Rule 9.7 Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme
a. These rules apply to the following activities:
• hill walking and off road cycling (in Terrain One and Two);
• climbing and abseiling (except bouldering);
• caving and mine exploration;
• snowsports (in Terrain One and Two); (except artificial slopes and nursery slopes);
• water activities as defined in Rule 9.45 (except swimming);
• Hovercrafting.
All Rules regarding Hovercrafting are for implementation by Counties between 1st September 2008 and 31st December 2009. During this time, where these Rules have not yet been implemented locally, reference should be made to the Hovercrafting Rules in October 2007 version of POR.
b. In the context of these rules an activity leader implies any of the following:
• Managers, Leaders and Supporters;
• Adult Members and Associate Members;
• Young people who are Members;
• Non-Members.
c. A District or County Commissioner issues a permit in accordance with the application, assessment and approval process and content of the appropriate factsheet.
d. There is no age limitation for an activity leader holding a permit (except any imposed by outside agencies).
e. County Commissioners or the UK Adviser (Activities) appoint Assessors in accordance with the process and content of the appropriate factsheet.
f. Those wishing to lead or supervise adventurous activities must hold a permit 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.
g. All groups undertaking adventurous activities in Terrain Two must have immediate access to someone holding a relevant and current first aid qualification, as defined in the appropriate factsheet. This need not be the permit holder.
h. All groups undertaking adventurous activities in other areas must have immediate access to someone holding First Response. This need not be the permit holder.
i. 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.
j. Those adults seeking a permit, who have not already done so, must be subject to the Personal Enquiry, local references and interview as appropriate.
k. Permits must be reviewed at intervals of not more than five years.
l. Permits will be cancelled automatically if they are not renewed.
m. A permit holder may only conduct an activity up to the level granted by the Commissioner.
n. Members under the age of 18 years may hold a permit but may only use it after obtaining the permission of their Leader on each occasion it is used.
o. Once holding a permit 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).
p. Any leader who is alleged to have broken these activity rules must have their permit(s) suspended immediately.
q. The relevant Commissioner will promptly enquire into the allegation and determine whether the permit(s) are to be reinstated, modified or cancelled.
r. If the relevant Commissioner has to cancel an Adventurous Activity Permit before its expiry date, a Form CS must be completed, giving reasons for the cancellation, and sent to the Records Department at Headquarters.