In which type of orienteering must all participants visit the same control points in order?

In orienteering, each style has specific rules regarding how participants navigate through a course. In the case of cross-country orienteering, all participants must visit the control points in a predetermined order. This structure creates a uniform experience where each competitor must follow the same sequence, which often emphasizes the skills of navigation and decision-making regarding the best routes to take between those points.

This approach allows for easier comparison between participants’ performances, as everyone is tackling the same arranged path through the course. It also fosters a clearer sense of progression throughout the event, as participants know the exact route they need to follow.

In contrast, other forms of orienteering, such as score or relay, have different rules. Score orienteering allows competitors the flexibility to visit control points in any order within a set timeframe, while relay formats feature teams where each member runs part of the course, often with their own set of controls to navigate. Line orienteering typically refers to navigating along a specified line or route without the emphasis on point order.