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Message from the OUSA Junior Team
  • Topic created by BobGross on Sat Dec 28, 2019 at 11:20 am
    Bob Gross (BobGross)
    BobGross
    Num Posts: 70
    Primary Club: DVOA
    Fav map: Nolde
    First O: 1990
    Greetings from the Junior Team Executive Steering Committee. 

    We are reaching out to all OUSA affiliated clubs to spread the word about the National Junior Program, and to ask if you would please let your club members know that the Junior Development Team accepts applications throughout the year. 

    Of course, I do know that DVOA already has many juniors in the national program! The National Junior Program connects young athletes from all over the country, serving as a source of coaching, support, and inspiration. We encourage athletes from all regions to apply! 

    General and application information can be found on the OUSA website at https://orienteeringusa.org/us-teams/junior-program/  

    We encourage you to reach out with any questions.

    Sincerely, Kristin Hall 
    JTESC Member Junior Development Team 

    The Junior Development Team (JDT) is designed to help young orienteers who confidently orienteer on orange-level courses (M/F-16) transition to the advanced level and become nationally competitive. It is also designed to help athletes connect with other juniors around the country so that they become part of the larger U.S. junior orienteering community. 

    Members of the Junior Development Team will work with regional/local coaches on navigation techniques, racing, physical training, and becoming competitive athletes. Juniors will engage with each other regularly at regional and national meets and in team calls where they learn from their peers. 

    Focus events for Junior Development Team athletes are the Orienteering USA Junior Nationals, previously known as the Interscholastic/Intercollegiate Championships, the US Nationals, and competing on behalf of the USA in the biennial North American Orienteering Championships (NAOC). 

    Benefits: JDT member benefits include coach-led course reviews at national and NRE meets, opportunities to stay in NJP housing when available, reduced fees at some regional and national training camps, access to the NJP uniform (blue “Eagle”) shirt and other orienteering clothing at reduced pricing. JTESC and the Junior National Coach will arrange for guided course review and possibly training at various meets and inform athletes of these opportunities. And last but not least, building a supportive community of athletes with fellow NJP members. 

    Timing: Applications to the NJP for JDT membership are accepted year-round. However, we encourage juniors to apply soon after application forms are available so that they benefit from a full year of participation. Regular communication between JDT members and local/regional coaches runs from January through June and from September to the beginning of November.

    Applying: Please complete and submit the application forms (2020 NJP Basic Application + Medical and Travel, Waiver, and Athlete Profile). Juniors must reapply for the NJP every year. 

    Eligibility: Juniors between 13 and 20 years of age are encouraged to apply. 

    Please note: Juniors who have citizenship in another country and are currently living in the U.S. are welcome to apply for and participate in the Junior Development Team. 

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