Single Pitch Supervisor Award

Prospectus

Introduction

 

The Single Pitch Supervisor Scheme provides training and assessment for those who are in a position of responsibility when supervising single pitch rock climbing in a controlled, single pitch or bolt protected environment. It is also suitable for assistant rock climbing instructors gaining experience at mountaineering centres.

 

Scope

 

The scheme has been designed for those who are in a position of responsibility. It is primarily concerned with good practice leading to the safe enjoyment of the activity.

 

Completion of a training course alone, without taking and assessment course, is not a qualification in itself, although it may be of considerable benefit to the trainee.

 

The scheme does not cover:

 

·       the skills needed to approach and retreat from mountain crags;

·       multi-pitch rock climbing and it's supervision;

·       access to any location where escape is not easily possible from the top or the bottom of a climb.

 

Developed by Chakarinet

Stages

 

The scheme comprises of:

 

1.    registration and the issue of a log book

2.    a two day training course

3.    further experience gained during a consolidation period

4.    a two day assessment course

5.    continuing experience entered in a log book.

 

Registration

 

Candidates wishing to register must:

 

·       be not less than 18 years of age

·       have at least 12 months experience of rock climbing

·       have a genuine interest in rock climbing and the supervision of groups on single pitch crags

·       complete the registration form and enclose the appropriate fee.

 

Training

 

Before attending a training course, candidates must ensure that they are registered with the MDT.

 

On completion of registration and once in possession of a Leadership Training Scheme log book, Single Pitch supervisor Award insert, candidates must attend a two day training course run by an approved course provider [1].

 

The training course is for potential supervisors and assumes basic competence as a rock climber. It will emphasise those skills which a candidate might have difficulty in learning without expert guidance.

 

The director of training will endorse the appropriate page/s in the log book.

Log book

 

Experience gained by candidates should be recorded in the log book. Entries should be concise and easily read, and should include all rock climbing and other relevant experience.

 

The log book is divided into five sections and includes:

 

·          a record of experience gained prior to the training course

·          the particulars of the training course completed by the director of training

·          a record of experience gained during the period between the training and assessment courses

·          particulars of the assessment course completed and issued by the director of assessment

·          a record of experience gained after assessment.

 

Consolidation

 

During the period between training and assessment, candidates are expected to gain extensive climbing experience at a wide range of venues and some practice in assisting the supervision of groups.

 

The consolidation period will be a minimum of six months.

 

First Aid

 

At the beginning of the assessment course candidates must hold a currently valid and approved first aid certificate.

 

Assessment

 

Before attending an assessment course candidates must:

 

·       have registered

·       have attended a training course

·       have gained further experience

·       be able to lead climbs graded 14

·       have acted as the leader or assistant leader of a party in easy mountain country on a number of occasions

·       be familiar with all aspects of the syllabus

·       hold a valid approved first aid certificate.

 

During the assessment course, which lasts two days, candidates will be tested in accordance with the syllabus requirements.

 

The director of assessment will endorse the logbook in one of three ways:

 

Pass: awarded where the candidate has demonstrated proper knowledge and application of the course syllabus and has shown the necessary experience for the application of single pitch supervision.

 

Deferred: awarded where the candidate has generally performed at the required standard and shown the necessary experience and attributes, but where complete proficiency has not been attained. Written recommendations for further experience will be given, along with details of the proposed one day reassessment.

 

Recommended reassessment: awarded where the candidate's performance had been weak, or the necessary experience and attributes have not been shown.

 

A panel of at least three assessors will be involved in deciding each candidates result

 

Exemption

 

Candidates who already have substantial experience of supervising groups on single pitch crags and climbing walls may apply for an exemption from the training course.

 

Candidates who wish to apply for exemption from stages two to four must be able to demonstrate exceptional previous experience. Applications for exemption must be made in writing to the convenor of the Accreditation Committee.

 

Single pitch

 

For the purpose of this scheme a single pitch climb in one which:

 

·          is climbed without intermediate stances

·          is described as single pitch in a guide book

·          allows students to be lowered to the ground at all times

·         in non-serious and has little objective danger

·          presents no difficulties of approach or retreat, such as route finding or scrambling.