Join Us
The membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December. The British Orienteering Federation (BOF) offers part year membership for those joining on or after 1 May and 1 September each year. HOC waives its membership fee if you join after 1 September (so in effect new members can get 16 months for the price of 12).
There are two ways to join Harlequins Orienteering Club (HOC):
- as a full member
- as a social member
Full membership
A member of British Orienteering (BOF), with HOC as your selected club. This is the recommended membership option for anyone who orienteers and is not a member of another club. Go to ‘How to Join’ on the BOF website, remembering to select HOC as your preferred club.
Important: Please note that as from 1 January 2026 non-members of British Orienteering are not insured under British Orienteering’s public liability policy and participate in events at their own risk.
Fees for 2026: Senior* £22.00 (£17 BOF + £5 HOC), Young Adult* £16 (£11 + £5), Junior* £6.00 (£5 + £1). Family membership is also available, the fee depends on the composition of the family.
(*Senior born in 2000 or earlier; Young Adult born between 2001 and 2005; Junior born in 2006 or later.)
This gives you:
- Reduced entry fees at most orienteering events around the country
- Discounts from a range of BOF partners, including Cotswold Outdoor, Butlins and the AA
- Monthly email newsletter from BOF
- Eligibility to compete in certain high-profile events and inclusion into the national ranking scheme
- Eligibility to compete as a HOC team member at regional and national events
- Eligibility to compete in the HOC Club Champs, and other “closed” events
- Access to a range of member-only features and resources on the BOF website
- Access to BOF coaching and other training sessions
- Voting rights
- All the benefits of HOC social membership – see below
Social membership
This option is available for (a) members who do not actively orienteer, and (b) ‘second claim’ members, who have joined British Orienteering through another club. To join HOC as a social member, please use this form.
Fees for 2026: Senior* £5.00, Junior** £1.00, Group/Organisation £14.00) which gives you:
- Invitations to HOC social events
- Access to the club’s on-line forum and Facebook group (see below)
- Club information emails and newsletters
- Social members may compete in the HOC Club Champs and other ‘closed’ events
*Senior: born in 2005 or earlier; **Junior: born in 2006 or later
For further information please contact our membership secretary, Ian Chafer
The club has a range of orienteering clothing available in HOC colours, including orienteering tops. These can be ordered through Kerstin, our Club Captain. Her contact details are on the Who’s Who page.
Communication
We use WhatsApp for communication within the club. Members are invited to contact the Secretary for a link if you want to join.
Social Media
The club has a closed Facebook group for members, a Facebook page and an Instagram account which you are encouraged to “like” or “follow”.
The Forum
We have a closed forum for Harlequins member only. New members will receive a validation code from the membership secretary; existing members who have somehow neglected to join in can also contact Ian C.
Once you have the code:
- Go to the “Members Forum” menu item.
- Click on “register” – left most option on the menu bar.
- Accept the terms of use.
The forum admin will then receive an email and will enable your account and you will be able to access the forum.