Shadows

Shadows are required for all Junior teams Only the Junior teams are to be shadowed on the Saturday.    No Senior or Open team should be shadowed on either day, unless they are not contesting the Trophies. Role The shadow’s role is to be on hand when needed but not otherwise. The independence of the team is important and it neither helps their self-esteem nor their learning experience if you interfere when not required. There is only a very brief “briefing” at the start, as we do not wish to delay the start of the hike, so please read the rules, etc, and the following before you come. Responsibility Be sure your team identifies their correct control flags for their specific course by looking at the flag numbers shown on their control card boxes.   The team needs to select the description specific to their flag numbers.  The flags will be well-hidden.   The type of problems that might require your help are as follows: The team has got sufficiently lost for it to be seriously delayed unless advised where they are. In which case show them where they are and guide them back on to their route - then let them continue again on their own, if you think they are competent enough. Someone ill, injured or tired. Phone the Controller as soon as possible using the emergency number on your map. Arrange transport for the ill/injured/tired member, and agree the pick-up point. Don’t leave the patient unattended and keep the team with you at all times.   Team’s navigation is far too bad for them to manage Try to continue and use the opportunity to teach navigation, giving them bits to do If all else fails, take over the navigation completely. Safety Ensure you learn of any member’s disabilities, medical condition, etc. Insist on donning waterproofs when needed, and fluorescent materials after 4.00pm. Keep to footpaths at all times unless essential to use a road, then be very careful! Equipment Shadows will need a Silva type compass – and be familiar with how to use if needed! You must collect a laminated duplicate of the team’s map and the flag detailed location sheet at Registration. The maps show ALL the controls for the entire set of 12 courses.  You MUST carry a mobile phone, but we do not expect to hear from you UNLESS you have an emergency.  Leave your name and its number with Registration at the start. You will need to carry a first aid kit and be competent in treating minor injuries. Reporting At the end of the hike please complete the report form on how you think your team performed – and hand it in at the Finish.   Hopefully they will have done all the navigation themselves and you will have just been a passenger (but hopefully enjoyed the hike anyway). It is important that we know the degree to which teams have been helped, as it would be unfair otherwise on teams that had not been helped; so please be honest with your comments. Finally, thank you for volunteering - it makes our organisation a lot easier.