{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120423\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024 replacing January 2018)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIntroduction\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis page provides further advice and clarification of the requirements for constructing and operating high ropes activities in Scouting as defined in \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.4\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022High ropes\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.4\u0022\u003EPOR 9b.4.5 High ropes activities\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EHigh Ropes Activities\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHigh ropes course or individual element (e.g. Jacob\u2019s ladder, leap of faith, aerial trek etc.)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EZip wire\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E3G swing\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECrate climbing / crate stacking\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrusiking up a rope\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing caving ladders and SRT (single rope technique) when not caving\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Examples of activities that are classed as high ropes activities are:"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EClimbing and abseiling\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBouldering\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAerial runways\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing caving ladders and SRT when caving\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELow ropes courses\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPioneering projects (that don\u2019t require belays)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETree climbing (where there is no need for a safety system)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Examples of activities not classed as high ropes activities are:"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThere is no height definition for when an activity becomes a high ropes rather than a low ropes activity. This will depend on many factors such as; the participants, the activity, the environment, etc. The defining characteristic is that; when an activity should use a safety system (such as belaying) then it becomes a high ropes activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EActivities like monkey bridges and low level prusiking using spotting / crash mats rather than a belay system are not classed as high ropes as they don\u2019t use a safety system such as a belay.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe key point is whether an activity\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Eshould\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ehave a safety system, not whether it actually does have this system. This means that a high ropes activity cannot be made into a low ropes activity just by taking the safety system away as this could make the activity more hazardous for those involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EZip Wires vs Aerial Runways\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EZip wires tend to be permanent constructions, while aerial runways tend to be temporary structures where constructing the aerial runway is often part of the activity that the young people can get involved in. The main difference within high ropes is that zip wires will generally use a harness system to attach to the zip wire, often using a simple belay system to exit the activity (meaning they are classed as high ropes), while an aerial runway will generally have a seat for participants to sit on (meaning they are not classed as high ropes). Another factor which can differentiate the system is the material used for the main line, in an aerial runway this is a rope and in a zip wire this is a metal wire. There remains a separate\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/roped-activities/aerial-runway-code/\u0022 title=\u0022Aerial runways\u0022\u003EAerial Runway Code\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0to support those constructing and operating aerial runways.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPrusiking\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPrusiking is an activity involving the use of a special knot (the prusik knot) to help an individual ascend a climbing rope. This is where a sliding knot locks under pressure and can be used with a\u0026nbsp; loop, allowing the climber to place their foot to help move up the rope. Prusiking is often used as a method to climb ropes attached to trees and also rock.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPrusiking activities are treated as high ropes activities and therefore must follow POR rule 9b.4.5\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E. The risk assessment must take account of the possibility of the participant sliding down the rope and appropriate safety measures provided. In all prusiking activities the system used must be tested and have a redundancy, consideration should be made for the need for a safety rope for this activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPrusiking is different to the childhood pastime of tree climbing, which does not use any equipment or safety systems (such as belaying) and can be more hazardous.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMembers may choose to use Single Rope Technique to achieve the same activity of ascending a rope, this involved the use of specialist ascending devices. When this is undertaken outside of a caving activity the high ropes rules apply. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ECommercial Centres\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhen using commercial high ropes providers Scout parties must follow the Scout Association rules for using external providers to run activities. Volunteers are therefore not required to follow the guidelines in this factsheet when using these providers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EExisting High Ropes Courses\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.aaiac.org/#resources-and-guidance\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#resources-and-guidance\u0022\u003EUK Ropes Course Guid\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ee from AAIAC (Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee), that permanent courses are required to follow, includes full details of how construction standards apply to existing high ropes courses and their maintenance and additions. All ropes courses need to follow the operational requirements of The Scout Association, even if they were built before these requirements were introduced.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EOperating Manual for Permanent Structures\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe constructor of a high ropes course should provide much of the information required for an operating manual. However the operator will need to ensure that their manual includes at least the following:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOperating procedures\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEmergency / rescue plan\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEquipment to be used\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInstructor training\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho can carry out instructor training\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInstructor assessment / competence levels\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho can carry out instructor assessments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELimitations of the course / structure\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecord keeping for; training, assessments, operation, equipment, inspection, maintenance and accidents.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs per\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EPOR rule 9b.4.5.3\u003Cspan\u003E, permanent high ropes structures must have a written operating manual which needs to be approved by a Technical Adviser. The minimum qualification of a Technical Adviser is \u0027Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor\u0027 (MCI) or a European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) qualified high ropes instructor qualified to rescue (or equivalent of higher).\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMCI Instructors can be found on the\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.mountain-training.org/find-a-leader/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Find a leader\u0022\u003EMountain Training Association website\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EERCA Certified Training Bodies can be found on the\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.erca.cc/index.php/en/training-and-inspection/training\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EERCA website\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EGuidelines for Temporary Constructions\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhen running any temporary high ropes activity that involves ascending a rope (i.e. prusiking, SRT, etc.), the rope being ascended must be quickly releasable under pressure by those running the activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAll temporary high ropes constructions must:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInclude an appropriate belay / safety system for the structure\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse a site that means those constructing, participating in and watching the activity can do so safely\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse equipment, both in the structure and belay / safety system, designed for the purpose it is being used for and following the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhere existing man-made structures such as buildings are used, check that they can bear the load that will be placed on them\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOperating manuals for temporary constructions are generally much simpler than for permanent constructions. However the operator will still need to ensure it includes at least the following:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOperating procedures\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEmergency / rescue plan\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEquipment to be used\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInstructor assessment / competence levels\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho can carry out instructor assessments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhere the same structure / setup / operation is used for multiple events over time (such as a prusiking rope set up behind the Scout hut a number of times over the summer), the same operating manual can be used. It will need updating where there are changes to any of this though, and any updates will need to be agreed by someone qualified to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs per\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EPOR 9b.4.5.2\u003Cspan\u003E, where a temporary high ropes activity has a written operating manual it must be agreed by either a County Climbing Assessor or a European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) instructor qualified to rescue (or equivalent or higher).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EClimbing, Caving and Mine Permits\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf setting up and running a temporary high ropes activity under a climbing, caving or mine exploration permit then what you are planning on doing needs to come within the remit of your permit. In simple terms this means that; if you put a climbing wall (or were underground) where the high ropes structure is, would your permit allow you to set up and run the belay / safety system that you are planning, using the anchors that you will be using. So if, for example, your climbing permit allows you to run climbing on a man-made (artificial) tower using only the fixed anchor points, this will not allow you to set up and run crate stacking using a tree and natural anchors.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EPermit holders will also need to work within the remit of their permit with regard to group sizes and any further restrictions included. This means that those holding leadership permits will need to lead the activity themselves (as they would when climbing, caving or in a mine), while those with a supervisory permit can designate leaders to groups and remotely supervise while still remaining responsible for the activity (again as they would when climbing).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETrees\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhere natural features such as trees are used, check that:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThey can bear the load that will be placed on them.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThey are healthy with a substantial enough root. Roots that are visible are often not as strong as those which are buried and so caution should be applied when using trees with visible roots.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf in doubt, it\u0027s worth consulting a specialist arboriculturist, tree surgeon or similar to confirm that any tree used will be able to stand up to the pressures placed on it. However there are a number of checks that you can make without the need for a professional:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAny attachments to trees should be load tested before being used by members. This should be done in whatever is the most appropriate way for the setup and equipment that is being used.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe tree is supported by its roots without listing abnormally.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAll the tree limbs are healthy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENo visible disease/fungus/wounds/damage\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENo signs of weakness or over compaction (from ground covering, etc.) of the ground around the tree.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAvoid:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBranches that grow vertically.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBranches that split into two vertical growths\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESpecies of tree known to have shallow routes, such as Maple and Willow\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/#9b.4\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022High ropes\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9b.4\u0022\u003EPOR 9b.4.5 High Ropes Activities\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to high ropes","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.1\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.1 Activity Rules \u2013 Application\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.1\u0022\u003EPOR 9a.1\u003C/a\u003E All Activities\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/#9a.6\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.6 Use of External Centres and Instructors\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#9a.6\u0022\u003EPOR 9a.6\u003C/a\u003E Use of External Centres and Instructors\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"General activity rules","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?orderBy=title asc\u0026amp;category=Adventure\u0022\u003EActivities A-Z\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/roped-activities/aerial-runway-code/\u0022 title=\u0022Aerial runways\u0022\u003EAerial runways\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/general-activity-guidance/roped-activities/high-ropes-operating-manual/\u0022 title=\u0022High Ropes Operating Manual\u0022\u003EHigh ropes operating manual\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.aaiac.org/#resources-and-guidance\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#resources-and-guidance\u0022\u003EUK Ropes Course Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.mountain-training.org/help/our-association/find-a-leader/\u0022 title=\u0022Find a leader\u0022\u003EMountain Training Association\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.mountain-training.org/find-a-leader\u0022\u003EERCA\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"This page provides further advice and clarification of the requirements for constructing and operating high ropes activities.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"18/11/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":45602,"nodeName":"High Ropes","title":"High Ropes","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"High Ropes","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"High Ropes Operating 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