (combined results of day 2 and 3) |
| Northern, Midland and Southern Area Championships* |
| Scottish and Welsh Championships* |
| *Some years these may not count |
The performances needed to win a badge use the results on one class in Championship races each year. Awards are based on the time a competitor has taken compared to the best performances on each course. Championship times are based on the winning time, other badges use the average of the fastest three times on the course. Results on B or short courses can count but can’t reach Gold or Championship standard.
The criteria for the award scheme are shown below
| Times for Award levels needed at 3 events |
|---|
| 3 results within Winner’s time plus 25% = Championship Standard |
| 3 results within (Average time of first 3 on course) plus 25% = Gold Standard |
| 3 results within (Average time of first 3 on course) plus 50% = Silver Standard |
| 3 results within (Average time of first 3 on course) plus 100%= Bronze Standard |
Achieving any of these awards takes time and travel so many good orienteers won’t achieve them every year. With a bit of forward planning and a convenient fixture list it is possible to get to enough events some years. If you do achieve the times you are eligible for a badge and certificate which are obtainable from BO National Office (see BO’s Badge Scheme page for details of how to apply for your badge).
Adrian Pickles
Club Captain
