it is a common practice in UK, but I don\'t recall it happening at Leinster event?
I\'ve been thinkinng that there is merit in beginners and young juniors having opportunity in having tuition about the map and the course before starting. It has the potential to bring them on quicker and ultimately enjoy the experience more.

The same points could apply to red course which may have complete beginners as well.

I fully agree with this for the yellow course, Angus.  It has been done occasionally in the past but not consistently. Not sure about the Red course though. A blank map could be displayed at the start, possibly showing the start location?

I think it\'s a great idea but how about incorporating it into the registration process instead? Have a sign up inviting complete beginners on any course to be taken aside, shown a map with their route and talked through it. Maybe include basic compass essentials too. If it\'s an issue, they could be marked as NC but they shouldn\'t affect the results in any case.

It\'s a very daunting process for any beginner, especially if they arrive alone. It could be a handy club recruitment measure too but that depends on how good the instructor is (and if they make it back)!

Stuart