Cork Schools Orienteering Association offer two types of event, Competitive and Non-Competitive. Generally, it is advised that pupils who attempt the sport for the first time, or who have not attended the Introductory event, should attempt the non-competitive course. This of course is not compulsory. Please check with the organisers if there are non competitive courses available in the Munster and All-Ireland competitions.
Prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd individuals in the (competitive) course they take part in. 1st, 2nd,3rd are also awarded in the teams competition, positions are determined by combining the times of the first four finishers in the school on the course. For some competitions there may be limits on the number of students who can enter a course from the one school, this is highlighted in the competition information. It must be remembered that only children in the competitive section are entitled to prizes.
At Primary School level four competitive courses and one non-competitive course are available.
| Course | Available to | Approx. Distance |
| 5th Class Boys | 5th Class Boys | 1.5km – 2.5km |
| 5th Class Girls | 5th Class Girls | 1.5km – 2.5km |
| 6th Class Boys | 6th Class Boys | 1.5km – 2.5km |
| 6th Class Girls | 6th Class Girls | 1.5km – 2.5km |
| Non-Competitive | 5th & 6th Class Pupils | 1.5km – 2.5km |
At Post Primary Level seven courses are generally available. Six Competitive and one Non-Competitive.
| Course | Available To | Approx. Distance |
| 1st Year Girls | 1st Year Girls | 2.5km – 3.5km |
| 1st Year Boys | 1st Year Boys | 2.5km – 3.5km |
| 2nd/3rd Year Girls | 2nd/3rd Year Girls | 3.5km – 4.5km |
| 2nd/3rd Year Boys | 2nd/3rd Year Boys | 3.5km – 4.5km |
| PJC Girls | TY, 5th & 6th Year Girls | 4.0km – 5.5km |
| PJC Boys | TY, 5th & 6th Year Boys | 4.0km – 6.0km |
| Non-Competitive | 1st-6th Years | 2.5km – 3.5km |
Cork Schools Orienteering Association 