My understanding is that randonneuring default standard varies by country.
For example: the French define the course to be ridden; Audax UK default is define the controls, suggest a course, but actual course is up to the rider. The default in the US is that the course is defined; this applies to brevets and permanents; however, a US permanent can be designated as a "free route," which means that the controls are defined, a course is suggested, but the rider is free to pick their own course as long as they hit all the controls in the designated order. There are also some additional submission requirements for US "free route" permanents.
Last edited by skiffrun; 08-19-16 at 09:15 PM.