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Youth orienteering with map and compass
Youth Group

Orienteering Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for youth orienteering events, navigation games, and map-reading activities.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction & Overview 2 Activity Benefits 3 Hazards & Control Measures 4 Safety Checklist 5 Related Guides

The essential guide to youth orienteering safety

Orienteering combines navigation skills with physical fitness, challenging young people to find their way through varied terrain using maps and compasses. This adventurous activity requires thorough planning to manage outdoor hazards while building independence and problem-solving abilities.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough risk assessment—from course design and terrain considerations to weather contingencies, emergency procedures, and supervision arrangements.

Young people reading maps outdoors
Youth Activity
Activity Benefits

Why orienteering matters

Navigation Skills

Develops navigational and map-reading skills in outdoor settings.

Problem Solving

Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking through route planning.

Physical Fitness

Promotes physical fitness through walking and running courses.

Teamwork

Fosters teamwork and cooperation in group navigation tasks.

Independence

Encourages independence and self-reliance in finding paths.

Resilience

Builds resilience by overcoming navigational challenges.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Getting Lost & TerrainHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Participants getting lost, disorientation, falls on uneven terrain, steep slopes, trips over roots and rocks.

Control Measures
  • Course difficulty matches ability
  • Clear boundaries on maps
  • Emergency whistles provided
  • Buddy system for beginners
Weather & EnvironmentHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Heat exhaustion, dehydration, hypothermia, sunburn, insect stings, allergic reactions to plants.

Control Measures
  • Weather forecast checked
  • Appropriate clothing required
  • Water carried by all
  • Event postponed if dangerous
Roads & TrafficMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Collisions at road crossings, pedestrian accidents, distraction while reading maps near traffic.

Control Measures
  • Course avoids busy roads
  • Crossing points supervised
  • Maps mark road hazards
  • High-vis worn if near roads
Time & SupervisionMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Missing participants, fatigue from extended courses, inadequate supervision coverage.

Control Measures
  • Maximum time limit set
  • All starts/finishes recorded
  • Mobile phones carried
  • Search procedure ready

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 32 hazards and 70+ control measures for Orienteering, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Orienteering checklist

Pre-Event

  • Course pre-checked
  • Weather forecast reviewed
  • Maps accurate and clear
  • Consent forms collected

Equipment

  • Maps for all participants
  • Compasses available
  • Emergency whistles issued
  • First aid kit ready

Participants

  • Appropriate footwear checked
  • Weather-suitable clothing
  • Water carried
  • Ability levels assessed

Event Control

  • Start/finish times recorded
  • Time limit communicated
  • Emergency procedure briefed
  • Mobile phone contact shared

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