Orienteering USA

Dear OUSA community,

Orienteering USA is exploring ways to preserve and share the history of our sport by digitizing past issues of Orienteering North America (ONA) for inclusion in an online OUSA library.

As many of you know, ONA – and before it Orienteering USA (the publication, not the federation) – was for decades a vital link connecting orienteers across the U.S. and Canada to events, ideas, maps, debates, and one another. We believe this history is worth preserving for future generations.

In discussions with the former publishers, we have learned that the primary obstacle may be copyright. While the magazine itself was published by dedicated individuals, many of the articles and photographs were contributed by freelancers. A key legal consideration is a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision (New York Times Co. v. Tasini), which addressed how publishers may reuse freelance content in digital formats. The Court ruled that publishers generally do not automatically hold digital rights to freelance articles or photographs that originally appeared in print. In particular, reproducing individual works in electronic databases or searchable systems typically requires the contributor’s permission.

As another year comes to a close, I’m reminded that navigating unfamiliar terrain is at the heart of orienteering – and of our community. It’s an adventure that challenges us, connects us, and inspires us to keep moving forward together. At Orienteering USA, our focus remains clear: to strengthen our community, expand access to the sport, and ensure a vibrant future for orienteering in the United States.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, clubs, athletes, and supporters, we’ve made meaningful progress this year – and the momentum continues to build.

We’re strengthening services that help our community thrive. From website improvements and universal access to Livelox, to expanded educational resources, youth programming, coaching and mapper development, and monthly online forums, we’re working to make it easier for clubs, volunteers, and athletes to succeed. We’re also collaborating with Sport:80 to build a modern membership database that will better support both OUSA and our clubs, while continuing to invest in our junior and senior national teams across all disciplines.

At the same time, we’re driving innovation and growth. OUSA is preparing the next generation of leaders by funding training for organizers, coaches, and mappers, and by expanding outreach to educators, scouts, and new communities. In 2026, we’ll continue funding projects that encourage new ideas, help reach new audiences, and strengthen local orienteering across the country.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing to welcome the world. In December 2026, Tucson will host the North American Orienteering Championships, bringing competitors from around the globe to compete for age-group titles and providing key qualification opportunities for our elite athletes for the World Games and World Orienteering Championships. We’re also laying the groundwork for the World Trail Orienteering Championships in Los Angeles – the first time this event will be held outside of Europe or Asia – and for orienteering’s inclusion in the first ever U.S.-hosted World Military Summer Games in Charlotte in 2027.

As we look toward the year ahead, I’m inspired by what we’re building together. Thank you for being part of this journey and for everything you do to support orienteering locally, nationally, and on the world stage.

With gratitude and optimism for the future,

Tori Campbell

President, Orienteering USA