NavShield Event Rules

General Event Rules

The primary objective is to navigate using only map and compass to as many checkpoints as possible during the time available. Team points are scored for each checkpoint that you locate. However, the checkpoints are scored differently depending upon difficulty. So good route planning is important. The team with the most points in each division at the end of the event will be awarded the winning trophy in that division.

Competition Rules

  1. Checkpoints and Scoring:
    1. Before the event begins participants will be informed of the location of the checkpoints by 8 figure grid references.
    2. This information is provided to you, along with unmarked maps of the course, when you arrive at Navshield and visit the registration tent.
    3. It is your team’s responsibility to plot the checkpoints onto your map(s).
    4. (UPDATED July 2022) At registration all teams will be given a “Route Intentions” sheet and two Navlight tags. These tags will record your visit to checkpoints (see 1.9).
    5. The only navigational aids allowed are magnetic compasses, watches (with time functions only), pace counters and the official event map as supplied by the organisers.
    6. Radios are permitted (for communication only). Radio based tracking and GPS functions are not permitted.
    7. Mobile phones are permitted. The use of mobile phone based navigation aids during the event is not permitted.
    8. GPS, altimeters, electronic compasses, non-official maps and other navigational aids are not permitted.
    9. Teams record a visit to a checkpoint, or radio checkpoint by punching their electronic tags with the electronic punch at the checkpoint.
    10. Each checkpoint and radio checkpoint will have a points value.
    11. To score a checkpoint all members of your team must pass within 20 metres of the checkpoint and both tags of the team must be punched.
    12. Teams can score normal checkpoints once only.
    13. All teams in the one day event must visit a radio checkpoint at least once during the event.
    14. All teams in the two day event must visit a radio checkpoint at least once on both Saturday and Sunday.
    15. Two day teams can use base as a radio checkpoint only between 06:00 and 09:00 Sunday. It scores no points, but the team will avoid the penalty for not visiting a radio check point (see rule 1.17) if no other radio check point is visited on Sunday.
    16. Two day teams can score radio checkpoints twice by visiting them on Saturday and Sunday.
    17. Any team not reporting to a radio checkpoint each day will incur a penalty equivalent to 25% of the team’s score.
    18. Points will be deducted for every minute, or part thereof, that a team is overdue after the event finish time. The points value of this penalty will be announced at the start of the event.
    19. Any team more than 1 hour late for the finish of their event will be retired from the event and must immediately return to the nearest radio check point or base.
    20. If multiple teams have the same points score at the end of the event then they will be ranked according to their finish times.
  2. Banned Actions and Safety Breaches
    1. All members of a team must stay together (within voice contact, about 100m) at all times during the event.
    2. A penalty of up to 50% of your team’s score will be imposed if your team members are found not together.
    3. The minimum personal and team gear must be with the team at all times. Leaving packs at a central point while looking for checkpoints is unacceptable. Not carrying the minimum personal and/or team gear at all times incurs a penalty of up to 50% of the team’s score.
    4. Participants in the rogaine divisions are exempt from the minimum equipment rules, but must instead carry the minimum equipment specified by the Australian Rogaining Association.
    5. Once the event has commenced all support teams, and their vehicles, must remain at the base site until the event has finished.
    6. Driving on the course is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
    7. The consumption of alcohol during the event is prohibited.
    8. Any participant found to be intoxicated as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs; either prior to, or during, the event will be disqualified from the event.
  3. Injuries
    1. If any member of a team is unable to continue, the other team members must provide assistance.
    2. If possible, the team should attempt to make their way to the nearest radio checkpoint or back to base.
    3. The rules committee will then advise if the rest of the team is able to continue NavShield in their entry division.
    4. If any team finds an injured person they must assist if required.
    5. Points can be awarded in lieu of time lost helping an injured person from another team. This does not include assisting injured members from the same team.
  4. General Rules
    1. All teams are to be covered by their own insurances.
    2. NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue Unit does not provide insurance to participants.
    3. Participants must be willing to sign an acceptance of risk statement and a risk waiver before they start the event.
    4. All team members are to meet the membership requirements of their organisation.
    5. Teams are required to follow minimum impact bushwalking principles.
    6. Specific information about the event location is provided in the information pack. You are expected to read this information and to familiarise yourself with the specific hazards which have been identified for the location.
  5. Rules committee
    1. A rules committee will be formed prior to the start of the event.
    2. The rules committee will be comprised of a minimum of three people.
    3. The rules committee shall be comprised of the Safety Officer, Event Coordinator, and Course Setter, plus additional volunteers as required.
    4. The rules committee will determine the order of precedence for every team in each division at the completion of both events. This will be based upon team points, finish times, and any penalties imposed.
    5. The winners in each division of both the one day event, and the two day event, will be only announced after the rules committee has judged the final team scores.
    6. The rules committee shall hear all complaints and claims which are lodged within 24 hours after the completion of Navshield.
    7. A decision will be made on all complaints and claims that are lodged within the allotted time, and prior to publishing the final team scores.
    8. Decisions made by the rules committee shall be considered final.

Conduct and Behaviour

All teams, and those attending Navshield in a support capacity, are expected to behave in a responsible manner at all times whilst at Navshield. Please show respect and courtesy towards others at all times, and remember that you are representing your organisation. Volunteers, NPWS staff, local property owners, and members of the public, may be present at Navshield and should also be treated with respect.

There is an opportunity for your team to socialise on both the Friday night and Saturday night during Navshield. You are welcome to enjoy yourself at base whilst you are not participating in the event. The organisers of the event would like to encourage you to network with people from other organisations during Navshield.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted during these times whilst you are not participating in the event. All alcohol must be BYO. However, the organisers of the event will not tolerate you drinking to excess, and putting yourself, your team members, and the community at risk.

Please keep noise to a minimum after 10pm.

The organisers may prohibit your participation in the event if you are:

  • drunk and disorderly
  • quarrelsome
  • intoxicated
  • violent
  • using, or in possession of, prohibited drugs.