Background
28 February and 4 March 2022 The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) suspends the membership of its Russian and Belarusian member due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“Russian and Belarusian orienteering athletes, in all IOF disciplines, will not be allowed to participate in IOF events. Athletes will also not be allowed to participate as neutral athletes….. any scheduled World Ranking Events and World Orienteering Day activities will have their IOF recognition removed.”
FAQs relating to this suspension
Note that all responses relate to the period of the suspension which is currently indefinite.
Which Events are IOF Events?
World Championships, Regional Championships, (Incl. Masters) World Cups, World Ranking Events (WRE) and World Orienteering Week Events.
Can Russian/Belarusian teams or individual athletes compete in IOF World Championships or World Cups?
No, Russian/Belarusian teams and individual athletes are not allowed to compete in IOF World Championships or World Cups in any way. The organisers of such events are instructed to reject any requests from Russian/Belarus teams for training maps and participation in training camps.
Can Russian/Belarusian athletes compete in World Ranking Events in other countries?
No, Russian/Belarusian athletes are not allowed to compete in World Ranking Events.
Will Russian/Belarusian athletes continue to appear in the World Rankings and World Cup standings?
They will not appear as RUS/BLR. We are investigating the simplest technical solution; they will either be removed from view or appear without nationality.
Can Russian/Belarusian athletes compete in World Masters Championships?
No, Russian/Belarusian athletes are not allowed to compete in World Masters Championships. Although athletes do not “represent” their Federation at World Masters Championships, a benefit of a Federation’s membership of the IOF is that their athletes may compete in IOF events.
I’ve entered WMOC 2022 in Italy and wish to cancel my entry; can I get a refund?
The WMOC 2022 cancellation policy is: Before 15th May 2022 – 100% refund. A small handling fee will be kept for banking costs. Before 1st of June 2022 – 50% refund. A small handling fees will be kept for banking costs After 1st of June 2022 – no refund.
How does the IOF know which Federation an athlete represents?
IOF Eventor holds the nationality of each registered athlete.
I hold dual nationality. How can I change my Federation?
Log into IOF Eventor and change it. Note that you must be able to provide either a passport or other valid documentation proving your citizenship.
Can IOF Event Adviser from Russia/Belarus be appointed as an Event Adviser for an event in another Federation?
No. Russian/Belarusian EAs will not appear on the list of accredited Event Advisers.
Further questions? Please contact iof@orienteering.sport
Approved by IOF Council 4 March 2022