These colour labels are used to denote the technical difficulty. Start with white and move on when you are ready; the classes mentioned only apply to competitive events.
WHITE
Courses must follow drawn linear
features (tracks, fences, streams, distinct vegetation boundaries, etc.).
A control site must be placed at every decision point (eg. a turning point,
a track junction or a change in the type of linear feature - from following
a track to following a stream). All control markers must be visible from
the approach side. Where the course has to deviate from the handrail feature
(e.g. to cross through a forest block), the route must be marked all the
way until a new handrail feature is reached. The Start Triangle shall be
on a linear feature. If no such feature is available, then there must be
a taped route all the way from the start to a linear feature (ie. the first
control). Compass use is limited to map orientation only. No route choice
is offered. Doglegs are permitted.
Used for: M/W-12, M/W-14B
YELLOW
Control sites must be on or near (<50
m) drawn linear features (tracks, fences, streams, distinct vegetation
boundaries, etc) but preferably not at turning points. This gives the opportunity
to follow handrails or to cut across country (i.e. limited route choice).
Control sites shall be visible from the approach side by any reasonable
route. Compass use is limited to rough directional navigation. Contour
recognition is not required for navigation but simple contour
features may be used for control sites. Doglegs are permitted.
Used for: M/W14-A, M/W-16B, adult C classes
ORANGE
Course shall have route choice with
prominent attack points near the control sites and/or catching features
less than 100 m behind. Control sites may be fairly small point features
and the control markers need not necessarily be visible from the attack
point. Exit from the control shall not be the same as the entry (doglegs
are not permitted). Simple navigation by contours and rough compass with
limited distance estimation required. Use of a chain of prominent features
as "stepping stones" is encouraged.
Used for: M/W16-A, M/W-20B, adult B classes
RED
Navigation shall be as difficult as
possible with small contour and point features as preferred control sites
(no obvious attack points, no handrails etc.). Control sites shall be placed
in areas rich in detail. Route choice shall be an important element in
most legs. Doglegs are not permitted. Note: It may be impossible to set
RED courses on some maps.
Used for: all other A classes
including and above M/W18-A (includes both long and short courses), Elite classes.
Taken from the NZOF Rules as at 9 June 02.