International Rogaining Federation
A0040409P

Newsletter Number 100, December 2004

PO Box 3,
Central Park,
3145, Victoria.
61-3-95721784 fax
E-mail: Neil Phillips


IRF Team

President: Neil Phillips
World Rogaining Championships Manager: Gordon Birch
Promotions and Development: vacant
Secretary/Treasurer: Rod Phillips

Czech Republic: Jaroslav Vavra, Miroslav Seidl
Finland: Iiro Kakko
New Zealand: Pete Squires
Canada: Alan Stradeski
United States of America: Eric Smith, Clinton Morse, Bob Reddick
Australia: Rod Phillips, Gordon Birch, John Berwick, Neil Phillips
Founders Representative: Bob Reddick

Observer status
Estonia: Andres Kaar
Ireland: Sean Hassett
Latvia: Guntars Mankus
New Zealand: Michael Wood
Sweden: Lars-Åke Svenk
Russia: German Shestakov, Sergey Yaschenko
South Africa: Pieter Mulder
Ukraine: Efim Shtempler
7th WRC Co-ordinator: Alan Mansfield

The hundredth issue of the International Rogaining Federation Newsletter provides an opportunity to reflect on some of the progress in international rogaining since the first IRF Newsletter.

Issue No. 1: July 1989

Rogaining had been active in Australia for thirteen years since the Victorian Rogaining Association was formed in 1976, and then the Australian Rogaining Association in 1979.

Rogaining had started in Calgary, Canada in mid 1986 (Andy Newson, Kitty Jones, Jim Force), and shortly thereafter spread to Kamloops, Canada (Murray Foubister).

The first rogaine in USA was held east of Seattle in May 1989 (Bob Reddick).

The International Rogaining Federation was conceived and planned in Perth in early 1989, and formed in Calgary on 16 June 1989.

Rogaining at the end of 2004: Issue No. 100

Australia: There is a formal rogaining organization in every state and the largest three of these have one thousand members each. Around 50 rogaines are held nationally each year and almost half of these are 12hr or 24 hour rogaines. The major annual event, the Australian Rogaining Championship, has run since 1979.

Canada: Centres for rogaining exist in the east and west of the country, and the 3rd World Rogaining Championships were held at Kamloops in 1998. The North American Rogaining Championships alternate between Canada and USA.

USA: Rogaines have been held in at least 20 different states, and those with the longer continuous record of activity include Arizona, New York and Washington. Nearly a dozen 12hr or 24 hour rogaines are held annually. The first USA Rogaining Championships were held in 2002, and North American Rogaining Championships alternate between Canada and USA.

New Zealand: The first NZ rogaine was in 1991 (Michael Wood), and the first 24 hour rogaine was in January 1995 (Ken Dowling). The first 24 hour walk (‘twalk’) was in 1967, and the 34th twalk was held recently. New Zealand hosted 4WRC north of Christchurch in 2000. The New Zealand Rogaining Association was formed in 2002 and has been a major impetus for the growth of rogaining throughout the country. There are twenty rogaines annually and five of these being 12hr or 24 hour events. This has also encouraged higher competitive standards and strong international participation.

Ireland: Setanta Orienteering Club has organized a 24 hour rogaine every year since 1998. The seventh annual rogaine was held this year on 19 June, next year's event is on 18 June 2005. All rogaines have been held in the Wicklow mountains south of Dublin: http://www.setantaorienteers.org/rogaine.html.

Czech Republic: Interest in rogaining in the Czech Republic can be traced back to the first international rogaine, the Most Awesome Rogaine, in Alberta, Canada in 1990. A rogaining association was formed in the mid 1990s and the first rogaine held in 1997. The Czech Rogaining Association ran 5WRC in 2002 in the west of the country.

Sweden: Sweden have run a number of 6 hour rogaines since 1998, including in winter months, in the vicinities of Gothenburg in the SW and Stockholm in the SE of Sweden.

Estonia: The first rogaine in Estonia was in 1999, and since then, over ten shorter rogaines have been held. The first 24 hour rogaine was in 2003. Estonia is organizing the 2005 European Rogaining Championships under the leadership of Andres Kaar.

Russia: Rogaining in Russia started in 1998 under the leadership of German Shestakov, and a 24 hour rogaine was held in the Perm area in 1999. Over twenty rogaines have been held since, and all have been at towns around the Perm region. The first Russian Rogaining Championships were in 2001. The first European Rogaining Championships were held in 2003.

Finland: Although no rogaines have been held in Finland, the country has provided a Member of the IRF representing Northern Europe who is also a former World Rogaining Champion (Iiro Kakko).

Japan: A 6 hour rogaine was held near Negano west of Tokyo in 2002, and similar events have been held annually.

South Africa: Rogaining in South Africa has been led by Pieter Mulder and the Rand club of Johannesburg. The first rogaine was in 2003 and second was held in 2004.

Ukraine: The first rogaine in Ukraine was an overnight 10 hour rogaine near Chernovtsi in 2004. A second rogaine is planned for 2005 led by Efim Shtempler.

Latvia: Rogaining in Latvia started in 2002 and a second 12 hour rogaine was held in August 2004.

Lithuania: Guntars Mankus reports that rogaines have been held in Lithuania in 2003 and 2004, and the country is represented at World Rogaining Championships.

World Rogaining Championships: These Championships have been held in five different countries and are now run every second year.

1WRC: Victoria, Australia 1992
      1st: Jim Russell, Mike Walters
      Co-ordinator: Jeff Hook
2WRC: Western Australia 1996
      1st: Jim Russell, David Rowlands
      Co-ordinator: Richards Matthews
3WRC: Kamloops, Canada 1998
      1st: Nigel Aylott, Iiro Kakko
      Co-ordinator: Murray Foubister
4WRC: New Zealand 2000
      1st: David Rowlands, Greg Barbour
      Co-ordinators: Payne, Squires, Wood, Buchanan, Lawrie
5WRC: Czech Republic 2002
      1st: David Rowlands, Greg Barbour
      Co-ordinator: Tomas Prokes
6WRC: Arizona, USA 2004
      1st: Mike Klosser, Michael Tobin
      Co-ordinator: Peg Davis
7WRC: New South Wales, Australia 2006

Rogainers from thirty different countries have participated in the World Rogaining Championships (Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Honk Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA and Wales).

The IRF in 2004

The International Rogaining Federation was formed in 1989. It was incorporated as a registered sporting association in 2000. The Constitution and Rules can be found at www.rogaining.com. Elections for executive positions are held on a rotational basis such that each term of office is for four years. Apart from face-to-face meetings at World Rogaining Championships, most decisions are made by electronic discussion and voting amongst Members with input from Observers. At the start of 2003, the IRF Executive introduced a set of Roles and Responsibilities against which to plan and prioritize Executive activities. The list is circulated to Members, and updated at regular intervals.

Communications: The IRF Newsletter continues to be the medium to longer-term reference for communication with Members and Delegates. IRF News was introduced in 2003 as a news brief specifically for rogaining association newsletters. The website www.rogaining.com provides access for all rogainers to the IRF, and through links, to all other rogaining entities.

Rules of rogaining: The IRF oversees the Rules of Rogaining that are used for major rogaines, and have been translated from English by local associations. These are available globally and reviewed regularly in conjunction with the Australian Rogaining Association.

Countries that have run 24 hour rogaines, and the year of their first such rogaine.

1. Countries that have run 24 hour rogaines, and the year of their first such rogaine.

Countries that have run rogaines, and the year of their first event
2. Countries that have run rogaines, and the year of their first event (note that the first 24 hour walk in Australia was in 1947, and the first rogaine in 1976. Twenty-four hour walks have been held in New Zealand since the 1970s).

Summary of IRF Newsletters #1 to #100

  1. July 1989: Australian teams enter North American rogaines. Rogaining promotion lectures and media interviews in North America. Description of rogaines on entry forms start to provide the information required by a typical overseas visitor.
  2. Australian Rogaining Association formally supports the aims of the IRF. Bob Reddick sets up Rogaine Committee within US Orienteering Federation. Suggestion that teams add up their own scores at the end of rogaines to provide cross-checks for Administration.
  3. Decade of growth for Western Australian Rogaining Association. Suggestion for state / national rogaining day.
  4. Announcement of plans for 1st World Rogaining Championships. Careful look at key issues facing rogaining in the longer term.
  5. Several rogaines in eastern North America attest to successful marketing of the sport in that continent. Concept of building other events around major rogaines.
  6. Plan for Course Setters Manual. First rogaining forum in Canberra.
  7. First international rogaine, Most Awesome Rogaine, in Alberta attracts 300 rogainers from 18 countries.
  8. Discussion of oversubscription at rogaines.
  9. Busy North American rogaining programme. Change of date for 1WRC.
  10. Busy North American rogaining programme. Change of date for 1WRC.
  11. Summary of first four years. Review of IRF leadership.
  12. Decade of rogaining in New South Wales. Reaffirming IRF leadership.
  13. Call for interest in 2nd World Rogaining Championships.
  14. Release of IRF Event Organizers Manual written by Rod Costigan.
  15. Commencement of second strategic planning process. IRF leadership extended to 1996-97.
  16. Draft of second IRF Strategic Plan.
  17. Western Australia allocated 2WRC.
  18. Review of progress with Strategic Plan.
  19. Review of role of IRF. Question whether rogaining associations should 'run the sport' or 'run rogaines'. Recognition of loss of young families at rogaines.
  20. Trial of vests for organizers at rogaines. Preliminary WRC calendar to 2000.
  21. New IRF executive team. Suggestion of recreational category in rogaines.
  22. 2WRC details.
  23. Release of second strategic plan for rogaining "Rogaining towards 2000".
  24. Co-ordinated direction for rogaining.
  25. Co-ordination of several events around the 3WRC planned for Kamloops, Canada. Early work on IRF constitution.
  26. Progress on 2WRC, 20th Anniversary Rogaine, and constitution.
  27. Acceptance of 2WRC bid from Kamloops. Media effort leading up to 2WRC. Update of IRF executive team.
  28. Review of recent IRF activities. Agenda for IRF meeting at 2WRC.
  29. Minutes of IRF meeting in Perth before 2WRC.
  30. 2WRC held at Mt Singleton and co-ordinated by Richard Matthews. Release by the IRF of Organizing A Rogaine written by Rod Costigan. 20th Anniversary Rogaine at Tallarook. Distribution of international rules and technical standards for rogaining sent to eight countries.
  31. Overview of International Rogaining Federation. Formation of Czech Rogaining Association notified.
  32. ARA requests delay of IRF elections planned for 1997. Guidelines developed for awarding world rogaining championships by the IRF.
  33. Proposals from New South Wales and from New Zealand to hold 4WRC in 2000.
  34. ARA formation of a steering committee to develop IRF constitution.
  35. First formal vote to award a WRC. 4WRC awarded to New Zealand. Analysis of reasons behind votes.
  36. Suggestion of alliances to explore multi-uses of rogaining courses.
  37. Rules and full details for 3WRC in Kamloops, Canada. These rules also serve as the basis for all major rogaines.
  38. Review of progress on constitution. ARA circulating IRF constitution.
  39. Discussion of value of alliances with other groups. Discussion of more formal links with orienteering.
  40. Maldon meeting to discuss rogaining and orienteering. Plan for international rogaining book as new IRF initiative.
  41. Details on 4WRC in New Zealand.
  42. Priorities for IRF. Plan to review IRF leadership in 1999.
  43. Agenda for IRF meeting in Merritt prior to 3WRC.
  44. 3WRC held in Kamloops, Canada. IRF message to 3WRC.
  45. Call for expressions of interest in 5WRC.
  46. Review of the role of the IRF for new members. Profile of IRF members.
  47. Wartook meeting to agree priorities for IRF of a constitution, financial system, and legal framework.
  48. Summary of major research project by Ivana Cicchelli relating to participation rate in different types of rogaines. Two rogaines in Sweden.
  49. Review of leadership, elections and constitution plans. Current draft of IRF constitution. Proposals from Czech Republic and USA to hold 5WRC in 2002.
  50. 10th Anniversary Of International Rogaining rogaine run by VRA in Strathbogie Ranges. 5WRC awarded to Czech Republic.
  51. Publication of ‘Rogaining - Cross-country navigation’. First Northern Territory rogaine
  52. First rogaine in Estonia. Set of international Rules of Rogaining.
  53. IRF Guidelines. Profiles of IRF leaders.
  54. 4WRC in New Zealand.1999 IRF President’s Report. Discussion on raising age of Junior category for international rogaines.
  55. 20th anniversary of Western Australian rogaining. Call for WRC Manager position.
  56. 21st Australian Rogaining Championship. Second Perm rogaine.
  57. Reports on rogaining in Russia and Estonia.
  58. 2000 IRF President’s Report. Adoption of IRF Constitution.
  59. Call for interest in hosting 6WRC. Rogaining in Ireland.
  60. IRF leadership team.
  61. Appointment of Gordon Birch as World Championships Manager.
  62. Incorporation of International Rogaining Federation.
  63. Initial bids for 6WRC.
  64. IRF Constitution.
  65. End of 2000 Reports.
  66. Final bids for 6WRC.
  67. New IRF Members representing USA.
  68. Award of 6WRC to USA. Record participation in International Rogaining Weekend.
  69. Preliminary information from Czech on 5WRC. Report on 22nd Australian Rogaining Championships.
  70. Report on Swedish rogaine. Information from 6WRC.
  71. First annual meeting of IRF Inc.. Thirty two items of Constitution for email discussion.
  72. IRF President’s Report for 2001.
  73. Rogaining in Sweden. Significance of Incorporation for IRF.
  74. New South Wales association reaches 1000 members. Reports on rogaining in Czech Republic, New Zealand, Estonia, Sweden and USA.
  75. Formation of New Zealand Rogaining Association.
  76. Report on 5WRC at Lesna in west of Czech Republic. 392 participants from 20 countries attend 5WRC.
  77. Report on rogaining in USA.
  78. Full results of 1WRC.
  79. Full results of 2WRC.
  80. Full results of 3WRC.
  81. Full results of 4WRC.
  82. Full results of 5WRC.
  83. Result of IRF elections. Report on rogaining in New Zealand.
  84. IRF President’s report for 2002. Financial report for 2002. Rogaining in USA.
  85. IRF focus of activities for 2003. Rogaining in Sweden. NZ Rogaining Championships.
  86. New Zealand gains IRF Membership. Reports for USA. Plans for 1st European Rogaining Championships.
  87. Rogaining in Estonia, USA and New Zealand.
  88. Plans to change Rules of Rogaining. 40th Paddy Pallin Rogaine in New South Wales. Preliminary information from Arizona regarding 6WRC.
  89. First rogaine in South Africa. First 24 hour in Estonia. More information from Arizona.
  90. First rogaine in Japan. Information from Arizona.
  91. Award of 7WRC to New South Wales. Reports from first rogaine in south Africa, and 1st European Rogaining Championships.
  92. Second Russian IRF Observer.
  93. Rogaining and Finland article. Report on New Zealand rogaining.
  94. IRF President’s report for 2003. Financial Report.
  95. Statistics on rogaining around the world as first part of strategic planning. Tenth anniversary of rogaining in north Queensland – first regional centre linked to a major rogaining association.
  96. 6WRC report and results.
  97. In memoriam – Nigel Aylott.
  98. First rogaine in Ukraine. Reports on rogaining in Russia and New Zealand.
  99. Summary of questionnaire to participants at 6WRC. Rogaining in Ireland. Round-up of rogaining championships for 2005.
  100. Comparison of global rogaining in 1989 and 2004. Maps of rogaining activity globally. Summary of first one hundred IRF Newsletters.

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