;

These rules apply to the following activities:

• air activities;

• hill walking and off road cycling (in Terrain One and Two);

• climbing and abseiling (except bouldering);

• caving;

• snowsports (in Terrain One and Two); (except artificial slopes);

• water activities (except swimming and those that take place on Class C Waters).

In the context of these rules an activity leader implies any of the following:

• Warranted Leaders;

• Adult Members and Associate Members;

• Young people who are Members;

• Non-Members.

There is no age limitation for an authorised activity leader (except any imposed by outside agencies).

Those wishing to lead or supervise adventurous activities must be authorised where any Member participating is under the age of 18 or has a special educational need that places their mental age as below 18. Where groups/parties are entirely aged 18 and over Rule 9.8 applies.

Those applying for an activity authorisation in Terrain Two must hold a valid First Aid qualification which includes hypothermia and hyperthermia training. It must be valid at the time of the authorisation assessment.

To be authorised for other activities the activity leader must have completed First Response (see also h.) within the three years prior to the application.

An activity leader authorised to be in direct control of an air activity is not expected to have attended a First Response Course (see also h.). However each party participating in air activities must have a responsible person present on the ground, at all times, who has completed a First Response Course.

The requirement to have completed a First Response Course is waived for holders of a valid First Aid qualification, where the syllabus equals or exceeds that of a First Response Course, especially in respect of hypothermia and hyperthermia training.

Those adults seeking authorisation, who have not already done so, must be subject to the Personal Enquiry, local references and interview as appropriate.

Application, assessment standards and approval of authorisations must follow the arrangements outlined in the appropriate factsheet.

Authorisation must be reviewed at intervals of not more than three years for air activities and five years for all other adventurous activities.

Authorisations will be cancelled automatically if they are not renewed.

Members under the age of 18 years may hold an authorisation but may only use it after obtaining the permission of their Leader on each occasion it is used.

Once authorised an activity leader may operate with Members from another District or County (subject to the approval of the District/County Commissioner of the Members concerned).

Any authorised leader who is alleged to have broken these activity rules must have their authorisation(s) suspended immediately.

The relevant Commissioner will promptly enquire into the allegation and determine whether the authorisation(s) are to be reinstated, modified or cancelled.

If the relevant Commissioner has to cancel an Adventurous Activity Authorisation before its expiry date, a Form CS must be completed, giving reasons for the cancellation, and sent to the Records Department at Headquarters.