Ropes Policy and Procedures Manual |
The Ropes Course is a series of problem-solving events that must be
negotiated in order to physically move from one spot to the next. The events are largely constructed of
telephone poles, cables, ladders and ropes and vary in height from one foot to
forty feet off the ground.
Much has been written about the clinical application of ropes and
initiative programs. The purpose of this
manual is to provide a reference for the technical, mechanical, and task
aspects of the
Our instructors must speak a common language in respect to set-up,
take-down, spotting, belay, safety practices, and methodology so that these
processes remain consistent in approach.
Only through this common language will safe use of the course result,
so that full attention can be devoted to the educational application. This is the purpose of our Ropes Course Policy
and Procedures Manual.
While variations of tasks are possible, and language used to frame the
tasks may change, success is always measured by individual and group
experience. The technical and mechanical
aspects described here
Outward Bound, Inc. pioneered the use of the Ropes Course as an
educational therapeutic tool in the
1) Persons have more resources
and are more capable than they think they are.
2) A small heterogeneous group
has the resources within it to successfully cope with significant physical and
mental challenges.
3) One learns more when
presented with problems rather than solutions.
4) Significant, long-lasting
learning can be achieved through an intensive short-term experience.
(Source: North Carolina Outward
Bound School Instructor’s Handbook, Copyright, 1973)
The idea of using adventure as a means toward human growth and
development has become an accepted methodology in education, counseling,
leadership training, corrections, and many other human service fields. The philosophy behind Ropes Course usage
contends that: An environment conducive
to the “learning experience” must incorporate both practice and theory. The development of this environment is the basis
behind all individual and group work done on the course.
The purpose of the course has nothing to do with stunts or a
dare-devilish mentality. Rather, the
Ropes Course is a tool which impels its participants into challenging,
high-stress situations in order that they may confront aspects of themselves
that they may not have cared to deal with or possibly known before (i.e., fear,
trust, confusion, anger, etc.).
Consequently, there is great potential for feelings of accomplishment
and improved confidence in one’s God-given abilities. The method is cooperation rather than competition. Success comes from the simple act of trying
rather than beating an opponent. Our
course benefits may include: higher
confidence, improved group cohesion, better communication skills, higher levels
of interpersonal trust and trust in God, and a greater willingness to take
calculated risks.
The construction of the Ropes and Challenge Course meets and/or exceeds
all minimum standards in the industry as set by the Association of Experiential
Education, Safety Practices in Adventure Programming, published 1990, Chapter
10; and the International Association of Challenge Course Technology.
All equipment used in the construction of the course bears a safe
working load and tensile strength sufficient for operating procedures.
All belay line cable systems have an independent back-up system equal
to the strength of the primary system.
Unauthorized access to the course is controlled by course design,
education, scheduling, dismantling of belay equipment, locked storage, and
posted regulations. (Ladder required to
access).
We will work to tailor our activities and debriefings to the specific
goals of each group within the guidelines of our camp philosophy. Some of our goals are listed below:
A. To increase mutual support
within a group;
1.
By offering respect for effort, not “success”.
2.
By enhancing group communication skills.
3.
By developing trusting relationships and attitudes among group members.
B. To increase confidence in
each individual’s God-given abilities;
1.
By encouraging risk-taking and reducing the fear of failure.
2.
By enhancing leadership skills.
3.
By basing acceptance on empathy and love, not on competence.
C. To increase problem-solving
abilities;
1.
By encouraging creative thinking and decision-making.
2.
By developing decision-making abilities that take into account the
needs and goals of the group rather than just the individual.
3.
By debriefing and offering life applications to the activities.
D. To develop an increased joy
in cooperative group activities;
1.
By emphasizing learning through active, playful participation.
2.
By adding adventure and excitement to participation.
3.
By utilizing teamwork and cooperation rather than competition.
The high ropes course exists primarily to reach these specific goals:
A. To provide a safe,
adventurous program area.
B. To teach participants
Christian encouragement skills.
C. To increase each group
members confidence in their own God-given abilities.
D. To increase each group
members trust in God and each other.
A. Resources
1.Financial
A yearly budget will be provided for
replacement of equipment when needed, general maintenance, training, and yearly
professional inspection.
Any
equipment purchased for the Ropes Course will be done via the Ropes Course
Director.
Any community group using
the Ropes Course will be charged per person as cited by fee.
Ropes Course Programs are included in
attendance of
Professionally recognized Ropes Course
Builders will construct all course additions.
A request will be submitted at a time of the yearly budget for course
additions.
2.
Equipment Inventory
All standard and necessary equipment used in
operation of the Ropes Course is closely monitored. An inventory will be taken, updated, and
filed every six months. The following is
Seat Harnesses
1 L
10 M
1 S
Chest Harnesses
1 L 2 M
Hardware/Equipment
50 steel locking D
carabiners
1 steel twisted carabiner
5 H.B. Sheriffs
3 cable pulleys
1 Zip pulley
3 adjustable lobster claws
with Zorbers
1 adjustable lobster claw
without Zorber
1 shear reduction device
1 blue Zip line static
belay tether rope
1 blue Zip line return
rope
2 blue ropes for tying
ladders
7
green ropes in current use (2 ropes for Pamper Pole; 1 rope for catwalk log; 1
rope for
Multi-vine;
1 rope for Ship’s crossing; 2 ropes for tower)
10
helmets
10
extra padding for helmets
3
ladders (2 extension, 1 step)
Low
ropes equipment
2
thick ropes for Nitro crossing and Triangle traverse
1
cargo net
1
spider’s web
3
platforms
1
set trolleys
2
2x6 boards
B. Target Populations
Since
1.
2.
School and church groups
3.
College programs
4.
Community organizations
5.
Professional/Corporate teams
6.
Anyone with interest and motivation
A ropes course is designed to be challenging and risk provoking in a
safe and well-monitored environment. The
safety systems and procedures we use have been developed in accordance with
industry standards. In respect to these
numerous safety precautions and procedures, which are necessary in running a ropes
course, the management issue needs to be clearly channeled and defined.
In regards to policy and procedure, all course management is done by
the Ropes Course Director to insure consistency in provision and subsequent
safety to participants. (The Ropes
Course Director, who is supervised by the Director of the camp, is also
responsible for budgeting, hiring Ropes Course Instructors and overseeing the
camp’s Instructor Training Course.)
The Ropes Course follows ACA guidelines D-12 – D-27.
A. Requirements of the
Participant
1.
Eligibility requirements
Only people 6th grade level and
above may participate on High Ropes Course.
Expectant mothers or people with a history of heart disease will not be
allowed on the High Ropes Course. Anyone
with a history of suicidal tendencies will only be allowed on the High Ropes
Course with a physician’s written permission.
Participants weighing over 325 lbs will not be allowed on the high ropes
course and there is a 270 lb weight limit on the Pamper Pole. People with other conditions or disabilities
will be able to partake in certain adventure experiences depending on the
condition of the disability, the experience and training of the staff, and the
nature of the adventure experience.
2.
Completion of proper forms (See
XX. Forms)
This must be done prior to participation in
the course (a guardian will sign for an applicant under 18 years old).
A Registration form must be signed for every
participant on the Ropes Course. The
form declares intent, agreement to follow rules and regulations, assumption of
risk, medical emergency release and the general health history of the
participant. This registration form will
be kept on file at the camp office.
B. Administrative Policy and
Safety Standards
*All references to qualified staff or
personnel mean that staff training has been accomplished according to the
1.
Safety standards will be maintained regarding safety of guests and
staff.
2.
On an annual basis, inspection of the entire course will be performed
by a third party professional ropes and initiative course builder. The Ropes Course Director will retain a
report of this inspection.
3.
4.
All outside groups will have individuals sign registration/health forms
prior to participation. (See XX. Forms)
5.
A combination of environmental factors can affect the safety and risk
factors of the course. Instructor’s
judgment will determine if the course should or should not be conducted. No Ropes Course activities will be conducted
during extremely inclement weather, including, but not limited to, electrical
storms, severe storms, ice storms, extreme cold or heat.
6.
Any broken or critically damaged equipment must be replaced
immediately, before use of element can occur.
DO NOT PROCEED with damaged equipment even if you think your
back-up system is adequate. Ropes with
frayed ends must be properly cut, taped and burned before use.
7.
Participants by any party in any event on the Ropes Course will occur
under the direction and supervision of qualified staff. The number of participants simultaneously on
the Low Ropes course must be at least 7, not to exceed 12 per qualified staff. The number of participants simultaneously on
the High Ropes Course must be at least 5, not to exceed 12 per Instructor.
8.
A
9.
All ropes will be retired after a maximum of 750 uses, except the
primary belay rope for the Pamper Pole, which will be retired after 350
uses. The rope ends should be flipped
after half of this limit is reached (375/175).
10. An emergency kit containing
first aid supplies will be present on the course site.
11. A rescue kit will contain 4
steel carabiners, an extra H.B. Sheriff, hand pliers and rope knife; an extra
rope will be on hand. The rescue kit
must be present and available at the High Ropes Course should an emergency
occur warranting its use.
12. All carabiners used will
have locking gates.
13. When not in use, all
equipment will be stored and inaccessible to campers
14. Before use of any element,
the permanent and removable equipment included in the system will be visually
inspected by qualified* staff for evidence of wear, breakage, or damage. Damaged or broken equipment will be repaired
or replaced. Record of Possible Concern
Form (XX. Forms) available if necessary.
15. Set up and take down of all
removable equipment will be accomplished by a qualified person.
16. When setting up or taking
down any high element, the qualified staff will be belayed by static system.
17. Sufficient support staff to
monitor the participants on the grounds will be provided.
18. Before presenting the task,
areas surrounding all elements will be inspected for obstructions or dangerous
objects. These objects will be removed.
19. A
20. Proper safety
briefing/orientation will precede each ropes course session.
21. Facilitators will conduct
warm-up and stretching exercises before participation. Spotting techniques will be reviewed.
22. Before participating,
qualified staff will visually inspect each participant for appropriateness of
attire for safety concerns or potential risk factors.
23. Participants in all high
elements will utilize an appropriate climbing harness system—a commercially
manufactured harness for belay or rappel.
In addition to the appropriate seat harness, an additional chest harness
will be applied to climbers on the Pamper Pole.
24. All climbers on all high
elements will wear properly positioned helmets.
25. Facilitators will secure all
participants to the belay systems according to the specifics in the manual.
26. Before climbing a high
element, facilitators will check all seat harnesses, helmets, knots, and
carabiners.
27. In addition to primary
belay, a minimum of one person will assume a back-up belay position.
28. All participants will be on
belay and spotted when climbing a ladder to access high elements.
29. All participants will have
at least one spotter in place when lowered to the ground to make sure climbers
can regain standing control.
30. All participants must be
spotted on the low elements. Teach
spotting according to the specifics in this manual under XII.A. Low Ropes Course-spotting.
31. To begin and end spotting
and belaying procedures, a pre-defined communication will be used.
32. All participants will be
encouraged to participate in all activities, but never forced.
33. Smoking is not allowed on
high or low ropes activities or when participants are in the presence of or
wearing program equipment.
A. Planning checklist #1 –
Before meeting the group
1.
Contact the leader of the group to discuss expectations and necessary
preparation:
a.
Group size and age
b. Proper clothing (loose and
comfortable, appropriate for the weather, long pants are recommended.)
c.
Alternate plan for questionable weather.
d. Determine meeting place and
time.
e.
Get a clear idea of group’s goals.
2.
Familiarize yourself with health forms of participants.
3.
Structure activities.
4.
Prepare personal gear (such as):
a.
Extra clothing
b. Pen, Pencil, notebook and
walkie-talkie
c.
Rope log, P&P Manual, and Low Ropes Course Handbook
d. Water, food (if appropriate)
e.
Special “props” and equipment (i.e. blindfolds, etc)
f.
First Aid kit and rescue kit
g. Evaluation forms and envelopes
(when appropriate)
5.
Set up any activities which need to be set up.
6.
Immediately prior to use, visually inspect the following parts of the
elements and/or group initiative equipment you will be using:
a.
Cables and cable clamps:
-
Make sure that all cables are intact with no breaks, cuts, frays or
kinks present.
-
Be sure that all of the clamps are present and in the proper place.
-
Make sure that the bolts that hold the cables to the trees are intact
with bolts screwed properly in place.
b. Ropes:
-
Check all ropes for cuts and/or frays.
-
Make sure that all knots are in place, tied properly and intact.
c.
Wooden structures:
-
Be sure that there is no broken or damaged wood and that all boards are
in place.
-
Be sure that all bolts are in place and screwed in all the way.
d. Ladders: Be sure that all rungs are intact and anchor
points secure and set up properly.
7.
Make needed repairs of equipment or drop activity from the day’s
schedule.
8.
Record repair or needed repair.
Use Possible Concern Form if necessary.
Fill out Element Inspection Sheet.
(See XX. Forms)
9.
Visually inspect the ground for garbage or objects people could trip
over, and inspect the trees about the course for deadfalls. Report any deadfalls or large dead branches
to the Program Director immediately.
B. Planning checklist #2 – Upon
meeting the group
1.
Introduce yourself to the group and meet them.
2.
Distribute name tags (if needed).
3.
Review goals with leaders. If
they are adults with a group of children, say something to the adults like, “If
you can figure out the solution to a problem or know how you would do an
activity, please do not share that solution or suggestion with the
children. Solving the problems is not as
important as learning from them.”
4.
Collect any necessary forms.
5.
Check the clothing of participants.
All participants are encouraged to wear long pants. They must not be wearing sandals (Teva
sandals, etc.) or have bare feet. If
unable to correct inappropriate attire, eliminate those participants. Are there enough participants to run the
course? If not STOP, reevaluate the
activities planned and, if possible, do alternate activities.
6.
Check the number of participants.
Make sure that there is enough staff to meet participant ratios. Participation by any party in any event on
the Ropes Course will occur under the direction and supervision of qualified
staff.
C. Planning checklist #3 –
Introduction and safety briefing
1.
Introduce all leaders.
2.
Explain plan for the day. Talk
about the philosophy and goals of the Ropes Course.
3.
Talk about environmental care.
Mention litter.
4.
Mention restroom locations and appropriate break times.
5.
Explain safety procedures and regulations.
a.
Explain the inherent risk and any potential dangers of the ropes
course. Bruises, scrapes, scratches and
turned ankles occur. Be sure that they
understand and consent to accepting those risks. Be sure they understand that they can say
“No” at any time. Tell them why.
b. Ask if there are any medical
conditions or limiting injuries the group should be aware of. Tell them to speak with you privately if they
don’t feel comfortable telling the group.
Ask them if there is a way they can tell when their condition is going
to act up (strange feeling, etc.)
c.
Explain “Stop play!” rule, “If at any time you become injured or feel
unsafe call STOP PLAY and we will all immediately stop what we are doing and
offer you assistance.”
d. Explain that no one is to
climb on or attempt one of the challenges without a qualified
e.
Have the group store valuables, dangling earrings, necklaces and
jewelry, knives, keys, pens, pencils, combs, etc., or other potentially
dangerous items in a safe place away from the activity. No smoking or gum chewing allowed.
f.
Explain roles of leader and participants.
g. Explain that during these
activities you will retain the right to change the rules of the game at any
time for safety reasons and to ensure there is adequate challenge or success
for the group.
6.
Talk briefly about rope care and equipment care. Explain proper wear, usage and adjustment of
harness and helmets. Explain terminology
and use of equipment.
7.
Tell participants at the end of our activity “It is important to be
able to say that you challenged yourself in at least one way.”
8.
Explain “challenge by choice” – Although we will encourage participants
to attempt each activity, they will have the final say as to whether they are
ready to try it. Our job is to remind
them they can do more than they think they can and outline their choices and
the consequences for their choices. No
camper will be forced to do any activity.
9.
Do warm-ups and stretch out.
10. Teach or review spotting.
11. Explain verbal contracts and
communication signals.
12. State goals of the group as
you understand them. Explain individual
and group responsibilities. Re-set and
clarify goals if necessary.
13. Once goals are clear, form a
Participation Covenant:
a.
I agree to work together as a group and work toward individual and
group goals.
b. I agree to follow safety and
group behavior guidelines.
c.
I agree to give and receive feedback, both positive and negative and to
work toward changing inappropriate behaviors.
14. Double-check all elements
prior to use to make sure that they are in safe working order.
D. Planning checklist #4 – As
you begin
1.
Make all safety considerations clear to participants before beginning
any activity. Then follow them.
2.
Take appropriate breaks for water.
3.
Under no circumstances are you to leave an activity while the
participants are still engaged in it.
Lead activities appropriately.
4.
Do a safety check on each element before use.
5.
Debrief or process when necessary.
6.
When appropriate, hand out evaluation forms and have participants
complete and return them or hand out stamped/addressed envelopes.
7.
End session. Thank participants
and staff.
E. Planning checklist #5 –
After the group leaves
1.
Disassemble appropriate equipment and store properly.
2.
Check course to be sure everything is in order.
a.
Ropes are coiled,
b. Litter is disposed of,
c.
Props and gear are properly stored,
d. Appropriate elements are
secured,
e.
Any needed repairs are noted,
f.
Lost and found items are gathered.
3.
List activities/problems encountered/potential safety concerns/other
comments.
Properly record all rope and equipment use as
required.
4.
Complete Incident Report/Near Miss Forms (if needed and turn in to
office.)
5. Debrief activity with other
leaders if necessary.
A. While on the Ropes Course
site, attending staff (i.e. non-qualified
1.
Monitor the behavior and activity of the participants, intervening when
necessary.
2.
Aid in the orchestration of participants to meet course Instructor’s
specifications.
3.
Follow course instructor’s requests to the best of his/her ability.
4.
Use common sense and sound judgment.
5.
Encourage and recognize the efforts of all involved.
B.