Appendix 7. Adventure Activities

Transcription

1 Appendix 7 Adventure Activities Important Information on Qualifications, Ratios etc Well - managed trips and outdoor activities are great for children. Children won t learn about risk if they are wrapped in cotton wool Health and Safety Executive 2011 Key Message 1

2 OUTDOOR ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES APPENDIX 7 Page Angling and Fishing 3 Archery 4 Blokarting 4 Boating 4 Use of Small Boats (Rowing Boats, Small Powered Boats) 4 Use of Charter Boats 4 Camping/Overnight Stays In Bothies 5 Canoeing and Kayaking 6-9 Inland Kayaking 6 Sea Kayaking 7 Open Canoeing 8 Kayak Surfing 9 Caving 10 Climbing and Abseiling Cycling Foreign Expeditions 18 Gorge Walks 19 Horse Riding 19 Horse Riding and Pony Trekking 19 Horse Riding with Disabled People 19 Joint Excursions between two or more Schools/Units 20 Large Scale Sponsored Walks Guidance to Organisers 20 Orienteering 21 Paintballing (Combat Challenges) 21 Remotely Supervised Activities and Expeditions 21 Sailing (Dinghies) 22 Skiing Alpine or Downhill Skiing on Piste 23 Skiing off Piste (Alpine) 24 Nordic Skiing 24 Snowboarding (on Piste only) 25 Telemarking (on Piste) 25 Swimming 26 Curricular 26 In Natural Waters 26 In Swimming Pools 26 Walking Water Ski-ing 27 White Water Rafting 31 Windsurfing 31 Sources of Advice 33 Technical Outdoor Equipment 33 2

3 Angling and Fishing There are no appropriate National Governing Body Leadership Awards specifically for fishing. 1 Bank and shore fishing The leader should have an emergency aid certificate and will be an experienced angler, familiar with the local water, and local hazards. Maximum ratio 5 participants to 1 leader. 2 Boat fishing (small craft) a) non motorized boats (rowing boats, punts, canoes etc) The leader should have experience of boat handling in the craft to be used. For sea fishing the boat handler should have extensive experienced in the craft and venue to be used. b) motorized boats In addition to the above, the leader should have appropriate qualifications in the craft to be used. For sea fishing the boat handler should also have extensive experience of the venue to be used and should also be qualified to RYA Level 2 Powerboat (or equivalent). Maximum ratio 3 participants to 1 leader. 3 Use of Charter boats Leaders may only use charter boats with an appropriate Department of Trade Certificate. Certification is graded to take account of the waters that are being used. Skippers should hold a Department of Trade Boatman s License or equivalent. It is an additional requirement that operators hold public liability insurance of at least 5 million. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 leader. 3

4 Archery There are at least two different National Governing Bodies for Archery. They are the Scottish Field Archery Association and the Grand National Archery Association. The lowest level award that is acceptable is the GNAS Community Leader Award. This has a shelf life of two years before it must be revalidated. Leaders should have an emergency aid certificate and the GNAS Community Leader award. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader (depending on the size of the range this ratio might be increased slightly or decreased but no more than two participants to shoot at one target at a time). Blokarting There is no National Governing Body Award for Blokarting. It is a requirement that all leaders attend an induction course led by the Departmental Technical Adviser for Blokarting. Leaders must hold an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader, with no more than 6 blokarts in operation at any one time. Participants must wear helmets, gloves, eye protection (e.g. goggles) and use the seat belt. The venue must be approved by the Departmental Technical Adviser. Boating Use of Small Boats (Rowing Boats, Pedalos, Non-planing Powered Boats) Boats must not be loaded beyond the manufacturers and hire company recommendations. All participants must wear lifejackets or buoyancy aids where provided by the hire company. In coastal waters there must be powered rescue boats available or on standby. Use of Charter Boats Leaders may only use charter boats with an appropriate Department of Trade Certificate. Certification is graded to take account of the waters that are being used. Skippers should hold a Department of Trade Boatman s License or equivalent. It is an additional requirement that operators hold public liability insurance of at least 5 million. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. 4

5 Camping/Overnight Stays in Bothies Leaders should have had experience in camping and should be familiar with the equipment being used (tents, stoves, etc). Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and the hillwalking award for the country they are operating in (e.g. BELA, Walking Group Leader see Note below, Mountain Leader Award, Winter Mountain Leader Award; or no qualification required if using a non remote or public campsite). Note: Walking Group Leader Award does not include an element for remote camping. Evidence of camping experience with groups must be shown. Maximum ratio 15 participants to 1 qualified leader 5

6 Canoeing and Kayaking Awarding body is Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) or British Canoe Union (parts of the same federation). Awards are only valid whilst the leader is a member of SCA, BCU, Welsh Canoe Association, or Canoe association of Northern Ireland, and has attended Coach updates. There are award structures for inland kayak, sea kayak, open canoe and surfing. Leaders must have an award which covers the correct discipline. The award schemes were completely revised in The old scheme will continue to run alongside the new scheme. The levels in the new scheme are related to the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC). There are some key differences between the remit of the awards. Most notable is that at new Level 1 and 2, the awards are generic and cover all disciplines Inland Kayaking 1 Very sheltered water (canals and ponds) UKCC Leaders should be a Level 2 Coach and hold an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 1 Kayak Coach or Level 2 Kayak Coach Trainee who also hold an emergency aid certificate and a Canoe Safety Test. Maximum ratio 1 qualified staff to 8 participants (10 participants if double kayaks are used). 2 Sheltered water (small lochs) UKCC Leaders should be a Level 2 Coach and hold an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 2 Kayak Coach and hold an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader (10 participants if double kayaks are used). 3 Large lochs and rivers up to and including Grade II UKCC Leaders should be EITHER a Level 2 Coach and hold a Moderate White Water or Touring endorsement (depending on craft and venue used), OR be a Level 3 Coach (White Water) and hold an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 3 Kayak Coach and hold an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. 6

7 4 Advanced white water Grade III and above UKCC Leaders should be a Level 3 Coach (White Water) and hold an Advanced White Water Endorsement, and hold a 16 hour first aid award aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 4 Kayak Coach and hold an emergency aid certificate. Grade III water. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 2 qualified leaders (where the assistant holds the Whitewater 4* Leader award) on Grade III water. Grade IV or above water. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader (it is recommended that a competent assistant is used on all trip to Grade IV and above water). Maximum ratio 8 participants to 2 qualified leaders (where the assistant holds the Whitewater 5* Leader award) on Grade IV and above. Sea Kayaking 1 Sheltered tidal waters (with minimal possibility of being blown offshore) UKCC Leaders should be a Level 2 Coach and also holds a 3* Sea Kayak Award and an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 2 Sea Kayak Coach and also holds an old 4 star Kayak Award and an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. 2 Sea journeys UKCC Leaders should be EITHER a Level 2 Coach and hold Moderate Water Sea endorsement, OR Level 3 Coach (Sea Kayak), and hold an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 3 Sea Kayak Coach and holds an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader, or 8 participants to 2 qualified leaders (where the assistant holds the 4* Sea Kayak Award). 3 Advanced sea journeys UKCC Leaders should be a Level 3 Coach (Sea Kayak) and holds an Advanced Water Sea endorsement and holds a 16 hour first aid award aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be Level 4 Sea Kayak Coaches with an emergency aid certificate. Advanced sea journeys would not normally be led single-handed. The leader should be assisted by someone with at least a Level 3 Coach Award or the 5* Sea Kayak Award. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader (plus qualified assistant). 7

8 Open Canoeing 1 Very sheltered water (canals and ponds) UKCC Leaders should be a Level 2 Coach and holds an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 1 Open Canoe Coach with an emergency aid certificate or a Level 2 Coach Trainee who also holds an emergency aid certificate and a Canoe Safety Test. Maximum ratio 6 boats or 12 people to 1 qualified leader. 2 Sheltered water (small lochs) UKCC Leaders should be a Level 2 Coach who holds a 3* Open Canoe and holds an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 2 Open Canoe Coach with an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 6 boats or 12 people to 1 qualified leader. 3 Large lochs and rivers up to Grade II UKCC Leaders should be EITHER a Level 2 Coach and holds Moderate Water Open Canoe endorsement, OR Level 3 Coach (Open Canoe) and holds an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 3 Open Canoe Coach with an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 5 boats or 10 people to 1 qualified leader. 4 Very large lochs including sea lochs and rivers in excess of Grade II UKCC Leaders should be a Level 3 Coach and holds Advanced Water Open Canoe endorsement and hold an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be Level 4 Open Canoe Coach with an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 4 boats or 4 people to 1 qualified leader. Maximum ratio 6 boats or 8 people to 2 qualified leaders (where the assistant is an Old Level 3 Open Canoe Coach or the Old 5* Open Canoe Award or New 5* Open Canoe Leader award ) on Grade III and IV water. 8

9 Kayak Surfing 1 Surf < 1 metre high UKCC Leaders should be EITHER a Level 2 Coach and holds Moderate Water Surf endorsement, OR a Level 3 Coach (Open Canoe) and holds an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be Trainee Level 3 Surf Coaches or Level 3 Sea Coaches (with an emergency aid certificate in either case). Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. 2 Advanced surf > 1 metre UKCC Leaders should be a Level 3 Coach (Surf) and holds Advanced Water Surf endorsement, and holds an emergency aid certificate. OLD Leaders should be a Level 4 Surf Coach with an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader. A responsible assistant to act as a Beach Master should be considered. 9

10 Caving The National Governing Body is the National Caving Association. The awards, starting at the most basic are as follows: Local Cave and Mine Leader Award (LCMLA) Level l Local Cave and Mine Leader Award Level 2 Cave Instructor Certificate Require to be revalidated every 5 years 1 Show caves (beyond the area open to the public) or cave or mine systems without pitches Leaders should have an emergency aid certificate and LCMLA Level l. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader with an assistant leader capable of bringing the group safely to the surface. 2 Cave/mine systems with pitches less than 18 m Leaders should have an emergency aid certificate and LCMLA Level 2. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader with an assistant leader capable of bringing the group safely to the surface. 3 Cave/mine systems with pitches over 18 m Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and a Cave Instructor Certificate. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. 10

11 Climbing The following qualifications cover climbing and abseiling activities in the UK: Climbing Wall Award (CWA) which covers all climbing on purpose built climbing structures both indoors and outdoors including: artificial indoor climbing walls, mobile climbing towers etc. Climbing Wall Award Leading Climbing Module CWA(L) successful completion of this module allows an instructor to teach lead climbing on purpose built climbing walls & towers using in-situ bolts. These may or may not have quick draws in place. Leader placed protection is excluded from this (except for the use of quick draws) as detailed above. Single Pitch Award (SPA) which covers all outdoor climbing venues (as defined below) including natural crags, quarried rock plus all purpose built climbing structure as above. The SPA specifically excludes the teaching of any lead climbing outdoors and indoors Mountaineering Instructors Award (MIA) which includes all of the above plus multi-pitch climbs (as defined below) and the teaching of lead climbing (both indoors and outdoors and using in-situ or leader placed protection. Mountaineering Instructors Certificate (MIC) which includes all of the above plus all winter climbing activities. An International Federation of Mountain Guides Association Guide (IFMGA Guide) is also recognised in the UK. In addition to all of the above an IMFGA Guide is qualified to offer mountaineering and climbing services worldwide. The IFMGA is recognised as the highest award available. All of the above awards should also be supported by recent personal experience. Awards are only current if the holder is in possession of a current first aid award. There are 5 categories of climbing activity as follows: Bouldering: where no ropes are used. Venues can be indoors or outdoors and are generally no more than 3-4 metres high. Single Pitch Climbs: defined as a climb that can be done using a standard rope length without the use of intermediate stances (a standard rope length is 50 metres). Where all climbers can be lowered to the ground at all times. When no navigational skills are required to reach the venue. Multi Pitch Climbs: defined as a climb that is longer than a standard rope length climbed using intermediate stance (a standard rope length is 50 metres). Purpose built climbing structures: Venues can be indoors or outdoors and can include artificial indoor climbing walls, mobile climbing and abseiling towers etc. Snow and Ice Climbing including Winter Mountaineering. 11

12 1 Single Pitch Venues Leaders should hold the SPA as a minimum. If lead climbing is planned the leader should hold the MIA as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 9 participants to 1 qualified leader. This can be increased to 12:2 where the assistant has completed the SPA Training Course. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader if teaching lead climbing is planned. This can be increased to 8:2 where the assistant has completed the MIA Training Course. 2 Multi Pitch Venues Leaders should hold the MIA as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader (on routes up to Very Difficult standard) Maximum ratio 2 participants to 1 qualified leader (on routes above Very Difficult standard) 3a Bouldering Outdoors Leaders should hold the SPA as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader. The use of a spotter is highly recommended for all bouldering activity. 3b Bouldering Indoors Leaders should hold the CWA as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader. For all bouldering activity the following recommendations are made: The use of a spotter should be encouraged. Participants should be limited to a maximum height where the feet are no more than 2 metres off the ground. Any fall should be protected by matting or a very soft surface (e.g. sand). There should be sufficient space so that participants do not climb above one another. 12

13 4 Purpose built climbing structures (Indoors and Outdoors) Leaders should hold the CWA as a minimum. If abseiling is planned the leader should hold the CWA Abseil module. If lead climbing is planned the leader should have completed the CWA Leading Climbing Module as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 9 participants to 1 qualified leader. This can be increased to 12:2 where the assistant has completed the CWA Training Course. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader if teaching lead climbing is planned. This can be increased to 8:2 where the assistant has completed the CWA Lead Climbing Training Course. 5 Snow and Ice Climbing Including Winter Mountaineering Leaders should hold the MIC as a minimum. Leaders should hold an appropriate first aid award. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader for Winter Mountaineering. Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 qualified leader for Winter Climbing up to and including Grade II. Maximum ratio 2 participants to 1 qualified leader for Winter Climbing at Grade III and above. 13

14 Cycling Scottish Cycling & Cycling Scotland Scottish Cycling is the National Governing Body (NGB) for competitive cycling in Scotland and is also responsible for the Mountain Bike Leader s Association (MBLA). Scottish Cycling is part of British Cycling. There are several Mountain Bike Leader qualifications in the UK including the MBLA Trail Cycle Leader and Mountain Bike Leader Awards. Cycling Scotland is a Scottish Government agency responsible, among other things for the promotion of cycling as a healthy sustainable activity. Cycling Scotland owns a suite of cycling courses which it runs through a network of Tutors and Accredited Centres (see Cycling Scotland took over the running of the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme in 2010 and relaunched the scheme as Bikeability Scotland. Their suite of courses include: Cycle Trainer: A four day instructor course equipping successful candidates with the skills to deliver cycle training at Levels 1-3 of the Cycle Training Standards Board (CTSB) criteria. Most commonly this award is used by instructors delivering Bikeability Scotland Level 2 training to P6/7 school children. Cycle Trainers are also qualified to lead rides as per a Cycle Ride Leader (see below). Cycle Training Assistant: A one day course that can be delivered by Tutors & Cycle Trainers who have done a one day orientation following their Cycle Trainer Course. Candidates successfully completing the course can deliver Bikeability Scotland Levels 1 & 2 training under the supervision of a Cycle Trainer. Cycle Ride Leader: A one day non-assessed experiential course designed to allow successful candidates to lead groups on pre-ridden and pre-risk assessed routes of low technical difficulty Go Mountain Bike Orientation: A one day course available to candidates who hold an MBLA Trail Cycle Leader (TCL) or Mountain Bike Leader (MBL) award or Cycle Touring Club equivalent. Successful candidates will be able to deliver either Levels 1-3 or 1-5 of the mountain biking proficiency scheme. Cycle Commuter: A one day experiential course designed to give would be cycle commuters the skills and confidence to make on-road cycle journeys. This course is modular and can be delivered over a number of sessions. British Cycling membership is required to maintain currency of all the awards. There are three types of cycling to consider. 1. Led rides: that which can be done on paved cycle paths or metalled public roads. 2. Cycle Training: this can be done either in traffic free venues (playgrounds, parks, closed carparks etc) or on quiet residential streets with low traffic volume. As a normal curricular activity Head Teachers may authorise cycle training without reference to the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit. 3. Off road cycling (commonly referred to as Mountain Biking): which is done on non-metalled roads, tracks and trails or at purpose built mountain bike centres. 14

15 1. Led Rides 1a) Led rides on paved cycle paths or other traffic free venues The leader should have successfully completed an appropriate cycle training scheme (Cycle Ride Leader, Trail Cycle Leader or above or equivalent) or be adjudged to be of an equivalent standard by one of the Councils Technical Advisors. The Leader should have done the route before and complete a risk assessment prior to being ridden with a group. Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 leader. It is helpful but not essential for a competent assistant to be present for all activities. Where a second competent adult is present the ratio can be increased to 10 participants. 1b) Led rides on metalled public roads. The leader should have successfully completed an appropriate cycle training scheme (Cycle Ride Leader, Trail Cycle Leader or above or equivalent). Routes should be risk assessed in advance and should be subject to low traffic volumes at the time of the ride. Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 leader. It is helpful but not essential for a competent assistant to be present for all on-road activities. Where a second competent adult is present the ratio can be increased to 10 participants. 2. Cycle Training 2a) Traffic Free venues (paved cycle paths and non-technical local venues i.e. school playing fields, parks, closed car-parks etc. This would also include the delivery of Bikeability Scotland Level 1 Cycle Training The venue to be used should be traffic free and a written risk assessment produced by the leader prior to taking a group out. The leader should have successfully completed an appropriate cycle training course (Cycle Trainer Assistant or above or equivalent). The leader should be a confident and proficient cyclist with recent, preferably regular, experience of a variety of modern traffic conditions. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 leader It is helpful but not essential for a competent assistant to be present. Where a second competent adult is present the ratio can be increased to 15 participants. 15

16 2. Cycle Training (continued) 2b) Cycle Training on public roads. This would also include the delivery of Bikeability Scotland Level 2 Cycle Training Routes should be risk assessed and should be subject to low traffic volumes at the time of the ride. Locations should be easily accessible to the school or base either by cycling or by walking pushing the bikes. The junctions selected for training should have been pre-risk assessed and Cycle Training in Progress signs placed per the risk assessment. The leader should have successfully completed an appropriate cycle training scheme (Cycle Trainer Assistant or above or equivalent). The degree of supervision of CTAs should be judged according to their experience. This supervision should be provided by a Cycle Trainer. As a normal curricular activity Head Teachers may authorize cycle training without reference to the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit. It is desirable but not essential for Leaders to hold an emergency first aid certificate. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 leader. It is highly desirable for an assistant to be present for all on-road activities. Where a second competent adult is present the ration can be increased to 10 participants 2c) Delivering Bikeability Scotland Level 3, on-road Cycle Training. Locations include large complex junctions, multi lane roundabouts, filtering across lanes and/or roads with medium to high traffic volumes. Leaders should be very experienced cyclists with extensive, regular and recent experience of cycling on busy complex and demanding on-road environments. Leaders should have successfully completed the Cycle Trainer course and hold an emergency first aid certificate unless working in the immediate vicinity of an establishment with immediate access to first aid assistance Maximum ratio 4 participants to 1 Leader It is highly desirable for an assistant to be present for all on-road activities. Where a second competent adult is present the ratio can be increased to 6 participants. Please note all Level 3 Bikeability trips should be carefully planned with exact routes being submitted to the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit in advance of the trip together with the relevant EE1 or EE1AP paperwork. 16

17 3. Off Road Cycling (commonly referred to as Mountain Biking) Scottish Cycling provides award schemes in off-road mountain bike leadership which are administered by the Mountain Bike Leader Association (MBLA) Award. 3a) Cycling on easy to moderate trails with good navigational features and less than 30 minutes walk from help or an accessible road (or shelter with communication) Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate and the MBLA Trail Cycle Leader Award. (British Cycling membership is required to maintain currency of the award.) All such ventures should be carefully planned with exact routes being submitted to the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit in advance of the trip. The Trail Cycle Leader is responsible for approving the competencies of any assistant leader. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader (increase to 10:1 if assisted by a competent adult). 3b) Cycling on technically difficult tracks or in remote areas more than 30 minutes walk from help. Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate, and the MBLA Mountain Bike Leader Award. (British Cycling membership is required to maintain currency of the award) (Previous experience of the route is highly desirable). The Mountain Bike Leader is responsible for approving the competence of any assistant leader. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader (increase to 10:1 if assisted by a competent adult). 3c) Self-contained multi-day cycle trips Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate and the appropriate MBLA award (depending on the terrain), together with the MBLA Expedition Module endorsement. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. (Another competent supervising adult is strongly recommended. If another competent adult is used the ratio can be increased to 8:1). 3d) Cycling at night Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate and the appropriate MBLA award (depending on the terrain), together with the MBLA Night Riding endorsement. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. (Another competent supervising adult is strongly recommended. If another competent adult is used the ratio can be increased to 8:1). 3e) Cycling in winter conditions Leaders should hold an emergency first aid certificate and an MBLA award (In winter conditions riding is restricted to TCL terrain) together with the MBLA Winter Conditions endorsement. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. (Another competent supervising adult is strongly recommended. If another competent adult is used the ratio can be increased to 8:1). 17

18 Foreign Expeditions It is becoming increasingly common for schools and community groups to wish to be involved in expeditions abroad. Some of these expeditions have been ambitious in their scope, and it has been felt that organisers might benefit from some additional guidance when planning such trips. There are several issues to consider: a) Timescale Planning for some of these trips is a lengthy business. Often the whole process takes more than a year from the initial contact with a provider to the trip setting off. It is crucial that the organiser registers the trip with the International Unit at an early stage. Registration is achieved using the EE3 form (see Appendix 3). It is appreciated that organisers might not be in possession of all the relevant facts at this early stage, but the trip can be registered in principle with certain provisos in place. It is simply not acceptable to have all the planning in place and money collected from participants and to then seek approval at that late stage. Please note that if practice expeditions are planned before the main trip, then separate EE1 forms are required for the practice expeditions. b) Risk Assessment It is important that a thorough risk assessment is conducted at an early stage. It is understood that the level of risk associated with some of these trips is much higher than for trips in the UK. This may be acceptable for older participants who have been appropriately prepared for the trip. It is vital that the participants and their parents have been fully appraised of the true extent of the risk. c) Qualifications of Leaders This is an area that can cause most difficulty. There is no universally accepted qualification for world wide trekking. Some travel companies use staff with minimal qualifications that the Council may not find acceptable. It is important that the trip leader has experience of the type of countries that are to be visited. It would be strongly recommended that the leaders had previous experience of leading similar trips (perhaps as an assistant leader). It is unlikely that organising teachers or leaders will have the necessary background knowledge to make a judgement as to the suitability of the outdoor qualifications that might be appropriate. It is strongly recommended that organisers seek guidance from the Sports/Outdoor Education unit before agreeing to the appointment of an outdoor leader. It is often the case that a judgement as to the suitability of a leader can only be determined by a face to face interview, and the Sports Outdoor Education unit will help groups with this if required. 18

19 Gorge Walks Gorges vary from the very simple and safe to the potentially very dangerous. There is no hard and fast rule for leader qualifications which might range from the Mountaineering Instructor Award at the top end to local approval for the simplest gorges. Expert guidance must be sought from the Sports and Outdoor Education Unit. It should be noted that an intention to use a rope will require a greater degree of expertise. Knowledge of the venue will always be essential. Gorges are susceptible to rapid and dangerous changes in water levels. Maximum ratio will never be less favourable than 10 participants to 1 qualified leader, and some gorges will require a substantial improvement in these ratio. Horse Riding Horse Riding and Pony Trekking All riding and trekking centres should be approved by either the British Horse Society (BHS) or the Trekking and Riding Society of Scotland (TRSS). Where appropriate, a centre should be registered with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). This will mean that the centre will have been inspected and risk assessments and safe operating procedures reviewed by an independent body. Many stables go for multiple approval e.g. BHS and RDA. There are two acceptable alternative qualifications. (a) All BHS approved centres should be supervised by a person who holds as a minimum the BHS Assistant Instructor Award. All group leaders should hold as a minimum the BHS Preliminary Teaching Test Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. (b) TRSS approved centres should be managed by a holder of the Centre Operators Certificate of the TRSS. All group leaders should hold the Trek Leader Award of the TRSS. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader For camping expeditions on horseback guidance should be sought from the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit. Horse Riding with Disabled People When undertaking horseriding with people with disabilities, it is strongly recommended that leaders make use of instructors approved by the Riding for the Disabled Association. Advice can be sought from the Regional contact via 19

20 Joint Excursions between two or more Schools/Units From time to time approval is sought for joint excursions. For example, two or more schools may join forces to mount a foreign ski trip. Whilst there is no objection in principle to such ventures, there are additional administrative procedures that must be considered. a) It is vital to establish who the overall trip leader is to be. Even if most of the leadership tasks are to be shared, it is important that somebody is designated as having the final say on important decisions. b) City of Edinburgh establishments must follow all the administrative arrangements set out in the Excursions Policy Procedures and Guidance - it may be the other school is not from the City of Edinburgh in which case they would need to follow their own Council arrangements. c) It is important to check the qualifications of any staff who will lead outdoor excursions. If the young people are to be split into mixed school groups and a teacher from the other school is to instruct skiing for example, then the organising staff must physically check the certification of the instructor (it is not sufficient to take the word of partner organisations). d) If voluntary staff are involved, establish which organisation they are volunteering to help, and check that these individuals would be insured for any act of negligence. e) The organiser should check that the other agencies have appropriate insurance. f) Joint ventures in certain outdoor activities within the UK may require that the organisers are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service, if in doubt please check with the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit. g) Given the significant additional complexities of this sort of venture, organisers should allow much more time than usual for the planning and preparation times. Large Sponsored Walks - Guidance to Organisers For all Large Scale Sponsored Walks you must prepare a formal written risk assessment and this should be submitted along with your EE1 form to the Sports/Outdoor Education Unit. See Appendix 13 for Guidance Notes on Sponsored Walks (this information is also available on Search the Orb Sponsored Walks ). At the planning stage all leaders must pay particular attention to the environmental impact of large scale sponsored walks. They must have regard to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and ensure all walks take place with due regard to responsible access. 20

21 Orienteering The preferred award would be the British Orienteering Federation Old Level 3 Coach (formerly Instructors) Award (which needs regular revalidation) and an Emergency Aid Certificate or a UKCC Level 2 Coach (formerly Teacher/Leader) Award. Holders of a BELA award or a Mountain Leader Award, with a validating first-aid qualification, (see the Hillwalking Section) and who are also experienced in orienteering could also lead orienteering activities. The award needs to be appropriate to the type of terrain in the area of operations, e.g. if the event takes place above 600 metres, the leaders should hold the Mountain Leader Award. In parks, school grounds and other non remote locations Maximum ratio 20 participants to 1 qualified leader (extra adult help highly recommended). In other remote locations that require a qualified leader i.e. BELA, WGL, MLS etc Maximum ratio (see walking ratios on pages 24 26). Paintballing (Combat Challenges) The Senior Management Team of Children and Families has stopped short of an outright ban on these type of activities but we would ask all staff to question the educational relevance of these activities. The position that we would prefer to adopt is that actively encouraging the provision of what are essentially war games is contrary to the spirit of UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) that the Council is signed up to. The UN Committee's General Comment on Article 31 is due out next year and is likely to be more explicit about the damage to children of violent games. Remotely Supervised Activities and Expeditions This applies to such undertakings as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where participants are not closely supervised but are self led. Leaders or supervisors must hold at least the award that they would need if they were actually accompanying the group. It is suggested that leaders have had long experience and have held the leadership award for at least two years. Heads of establishment should expect to see evidence that participants have had significant training to allow them to cope with the undertaking. In particular, training should have been delivered on what to do in an emergency (including emergency aid training). Remotely supervised activities taking place in winter conditions must be approved in advance by one of the Councils Technical Advisors (who holds either the ML Winter or MIC). Maximum ratio will be less than those which would apply if the leader was actually accompanying the group. River or Burn Crossings. Mountain burns, streams and rivers can rise and fall very quickly particularly during or after periods of heavy rain. This is a potential very dangerous and should only be supervised as a last resort in an emergency. No crossing should be attempted by a group without the supervision of an appropriately qualified and experience leader. Please note separate guidance is available from the Sports & Outdoor Education Unit by contacting one of the Technical Advisors (see details at the end of this section) 21

22 Sailing (Dinghies) For keelboat sailing advice should be sought from Sports and Outdoor Education Unit. The National Governing Body for sailing is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The Awards are: Instructor Advanced Instructor Senior Instructor Certificates have an endorsement to allow for coastal rather than just inland sailing. Certificates are valid for life, as long as log books are submitted for inspection every three years. All dinghy sailing sessions must be accompanied by a rescue boat. Powered rescue boats must not be piloted by leaders holding less than the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Award. 1 Sailing on inland waters Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and an Instructor Award. Maximum ratio 1 boat to 1 qualified leader or 6 boats (single handed boats) to 1 qualified leader. Rescue boat handlers should be qualified to RYA Level 2 Powerboat. 2 Sailing on coastal waters from a harbour or suitable beach Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and an RYA Senior Instructor award with coastal endorsement. Ratio as above. 3 Sailing on the sea/tidal waters and coastal journeys Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and an RYA Senior Instructor award with coastal endorsement Ratio as above. 22

23 Skiing Alpine or Downhill Skiing on Piste There are two National Governing Bodies controlling skiing in Scotland. The most relevant to leaders is the Scottish National Ski Council (SNSC). Their awards are as follows (starting with the lowest award): Artificial Ski Slope Instructor (not for use on snow) Assistant Ski Leader Alpine Ski Leader Club Coach These awards have a shelf life of three years after which time they must be revalidated. The awards are not valid if the leader is not a member of SNSC. The second governing body (which is relevant more to professional ski schools rather than leaders of school or voluntary groups) is the British Association of Ski Instructors (BASI). Their award system goes as follows: Instructor (used to be called BASI III) Teacher (used to be called BASI II) National Ski Teacher (used to be called BASI I) These awards do not need to be revalidated at Instructor level and are valid as long as the leader is a member of BASI. From Teacher level upwards there is a mandatory refresher scheme. 1 Skiing on artificial ski slopes The leader should hold at least the Artificial Ski Slope Instructor Award, and an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader. 2 Skiing on piste The leader should hold at least the Alpine Ski Leader Award (SNSC) or The Instructor Award (BASI) and an emergency aid certificate. The leader should be already familiar with the ski resort being used. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader. 3 Skiing off piste in Scotland but within the recognised boundary of a serviced area as shown on a piste map The leader should have an emergency aid certificate and be qualified in one of the following ways: Be at least a BASI lll (ski instructor) or hold a Winter Mountain Leader award and SNSC Club Coach or be qualified as for ski mountaineering or for remote off piste skiing. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. 23

24 Skiing off Piste (Alpine) There are two main governing bodies : Scottish National Ski Council Mountain Ski Leader (Scotland only) valid for life as long as the holder is a member of SNSC. British Mountain Guide (BMG) Carnet Holders (Scotland and Abroad). 1 Ski mountaineering Leaders should be BMG Guides or SNSC Mountain Ski Leaders. In either case they should hold an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. 2 Alpine skiing in Scotland off piste and away from marked areas Leaders should be qualified as for ski mountaineering, or should hold an emergency aid qualification and a Winter Mountain Leader Award and either BASI II Ski Teacher or SNSC Club Coach. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. Nordic Skiing Nordic skiing is controlled by two separate governing bodies in the same way as Alpine skiing. The Awards are as follows: Scottish National Ski Council Nordic Ski Leader Award valid only if a member of SNSC and has to be revalidated every three years British Association of Ski Instructors (valid whilst a member of BASI) BASI Instructor (used to be Grade III) BASI Teacher (used to be Grade II) needs revalidating BASI National Ski Teacher (used to be Grade II) needs revalidating 1 Nordic skiing on marked tracks and trails (below 600 metre contour) or on the piste at patrolled ski areas Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and either Nordic Ski Leader Award or BASI Instructor Award. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. 2 Nordic skiing in Scotland away from marked areas Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and a Winter Mountain Leader Award. In addition they should hold either a Nordic Ski Leader Award or a BASI Instructor Award. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. 24

25 Snowboarding (on Piste only) The relevant governing bodies are The British Association of Ski Instructors, and The British Snowboard Association who jointly administer the Snowboard Instructor Award (valid whilst a member of BASI or BSA) and The Scottish National Ski Council who administer The Snowboard Leader Award. Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and be Snowboard Instructors or Snowboard Leaders. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. Telemarking (on Piste) (Off Piste Telemarkers should be qualified as for Nordic off piste). There are two relevant National Governing Bodies: The Scottish National Ski Council, and The British Association of Ski Instructors SNSC administers the Nordic Ski Leader Award which has enough telemarking content to be used as a leader award. (Need to be a member of SNSC and revalidate every three years.) BASI administers a Telemark Instructor Award which concentrates solely on Telemarking. (Need to be a member of BASI). Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and one or other of the above awards. Maximum ratio 12 participants to 1 qualified leader. 25

26 Swimming Curricular Swimming Please see Section 10 of the main document. In Natural Waters There are several awards that are appropriate: Royal Life Saving Society Awards RLSS Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medallion RLSS Bronze, Silver, and Gold Cross (Open Water Award) National Water Safety Management Programme Canoe Safety Tests and Foundation Safety and Rescue courses administered by The British Canoe Union (valid for 3 years as long as a member of the BCU or SCA). Swimming in the sea, or in lochs, or very slow flowing rivers Leaders should hold an emergency aid certificate and either a bronze medallion, a bronze cross, a canoe safety test or BCU Foundation safety and rescue course. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. In Swimming Pools 1. Swimming in public pools manned by lifeguards It is acceptable for leaders to take groups to public pools that are manned by lifeguards. Careful consideration should be given to how the changing areas are to be supervised. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 leader. 2. Private swimming pools or other pools that are not covered by lifeguards. Leaders must hold a RLSS National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches. This must be re-validated every two years. A member of the supervising team must patrol the pool area at all times from the pool side. In no circumstances should all supervisors be in the pool at the same time. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. 26

27 Walking 1 Walking in Summer Conditions, i.e. no snow or ice underfoot, and no snow forecast at the altitude at which the walk is to take place. a Low level walks in reasonable summer weather conditions, with easy navigation, that are never more than half an hour away from help (a road or inhabited house with a telephone). These walks would include marked tracks and trails, forest walks, field study type activities and the like. Leaders should have an emergency aid certificate, and should have done the walk before. A BEL award would be desirable but not essential. Maximum ratio 15 participants to 1 qualified leader. b Low level walks on distinct tracks and trails in cultivated/semi-cultivated or forested country below the 600 metre contour level in reasonable summer conditions that are more remote than half an hour s walk away from help. Leaders should hold at least Basic Expedition Leaders Award (BEL Award) and an emergency aid certificate. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. c Walks in open country where there are no significant steep or rocky features. At any point the group should be able to exit the area within 3 hours. E.g. Pentland Hills, Lammermuirs, Ochils. Leaders should hold at least a Walking Group Leader award plus first aid certificate. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. d Walks in mountainous or remote country anywhere in the British Isles, excluding scrambling terrain where the use of the rope for safety purposes is likely any use of a rope should be in an unplanned/emergency situation only. Leaders should hold at least a Mountain Leader Summer Award and a first aid certificate. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. 27

28 2 Walking in Winter Conditions, i.e. snow or ice underfoot, or snow forecast for the area of operations at that altitude. (Expeditions in winter are very significantly more serious undertakings than summer expeditions.) a Low level (below 350 metre contour) relatively flat walks, with easy navigation, that are never more than half an hour away from help (a road or inhabited house with a telephone). These walks would include marked tracks and trails, forest walks and the like. Leaders should have considerable experience of such ventures, should hold an emergency aid certificate, and should have done that particular walk before and with the approval of the named Winter Mountain Leader (BELA award desirable but not essential). Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. b Walks below the 350 metre contour level where the navigation is anything more than basic the walk should take you no more than 60 min away from help. Leaders should hold at least a Walking Group Leader Award or a Mountain Leader Award (Summer) and a validating first aid qualification and with the approval of the named Winter Mountain Leader. Maximum ratio 10 participants to 1 qualified leader. c Walks above the 350 metre contour. Leaders should hold the Winter Mountain Leader Award and a validating first aid qualification. Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader and consideration should be given to having a second competent adult present. 3 Walking at night (whether summer or winter) Leaders should hold the award relevant to walking that route during the day, and have walked the route before. Ratio should be at least as favourable as for the same route in daylight. The assistance of another technically competent adult is strongly recommended. 28

29 4 Hillwalking Outside The British Isles a For Trekking at Altitudes below 2000 metres that does not involve travel on snow or glaciers Leaders should be an experienced Summer Mountain Leader Award holder with previous experience of trekking in a country in same continent in equivalent terrain being visited. Ratio of 1 qualified leader to 8 participants. Where a competent local guide is used to assist the numbers of participants may be increased to 16. b For Trekking at Altitudes above 2000 metres that does not involve travel on glaciers Leaders should be qualified as International Mountain Leaders and should have previous experience in trekking in the general area being visited. Ratio of 1 qualified leader to 8 participants with numbers increasing to 16 participants where a competent local guide is used. c For Trekking involving glacier travel Leaders should be qualified IFMGA mountain guides. Ratios will depend very much on the trip and will be advised on a case by case basis. d For foreign trips involving climbing Leaders should be qualified to Mountaineering Instructor Award level or above. Ratios will depend very much on the trip and will be advised on a case by case basis. The usefulness of employing local guides to support leaders traveling in remote mountain areas cannot be overestimated and is a practice that should be followed wherever possible. Leaders should be aware of the fact that in some countries (France for example) there are very strict local laws governing leader qualifications and it goes without saying that leaders should comply with the law of the land once in country. Advice on this matter can be sought from the Sports Outdoor Education Unit 5 Walking that Includes Scrambling (use of a rope not intended) Leaders should be Mountain Leader Award (Summer) holders (of at least two years standing), should hold a first-aid certificate, should have done the particular route before, and should have the approval of a named Mountaineering Instructor Award holder or above who has seen them operating in the field. Maximum ratio 6 participants to 1 qualified leader. Where the Leader holds the MLA(S). Maximum ratio 8 participants to 1 qualified leader. Where the Leader holds the MIA. 29