| Scout Rules Made Simple
(Thanks to the team at Scoutbase for this article)
Climbing and Abseiling are great sports
and every Scout group in the country should include the
activities as part of an active programme. However
there's no escaping the fact that there's an element of
manageable risk. That's why the Scout Association have
published rules about who can instruct the sport, and
how. These rules aren't there to put people off climbing,
just to ensure it is done safely, correctly and
constructively.
The points below illustrate the main
rules governing climbing and abseiling as a Scouting
activity.
- All rock climbing and abseiling activities must be
led or supervised by a person authorised by the District Commissioner.
- Scouting Authorisation comes after the applicant
completes an application form and usually a practical assessment has
taken place.
- Authorisations last for a maximum of five years
- There is no upper or lower age limit. Suitable Scouts
or Ventures may be authorised.
- The applicant does not have to be a member of the
The Scout Movement.
- People may be authorised under one of the following
categories:
- to act as rope leader
- to instruct to a stated grade
- to supervise and 'take overall charge' of the
the activity
- See POR Rule 40.3 and Factsheet FS120402: Authorisation Scheme for Climbing and Abseiling.
- The maximum number of people who can be supervised
is six per authorised leader
- Helmets must always be worn when climbing or abseiling
- People who are not in the movement may not take part
in Scout climbing and abseiling sessions unless they have been appointed
as an authorised leader (see above).
- Sponsored or fund raising activities involving climbing
or abseiling with members of the public are not allowed.
These are a simplified and condensed version of the Scout
Association rules. For more information see:
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