Challenge Rope Course

Includes

  • High ropes
  • Low ropes
  • Assault course
  • Leap of faith
  • Trapeze
  • Jacobs ladder
  • Zip lines and flying foxes
  • Crate Stacking
  • Similar activities involving high wires & ropes

Description

LOW ROPES

Traversing or negotiating elements in a low ropes course that does not require a belay system for safety.  Low ropes is a series of cables, ropes, and obstacles strung between trees or poles approximately 30-50cm above the ground.   It is a series of individual and group physical challenges that require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment.

HIGH ROPES

A purpose-built assault course often constructed in trees. Courses vary in height and level of challenge and are popular for personal development and team-building.

Who Can Participate

Open to all.

Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.

Safety Rules

  • Must read the Australian Adventure Activity Standard (challenge rope courses good practice guide)
  • The minimum dress requirements are: T-shirt, and mid-thigh length shorts, sturdy lace-up jogger style shoes with good grip. Shirts must be tucked in. Long hair should be up and tuck-up in the helmet. Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, long earrings, rings and watches, must be removed
  • All participants and Activity Leaders/Instructors must wear a helmet bearing the stamp of standards of Australia, when in the designated activity area
  • Ropes courses must be regularly inspected and appropriately maintained
  • At least one person present must have experience in the use of ropes courses and appropriate safety procedures such as spotting
  • In special circumstances, eg special needs members, it may be possible for individuals to participate in ropes activities in carefully controlled situations at the discretion of the Activity Leader/Instructor
  • Participants are not allowed on the rope courses unsupervised.

Supervision Requirements

Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge

  • The LiC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity
  • The LiC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants
  • The LiC must have an appropriate first aid kit suitable for the activity present at the activity venue
  • The LiC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity
  • The LiC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity

Activity Instructor

Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

OR

An instructor holding an Australian Qualifications Framework qualification with a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation.

Permission to use instructors with these qualifications for Guiding activities must be obtained from the relevant State Girl Guide Organisation.

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider

  • The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity
  • It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant
  • Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners
  • The ratified activity leader/ instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place
  • Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed
  • Activity Leaders/ Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants

Notification Forms Required

ALL FORMS CAN BE FOUND HERE

For Approval – Prior to the Activity

  • 02 – Permission to hold an Adventure-based Activity
  • 56B Risk Assessment and Plan (Outdoor Activities & Events & Camps)
  • Activity Provider Risk Management Plan

At the Activity

  • Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
  • Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity

  • 03 Camp/Adventure-based Activity Report Form

Last Modified: 08/07/22 at 4:07 PM